Madison Falls

Madison Falls
Madison Falls
Scenery:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Difficulty:1 out of 5 stars (1.0 / 5)

Madison Creek Falls’ 76-foot horsetail drop into a perfect woodland pool is an awe-inspiring scene; all the better that it is easily accessible via a relatively flat, paved, 250-foot trail through the forest at the base of Olympic National Park’s wild and woolly Elwha River drainage.

THE HIKE

Park at the Madison Falls parking area off east side of Olympic Hot Springs Road. Pick up the marked, paved trail by the small parking area and follow it as it winds into the side of the gorge and terminates at an overlook right below Madison Falls. Those interested in a closer look, or wanting to splash around in the spray, can venture into the pool at the bottom of the falls—but beware, glacial-fed Madison Creek is cold!

GETTING THERE

From its junction with US 101 some 8.5 miles west of Port Angeles, follow Olympic Hot Springs Road south for 2 miles to the Madison Falls parking area on the left (east). Entrance may require Olympic National Park admission fee ($15/week or $30/year per vehicle).

For more info, contact Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA; (360) 565-3130