Hello everyone, I just recently moved to Seattle – constantly wowed by the vast array of outdoor opportunities in a place as beautiful and dynamic. I was a sucker for the idea of having mountains and national parks practically in my backyard. The move from Dallas, TX was an easy one and I jumped right back into outdoor activities like hiking my favorite trails and exploring the beautiful scenery. Everywhere I turned (before moving), Olympic National Park was getting rave reviews, but honestly, it just never clicked. I figured with Mount Rainier and the North Cascades all but around the corner, they must be more interesting to visit. After all, Olympic National Park’s peaks are not as tall in elevation as the ranges that surround it and I feared they might fall to flat on their faces.
Man, but I was so wrong! Not to mention, Olympic National Park is an interesting gem which has rainforests and beaches and the mountains plus: lakes and rivers waterfall spamming. It was astounding and the number of different terrains amazed me. With each visit feeling like a fresh expedition, the wildlife rich islands are any outdoor enthusiast favourites. With time I have learned to love the unique beauty it holds and after numerous visits. Here is my list of top hikes that you should partake on when visiting Olympic National Park. As always, I hope this inspires an adventure for you!
Where is Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park is on the aptly named Olympic Peninsula (west of Seattle). The park contains an extraordinary variety of environments, split into four major areas: the coastal strip, alpine sections, lush western rainforests and drier eastern aspects. With so much to see and do, the love of adventure becomes a bit contagious in different areas. This map shows where these myriad regions are found.
Port Angeles, at the northernmost tip of the peninsula and closest “city” to Olympic National Park. There are different accommodations and dining facilities available for visitors to choose from. It was about a 3 hour drive from Seattle to Port Angeles. The travel durations though, vary based on the section of park you plan to visit.
With regards to access, the park can be reached by ferry or road. From my base in Seattle, the travel times are about equal for both (and ferry is a bit more expensive – I’ve done it).
Essential Packing List for Olympic National Park Adventures
Sunscreen: My favorite one is from Josie Maran and if you have a husband who burns easily like mine, he will thank you for always having some on hand.
Hiking Boots/Shoes — You gotta save the tootsies! Tennis shoes are out when you can potentially stub your toes on rocks (looking at myself because I’ve done that more times than idc to admit).
Hiking Socks — The right socks can make all the difference in avoiding those blister angels from landing on your feet. And the red ones, haha)But I actually love my Smart Wool.
Hydroflask — I bring my Hydro every where with me — it’s a refillable water bottle. Very solid: unlike some of the cheap bottles I have had and which failed me.
Water: Hydrate – an absolute must-have for a successful hike.
Sunglasses: You need at least one to save your eyes on bright sunny days.
Snacks Being easy to carry & convenient, jerky nuts or and energy bars are trail classics.
Camera: I started out with the very friendly beginner-shaped Sony A6000 being a novice photographer at that time.
First Aid Kit: Always Ready This is why I should look after my first aid kit, as a life-saver on numerous occasions.
This seven year old REI day pack is still going strong
Leggings or Hiking Pants: I enjoy wearing leggings because they are extremely comfortable, but in the rainy Pacific Northwest where things can go south faster than a Hollywood ICU climate is concerned, durable hiking pants that dry quickly and protect against all weather elements available.
Cotton tees soak up your sweat and hold it close to you so adopting a breathable, moisture-wicking shirt is going improve comfort. Its breathable fabric keeps you dry and comfortable as well.
Sports Bra: Ladies Airdrie you know the drill.
The park can be cold so bring a jacket.
Light Jacket: Bring a lighter layer for those rainy days when the Pacific Northwest weather can’t make up its mind.
A Motorist Coat: A standard for every visit to Olympic rain might present itself when you minimum expect it.
Tripod (optional): great for taking sunset photos of your adventures!
Fire Starter and Matches: In case.
Compass: always good to have a compass on hand.
Knife, just in case you never know when it could be needed.
A Headlamp: Avoid Getting Caught in the Dark Bring a headlamp if you may be out later than anticipated.
America The Beautiful Pass: A super good deal if you hike a lot.
A map is neccesary for help navigating the park.
Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
Now, before we get into my suggestions, a few notes: Olympic National Park is huge and traveling between locations (like Port Angeles to the coast) can take hours. There are a few nearby quaint little towns with bed and breakfasts. On that note, here are two must-visit lodging options — both in Port Angeles.
