Murhut Falls is a 153-foot tiered horsetail waterfall on Murhut Creek in Olympic National Forest, Washington, reached by a short, easy trail off Duckabush Road near Brinnon in Jefferson County.
The falls
The falls counts two horsetail steps of 117 and 36 feet, about 10 feet wide. Murhut Creek drains a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley and drops more than 1,200 feet in under a mile, passing through a ravine lined with huge cedars. Smaller falls of about 10 feet continue downstream.
Getting there
The trailhead is in the Hood Canal Ranger District. From US 101 at milepost 310, turn west on Duckabush Road and drive 6.3 miles, past Collins Creek Campground and the Duckabush River Bridge, then bear right on Forest Road 2530 for 1.3 miles of gravel to the trailhead.
The trail is 0.8 mile each way, 1.6 miles round trip with 250 feet of gain, and is rated easy. It follows an old logging road with smooth tread, climbing gently, leveling off and finishing with a steeper stretch. No parking pass or recreation pass is required.
When to go
Winter and spring bring the best flow, averaging about 35 cubic feet per second for eight months of the year and about 5 for the other four. The creek usually runs most of the year, and the low elevation keeps the trail open to hikers through much of it.
On site
The trail passes old-growth forest with Pacific rhododendrons. On the last stretch it narrows beside a dropoff, and children should be watched closely near the falls. The hike is suitable for families, and leashed dogs are allowed.
History and name
Murhut Falls is the official name.
Nearby
Middle Murhut Falls is about 0.1 mile away, Lower Murhut Falls about 0.3 mile, and Cliff Creek Falls about 2 miles.
Distances are straight-line.