Four Itchy Feet

July 11, 2025. Brinnon, Washington. Day 51 of 170

Today we hiked yet another gem in the Olympic National Forest: Murhut Falls. This trail is perfectly maintained, and at only 1.8 miles roundtrip with a 250-foot ascent, it rewards you with one of the most astonishing and accessible waterfalls we’ve ever experienced. The two-tiered, 130-foot waterfall forms an excellent pool at the bottom, perfect for wading and experiencing the force of the water. The well-shaded area at the base is inviting for a lunch picnic, and the boys even went for a swim.

The falls are located in the Hood Canal District of the Olympic National Forest. The entire area is a geological wonder as the “Canal” is actually a fjord. Hood Canal is not an artificial waterway; it’s a natural feature. Adding to the surrounding beauty is the North Pacific Forest with several rivers flowing into the Hood Canal, mostly from the Olympic Peninsula. These include the Skokomish River, Hamma Hamma River, Duckabush River, Dosewallips River, and Big Quilcene River. Smaller rivers emptying into Hood Canal from the Kitsap Peninsula include the Union River, Tahuya River, and Dewatto River. With all that water flowing, the lushness of the forest is simply indescribable.

While there are many hikes in the area, Murhut Falls is simply a must-do for everyone visiting. Access to the trailhead requires driving over gravel roads with a good number of potholes, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though sedans can carefully navigate it. Regardless of what you drive, you’ll definitely need a carwash afterward!