Appleton Pass via Sol Duc Falls

Getting to Appleton Pass and back is a full-day venture, but the views from your perch beside Mount Appleton will be worth it. This is a hard, lightly trafficked trail, so come prepared.

Begin from the end of the road on the trail to Sol Duc Falls. You’ll hike to the falls, always a pretty stop, before continuing on. More and more of the crowd will thin out as you hike above the Sol Duc River. As you rise above the river to start climbing the valley wall, stay left onto Appleton Pass Trail. There is a creek crossing that can be used to refill your water just after the junction.

After the crossing, begin switchbacking and traversing up the valley wall, packing in elevation gain up to the pass. It’s a grind, but the trail remains easy enough to follow. Cresting the pass, there are trails that continue on to your left and right, but your journey ends at the junction. From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.