WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE on the North Olympic Peninsula amounts to plenty of waterfalls to enjoy, some relatively close to civilization.
A forecast of warmer- than-average temperatures through early next week is expected to raise freezing levels and set off some snow melt.
While the falls you find may not be roaring as loudly as just after a deluge of rain, these pleasant spring days, coupled with eight days of free entry into Olympic National Park starting Saturday, is a perfect recipe to go trekking for waterfalls.
Entry fees for all national parks will be waived beginning Saturday and running through Sunday, April 24, in recognition of National Park Week and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Close to Port Angeles, waterfall-seekers have some outstanding options for all levels of hiking ability. The three falls described below can all be accomplished in a day trip.
■ Madison Falls: Located just inside the park boundaries off Olympic Hot Springs Road along the Elwha River about 9 miles from Port Angeles, this is the easiest walk, two-tenths of a mile roundtrip.
The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible and leads to falls with a vertical drop of 30 or 40 feet.
■ Marymere Falls: Hikers leave for this 1.8-mile roundtrip trail near the Storm King Ranger Station at Lake Crescent.
The path travels through forest packed with fir, hemlock, cedar and alder trees.
Follow the left path at a junction about halfway through the walk to the falls.
The trail loops around the falls, giving a view from a hillside lookout and from a lower platform.
This is a relatively flat walk until a steeper ascent of probably 200 to 300 feet near the falls.
Marymere Falls is a popular spot, even more so during tourist season, so keep that in mind when planning a trip.
■ Sol Duc Falls: This trail, a 1.6-mile round trip, departs from Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, so hikers can take a walk and come back for a soak (for a fee) in the resort’s pools.
It’s an easy half-mile walk to a Civilian Conservation Corps shelter. You’ll hear the falls rumbling before you see them viewable right up close on a bridge that crosses the river.
On the return leg, your sense of smell will let you know when you get close to the hot springs.
Jefferson County falls
Waterfalls also can be found on the relatively drier east side of the Olympics in Jefferson County.
■ Rocky Brook Falls: Located 3 miles up Dosewallips Road near Brinnon, this is an easy walk, not really a hike, to a 100-foot horsetail falls.
This is a popular spot on warm and humid summer days along Hood Canal.
■ Murhut Falls: Turn west at milepost 310 south of Quilcene and drive 6.3 miles up Duckabush Road, crossing the Duckabush River Bridge. Turn right at the junction and follow the sign 1.3 miles to the trailhead.
This is a 1.6-mile roundtrip trail complete with a gain of 250 feet in elevation — a slow rise at the start and a steeper pitch before the tiered falls.
This trail is in the Duckabush Recreation Area and administered by the National Forest Service, not Olympic National Park.
Park fees still in effect
Park visitors should be reminded that on fee-free days, other park fees, including wilderness camping and campground fees, will remain in effect.
And here’s a bonus for those who dislike the state’s Discover Pass fee: entry into state parks will be free next Friday, April 22.
A fish tale
Tim Allison took two friends, James Kang and Ken Gilbertson, out steelhead fishing on the Bogachiel River late last month.
The weather was frightful: wind howling up the river and blowing sheets of cold rain into the faces of the fishermen. In other words, typical steelhead weather.
Allison had a hard time keeping the lines free from tangling and in the water due to the abuse his boat was taking from the conditions.
But the anglers powered through and Kang caught and released a wild hen of around 7 pounds, and Gilbertson, age 94, kept a 12-pound wild buck after losing out on another nice steelhead a few minutes earlier.
Archery shoot in PA
The Wapiti Bowmen will host a Spring 3-D shoot, this Saturday and Sunday at the archery club’s facility at 374 Arnette Road in Port Angeles.
The event, which is open to archers from novice level to highly skilled, will provide access to 30-plus 3-D targets, including a dinosaur, a cobra, and many other North American animals.
Registrations opens each day at 7:30 a.m.
Shoot fees are $12 for a one-day adult pass, $20 for both days, $8 or $10 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $4 or $5 for “cubs” ages 6-11. Archers age 5 and younger shoot free.
Breakfast and lunch will be served for a small fee.
A silent auction is planned.
Camping also is available.
For more information, phone Walt Koneziski at 360-531-2153 or Steve Morgan at 360-460-9132.
Send photos, stories
Have a photograph, a fishing or hunting report, an anecdote about an outdoors experience or a tip on gear or technique?
Send it to sports@peninsuladailynews.com or P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 57050 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
