Olympic National Park · Waterfalls

Marymere Falls vs. Sol Duc Falls: Which Would We Prioritize?

We visited both Marymere Falls and Sol Duc Falls. Both are worthwhile, but if time is tight, we would prioritize Marymere, especially if you are already getting a strong rainforest experience elsewhere.

Firsthand trip summer 2021 · Last reviewed September 2026 · How we review our guides

Marymere Falls vs. Sol Duc Falls: Which Would We Prioritize?

Our pick: Marymere Falls. It is easy to combine with Mt. Storm King at Lake Crescent and gives you a beautiful forest-and-waterfall stop without another major detour.

Why Marymere wins for us

Marymere is in the same Lake Crescent trail network as Storm King, which makes the logistics excellent. If you are already there for our favorite hike, adding the waterfall is an easy decision.

Choose Sol Duc for the rainforest walk

At Sol Duc, we liked the rainforest walk as much as the waterfall. We would keep it when the forest is part of what you want from the day. If you are already hiking Storm King and only have time for one waterfall stop, Marymere is the more convenient choice.

Who should still choose Sol Duc?

If waterfalls and forest are a major priority, or your route already takes you through the Sol Duc area, there is no reason to avoid it. Our ranking is about limited vacation time, not whether the falls are attractive.

Keep planning Olympic: our 4-day itinerary, best hikes, Mt. Storm King, Rialto to Hole in the Wall, and Hoh vs. Quinault.

The important context: Marymere shares a trailhead with Storm King

We hiked Marymere Falls as part of the same Lake Crescent outing as Mt. Storm King. That is a major reason we would keep it in an Olympic itinerary. Storm King was our favorite Olympic hike, so adding Marymere at the same trailhead was an easy decision rather than a separate destination competing for time.

Marymere or Sol Duc?

Marymere is the more efficient add-on if you are already doing Storm King. Sol Duc gave us something different because we particularly liked the rainforest surrounding the falls. We would not reduce the decision to which waterfall is prettier: Marymere wins on logistics with Storm King, while Sol Duc is stronger if you want another immersive rainforest experience.