Hiking trails, hot springs and old-growth forest in the Sol Duc River Valley

written by Joni Kabana

When visiting the Olympic Peninsula, consider checking out its longest river, the pristine Sol Duc River, which flows for 7 miles supporting soaring old-growth forests and feeding hot springs along the way.

This river has no dam, making the water quality some of the purest one can find. Salmonids such as spring/summer chinook, winter steelhead and sockeye and coho salmon are found here in abundance (as many as 19,000 yearly returning steelhead) along with other native fish species.

Visitors in the Sol Duc region can hike a number of trails, some as short as 1 easy mile, and set their sights on snow-covered peaks, gorgeous waterfalls and forest treasures. If you make this trip during late October to early November, consider going to the Salmon Cascades Overlook where you will see full-of-grit coho salmon flipping over the falls as they make their way upstream to spawn in the Sol Duc River.

If hot springs are your thing, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (built in 1912 and renovated by the National Park Service in the 1980s) hosts some of the most naturally occurring spring rain and snow melt soaking pools, all muscle-soothing hot and full of minerals. A stay at the resort is not required; simply pay a day fee to enjoy the health benefits of a hot spring soak. The resort is open between March and late October. If you prefer a more rustic experience, the undeveloped Olympic Hot Springs also is located in this area.

The Sol Duc Valley is forty minutes west of Port Angeles. Turn off of Highway 101 onto Sol Duc Road to begin your exploration and get a magnificent glimpse of a wonderland. Make sure you check weather conditions before setting out on your journey.