Marymere Falls: Olympic National Park Hike (With Videos)

Have you ever explored the Olympic National Park? If not, you’re missing out on an epic adventure! This park offers some of the most breathtaking hikes (like Marymere Falls) that cater to hikers of all skill levels.

From dramatic coastlines to lush rainforests and towering trees, the diverse ecosystems will leave you in awe. Trust me; I speak from personal experience.

The sheer beauty of ONP is jaw-dropping, and it surprised me. Honestly, I couldn’t have fathomed my trip to be THIS amazing.

And if you’re wondering where to start, let me tell you about the Marymere Falls hike. It was my favorite hike in ONP, and it just so happened to be my first! So, are you ready to pack those hiking essentials and set out on a memorable journey?

Key Takeaways

• Accessible Beauty: Easily accessible hiking experience suitable for all levels of hikers and really great if you’re not up to a long, intense hike.
• Diversity: It’s like having an Olympic National Park hike all rolled into one short trek. You’ll get the lush rainforest feeling with tall trees, bridges that cross over streams, and slight elevation gain with a wow factor waterfall at the end.
• Year-Round Visitation: It’s lower in elevation, so it doesn’t have the intense snowfall that other hikes get, which means roads remain open.
• Easy Navigation: The well-maintained trail with boardwalks and clear pathways ensures a hassle-free hiking experience.
• Pet-Free Zone: Pets are not allowed on the Marymere Falls trail to preserve the natural habitat.
• Time-Efficient: With a round-trip duration of 1 to 1.5 hours, the Marymere Falls hike offers a rewarding adventure without consuming an entire day.
• Photography: The trail provides numerous opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture the scenic beauty of the falls and surrounding landscapes.
• Conservation Awareness: Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and contribute to conservation efforts, promoting responsible hiking.
• Memorable: From wildlife sightings to the soothing sounds of nature, Marymere Falls creates lasting memories. As you can tell, I fell in love with this magical fairyland!
• Park Exploration: While Marymere Falls is a highlight, Olympic National Park has many other attractions, making it a well-rounded place for exploration.

Olympic National Park Visitor Center

No matter which National Park I explore, my goal is to always make the first stop at the Park’s Visitor Center. Not only to collect my Passport Stamp but also to check with the park rangers for any updates or recommendations specific to the season.

One of the main visitor centers in the park is the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, which is located in Port Angeles, Washington. It’s known as the “gateway” to ONP.

It’s always exciting to pull into any National Park Visitor Center parking lot like “Finally! We have arrived! Let the adventures begin!” I have such a childlike excitement about the great outdoors and the unknown trails ahead!

The Visitor Center was clean, with nice restroom accommodations and a gift shop. The park rangers were very helpful in suggesting hikes that were based on our experience level (easy/moderate/somewhat difficult).

The hike they suggested we do first was Marymere Falls because it’s only about a 30-minute drive from the Visitor Center.

How Do I Get To The Marymere Falls Trailhead?

Driving west on scenic Highway 101 from Port Angeles for about 20 minutes, we turned left at the well-marked trailhead parking area just past Lake Crescent.

• Where: 227693-227769 Olympic Hwy, Port Angeles, WA 98363
• Parking: Large, paved parking lot
• Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead.

We lucked into snagging one of the first come, first served parking spots in the lot at 9 am and were immediately wowed by our first glimpse into the lush, intensely green forest. It was time to lace up our hiking boots and hit the trail!

Marymere Falls Hike

The Marymere Falls hike in Olympic National Park is one of me and Donte’s all-time favorite hikes of all National Parks that we’ve visited so far.

It was the first hike we did when we arrived at ONP, and boy, was it magical! It was a misty and somewhat chilly April morning, making for a dreamy hiking experience.

Expect to spend about 1.5 hours completing it and not rush the forest bathing experience. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families.

The beginning of it is an easy stroll that takes you through an enchanting forest leading to the 90-foot Marymere Falls.

I usually don’t use the word “enchanting”, but like seriously, this trail is legit enchanting. I was waiting for little fairies to come fluttering from out of the trees suddenly.

It has everything you could ever dream of… well-manicured but not an artificial trail and a lush forest with variations of the most stunning green moss dripping from the trees.

According to the Olympic National Park guides, Marymere Falls averages about 50-60 feet tall but swells up to 90 feet after high rainfall.

The Hoh Rainforest, just 30 minutes away, receives nearly TWELVE FEET of rain every year! Local hiking guides say you can feel the power of thundering Marymere Falls vibrations when standing on the observation deck during peak flow. Consider that yet another reason to plan a trip here!

Pack a Picnic Lunch

• My only regret (if there are any) is not planning ahead and packing a little picnic lunch and blanket to enjoy next to the falls viewing area. There really is no hurry on this peaceful hike, so give yourself ample time to unwind and dine with Mother Nature next to those gorgeous falls!

What Is The Best Time To Visit Marymere Falls?