Olympic Lodge: I stayed at Olympic Lodge for a weekend and, though far from 5-star luxury, The lighting is past due for a face lift, but over all this the top choice on The Peninsula especially because getting to Hurricane Ridge will take much of your time.
Sea Cliff Gardens: Another cozy option, Sea Cliffs Garden Bed and Breakfast is perfect for those seeking a quieter place. It’s located on a cliff, the view is amazing!! Lovely breakfast, scenery and hosts!
Olympic National Park Camping
South of Port Angeles only Kalaloch and Sol Duc (summer reservations) campgrounds take reservations. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served (cash or checks only). It also offers a special kind of an adventure which is beach camping. Since it falls under the guise of backcountry camping be sure to call ahead for your spot and permit at a ranger station.
Olympic National Park Weather
Spring: Temperatures range from cool to mild, and the weather can be unpredictable. Despite the variability, this is the second most popular time to visit.
Summer: The ideal time for hiking, with mild to warm temperatures, but also the most crowded season. Rain and occasional thunderstorms are possible.
Fall: Temperatures start to drop, and rainfall increases. While fewer people visit during this time, it’s still a great time for hiking.
Winter: Expect the highest precipitation levels, with plenty of snow on the trails. This is the least crowded time to visit the park.
Top Hikes in Olympic National Park
Northern Olympic National Park
1. Hurricane Hill
Length: 3.4 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 826 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Families
If you want a perfect family hike, consider Hurricane Hill. The trail has views all along, goes from easy to a tad harder towards the end with the climb. Incredible mountain views — and the occasional view of the ocean in the distance, too.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (For those who prefer a more relaxed and slower-paced way) The views out here are stunning and provide the perfect shot to frame a dawn or dusk moment.
2. Sunrise Point Trail
Length: 0.9 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 219 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
This trail has two different opportunities. The initial is by the Sunrise Point realm, and it would be a decent trail for somebody strolling with family or that desires to walk on to something somewhat peaceful. As its name suggests, it is a perfect place for watching stunning sunrises. There is a short, steep climb on the trail but it should not be too difficult if you take your time.
If your opponent is an energizer bunny, you can extend the hike by adding Klahhane Ridge trail just down (more on that one here)–a route not recommended for new hikers with lots of mileage and steep elevation gains.
3. Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles
Length: 5.5 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 2,017 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Hikers
I did most of the Klahhane Ridge Trail but, with snow still in evidence, I finally had to surrender. Fair warning that the trail is super skinny and I had a little vertigo for sure—first time on any hike at all. For this reason I do not advise it to beginners, nor for children even in winter.
Admittedly, it was the hardest hike I had ever done but also absolutely worth doing. Although the panoramic views made it totally worth a quick pass through, and there were definitely less people than on Hurricane Hill Trail.
4. Sol Duc Falls Trail
Length: 1.6 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 226 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Sol Duc Falls Trail is one of the Park’s most family friendly and easy day hike. If you’re an experienced hiker, perhaps combine this with the High Divide trail because Sol Duc Falls is a beautiful way to start.
I have done this trail multiple times both in the early morning and also later around 6:30pm, I would definitely return earlier. Soft sunlight picks up the life in he rain forest, and the vibrant greens become even more intense. It is indeed a quiet time to savor the ambianceish.
5. Marymere Falls
Length: 1.7 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 298 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Ready To Add Marymere Falls Into Your Trip Itinerary while going to hike Mount Storm King? This is a quick and easy hike — perfect for someone looking for an easier trail or who simply wants to see one more waterfall that day after hiking the much harder Mount Storm King Trail. But expect to see some visitors, Marymere Falls can get crowded compared to the more difficult and sometimes desolate trails nearby.
6. Mount Storm King
Length: 4.1 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 2,106 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Hikers
For me, Mount Storm King would be the hike to relive if I had any desire. This trek is strenuous but, veryintimidating and excitinginteropportunity. No joke — you use ropes to climb a nearly cliff-face-like section of trail with serious elevation gain. The scramble to traverse through the upper cliffs can be somewhat challenging, but well worth it as you crest over ridges and enjoy stunning views down onto Lake Crescent.
Great for Boot Camp trail with a payoff view. That being said, I seriously would not suggest doing this if heights make you uncomfortable. The angle of the trail and for those not confident, descending down again can be quite frightening.
Sunsets on top are beautiful but be careful coming down in the dark you will need a headlamp for safety and it is always a good idea to carry one when hiking.
