Marymere Falls Trail Guide: A Short, Scenic Hike in Olympic National Park

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Affiliate Policy. One of the best waterfalls in Olympic National Park is less than a mile from the parking lot off Lake Crescent Road. The trail to Marymere Falls is quick, peaceful and easy, winding its way through towering maples and conifers and a fern-covered old-growth forest before ending at a 90-foot waterfall. Getting to Marymere Falls: Trailhead & Parking Tips We parked at the Marymere Falls Trailhead, which sits just off Highway 101 near the Lake Crescent Lodge. If you’re visiting during summer, this lot fills up fast. It’s a circular lot that can fit plenty of cars, but it was completely packed when we pulled in around 5pm in the middle of August. We saw cars lined up along the road and even down by the Lake Crescent Pier. Lake Crescent Was Glacially Carved After stepping out of the car we walked down to the pier to check out the clear water of Lake Crescent. This glacially carved lake is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom around the pier. It’s a pretty great start before you even hit the trail. Multiple trails connect from this parking lot, including the Moments in Time Trail and the Storm King Trail, which branches off from Marymere. It’s a busy trailhead for good reason, and you’ll find bathrooms conveniently located near the Marymere Falls trailhead before (or after) your hike. Marymere sits within the National Park, so you’ll need a National Park pass for this hike. If you’re curious what we bring along for our hikes, check out the gear we use! Highway 101 Views of Lake Crescent on the Drive to Marymere Falls What to Expect on the Marymere Falls Trail The trail starts with a short walk past the Storm King Ranger Station and along the edge of Lake Crescent before taking you through a tunnel that runs under Highway 101. The hike is just 0.9 miles each way, which makes it a great option if you’re with family or just want something easy. We started the trail around 5 PM, and the light filtering through the trees made the whole place feel calm and tucked away. Ferns line the path and almost the entire trail is shaded by the towering trees. The trail itself is wide, well-maintained, and easy to follow. With how popular this hike is and how crowded the parking lot was, we thought this trail would be packed. But it really wasn’t. There were hikers of all ages out there with us. Some solo hiking while others were out there with their families. This AllTrails map needs analytics cookies to load. These cookies cover both our site and the embedded content. Or View on AllTrails Crossing the Creek and the Climb to the Falls We crossed two wooden bridges on our way to the falls which span both Barnes Creek and Falls Creek around the 0.8-mile mark. These crossings are a bit narrow so we walked single file while the creeks crossed below. It’s at this point that the trail narrows and we began the climb towards the falls. The final stretch gains about 183 feet in elevation with a max incline grade of 36%. Wooden railings line the path as you head uphill. You can hear the falls before you see them, which makes that final stretch even better. Wooden Railings Line the Path to the Falls Marymere Falls Viewing Platform: The Main Attraction The moment that stuck with me most was rounding the corner on the final stretch to the falls. There’s a massive tree on your right and a wooden railing on your left. This is where the trail opens up and, through the trees, you get the first view of Marymere Falls. It’s tall, narrow and just really cool to see in person. You don’t get close enough to feel the mist, but the view is perfect from the lower platform. Even with a handful of others there, everyone was courteous, waiting their turn for photos, offering to snap shots for strangers. Beautiful Views for Such a Short Trail Upper Viewpoint: Another Angle of Marymere Falls Before heading back, we followed the trail a little farther up to get a more elevated view of the falls. There’s a short loop that circles the waterfall before reconnecting to the main trail. This upper viewpoint is behind a railing too, and though it’s a bit steeper, it’s definitely worth the extra few steps for the view. Please stay on the trail here. There are signs and barriers for a reason, and the surrounding landscape is fragile. Returning to Lake Crescent: Post-Hike Views The return hike was quick and easy since most of the incline was behind us. In total, the trail is only 1.8 miles roundtrip with 318 feet of elevation gain, but it feels like you get so much more out of it than the distance would suggest. We spent some time down by Lake Crescent again after finishing the trail, just wandering along the shoreline and out on the pier as the sun set. Lake Crescent is a Perfect Place to Relax After the Hike Why Marymere Falls Is a Must-Visit Olympic NP Hike Some of the best stops in the Olympic Peninsula are really quite accessible. Like Sol Duc Falls, Marymere shows that you don’t need to hike miles into the backcountry to have experience something unforgettable. The Marymere Falls trail is perfect for a late afternoon hike, for a first-time visitor or anyone looking for a little peace and quiet while getting a beautiful view of a waterfall. If you’ve got more time, spots like the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach along the western coast, the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach, and Cape Flattery (the northwesternmost point in the contiguous US) are all worth the drive. Looking for a more guided way to explore the Olympic Peninsula? Marymere Falls Trail Fast Facts Trail OverviewTrail StatsParkingLimited, fills up fastTrail Length1.8 miles (0.9 miles each way)Elevation Gain~318 ftDifficulty LevelEasy / Family FriendlyEstimated Hiking Time50 minutes – 1 hourAre Dogs Allowed?Dogs are not allowed Storm King Ranger Station Map & Area Details