The Sol Duc entrance to the Olympic National Park not only boasts one of the most beautiful rivers and waterfalls in Washington, it also has great cultural significance. Sol Duc Lodge and Hot Springs was once one of Western Washingtons hot spots, where people from Seattle to Aberdeen to La Push would come to dance the night away. After the lodge was rebuilt due to fire, the attention was brought back to the natural draw, the mineral rich hot springs. Cabins are also available along with a restaurant, cafe, gift shop and convenience store. While summer days fill the pools, cabins and parking lots, the crowds can be avoided by visiting the pools in the morning (before noon) or in the off season (April, May, Sept). Because of elevation differences a hike to the Alpine Regions of the park is less strenuous from the Sol Duc than other park entrances, and returning to the mineral pools is a great reward at the end of the day.