Visit During Peak Water Flow If Possible

• While Marymere Falls always has an ample supply from Barnes Creek, it transforms into a true force of nature after heavy winter and spring rains. The falls flow most strongly between October and April, so plan your visit accordingly. If you simply can’t wait until peak flow season, time your hiking adventure 1-5 days after a good soaking storm for awesome results!

Explore Near By Trails

While Marymere Falls can easily be done as a quick 1-2 hour standalone hike, consider exploring more of one of America’s most pristine and unique temperate rainforests if time allows.

Take the very short drive to the 0.7-mile Moments in Time loop trail before or after hitting the falls. This peaceful path winds past Lake Crescent with the option to rest on quiet shoreline benches – the perfect companion when soaking up the magic of Marymere.

Other alternative hikes include the Hoh Rainforest, summit Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views, or relaxing coastal beaches. The park caters to a variety of interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

What to Wear Hiking Marymere Falls?

I really struggled with what to pack for a week in Washington state. Being from the South, I didn’t really know what to expect.

I read & researched so much about what other travelers suggested, so I thought I had a pretty good idea. Well, I pretty much packed EVERYTHING on the first round of packing my suitcase (there are usually several rounds of me trying to cram everything in).

Yes, by everything, I mean rain boots, hiking boots, tennis shoes, gaiters, rain pants, snow pants, shorts, headlamps, backpacks, fanny packs… if I read it somewhere, then it was added to my packing list and thrown into my suitcase! Like, what am I doing with all of this stuff, really?!

After much deliberation, reorganizing, and rethinking my Washington wardrobe, I finally narrowed it down to the essentials. After all, we made the decision to challenge ourselves this time and travel light (i.e., carry-on bag only).

Since Marymere Falls is located in the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Peninsula, the weather can be pretty variable when planning a hike.

Here are some clothing tips on what to wear when hiking to Marymere Falls:

Layers

Layers are key! I always like to start my hike in a moisture-wicking t-shirt with a lightweight fleece pullover and a waterproof rain jacket in my pack.

Even if the forecast looks dry, the rainforest microclimate around Lake Crescent and Marymere can spontaneously produce rain seemingly out of thin air. Having quick access to a rain jacket and fleece helps keep you comfortable.

Hat

A hat is also clutch since much of the trail is not heavily shaded by towering trees, especially in winter and spring when the branches are bare. A warm beanie hat can make all the difference in keeping you happier on those overcast, drizzly PNW days.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good traction and ankle support surface are ideal, as the trail can be muddy and slippery in spots.

The hike is not super strenuous, but you will encounter tree roots, rocks, creek crossings via footbridges, and low-lying wet areas. Solid shoes are a must to prevent injury!

Hiking Socks

Lastly, don’t forget to pack quality merino wool or synthetic blend hiking socks! Nothing ruins a hike faster than cold, wet feet. Breathable, moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet happily dry and comfy for the roughly 3-mile out-and-back to the falls.

Hiking Pants

Comfortable hiking pants made of a lightweight nylon or polyester fabric work well to protect your legs while allowing maximum mobility.

They also dry quickly if you encounter light rain or brush up against dripping wet ferns and foliage along the trails, which is almost inevitable!

Since we were traveling in early Spring, I knew I needed some pants. And, because we all know how rainy Washington can be at any given time, I knew those pants needed to be warm.

They also needed to be water-resistant, at the very least. But, like, NOT ski pants since we wouldn’t be partaking in any snow-related activities in April (or at least I didn’t think so).

I read a TON of reviews and finally settled on these hiking pants from Amazon. I also ordered the same kind of pants for my husband. Click here for the men’s version.

Yall! What a GREAT find!! Like, OMG, we literally wore these pants throughout the entire trip! We hiked in them, hung out in the campervan in them, and sat by the fire in them.

These pants are so comfortable, durable, and non-restrictive. They kept us warm but not sweaty. I’m constantly freezing no matter what the temperature is, so I wore yoga pants underneath.

Donte didn’t need the extra layer, though. We specifically like these because of the ample pockets with zipper closures. It allowed us to carry a phone, map, or snack without having to reach into our backpack.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to try on your hiking pants before your trip to ensure a comfortable fit and to make any necessary adjustments or exchanges.

In addition to my layering system, sturdy boots, and Darn Tough socks (that I never hike without), checking the weather forecast before the trip and packing accordingly is also huge for comfort.

But with the right versatile layers and waterproof footwear, you can handle almost anything the rainforest throws your way! Changing conditions are just par for the course.

Final Thoughts

Hiking to Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park is a must-do for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and waterfall.

For a quick day hike or a longer adventure, this trail will give you an overall vibe of what ONP is all about. Don’t forget to bring your camera and plenty of water, and be prepared to be amazed by the natural beauty of this Pacific Northwest gem.

I love that this hike allowed us to unplug and recharge by combining hiking and happiness. Leaving behind all of our digital delusions and completely being present in the moment. Allowing us the chance to get lost and feel found.

Frequently Asked Questions