7. High Divide – 7 Lakes Basin
Length: 19.1 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 5,387 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Hikers
Ah, the High Divide. This is it, the trail to nowhere. Is easy as this sounds, I only recommend to those who have previous experience hiking of backpacking because it is more than what you expecticky. We determined to backpack it, however even then residents instructed us it changed into hard. We have done this as a day trip twice, and if I were to do it again, we would camp overnight for one or two nights (you can nore reservations except at Heart Lake) so that the 50 miles are started on fresher legs!
There were many day hikers on the trail, so you have to be quick and efficient. I would highly recommend this trek, if you are going then amazing views and a dazzling setting to walk in 🙂 For those intimidated by the full loop, there are plenty of shorter day hikes to Deer Lake or Sol Duc Falls as well.
8. Spruce Railroad Trail
Length: 11.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 410 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
So many of the best hikes in Olympic National Park are perfected when it’s raining and while Spruce Railroad Trail isn’t one that needs clouds to make it amazing, this area is perfect for grey parks. That summer we decided to camp and it rained all weekend. Thankfully, the downpour was manageable on this trail and one of the few in which dogs are permitted. The only thing to be wary of is the bikers cruising down that trail.
At the very least, make sure you swing by through Devil’s Punchbowl for a scenic photo op. I would love to come back on a sunny day, I think it looks like the best spot for a summer beach swim!
9. Lake Angeles
Length: 8.0 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 2,486 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Hikers
When all is said and done Lake Angeles is actually one of Olympic National Park’s best-kept secrets. I find it surprising that I had never even heard of this trail until after living in Washington for almost two years! If you’re dreaming of a hidden, blue green lake characteristic of the Pacific Northwest this is it!
If you want to prolong your adventure, backpacking up the lake is an option that does require a permit. This trail provides a good challenge for in experienced hikers looking to get off the beaten path.
Pacific Coastline
10. Ruby Beach
Length: 1.1 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 50 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
All time favorite spot on the Pacific Coast in Olympic National Park is Ruby Beach. Part of what I enjoy about Lundibly the beach is because it´s one of very few beaches that allows dogs. Because the sea stack that towers vertically from the sand is a jaw-dropping thing to see, and for me has never gotten old. Walking along the shore or taking note of its natural beauty, this beach will certainly make a lasting memory.
11. Shi Shi Beach
Length: 8.8 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 561 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Advanced Hikers
Shi Shi Beach is one of the best backpacking trips in Olympic National Park. This secluded beach provides epic sights of sky-highest sea stacks, rich birds and bushels of huge parts of wood beached both on the seaside and in water. The trail can be slippery when wet so wear good hiking shoes. To get back there you will need a Makah Recreation Pass and an Olympic National Park wilderness permit. However, for the most seasoned adventurers it pays off and is so worth while once you get to that beautiful secluded beach.
12. Cape Flattery
Length: 1.2 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 229 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
perfect for anyone who wants to find beautiful blue waters, towering sea cliffs and huge arched rocks. This hike, located at the absolute northwesternmost tip of the lower 48 states is a quick and easy boardwalk that young families cant miss. Parking permit required and are available at one of two locations: Washburn’s General Store or The Makah Museum. A beautiful short scenic trail and a great place to enjoy some of rugged coastal beauty.
13. Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
Length: 3.3 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 108 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Looking for some of that iconic Pacific Northwest scenery? This overgrown trail provides great looks at sea stacks, good wildlife, and tidal flotsam—you’ve got a photogenic contender here especially come sunset. The track is flat and easy but there’s a little rock climb at times if you want to get up higher for a better view of the sea stacks. Don’t forget to look at the tide charts though, as Hole in the Wall is only accessible during low tide!
14. Second Beach
Length: 2.1 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 278 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Throw in the offer for great beach camping, and Second Beach is sold! I wish for good weather had a different experience but I felt like Soave was still magic in the rain. We made camp, unzipped the rainfly and drank rose sitting next to one another when we looked up at those massive stack rocks (and it started raining without letting up).
If you want to have a chill day with your family or friends, Second Beach is ideal. It has that gloomy Pacific Northwest vibe and looks good no matter what the weather! Many others were also reclining in the same way, taking refuge from life and drinking it all in.
The hike is really easy and beautiful going through a tropical rainforest, across enormous driftwood to the gorgeous ocean front. College Hospits is perfect to unwind and be with nature.
