Wolf Creek Falls is a 120-foot tiered plunge waterfall on Wolf Creek, a tributary of the Elwha River, in Olympic National Park, Clallam County, Washington. The falls pour into a mossy hollow at the end of a short, steep spur off Whiskey Bend Road, though the road in is currently closed to vehicles.
The falls
The water drops across three tiers totaling 120 feet, with an upper tier of 90 feet above a lower tier of about 25 feet, averaging about 15 feet wide. Much of the upper tier is concealed and shows through spray from below. Other records give a lower total of about 100 feet.
Getting there
The falls are on the Smoky Hill Trail, formerly the Lake Mills Trail, which leaves Whiskey Bend Road 4.2 miles from Olympic Hot Springs Road. The trail is rated moderate, spanning 0.8 mile round trip with a steep descent. Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles at the Madison Falls parking area because of a washout, so the approach to Whiskey Bend Road starts with a walk or bike ride up the closed road. The last toilet is at the Madison Falls trailhead.
Olympic National Park charges $30 per vehicle or $15 per pedestrian aged 16 and older, valid for seven days.
When to go
Flow is strongest in winter and spring, when the creek averages about 35 cfs, dropping to near zero in dry summer periods.
On site
The lower tier is easy to reach along a shallow, pebbly streambed. Viewing the upper tier requires following an informal path with less than 6 inches of footing directly above a steep drop into the pool, a dangerous route suited only to experienced scramblers. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, although leashed pets may walk the closed road.
History and name
The trail once led to the southern tip of Lake Mills. After the Glines Canyon Dam was removed and the reservoir drained, the trail went back to its historic name, Smoky Hill.
Nearby
Hurricane Creek Falls is about 0.1 mile away and Fitzhenry Creek Falls about 0.6 mile. Madison Falls, about 4.7 miles away, is at the parking area where the road closure begins.
Distances are straight-line.