Olympic National Park is without doubt one of the most numerous nationwide parks in the US. With almost 1,000,000 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 widespread.
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 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 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 surprising but troublesome hike in Olympic National Park. As you will have guessed, the path follows the Hoh River, nevertheless it additionally cuts by way of 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 numerous campsites and Five Mile Island, a hotspot for elk recognizing. After, it turns into a bit steeper, so plan just a few additional 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’ll be able to sort out the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you’ve gotten a tenting allow). Hoh River Trail is an out-and-back path, so simply do not forget that nevertheless far you stroll, you’ll must 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 a gorgeous disused railway that cuts alongside a bit 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 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 straightforward path circumstances. You’ll cross the Devil’s Punchbowl bridge and hike alongside shaded forest trails with beautiful lakeside views. There are even just a few tunnels to chop by way of, which helps to maintain the hike different 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 need 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 a superb choice and possibly probably the most accessible hike in the Olympic National Park. It is price noting that the path is usually known as ‘Hurricane Hill Trail’, and you need to 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 could 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 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, you must strive the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Trail isn’t 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 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 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 fashion than tackling mountain slopes? Spruce Nature Trail is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park in order for you 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 bushes and dense undergrowth. The path is finest recognized for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen bushes. The course of is ongoing, so that you’ll see the large 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 mountaineering boots. Sure, it may well get somewhat 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 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 surprising out-and-back path in the Hurricane Ridge space. You can anticipate spectacular views of Mount Olympus and the encompassing mountain peaks. At 13.9 miles, this path is ideal for a day journey, and you must enable round six hours to finish your entire hike. It is difficult in sections, so think about bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy mountaineering boots.
We recommend ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as a substitute of Obstruction Point Trailhead because 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 attractive mountain views.
Hiking the Obstruction Point Trail by way of Deer Park is without doubt one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – preferrred in order for you a extra blissful hike in nature. It is somewhat trickier than Klahhane Ridge however a gorgeous 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 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 attractive views over the nationwide park under. It is without doubt one of the shortest Olympic National Park hikes however considered one of our favourite mountaineering trails. Not solely are the views beautiful, but in addition, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your means up the mountain by way of dense forest on a slim stony observe with no highway rail in sections. You’ll must take your time to sort out the highway 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 filled with 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 be positioned simply exterior of Port Angeles, which is right for these basing themselves in the city and searching for a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Trail is pleasant and straightforward – a particular in 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 plenty of 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 (after all) the gorgeous Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these mountaineering trails, the High Divide Trail gives probably the most points of interest en route, so if you wish to pack rather a lot 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 succeed in Deer Lake. At Deer Lake, you’ll discover a sudden elevation achieve and head uphill, breaking the tree line and recognizing lovely views of the encompassing mountains. Next up is a placing ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – the most effective 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 listing expertise in Olympic National Park. Plus, that means, you’ll be able to 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 finest hikes in Olympic National Park. The path is comparatively quick and requires a reasonable health degree and fundamental mountaineering expertise. It will get its recognition from its unimaginable views, that are significantly lovely 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 (for those who 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 succeed in 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 coated Sol Duc Falls in the High Divide Trail. But, for those who 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 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 typically creates rainbows in its spray. You can sit on the wood platform on the endpoint to loosen up 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 lovely in the nationwide park. Plus, mountaineering Upper Dungeness Trail is a good 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 ground. All the whereas, the Dungeness River rages beside you – attracting wildlife and chook track.
The hike is rated reasonable issue, and also you’ll want common health ranges and the boldness 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 3 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 without doubt one of the finest hikes in Olympic National Park in order for you a scenic half-day forest hike. It is simple to navigate and a comparatively straightforward hike – simply enable a bit longer for those who 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 plenty of peaks and alpine lakes and tarns to admire. If you need 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 a substitute bear proper. The following 5 miles alternates between mountaineering 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 succeed in Upper Basin Trail. This last 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 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 probably 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 without doubt one of the finest hikes in the nation. You’ll stroll by way of lush forests coated 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 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 certain to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.
The Hall of Mosses is without doubt 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 a gorgeous sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a brilliant blue, and the riverbanks are coated in inexperienced moss – creating a colourful, placing 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 undoubtedly price 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 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 without doubt 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 just 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 by way of 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 somewhat longer to benefit from the widespread 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 finest hikes in Olympic National Park. The Mount Storm King distance is deceptively low; don’t be fooled. You’ll want wonderful health (or plenty of 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 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 your entire 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 academic 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 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 nicely. Hikers will discover plenty of little pebbled seashores alongside Lake Crescent’s shore – good for a cool-down dip. Don’t miss out on photograph alternatives right here, because the lake has lovely 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 is going to be price it to camp in the Enchanted Valley. Since the path is so well-maintained, it is a superb choice for inexperienced persons who need to dip their toes into multi-day mountaineering. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the gap, 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 center of Enchanted Valley, proper by an outdated 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 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 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 by way of a beachside forest on a photogenic boardwalk. The boardwalk by way of the coastal rainforest is as lovely 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 beautiful ocean and seaside views. You can admire the ocean stacks, discover to seek out tide swimming pools or simply loosen up on the designated campsite space.
Many folks select to increase the hike by venturing to the well-known petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks. Make certain 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 unimaginable expertise, and these finest mountaineering trails are certain 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 undoubtedly 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.
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