Sol Duc Falls – Washington

Sol Duc Falls – Olympic National Park, Washington

Curtains of white mist shroud the verdant, volcanic walls of the Sol Duc Falls chasm. Named after the Quileute word meaning “sparkling waters,” Washington’s 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 rainforest, enchanted by moss covered trees and giant ferns. The upper reaches of the river are protected within the boundaries of Olympic National Park, while the lower stretches flow through a patchwork of  clear cuts and farm land. Olympic National Park harbors some of the last old growth, temperate rainforests in North America and draws over 3 million visitors a year.