Lovers Lane Trail

Route Description for Lovers Lane Trail

Want to hit all the highlights of Sol Duc in one shot? See Sol Duc Falls, the hot spring resort, the campground, and the river all on the Lovers Lane loop trail. This moderate trail is just under 10km in length and has only mild elevation gain to contend with.

Sol Duc Falls are simply breathtaking, making it obvious why they’re one of the most visited sites in the park. Native American legend says that the falls were formed by a dragon, and while we can’t confirm this origin story, they retain their charm and beauty. The hot springs are visited by lots of people each year, and the resort around them has been nicely built out.

For backpackers or campers, a conveniently located campground gives you access to it all. To get between all these points of interest, the Lovers Lane Trail is an easy and straightforward trip.

The first mile is tree-lined, easy, and pretty. You could take this loop either way, and the experience on the trail is not notably different clockwise or counterclockwise. We’ll describe it clockwise.

You’ll start from the trailhead in the parking area, crossing the river and walking upstream. Enjoy a relaxed path, passing by the campsite not far from the resort.

After the first mile, the trail gets steeper as it curves away from the river and enters a wonderful forest of hemlock, fir, and Sitka spruce. You’ll follow the hot springs road to the end, continuing beyond the Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail.

At the midway point of the loop after a bit of a steep climb, the falls are visible from a bridge in an impressively lush canyon. Depending on the flow, Sol Duc Falls splits into as many as four different falls as it tumbles 15 m. For the best experience, visiting in late spring tends to see the most vibrant forest and most impressive falls while avoiding the gloom of winter. Check out all the angles from the various viewpoints available.

Crossing the bridge and now hiking on the other side of the river, you’ll descend to more level ground, hugging the river as you go. The route leads you back to the trailhead where you started.

Trail Highlights

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is a breathtaking waterfall in Olympic National Park. The cascading water is surrounded by rainforest and empties into a turquoise basin. These falls are easily accessed on a simple nature trail, making them a popular destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to hike to Sol Duc Falls?

Yes, you have to hike to reach the falls. It’s only about 3.2 km from the resort to the falls.

Can you swim in Sol Duc Falls?

You can swim at the hot springs twelve miles down the road from the falls.

Can you fish at Sol Duc Falls?

While you can’t fish right at the falls, if you go west on La Push Road you can access the Sol Duc bank for fishing.

Insider Hints for Lovers Lane Trail

• Don’t forget your National Park Pass for this hike.
• Try going in the early morning or midweek for the quietest trail.
• This hike is especially enjoyable on a hot day.