Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls can be done either as a long day hike or a backpacking trip. To complete this hard hike in a day is a feat, but it can be done. With 23.5 km and 1,197 m of elevation gain required, it’s a big trip, but the views from the pass are quite rewarding.
Poles, lots of water, and food are recommended for this day trip.
Route Description for Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls
Getting to Appleton Pass and back is a full-day venture, but the views from your perch beside Mount Appleton will be worth it. This is a hard, lightly trafficked trail, so come prepared.
Begin from the end of the road on the trail to Sol Duc Falls. You’ll hike to the falls, always a pretty stop, before continuing on. More and more of the crowd will thin out as you hike above the Sol Duc River. As you rise above the river to start climbing the valley wall, stay left onto Appleton Pass Trail. There is a creek crossing that can be used to refill your water just after the junction.
After the crossing, begin switchbacking and traversing up the valley wall, packing in elevation gain up to the pass. It’s a grind, but the trail remains easy enough to follow. Cresting the pass, there are trails that continue on to your left and right, but your journey ends at the junction. From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
The trailhead for Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls is at the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Appleton Pass
When to do:
July-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Deer Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Deer Lake Trail
Olympic National Park
![Pyramid Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pyramid Mountain Trail
Olympic National Park
![Moments in Time Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Moments in Time Trail
Olympic National Park
![Marymere Falls Trail from Lake Crescent Lodge](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Marymere Falls Trail from Lake Crescent Lodge
Olympic National Park
![Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop
Olympic National Park
![Lovers Lane Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lovers Lane Trail
Olympic National Park
![Sol Duc Falls Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sol Duc Falls Trail
Olympic National Park
![Mount Storm King](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/US-Washington-Olympic-NP-Mount-Storm-King-1709x633-Mount-Storm-King.jpg)
Mount Storm King
Olympic National Park
![Hoh Rainforest Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/US-Washington-Olympic-NP-Hoh-Rainforest-Hike-1709x633-Hoh-Rainforest-Hike.jpg)
Hoh Rainforest Hike
Olympic National Park
![High Divide Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Olympic-High-Divide-Loop-1920x480.jpg)
High Divide Loop
Olympic National Park
![Hoh River Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Olympic-Hoe-River-Trail-1920x480.jpg)
Hoh River Trail
Olympic National Park
![Marymere Falls](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Olympic-Marymere-Falls-1920x480.jpg)
Marymere Falls
Olympic National Park