Sol Duc Mist – Washington

Sol Duc Mist – Olympic National Park, Washington

Curtains of white mist shroud the volcanic walls of Sol Duc Falls gorge. Named after the Quillayute word meaning “sparkling waters,” the Sol Duc River harbors a rich diversity of migratory fish, including steelhead and all five major species of salmon. This tributary of the Quillayute River flows through a temperate rain forest, enchanted by moss covered trees and giant ferns. The upper reaches of the river are protected within the boundaries of Olympic National Park; however, the lower sections of the Sol Duc flow through the clear cuts of the Olympic National Forest before joining the Quillayute and eventually the sea. Olympic National Park hosts about 3 million visitors a year.