Olympic National Park is likely one of the most numerous nationwide parks in the US. With almost one million acres of land to discover, you’ll discover old-growth forests, the Olympic Mountains, and alpine lakes. No surprise Olympic National Park hikes are so fashionable.
The nationwide park is simply exterior Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer National Park. It is simple to entry on a day journey from Seattle and is likely one of the most handy nationwide parks to go to on a metropolis break.
Top Hikes in Olympic National Park
Looking to go to Olympic National Park? It is likely one of the finest locations to go to in the US and a implausible selection. This information will cowl the easiest hikes in Olympic National Park – from following the Hoh River to strolling the Hall of Mosses. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier
The Hoh River Trail is a shocking but troublesome hike in Olympic National Park. As you’ll have guessed, the path follows the Hoh River, nevertheless it additionally cuts via the Hoh Rainforest and passes wildlife like elk. At 34 miles in whole, the Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is commonly accomplished in sections or as a multi-day backpacking journey.
So, the place to start? Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. It is right here that you just’ll discover the Hoh River Trailhead and begin your hike. You attain the Hoh River after roughly a mile. From that time on, be ready for a number of river crossings and muddy sections of the trail. Until you attain Glacier Meadows, the path is flat and closely wooded. You’ll go varied campsites and Five Mile Island, a hotspot for elk recognizing. After, it turns into a bit steeper, so plan just a few further stops and snacks after you go the meadows.
If you might be finishing the hike as a day journey (no allow wanted), most individuals simply hike to Five Mile Island and again. Alternatively, you’ll be able to sort out the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you could have a tenting allow). Hoh River Trail is an out-and-back path, so simply do not forget that nonetheless far you stroll, you’ll need to retrace your steps once more.
Distance: 34 miles one-way Difficulty: Hard Elevation achieve: 1,837 meters Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
2. Lake Crescent Via Spruce Railroad Trail
Lake Crescent Trail is also called the ‘Spruce Railroad Trail’ and is an attractive disused railway that cuts alongside a piece of Lake Crescent shores. Lake Crescent is a glacial lake surrounded by mountain peaks. It is likely one of the hottest sights in the Olympic National Park.
Lake Crescent Trail is a comparatively flat, family-friendly hike for these with older kids desirous to attempt longer distances whereas sticking to simple path circumstances. You’ll cross the Devil’s Punchbowl bridge and hike alongside shaded forest trails with gorgeous lakeside views. There are even just a few tunnels to chop via, which helps to maintain the hike diversified and thrilling.
You can entry Lake Crescent Trail via both East Beach Road or Camp David Junior Road. You’ll proceed to the Devil’s Punchbowl via a tunnel and cross over a scenic bridge – after which you flip round to finish the out-and-back path. Allow about three to 4 hours to finish the route, plus longer if you wish to swim.
Distance: 11.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 125 meters Trailhead: Spruce Railroad Trailhead
3. Hurricane Hill by way of Hurricane Ridge Trail
Looking for a brief however candy hike? Hurricane Ridge Trail is an excellent possibility and doubtless essentially the most accessible hike in the Olympic National Park. It is price noting that the path is typically known as ‘Hurricane Hill Trail’, and you should utilize the names interchangeably. The paved path is well-maintained, and the summit gives panoramic views over the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island. You might even spot mountain goats alongside the best way as an additional bonus.
To entry the trailhead, drive alongside Hurricane Ridge Road. You’ll go Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (a spot to cease and ask the National Park Service Rangers any important questions), then park at Hurricane Hill Parking Lot.
From right here, you head north up the path, which begins comparatively flat and turns into steeper as you climb. As it’s such a brief hike, the fast burst of elevation achieve shouldn’t trigger too many points. Hurricane Ridge Trail is appropriate for anybody with a reasonable health stage.
Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 252 meters Trailhead: Hurricane Hill Parking Lot
4. Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles
If you might be an skilled hiker accustomed to scrambling and navigating unclear routes, you need to attempt the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Trail just isn’t for the faint-hearted, however those that love thrills will bounce at this problem.
Klahhane Ridge is a shocking inexperienced strip with panoramic views over Olympic National Park. You’ll sort out the ridge leisurely, then proceed climbing Mount Angeles – the tallest mountain close to Hurricane Ridge. Climbing Mount Angeles is the trickiest half, and also you’ll be navigating free scree, sudden elevation achieve, and unmarked switchbacks.
Take your time on this last part, as it’s the difficult a part of an in any other case reasonable hike. You’ll be drastically rewarded on the Mount Angeles summit with 360-degree views over the encompassing nationwide park and mountain peaks. Lap up the sights, as you’ll have earned them tenfold over. The complete hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.
Distance: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation achieve: 615 meters Trailhead: Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
5. Spruce Nature Trail
Is a brief, scenic stroll extra your model than tackling mountain slopes? Spruce Nature Trail is likely one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park if you need minimal effort and most reward.
