Hamma Hamma Falls: Is This Remote Hood Canal Waterfall Worth the Drive?

Bydhwanid Updated on

Chasing waterfalls in the Olympic Peninsula? Hamma Hamma Falls is a ~75ft waterfall located near Hood Canal, Washington. The falls are situated along Hamma Hamma river. Viewing the falls does not require a hike, but does require a ~15 mile / ~45 mins drive from Highway 101.

The utter lack of crowds, pure and serene atmosphere of eastern edge of Olympic National Park is what makes the visit to Hamma Hamma falls memorable.

A man looking at Hamma Hamma falls from a bridge.
View of Hamma Hamma falls from the bridge.

How To Visit Hamma Hamma Falls – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Drive to Hamma Hamma Falls [45 mins]

From Hwy 101, turn west on N Hamma Hamma road and drive for ~15 miles. The first half of the road is good, the latter part of this road is unpaved and bumpy. The road ends at Mildred Lake trailhead and Hamma Hamma falls.

Google map showing drive to Hamma Hamma Falls from Highway 101.
Map – Drive to Hamma Hamma Falls from Highway 101

Step 2: Viewing Hamma Hamma Falls [15 mins]

Situated on Hamma Hamma river, Hamma Hamma Falls are located at the end of N Hamma Hamma road / NF Rd 25, just below the bridge. 

The safest viewpoint to witness the two drops is from the bridge.

The lack of noise and crowd made us feel very peaceful here. You can experience the natural wilderness of the Olympic National Forest and the feeling of tranquility that comes with it.

There is a trail to view the second tier of falls, but it is steep and along the edges of the cliff and it is not for the faint-hearted. We did not even attempt taking any of the side trails. We stuck to the bridge views and were happy with it.

Hamma Hamma waterfalls with the backdrop of Olympic National Forest wilderness.
Partial view of Hamma Hamma Falls that flow underneath the bridge with Olympic National Forest wilderness in the background.
Hamma Hamma Falls
View of Hamma Hamma Falls that is easily visible from the bridge

Step 3: Drive back + More waterfalls [1 hour]

On the drive back, be on a lookout for middle and lower Hamma Hamma falls. You can also try viewing them on your way in.

There are no official sign boards, and I don’t have any mile or time markers. But you will know when to stop as you hear the loud roar from the falls as you drive by.

There are no official trails to these falls. The river flows next to the road, so you don’t need to hike a lot or anything. We just stopped by the road, found our way through the trees and bushes and were able to view the falls within 5 mins.

You will get views of the beautiful Hamma Hamma river along the way.

Waterfall flowing through mossy rocks
Middle Hamma Hamma Falls flowing through mossy rocks.
Road along a river.
Hamma Hamma river views along the drive to Hamma Hamma Falls

Tips for Visiting Hamma Hamma Falls

Estimated Activity Time

You can estimate ~2 hours for this activity. The total drive time to the falls and back from Highway 101, is ~1.5hrs. And another 0.5 hours to view the upper and middle falls.

Kid and Family Trip Report

We visited these falls while our 3-year old was taking an afternoon nap. The long drive helped put the toddler to sleep, and it gave us a chance to spend a relaxed afternoon.

If I had a wide awake and activity hungry kid, then I would skip the visit to the falls. The long and bumpy drive can make kids impatient.

Amenities

  • Parking – Parking is free, no passes or fees required. You will be at the end of the road, so you can park where you like. We visited in spring, and there was just one other car during that time.
  • Restroom facilities – available at trailhead.
  • Cellular network – little to none.

Food

Hamma Hamma is the closest town where you will find food options. Hamma Hamma Oyster Salon on Highway 101 is a very popular spot in this stretch. Apart from its delicious oysters and seafood, you will enjoy sitting in their A-frame cabin table with views of Hood Canal.

Stay

There are many campgrounds, state parks, hotels, motels, RV parks and Airbnbs in this stretch. Any stay option between Quilcene and Hoodsport will make for a convenient stay location.

Hamma Hamma Falls Trip Planning

  • Day trip – I would not recommend making a day trip only to visit Hamma Hamma Falls, unless you are already in the Hamma Hamma river recreation area for camping or hiking. Other trails in the area such as Murhut Falls, Rocky Brook Falls or Staricase Rapids would be more enjoyable with kids and family.
  • Weekend trip – On a weekend road-trip from Seattle or Olympia to Hood Canal, I would include this as an optional activity. We visited Hamma Hamma Falls on a long weekend trip to Hood Canal in May.
  • Longer road trip – The long drive to get to the falls does not make it apt for a pit-stop if you are on a longer road trip and passing through Hood Canal.
  • Best time to visit – Spring, summer and fall.

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

I would keep visiting Hamma Hamma falls as an optional activity if you are in the Hood Canal area. The long drive through bumpy roads for a partial view of the falls does not make this worth it if you are short on time or have cranky kids. Especially, when we have easy access to so many gorgeous waterfalls in the PNW. For us it worked out as a perfect toddler nap-time activity.

Instead, Murhut Falls and Rocky Brook Falls in the Hood Canal area will give you more bang for the buck.

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