Olympic National Park is without doubt one of the most numerous nationwide parks within 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 in style.
The nationwide park is simply exterior Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer National Park. It is straightforward to entry on a day journey from Seattle and is without doubt 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the US and a incredible alternative. 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 surprising but tough hike in Olympic National Park. As you will have guessed, the path follows the Hoh River, but it surely additionally cuts by way of the Hoh Rainforest and passes wildlife like elk. At 34 miles in complete, 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 a number of further stops and snacks after you go the meadows.
If you’re finishing the hike as a day journey (no allow wanted), most individuals simply hike to Five Mile Island and again. Alternatively, you possibly can deal with the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you might have a tenting allow). Hoh River Trail is an out-and-back path, so simply keep in mind that nonetheless far you stroll, you’ll should 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 exquisite disused railway that cuts alongside a piece of Lake Crescent shores. Lake Crescent is a glacial lake surrounded by mountain peaks. It is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest within the Olympic National Park.
Lake Crescent Trail is a comparatively flat, family-friendly hike for these with older youngsters desirous to strive longer distances whereas sticking to simple path situations. You’ll cross the Devil’s Punchbowl bridge and hike alongside shaded forest trails with beautiful lakeside views. There are even a number of tunnels to chop by way of, which helps to maintain the hike diversified and thrilling.
You can entry Lake Crescent Trail by way of both East Beach Road or Camp David Junior Road. You’ll proceed to the Devil’s Punchbowl by way of 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 through Hurricane Ridge Trail
Looking for a brief however candy hike? Hurricane Ridge Trail is an excellent possibility and possibly probably the most accessible hike within the Olympic National Park. It is price noting that the path is usually known as ‘Hurricane Hill Trail’, and you should utilize the names interchangeably. The paved path is well-maintained, and the summit supplies panoramic views over the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island. You might even spot mountain goats alongside the way in which 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 short burst of elevation achieve shouldn’t trigger too many points. Hurricane Ridge Trail is appropriate for anybody with a reasonable health degree.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation achieve: 252 meters
- Trailhead: Hurricane Hill Parking Lot
4. Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles
If you’re an skilled hiker accustomed to scrambling and navigating unclear routes, it is best to strive the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Trail is just not for the faint-hearted, however those that love thrills will leap at this problem.
Klahhane Ridge is a surprising inexperienced strip with panoramic views over Olympic National Park. You’ll deal with 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 closing 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 whole 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 without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic National Park if you’d like minimal effort and most reward.
The 1.4-mile loop takes you straight by way of Hoh Rainforest, immersing you in a rainforest panorama with loads of old-growth timber and dense undergrowth. The path is greatest recognized for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen timber. The course of is ongoing, so that you’ll see the enormous 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 digicam is extra necessary than remembering a pair of climbing boots. Sure, it may get just a little muddy after moist climate, however in any other case, the path is without doubt one of the best in Olympic National Park. The Spruce Nature Trail distance makes it a straightforward addition to a busy day exploring the nationwide park and different climbing 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 through Deer Park
Obstruction Point is a surprising out-and-back path within 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 it is best to enable round six hours to finish the whole hike. It is difficult in sections, so contemplate bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy climbing boots.
We recommend ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as an alternative of Obstruction Point Trailhead resulting from 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 through Deer Park is without doubt one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – preferrred if you’d like a extra blissful hike in nature. It is just a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however an exquisite problem if you’re 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 very easy that it’s extra of a scenic stroll than a hike. The 0.4-mile path loop across the high of Blue Mountain supplies beautiful views over the nationwide park under. It is without doubt one of the shortest Olympic National Park hikes however one in all our favourite climbing trails. Not solely are the views beautiful, but in addition, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your manner up the mountain by way of dense forest on a slim stony monitor with no street rail in sections. You’ll should take your time to deal with the street safely, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty because the 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 searching for a straightforward hike. The path can also be situated simply exterior of Port Angeles, which is right for these basing themselves within the city and searching for a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Trail is pleasing and straightforward – a particular on 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 way in which. There is tons to see, from Sol Duc Falls to the Blue Glacier and (in fact) the attractive Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these climbing trails, the High Divide Trail supplies probably the most points of interest 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 – top-of-the-line viewpoints of the entire hike. From there, it’s a respectable again by way of thick forest to the Sol Duc Trailhead.
Fancy extending your expertise? Apply for a campers allow and keep the evening at Seven Lakes Basin. The area is unimaginable for stargazing, and a backpacking journey is all the time a bucket checklist expertise in Olympic National Park. Plus, that manner, you possibly can cut 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 without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic National Park. The path is comparatively quick and requires a reasonable health degree and primary climbing expertise. It will get its reputation from its unimaginable views, that are significantly stunning to expertise at dawn.