The 1.4-mile loop takes you straight via Hoh Rainforest, immersing you in a rainforest panorama with loads of old-growth timber and dense undergrowth. The path is finest identified for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen timber. The course of is ongoing, so that you’ll see the large centuries-old timber now lined in excellent rows and the tiny younger timber simply beginning out.
Spruce Nature Trail is a hike the place remembering your digital camera is extra vital than remembering a pair of mountaineering boots. Sure, it will possibly get a bit of muddy after moist climate, however in any other case, the path is likely one of the best in Olympic National Park. The Spruce Nature Trail distance makes it a simple addition to a busy day exploring the nationwide park and different mountaineering trails. Definitely make time to squeeze it in.
Distance: 1.4 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 5 meters Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Center
6. Obstruction Point by way of Deer Park
Obstruction Point is a shocking out-and-back path in the Hurricane Ridge space. You can count on spectacular views of Mount Olympus and the encompassing mountain peaks. At 13.9 miles, this path is ideal for a day journey, and you need to enable round six hours to finish the complete hike. It is difficult in sections, so contemplate bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy mountaineering boots.
We counsel ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as an alternative of Obstruction Point Trailhead as a result of frequent closures at Hurricane Hill. The first few miles alongside this path take you thru thick woodland, after which you emerge onto the ridge and are greeted by beautiful mountain views.
Hiking the Obstruction Point Trail by way of Deer Park is likely one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – best if you need a extra blissful hike in nature. It is a bit of trickier than Klahhane Ridge however an attractive problem in case you are up for it.
Distance: 13.9 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation achieve: 989 meters Trailhead: Deer Park Trailhead
7. Blue Mountain Trail
Blue Mountain Trail is really easy that it’s extra of a scenic stroll than a hike. The 0.4-mile path loop across the high of Blue Mountain gives beautiful views over the nationwide park under. It is likely one of the shortest Olympic National Park hikes however one in all our favourite mountaineering trails. Not solely are the views gorgeous, but additionally, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your method up the mountain via dense forest on a slim stony observe with no street rail in sections. You’ll need to take your time to sort out the street safely, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty for the reason that drive is so scenic.
Once you attain Deer Park Campground, take a left flip on the fork and proceed up the hill for an additional couple of miles. You’ll attain the Blue Mountain Trailhead right here, and you’ll benefit from the fifteen-minute hike across the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, rabbits, and bears.
Blue Mountain Trail is full of nature, not simply views, and it’s the excellent size for these in a rush or households in search of a simple hike. The path can also be positioned simply exterior of Port Angeles, which is right for these basing themselves in the city and in search of a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Trail is pleasant and simple – a particular to your Olympic National Park itinerary.
Distance: 0.4 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 40 meters Trailhead: Blue Mountain Trailhead
8. High Divide Trail
The High Divide Trail is also called the ‘High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop’. The path is a difficult 19 miles that take a median of 11 hours to finish – so arrive on the trailhead ready with numerous refreshments. Luckily, you’ll keep impressed and motivated alongside the best way. There is tons to see, from Sol Duc Falls to the Blue Glacier and (in fact) the gorgeous Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these mountaineering trails, the High Divide Trail gives essentially the most sights en route, so if you wish to pack quite a bit into the identical path, it is a superb possibility.
You’ll begin on the Sol Duc Trailhead, passing the waterfalls and heading straight previous to achieve Deer Lake. At Deer Lake, you’ll discover a sudden elevation achieve and head uphill, breaking the tree line and recognizing stunning views of the encompassing mountains. Next up is a hanging ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – the most effective viewpoints of the entire hike. From there, it’s a first rate again via thick forest to the Sol Duc Trailhead.
Fancy extending your expertise? Apply for a campers allow and keep the night time at Seven Lakes Basin. The area is unbelievable for stargazing, and a backpacking journey is all the time a bucket listing expertise in Olympic National Park. Plus, that method, you’ll be able to break up the 19 miles over two days.
Distance: 19 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation achieve: 1,642 meters Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
9. Sunrise Ridge Trail
Looking for a dawn hike? Sunrise Ridge Trail (aka Sunrise Point Trail) is likely one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park. The path is comparatively quick and requires a reasonable health stage and fundamental mountaineering expertise. It will get its reputation from its unbelievable views, that are notably stunning to expertise at dawn.
The snowcapped mountains in the space are virtually all the time in full view, with the ridge simply above the tree line. The preliminary part of the hike is simple, and solely the steep switchbacks on the finish of the path give it a reasonable ranking. By this level, although, you’ll have daylight in your aspect and (if you happen to packed breakfast) a full abdomen.
You’ll discover the Sunrise Ridge Trailhead simply previous the Hurricane Ridge Visitor’s Center. It is well mixed with different ridges in the Hurricane Ridge area. You can proceed on the path for a mile to achieve Klahhane Ridge – which has gorgeous views of Mount Angeles.
