Marymere Falls is a 119-foot plunge waterfall on Falls Creek near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Clallam County, Washington. The National Park Service identifies the walk to it as the most popular day hike at Lake Crescent: 0.9 mile each way through old-growth forest from the Storm King Ranger Station.
The falls
Falls Creek descends from Aurora Ridge, dropping in a single plunge before running into Barnes Creek. Measured total drop is 119 feet, though park guides often cite about 90 feet. The creek flows year-round, and a smaller, separate fall lies a short way downstream.
Getting there
The trailhead is at the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent. To reach the trailhead, drive about 20 miles west of Port Angeles on U.S. 101, turn right at milepost 228 into the Lake Crescent parking area and continue 0.2 mile to the paved horseshoe lot by the ranger station and restrooms. The trail can also be reached from Lake Crescent Lodge.
The route starts as a paved nature trail through old growth. At a junction about 0.5 mile in, it heads up the valley, crosses Barnes Creek and Falls Creek on wooden bridges and climbs through a mossy ravine to the falls. Round-trip distance covers 1.8 miles, with elevation gain estimates varying between 200, 318 and 500 feet, rated easy to moderate. Park officials confirmed the trailhead open in September 2026. Olympic's vehicle entrance pass is $30 for seven days, paid by card only.
When to go
The falls run all year, with winter bringing the strongest runoff.
On site
At the top of the climb the trail forms a short loop with two viewpoints of the falls, reached by stairs. Part of the trail is wheelchair accessible, but the stairs to the viewpoints are not. The hike is suitable for children. Pets are prohibited on this trail; only qualified service animals may come.
History and name
The falls are named for Mary Alice Barnes, sister of Charles Barnes, who homesteaded by Lake Crescent at Barnes Creek.
Nearby
Lyre River Falls is about 5.4 miles away. Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River is about 6.5 miles, and Lower Boulder Creek Falls and Upper Boulder Creek Falls are both about 6.7 miles.
Distances are straight-line.