The snowcapped mountains within the distance are nearly all the time in full view, with the ridge simply above the tree line. The preliminary part of the hike is straightforward, and solely the steep switchbacks on the finish of the path give it a reasonable score. By this level, although, you’ll have daylight in your facet and (when you 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 within the Hurricane Ridge area. You can proceed on the path for a mile to achieve Klahhane Ridge – which has beautiful 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 within the High Divide Trail. But, when you don’t fancy the long-distance hike, you possibly can all the time simply hike to Sol Duc Falls. The mild stroll is gorgeous and the proper path to take pleasure in at a gradual tempo. You’ll be surrounded by photogenic surroundings, and you’ll benefit from the old-growth forest and wildlife relaxed 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 gorgeous 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 chill out with views over the falls. It falls nearly 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 without doubt one of the most stunning within the nationwide park. Plus, climbing 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 fowl music.
The hike is rated reasonable problem, and also you’ll want common health ranges and the boldness to deal with 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 3 hours. You begin the hike on the Upper Trailhead. The path endpoint is the Camp Handy shelter, the place you possibly can cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.
Upper Dungeness Trail to Handy Camp is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic National Park if you’d like a scenic half-day forest hike. It is straightforward to navigate and a comparatively simple hike – simply enable a bit longer when you 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 without doubt 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 search 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 climbing by way of 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 points of interest. Royal Lake is a reasonably place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Upper Basin Trail. This closing part of the path is all alpine meadows and river crossings – plus a scenic waterfall within the distance.
Royal Basin Trail is ideal for adventurous hikers with cheap health ranges. The numerous terrain retains the hike thrilling. You must be up for something – be it utilizing a log crossing or determining an unclear route in the course 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 probably the most well-known of all of the hikes in Olympic National Park. If you want extra proof that Olympic National Park was top-of-the-line nationwide parks within the US, this path is it. In reality, this quick hike is without doubt one of the greatest hikes within the nation. You’ll stroll by way of lush forests lined in attribute, thick, inexperienced moss. The Hall of Mosses Trail is film-set worthy and is without doubt one of the most picturesque sections of the Hoh Rainforest.
The path begins by the customer middle, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to an exquisite 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Olympic National Park, by no means thoughts simply top-of-the-line Olympic National Park hikes. It ought to rank on the high of your must-hike checklist 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 exquisite 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 facet. The mixture of rapids and forest is gorgeous and undoubtedly price bringing a digicam 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 incredible 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 within the Wall? Well, the Rialto Beach Trail is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic National Park, and it combines the 2. The first part of the stroll covers the seashore itself, the place you possibly can 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 within the Wall (the path endpoint) is simply accessible when the tide is low.
For those that don’t know, Hole within the Wall is an enormous gap in the course of an enormous sea stack. Hikers can stroll by way of the outlet and discover its surrounding tide swimming pools for sea life. The Hole within the Wall was created by a volcanic eruption hundreds of 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 within the Wall, plus just a little longer to benefit from the in style 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 without doubt one of the hardest however greatest 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 because the 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 unimaginable? In a number of phrases, the summit. You’ll have breathtaking views over Lake Crescent and the encompassing Olympic Mountains. Mount Storm King has top-of-the-line viewpoints in the whole 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 probably the most instructional of our hikes in Olympic National Park. The quick stroll takes hikers on a fifteen-minute stroll by way of an space of lakeside forest, offering informative signposts alongside the way in which. You’ll study Lake Crescent’s pure and cultural historical past, a uncommon alternative on most climbing 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 take pleasure in as effectively. 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’re searching for a backpacking journey in Olympic National Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll have to receive a Wilderness Permit beforehand, however it will likely be price it to camp within the Enchanted Valley. Since the path is so well-maintained, it is a superb possibility for newcomers who wish to dip their toes into multi-day climbing. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the space, as there’s 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 within the coronary heart 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 within the Olympic National Park. You can arrange camp for the evening 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 a number of days tenting within the Enchanted Valley to benefit from the completely 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 monitor that runs by way of a beachside forest on a photogenic boardwalk. The boardwalk by way of the coastal rainforest is as stunning because the endpoint itself, so take your time and snap loads of photos. When you emerge onto the seashore, you’ll attain Sand Point – which has beautiful ocean and seashore views. You can admire the ocean stacks, discover to search out tide swimming pools or simply chill out 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 through 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 top-of-the-line 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 unimaginable expertise, and these greatest climbing 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 undoubtedly our favourite.
Try out as many hikes as potential and have a incredible journey. For an additional particular expertise, try the greatest cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.