19 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park For 2023

Olympic National Park is likely one of the most numerous nationwide parks in the US. With practically one million acres of land to discover, you’ll discover old-growth forests, the Olympic Mountains, and alpine lakes. No marvel Olympic National Park hikes are so in style.

The nationwide park is simply outdoors 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 greatest locations to go to in the US and a unbelievable 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’ll have guessed, the path follows the Hoh River, nevertheless it additionally cuts by the Hoh Rainforest and passes wildlife like elk. At 34 miles in complete, the Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is usually 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 simply’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 may 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 acquire: 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 a gorgeous 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 youngsters desirous to strive 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 a number of tunnels to chop by, which helps to maintain the hike various and thrilling.

You can entry Lake Crescent Trail by both East Beach Road or Camp David Junior Road. You’ll proceed to the Devil’s Punchbowl by 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 need to swim.

Distance: 11.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation acquire: 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 choice and possibly essentially the most accessible hike in the Olympic National Park. It is value noting that the path is typically known as ‘Hurricane Hill Trail’, and you should use 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 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 fast burst of elevation acquire 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 acquire: 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’s best to strive the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Trail will not be 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 unfastened scree, sudden elevation acquire, and unmarked switchbacks.

Take your time on this ultimate part, as it’s the difficult a part of an in any other case reasonable hike. You’ll be vastly rewarded on the Mount Angeles summit with 360-degree views over the encircling nationwide park and mountain peaks. Lap up the sights, as you’ll have earned them tenfold over. The total hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.

Distance: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation acquire: 615 meters Trailhead: Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

5. Spruce Nature Trail

Is a brief, scenic stroll extra your type than tackling mountain slopes? Spruce Nature Trail is likely 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 Hoh Rainforest, immersing you in a rainforest panorama with loads of old-growth bushes and dense undergrowth. The path is greatest recognized for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen bushes. The course of is ongoing, so that you’ll see the enormous centuries-old bushes now lined in good rows and the tiny younger bushes simply beginning out.

Spruce Nature Trail is a hike the place remembering your digital camera is extra essential than remembering a pair of climbing boots. Sure, it may well get slightly 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 climbing trails. Definitely make time to squeeze it in.

Distance: 1.4 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation acquire: 5 meters Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Center

6. Obstruction Point by way of Deer Park

Obstruction Point is a surprising out-and-back path in the Hurricane Ridge space. You can anticipate spectacular views of Mount Olympus and the encircling mountain peaks. At 13.9 miles, this path is ideal for a day journey, and it’s best to permit round six hours to finish the whole hike. It is difficult in sections, so think about bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy climbing boots.

We counsel ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as a substitute of Obstruction Point Trailhead on account 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 – supreme if you’d like a extra blissful hike in nature. It is slightly trickier than Klahhane Ridge however a gorgeous problem in case you are up for it.

Distance: 13.9 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation acquire: 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 gives beautiful views over the nationwide park beneath. It is likely one of the shortest Olympic National Park hikes however one among our favourite climbing trails. Not solely are the views gorgeous, but additionally, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your manner up the mountain by dense forest on a slim stony monitor with no street rail in sections. You’ll need to take your time to deal with the street safely, however that shouldn’t be a problem 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 may 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 good size for these in a rush or households searching for a simple hike. The path can also be positioned simply outdoors of Port Angeles, which is good for these basing themselves in the city and searching for a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Trail is pleasing and simple – a particular to your Olympic National Park itinerary.

Distance: 0.4 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation acquire: 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 mean 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 (after all) the gorgeous Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these climbing trails, the High Divide Trail gives essentially the most sights en route, so if you wish to pack lots into the identical path, it is a superb choice.

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 acquire and head uphill, breaking the tree line and recognizing stunning views of the encircling mountains. Next up is a hanging ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – among the best viewpoints of the entire hike. From there, it’s a respectable again by 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 unimaginable for stargazing, and a backpacking journey is all the time a bucket listing expertise in Olympic National Park. Plus, that manner, you possibly can break up the 19 miles over two days.

