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Madison Falls Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,753 Google reviews · Running trail in Port Angeles, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Madison Falls Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring an easy trail to a waterfall and a tranquil river, plus a restroom and picnic tables.
What runners say about Madison Falls Trailhead
“5 min walk from parking to a gorgeous waterfall (truly miss covered and stunning) with a beautiful view just at the parking lot.”
“Bathroom yes Pass not needed Wheelchair accessible and family friendly Limited parking and does have other trails you can walk along”
We stopped by Madison Falls during our Olympic Peninsula trip, and it turned out to be one of the most convenient waterfall stops in the park. From Lake Crescent, the drive to Madison Falls took about 20 to 25 minutes via Highway 101 toward the Elwha area. The route was straightforward and easy to follow.
Madison Falls is a super easy and beautiful stop in Olympic National Park. I wouldn’t really call it a “trail” — it’s a short, paved walk (just a few minutes) to the waterfall. If you’re looking for more of a real hike, check out Marymere Falls instead. The waterfall is still stunning, though!
Madison Falls sits next to the beautiful Elwha River and it's beautiful!! This is a good place for people who have a hard time walking but love nature. I have a bad back but was able to walk this trail no problem! I am losing my sight but tried to take some photos! Check it out!
An amazing waterfall with easy access! A quick, 5-minute walk along a stroller-friendly gravel path leads you right to these beautiful falls. There is ample parking available, plus great river access directly across from the parking area.
Trail conditions & character
“We stopped by Madison Falls during our Olympic Peninsula trip, and it turned out to be one of the most convenient waterfall stops in the park.”
“Bathroom yes Pass not needed Wheelchair accessible and family friendly Limited parking and does have other trails you can walk along”
“Hot tip, if you park and start to walk through tall grass or trees, there is an actual paved path that is accessible (which I love)!”
“I’m an elopement photographer and often bring my couples here for a short session — even guests can easily join since it’s so accessible.”
“Restrooms were available near the parking lot, which made it a convenient stop, especially when traveling through multiple areas in one day.”
“The river looked wide and powerful, flowing beautifully through a rocky channel with forest and mountain views around it.”
“It was flat, well maintained, and wheelchair accessible, making it one of the easiest waterfall viewpoints to reach in Olympic National Park.”
Plan your run at Madison Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–5:30 PM |
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