Olympic National Park
See Madison Falls
FamiliesWheelchair AccessibleWaterfall Lovers
0 mi Distance
15 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type
What to Expect
This is about as close to a freebie as Olympic National Park offers. From the small parking area off the Elwha Valley Road, a paved path winds through a lush corridor of moss-draped bigleaf maples and sword ferns — classic Pacific Northwest rainforest scenery packed into a few minutes of walking. The trail is flat, smooth, and wheelchair-accessible, so strollers and mobility devices roll through without a hitch. At the end, Madison Falls drops roughly six stories down a mossy rock face into a shallow pool, close enough that you'll catch mist on your face during high flow. The whole out-and-back takes about fifteen minutes, which makes it either the perfect leg-stretcher after a long drive up the peninsula or a standalone stop for anyone who wants a waterfall without earning it. Ideal for families with small kids, visitors with limited mobility, or anyone who just wants to see something beautiful without breaking a sweat.
Trail Details
Estimated Time 15 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead See Madison Falls
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Pair this with a stop at the Elwha River overlook right at the parking area — after the dam removals, the river is actively restoring itself, and watching salmon return to water they haven't accessed in over a century is genuinely remarkable.
Trail Tip
Visit after a few days of rain for maximum waterfall drama. During late summer dry spells, the falls can thin to a modest trickle that won't do justice to your photos.
Trail Tip
The parking lot is small — maybe a dozen spots — and fills quickly midday in summer. Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid circling. There's no overflow lot, so if it's full, you're waiting.
Photos
NPS Photo / J. Burger