Distance: 6.9 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation achieve: 623 meters Trailhead: Sunrise Ridge Trailhead
10. Sol Duc Falls
We’ve already briefly lined Sol Duc Falls in the High Divide Trail. But, if you happen to don’t fancy the long-distance hike, you’ll be able to all the time simply hike to Sol Duc Falls. The light stroll is gorgeous and the proper path to get pleasure from at a gradual tempo. You’ll be surrounded by photogenic surroundings, and you’ll benefit from the old-growth forest and wildlife comfy with out having to march off on a 19-mile hike. Instead, you’ll deal with Sol Duc Falls as your endpoint, finishing a brief 1.6-mile return hike.
Sol Duc Falls is beautiful to see up shut; the three-pronged waterfall usually creates rainbows in its spray. You can sit on the wood platform on the endpoint to calm down with views over the falls. It falls virtually fifteen meters – fairly the sight to behold.
Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 69 meters Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
11. Upper Dungeness Trail to Handy Camp
Ready for an additional riverside hike? Dungeness River is likely one of the most stunning in the nationwide park. Plus, mountaineering Upper Dungeness Trail is a good way to expertise one of many park’s Douglas fir forests. Some timber develop to greater than 60 meters excessive, and there’s loads of moss and flora to admire on the forest flooring. All the whereas, the Dungeness River rages beside you – attracting wildlife and hen track.
The hike is rated reasonable issue, and also you’ll want common health ranges and the arrogance to sort out a river crossing. At 6.5 miles, the out-and-back path isn’t too tiring, and you’ll simply full the hike in two to a few hours. You begin the hike on the Upper Trailhead. The path endpoint is the Camp Handy shelter, the place you’ll be able to cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.
Upper Dungeness Trail to Handy Camp is likely one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park if you need a scenic half-day forest hike. It is simple to navigate and a comparatively simple hike – simply enable a bit longer if you happen to doubt your health.
Distance: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation achieve: 229 meters Trailhead: Upper Dungeness Trailhead
12. Royal Basin Trail
Royal Basin Trail is likely one of the prettiest hikes in Olympic National Park. The basin sits on the base of an alpine valley, with numerous peaks and alpine lakes and tarns to admire. If you desire a style of distant magnificence, the Royal Basin Trail is the proper day hike to seek out it.
Royal Basin Trail begins on the Dungeness Trail, and also you keep on the path till you see a bridge, at which level you don’t cross and as an alternative bear proper. The following 5 miles alternates between mountaineering via thick forest paths and some quick slopes. After a river crossing by Lower Meadow Campsite, you’ll cross a log bridge and attain Royal Lake – the primary of the path’s main sights. Royal Lake is a reasonably place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Upper Basin Trail. This last part of the path is all alpine meadows and river crossings – plus a scenic waterfall in the space.
Royal Basin Trail is ideal for adventurous hikers with cheap health ranges. The numerous terrain retains the hike thrilling. You have to be up for something – be it utilizing a log crossing or determining an unclear route in the center of an alpine meadow.
Distance: 15.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation achieve: 1,159 meters Trailhead: Dungeness Trailhead
13. Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses might be essentially the most well-known of all of the hikes in Olympic National Park. If you want extra proof that Olympic National Park was the most effective nationwide parks in the US, this path is it. In reality, this quick hike is likely one of the finest hikes in the nation. You’ll stroll via lush forests lined in attribute, thick, inexperienced moss. The Hall of Mosses Trail is film-set worthy and is likely one of the most picturesque sections of the Hoh Rainforest.
The path begins by the customer heart, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to an attractive part of old-growth forest and flora. You’ll cross Taft Creek (well-known for Coho salmon) and wander alongside a small, weaving forest path. Make positive to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.
The Hall of Mosses is likely one of the finest issues to do in Olympic National Park, by no means thoughts simply the most effective Olympic National Park hikes. It ought to rank on the high of your must-hike listing when visiting the nationwide park.
Distance: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 24 meters Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
14. Staircase Rapids Loop
Staircase Rapids Loop is a brief path that follows the North Fork of the Skokomish River. Rapids are all the time an attractive sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a shiny blue, and the riverbanks are lined in inexperienced moss – creating a colourful, hanging distinction. The path runs alongside the rapids, with an old-growth forest and ferns on the opposite aspect. The mixture of rapids and forest is gorgeous and positively price bringing a digital camera to seize.
Start the hike by strolling the Staircase Rapids Nature Trail, taking a proper fork after a few mile. This path leads you to a suspension bridge (with implausible views down the river). You comply with the path on the junction to get again to Staircase Ranger Station.