Distance: 19 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation acquire: 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 greatest hikes in Olympic National Park. The path is comparatively quick and requires a reasonable health degree and fundamental climbing expertise. It will get its reputation from its unimaginable views, that are notably stunning to expertise at dawn.

The snowcapped mountains in the gap are nearly 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 (in case you packed breakfast) a full abdomen.

You’ll discover the Sunrise Ridge Trailhead simply previous the Hurricane Ridge Visitor’s Center. It is definitely 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 acquire: 623 meters Trailhead: Sunrise Ridge Trailhead

10. Sol Duc Falls

We’ve already briefly coated Sol Duc Falls in the High Divide Trail. But, in case 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 right path to get pleasure from at a gradual tempo. You’ll be surrounded by photogenic surroundings, and you may 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 beautiful to see up shut; the three-pronged waterfall usually creates rainbows in its spray. You can sit on the picket 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 acquire: 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, climbing Upper Dungeness Trail is an effective way to expertise one of many park’s Douglas fir forests. Some bushes 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 chook tune.

The hike is rated reasonable issue, and also you’ll want common health ranges and the arrogance to deal with a river crossing. At 6.5 miles, the out-and-back path isn’t too tiring, and you may 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 likely one of the greatest hikes in Olympic National Park if you’d like a scenic half-day forest hike. It is simple to navigate and a comparatively simple hike – simply permit a bit longer in case you doubt your health.

Distance: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation acquire: 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 need a style of distant magnificence, the Royal Basin Trail is the right 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 a substitute bear proper. The following 5 miles alternates between climbing by 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 fairly place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Upper Basin Trail. This ultimate part of the path is all alpine meadows and river crossings – plus a scenic waterfall in the gap.

Royal Basin Trail is ideal for adventurous hikers with cheap health ranges. The numerous terrain retains the hike thrilling. You should 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 acquire: 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 among the best nationwide parks in the US, this path is it. In truth, this quick hike is likely one of the greatest hikes in the nation. You’ll stroll by lush forests coated 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 middle, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to a gorgeous 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 greatest issues to do in Olympic National Park, by no means thoughts simply among the best 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 acquire: 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 a gorgeous sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a vibrant blue, and the riverbanks are coated 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 value bringing a digital camera to seize.

Start the hike by strolling the Staircase Rapids Nature Trail, taking a proper fork after a couple of mile. This path leads you to a suspension bridge (with unbelievable 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 acquire: 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 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 must time your stroll with low tide, because the Hole in the Wall (the path endpoint) is simply accessible when the tide is low.

For those that don’t know, Hole in the Wall is a large gap in the center of an enormous sea stack. Hikers can stroll by 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 slightly longer to benefit from the in style attraction.

Distance: 3.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation acquire: 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 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 acquire 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 encircling Olympic Mountains. Mount Storm King has among the best viewpoints in the whole nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.

Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation acquire: 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 by 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 good 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 – good for a cool-down dip. Don’t miss out on picture alternatives right here, because the lake has stunning views.

Distance: 0.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation acquire: 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 must get hold of a Wilderness Permit beforehand, however it will likely be value it to camp in the Enchanted Valley. Since the path is so well-maintained, it is a superb choice for novices who need to dip their toes into multi-day climbing. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the gap, as there’s minimal elevation acquire, 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 a number of days tenting in the Enchanted Valley to benefit from the completely different day hikes.

Distance: 27 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation acquire: 989 meters Trailhead: E Fork Quinault River Trail

19. Sand Point Trail

Sand Point Trail is a coastal monitor that runs by a beachside forest on a photogenic boardwalk. The boardwalk by the coastal rainforest is as stunning because the endpoint itself, so take your time and snap loads of footage. When you emerge onto the seashore, you’ll attain Sand Point – which has gorgeous 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 may 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 among the best Olympic National Park hikes to finish in half a day.

Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation acquire: 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 stuffed with surprises, however one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park are positively our favourite.

Try out as many hikes as attainable and have a unbelievable journey. For an additional particular expertise, try one of the best cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.