Merriman Falls is a 60-foot horsetail waterfall on Merriman Creek beside Quinault Lake South Shore Road in Grays Harbor County, Washington, six miles from US 101 in Olympic National Forest.
The falls
The creek drops 60 feet in a single horsetail over a cliff onto moss- and fern-covered rocks and logs, then passes under the road toward the Quinault River. An older figure gave the height as 40 feet; a lidar analysis and an in-person survey now indicate the 60-foot drop.
Getting there
The falls sit right beside Quinault Lake South Shore Road, six miles from US 101. Parking is roadside and parallel only, no hike is needed, and no recreation pass is required. Take care opening vehicle doors and crossing the road to view the falls.
When to go
Runoff feeds the falls, so winter and spring bring the heaviest flow, while the small catchment leaves less water in summer and fall. Weather and other events can make nearby forest roads impassable; the Forest Service directs visitors to the Quinault office for current conditions.
On site
The waterfall is clearly visible from the road, and no formal trail to its base or top is documented. The main hazard is the narrow roadside parking and crossing the road for a view.
History and name
The name Merriman Falls has been documented since at least 1920.
Nearby
Gibson Peak Falls is about 3.1 miles away, Gatton Creek Falls on Gatton Creek is also about 3.1 miles, and Fletcher Creek Falls on Fletcher Creek is about 3.5 miles.
Distances are straight-line.