Distance: 2.1 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 65 meters Trailhead: Staircase Ranger Station
15. Rialto Beach Trail
Have you heard of Rialto Beach? What concerning the Hole in the Wall? Well, the Rialto Beach Trail is likely one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park, and it combines the 2. The first part of the stroll covers the seaside itself, the place you’ll be able to spot the well-known sea stacks and peer into tide swimming pools as you hike. You’ll have to time your stroll with low tide, because the Hole in the Wall (the path endpoint) is barely accessible when the tide is low.
For those that don’t know, Hole in the Wall is an enormous gap in the center of an unlimited sea stack. Hikers can stroll via the outlet and discover its surrounding tide swimming pools for sea life. The Hole in the Wall was created by a volcanic eruption thousands and thousands of years in the past. It is a favourite pure attraction – particularly amongst photographers.
Allow round an hour to finish the Rialto Beach Trail to Hole in the Wall, plus a bit of longer to benefit from the fashionable attraction.
Distance: 3.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation achieve: 33 meters Trailhead: Rialto Beach Parking Area
16. Mount Storm King
Are you up for a problem? Mount Storm King Trail is likely one of the hardest however finest hikes in Olympic National Park. The Mount Storm King distance is deceptively low; don’t be fooled. You’ll want wonderful health (or numerous time) to finish the hike. The elevation achieve is unrelentless and fixed all through. There’s even a rope part for the reason that path will get that steep.
You’ll begin the hike on the Barnes Creek-Marymere Falls Trail, taking a left onto Storm King Trail at 0.6 miles. It is all uphill from there.
So, what makes this hike so unbelievable? In just a few phrases, the summit. You’ll have breathtaking views over Lake Crescent and the encompassing Olympic Mountains. Mount Storm King has the most effective viewpoints in the complete nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.
Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation achieve: 642 meters Trailhead: Mount Storm King Ranger Station
17. Moments in Time Trail
The Moments in Time Trail is essentially the most academic of our hikes in Olympic National Park. The quick stroll takes hikers on a fifteen-minute stroll via an space of lakeside forest, offering informative signposts alongside the best way. You’ll study Lake Crescent’s pure and cultural historical past, a uncommon alternative on most mountaineering trails. The Moments in Time Trail is right for households or aged hikers who need an immersive expertise with out bodily exertion.
Of course, there are viewpoints to get pleasure from as properly. Hikers will discover numerous little pebbled seashores alongside Lake Crescent’s shore – excellent for a cool-down dip. Don’t miss out on photograph alternatives right here, because the lake has stunning views.
Distance: 0.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 3 meters Trailhead: Lake Crescent Lodge
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet
If you might be in search of a backpacking journey in Olympic National Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll have to receive a Wilderness Permit beforehand, however will probably be price it to camp in the Enchanted Valley. Since the path is so well-maintained, it is a superb possibility for inexperienced persons who wish to dip their toes into multi-day mountaineering. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the space, as there may be minimal elevation achieve, and the route is completely untechnical.
The hike begins on E Fork Quinault River Trail, crossing Pony Bridge and quite a few streams. You’ll emerge in the guts of Enchanted Valley, proper by an previous disused chalet. The chalet was as soon as a hub for tourism and exploring the Olympic Mountains by horseback and on foot, so it’s considerably of a historic image in the Olympic National Park. You can arrange camp for the night time at one of many many campsites.
You can take many different routes from the Enchanted Valley, together with the Graves Creek Trail (that leads you to Graves Creek Campground) and the Anderson Moraine Trail. Don’t be afraid to spend just a few days tenting in the Enchanted Valley to benefit from the totally different day hikes.
Distance: 27 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation achieve: 989 meters Trailhead: E Fork Quinault River Trail
19. Sand Point Trail
Sand Point Trail is a coastal observe that runs via a beachside forest on a photogenic boardwalk. The boardwalk via the coastal rainforest is as stunning because the endpoint itself, so take your time and snap loads of footage. When you emerge onto the seaside, you’ll attain Sand Point – which has gorgeous ocean and seaside views. You can admire the ocean stacks, discover to seek out tide swimming pools or simply calm down on the designated campsite space.
Many folks select to increase the hike by venturing to the well-known petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks. Make positive to solely do that at low tide, and you’ll proceed previous the Wedding Rocks to loop again to the Ozette Coast Trailhead by way of the Cape Alava Trail if you want. Otherwise, simply deal with the hike as an out-and-back path. At 6.2 miles, it’s simply the most effective Olympic National Park hikes to finish in half a day.
Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation achieve: 104 meters Trailhead: Ozette Coast Trailhead
To Conclude
Visiting Olympic National Park is an unbelievable expertise, and these finest mountaineering trails are positive to make your go to much more spectacular. The Olympic Peninsula is filled with surprises, however one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park are positively our favourite.
Try out as many hikes as potential and have a implausible journey. For an additional particular expertise, try one of the best cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.