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Willaby Creek, most notable for it's small, scenic gorge along the Quinault Rainforest Nature trail, also harbors a small waterfall as it enters Lake Quinault. The falls are situated almost directly under the South Shore road's bridge, but unlike nearby Falls Creek Falls, the bridge is well above the creek, so you don't have to worry about spoiling your photos. The falls seem to be the natural barrier to fish trying to migrating upstream. If you look closely, can see a several large fish in the calm section below the falls (center bottom of the photo). When I was there, there was also 2 fish in the pool just above the lowest tier of the falls. I doubt they can get above the upper tier though, and did not see any in the creek above the falls. You may be able to witness the fish trying to jump the falls if you're lucky.
- Willaby Creek Falls is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
Drive to the Lake Quinault area of Olympic National Forest, usually North from Aberdeen / Hoquiam or south from Forks along US 101. At the signed South Shore road, turn and drive for 1.4 miles from Highway 101, or 3/4 mile west from the Lake Quinault Lodge to the signed Rainforest Nature trail, located on the west banks of Willaby Creek. Follow the loop trail towards the creek and the gorge, passing a gargantuan tree along the way. Where the trail splits, follow the path downstream, away from the loop trail, under the South Shore Road and down to a footbridge across Willaby Creek where the falls are best viewed. There is a vista looking over the falls from the Loop trail as well. I recommend walking the 1/2 mile loop, it is among the best hikes in the Quinault Rainforest.
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