Olympic: Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent & Hurricane Ridge Day Trip

Sol Duc’s forest air, Lake Crescent’s blue calm, Hurricane Ridge winds

You’ll hike through mossy forests to Sol Duc Falls’ roar, pause at Lake Crescent’s quiet blue shore, grab lunch in Port Angeles, then ride high up Hurricane Ridge for wildflower trails and big mountain views: all with a local guide handling logistics so you can just breathe it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge

• Guided 2-mile hike to Sol Duc Falls
• Visit Lake Crescent Lodge and shoreline
• Stop at Country Aire Natural Foods in Port Angeles
• Drive from sea-level to Hurricane Ridge summit
• Guided hike through subalpine meadows at Hurricane Ridge

The experience

Boots crunching on the trail before I’d even had my second coffee: our guide, Mark, was already pointing out some moss that looked like it belonged in a fairytale. We were deep in Olympic, heading for Sol Duc Falls. The air smelled sharp and green, almost cold even though it was June. When we reached the waterfall, I could feel the spray on my face: hard to hear anything over that rush. Mark grinned and yelled something about the river being fed by snowmelt. I just nodded and tried to take it all in.

After that hike, we piled back into the van (windows fogged up from our damp jackets) and made for Lake Crescent. That place is unreal: like someone turned down the color except for the water. We stopped at the old lodge. Inside, people were laughing over mugs of something hot. I wandered down to the shoreline and skipped a stone. Didn’t go far but left a ripple anyway. Our group kind of spread out here. Some folks took photos, others just stared at those blue depths.

Port Angeles was next: a quick stop at Country Aire Natural Foods for snacks and lunch stuff. I grabbed a sandwich and an apple (the cashier asked if we were “headed up,” which made me realize how much this town orbits around Olympic). Then came the climb: sea level to Hurricane Ridge in what felt like no time but was probably close to an hour? My ears popped halfway up. When we finally stepped out at 5,200 feet, wind whipping harder than expected, there were wildflowers everywhere and views that just kept going. Mark led us along a subalpine trail: my legs complained but my brain didn’t care.

I still think about standing there with numb fingers and sun on my face, watching clouds snag on distant peaks. There’s something about seeing so many moods of Olympic in one day trip. It’s not tidy or perfect but it sticks with you long after you’re back down among regular things.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Port Angeles in a small-group van with a knowledgeable guide leading hikes at Sol Duc Falls and Hurricane Ridge, all park entry fees covered along the way, plus scheduled stops for food and rest without having to plan anything yourself.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Olympic Hiking Co.

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Top questions

How long is the Sol Duc Falls hike?

The guided hike to Sol Duc Falls is about 2 miles roundtrip.

Is lunch included on this Olympic day trip?

No lunch is provided. There’s a stop at Country Aire Natural Foods in Port Angeles where you can buy food.

Where does this tour start?

The tour meets in Port Angeles, Washington: the main hub for exploring Olympic.

What should I bring for weather changes?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Bring extra clothing as a precaution.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all Olympic entrance fees are included in your booking.

How high is Hurricane Ridge?

The drive takes you from sea level up to 5,242 feet at Hurricane Ridge.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Guests must be age 10 or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does this day trip operate rain or shine?

Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather conditions unless otherwise notified.