15. Third Beach
Length: 5.3 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 853 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Experienced Hikers
Third Beach will give you the same hiking of Second beach, only more miles over hills and on other beaches. South of Second Beach, this pathway winds through dense forest and out on to a stretch of driftwood-laden beach. You can also camp on the beach–it is a great backpacking destination, just be sure to have all of your permits in place if you plan to do so. Third Beach, with a little more privacy than the beach of its northern sibling for campsites or daysoaking habitat.
Hoh Forest Trails
16. Hall of Mosses – Hoh River Trail
Length: 1.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 78 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
The Hall of Mosses is one the most iconic and popular hikes in Olympic National Park for good reason. This trail takes you into a magical forest that would belong in any Dr. Seuss book! This is a short hike and can be done any time of year, in the rain or shine. The all-the-time drizzle only helps, as the green mossy trees spring to life when wet. A great option for a family or to experience the magic if Hoh Rainforest.
Quinault River Trails
17. Enchanted Valley – East Fork Quinault River Trail
Length: 27 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 3,244 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Backpackers
Technically this is more of a backpacking route than an actual hike, but I had to list it because by far it’s my favourite Olympic National Park experience. I mean, it was a tough challenge and I did have moments of feeling absolutely drained (my fitness wasn’t at its best then) But, the stunning views at the end worth it all and I quickly fell in love with backpacking to get away from people. The added bonus? Seeing black bears on the trail
I mention this trail as another one if I cannot or am not allowed to continue further; it is a convenient spot for many hikers on dayhikes headed only the few miles here and back out after seeing Pony Bridge, which is also more broadly considered #1 great lunch break along the whole route early in their hikes. Pony Bridge is beautiful, but it’s really meant to be taken in along the full trip out to Enchanted Valley rather than as a destination hike. Make it to the trailhead is a remote endeavor so I suggest this adventure for those who really want that backpacking experience.
18. Staircase Area: Mount Ellinor
Length: 5.9 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 3,398 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Experienced Hikers
There are two trailheads that will take you trekking to the summit of Mt. Ellinor: one is upper, and the other lower I wanted to do some things at home so I decided on the upper trailhead since it is much shorter. At the loop, you can choose to either follow the summer track or winter—I accepted with summer.
I did this hike just yesterday and I will tell you it’s a steep uphill climb! THE 3.2-MILE course might not sound like a lot, but believe me, it is! The pants were a huge hit, with sweat beginning to pour down the legs of clearly struggling hikers. After having done the High Divide hike just a weekend ago as well, I wasn’t too bad but definitely feeling it this morning!
I saw families on the trail, but it is a recommend for those who hike already since the elevation gain was very high and difficult even kids.
19. Staircase Rapids Loop Trail
Length: 2.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 213 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Staircase Rapids Loop One of my favorite rainy day hikes is the Staircase rapids loop. It is one of the most picturesque 2.1-mile stretches you will ever traverse, but it feels like a grand adventure every time! I especially love this trail in the fog or cool weather, as it is striking no matter what.
For most, myself included the bridge that crosses this river is generally what pulls you here. The water below you is an iridescent green-blue that contrasts vividly with the sable forest across the valley and defining great photographic opportunities. This really is a fantastic family-friendly walk no matter the weather.
20. Lower Lena Lake
Length: 7.0 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 1,630 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Experienced Hikers
I get it the 14-mile round trip to Upper Lena Lake might make you not want to go, but hear me out. Two segments make up the trail: Lower Lena Lake, a relatively easy out and back 7 miles round trip and rated as moderate; Upper Lena Lake adds the remaining seven. The longer hike is a little bit of an undertaking and if you plan to do the entire trail, I suggest backpacking it rather than attempting all 91 miles in one day.
One note, I should also say that Lower Lena Lake is in the National Forest while Upper Lena Lake sits within a national park.
No matter which way you go, expect a truly delightful experience. Both trails are equally visually stunning, featuring trees wrapped in moss and dreamy creek crossings. It will be a worthwhile effort as these lakes offer you tranquility in the lap of nature.
21. Spruce Nature Trail
Length: 1.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 16 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
The Spruce Nature Trail is a good option if you enjoyed the Hall of Mosses but wanted to do something more. This simple track will take you through lush overgrown trees in the forest and even passes a beautiful river! — but wait, got more!! This trail overlooks to am assuring pond under that small lovely bridge. This family-friendly hike is a gentle and picturesque addition to your Olympic National Park adventure.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
I hope this guide helps you on your adventures in Olympic National Park hiking trails. With countless great experiences to be had, I hope that this has helped you narrow down the possibilities for your trip. This park has adventure around every corner and I am certain that any trail you choose will leave with wonderful memories.
