June is the best month to fall in love with waterfalls

Sure, you could join the masses at Multnomah during peak waterfall season. Or you could head out to the Olympic National Forest and enjoy the rush in sweet solitude.

YOUR CAMPSITE

The lake, a rainforest filled with enormous trees, and easy access to countless waterfalls make Falls Creek Campground on the south shore of Lake Quinault an ideal site for a water-lover. The Quinault National Recreation Trail is steps away and connects with several other trails for scenic hikes. Take in your first waterfall just yards from camp at Falls Creek Falls, then follow the trail for more stunners.

LOGISTICS

The campground is three hours west of Seattle. Turn east onto South Shore Road from U.S. Highway 101 and drive 3 miles to the ranger station for a free trail map and Northwest Forest Pass. Just beyond the station are the falls and the campground. Get a vehicle campsite for $14 per night, or go for extra solitude at one of the 10 walk-in sites ($11 per night).

WATERFALLS NOT TO MISS

Cascade Falls
This photogenic 20-foot single fall is perfect if you're more interested in tranquility than power. Cross South Shore Road and head along the main trail for 0.4 miles. Stay right at the junction and continue for 0.1 miles to a viewpoint of the falls. It's so easy you can get there even with a late start in Seattle traffic.

Willaby Creek Falls
Located in a beautiful gorge, these falls create two pools complete with big fish trying to jump their way to the top. Follow the main trail along the shore of Lake Quinault for 1 mile to the trailhead. Continue 0.5 miles to the falls, making sure not to miss a path leading to a footbridge that's a photographer's dream. Half a mile farther, turn right on the trail and climb 1.7 miles to see a giant cedar.

Gatton Creek Falls
This is a classic tiered waterfall with four drops in a straight line. The first three fall 10 feet each before the final fall plummets 30 feet. And the world's largest Sitka spruce is a short jaunt away. Hop on the main trail across South Shore Road and walk 0.4 miles, then head left onto Gatton Creek Trail; from there it's 2.5 miles to the falls and the spruce.

For more information, go to www.visitolympicpeninsula.com and click on "waterfalls."

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