Salmon Cascades Trail

The Salmon Cascades Trail at Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, Washington is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that leads to views of the turquoise waters of the small waterfall known as the Salmon Cascades.

Exploring the Salmon Cascades

This very short jaunt leads from the main parking area and brings visitors to the lookout platform that sit above the tumbling turquoise waters of the Salmon Cascades. While the official trail ends at the overlook, visitors can choose to walk downstream, off-trail, to take in better views of the waterfall's turquoise-tinted waters. The off-trail walk leads down a dirt path for less than 100-feet to reach the rocky banks of the Sol Duc River. At the banks of the river, you'll find a crystal-clear pool of turquoise-green water with the scenic Salmon Cascades located upstream.

While you cannot get too close to the waterfall without risking injury or falling into the Sol Duc River, the views from downstream are stunning and well-worth the very short off-trail walk. Salmon Cascades tumbles down bedrock of the Sol Duc River at no more than bout 6-feet tall, but its deep turquoise waters upstream slowly shift to a lighter green color downstream closer to the deep pool by your feet.

This beautiful, but very short walk should not be skipped by visitors to Olympic National Park as it's one of the best quick hit locations that the park has to offer.

Parking

Visitors will find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided, located on the west side of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. The lot is large enough to fit less than 10 vehicles as of June 2025.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Warning

Slippery rocks: While it's fun to explore along the banks of the Sol Duc River, note that when the bedrock is wet it's also likely very slippery. Watch your step and explore the bedrock at your own risk. One wrong move on slippery bedrock might mean injury or worse, you get injured and fall into the water where drowning may be an even bigger risk.