Quick Facts
Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 60′ / 18 m
Length of Hike: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km round-trip
The Record
It’s lessened a lot as of late, but I used to hop on a plane to wherever and hunt for waterfalls and the adventures that come with them. In June 2016, I asked if my 9-year old nephew could fly to Seattle with me for a few days. We did! When I previously visited Seattle, I enjoyed the Olympic Peninsula a lot. It might be one of my favorite places.
We drove around the Olympic Peninsula, and my nephew was always game for a hike. We visited Sol Duc Falls, which was a new one for me also. Gatton Creek Falls was also one I hadn’t visited before. I’d driven around Lake Quinalt, an absolutely “rain-foresty” experience, before. Bunch Falls and Merriman Falls are along the road around the lake, and are advertised better by the national park system. These falls aren’t as exciting as others, but they have their own beauty. The total drop on the creek is roughly 60 feet in height. Because the falls are stretched out along a sloping, rocky staircase, the water seems to dance in and out of the dense ferns and evergreens. This elongated profile creates a “disappearing” effect. Standing at the base, it is difficult to glimpse the entire 60-foot span at once.
Directions
- From US-101, turn onto South Shore Road.
- Look for the Quinalt Mountain Cabin and the Gatton Creek Camground. The parking area for the Gatton Creek Trailhead should have signs about the trail system.
- Follow Gatton Creek Trail for 0.6 miles or so to the view the falls.
Waterfall Record 
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