Merriman Falls
Quinault Rainforest
Directions: From Hoquiam, drive north on US 101 for 38 miles turning right (at milepost 126) onto South Shore Road. Proceed for 6.7 miles to pullout near bridge over Merriman Creek.
Ownership: Olympic National Forest
Distance: roadside—minimal walking
Difficulty: accessible to all
No Pass
Kid-friendly, Dog friendly (on leash)
© Lani Doely Photography
It’s nearly impossible to miss these falls if you’re driving by on the South Shore Road as they practically crash down into the road itself. During the winter and fall rainy season their roar definitely makes sure you can’t miss them. One of the most easily accessible falls in the Olympics, all you need to do is pullover, grab your phone or camera and walk just a few step to soak (literally during the rainy season) up their grandeur.
The falls plummet 40 feet over a mossy and ferny ledge into a mossy mess of jumbled boulders and saturated logs. And while the Quinault Rainforest receives about 140 inches of annual rainfall assuring that these falls don’t run dry—winter storms really prime them for a thunderous display.
