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Sol Duc Road, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Photo: Sea Cow · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Washington The Olympic Peninsula

Sol Duc Road

Olympic Peninsula, Washington · US 101 junction → Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sweeping11 mi20 min1,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,700 ftOne way
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The drive

Sol Duc Road leaves US 101 west of Lake Crescent and runs up the Sol Duc River valley inside Olympic National Park. Old-growth forest closes in on both sides, and the road is mostly sweeping, with a few tighter bends.

Salmon Cascades is about 5 miles up, where coho salmon jump the falls in fall and steelhead run in spring; late October and early November is a popular time to watch. The drive ends at Sol Duc Hot Springs, where the resort offers mineral pools, lodging and a restaurant. The trail to Sol Duc Falls starts at the end of the road, a little farther on, and is under a mile through old growth.

The drive is 11 miles and takes about 20 minutes. It pairs naturally with the Lake Crescent drive on US 101.

Along the way

  1. US 101 junction
  2. Sol Duc Hot Springs
Elevation
1,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,700 ft
US 101 junctionSol Duc Hot Springs
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
US 101 junctionSol Duc Hot Springs
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A park entrance fee applies on this road.
  • The hot springs resort is generally open from late March through the last weekend in October, so its services close for the winter.
  • The road is a dead end, so you come back the way you went in.
  • Check conditions before you go; the park lists the Sol Duc area and road on its alerts page.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Olympic National Park: alerts and conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Sol Duc Road take to drive?

US 101 to Sol Duc Hot Springs is 11 miles on Sol Duc Road and takes about 20 minutes.

When is the Sol Duc Hot Springs resort open?

The resort is generally open from late March through the last weekend in October. Reservations are advised.

Where can I see salmon on Sol Duc Road?

Salmon Cascades, about 5 miles up the road, is where coho jump the falls in fall; steelhead run in spring.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Sol Duc Road, from US 101 junction to Sol Duc Hot Springs