Olympic Nationwide Park is among the most various nationwide parks within 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 Nationwide Park hikes are so in style.
The nationwide park is simply exterior Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer National Park. It’s simple to entry on a day journey from Seattle and is among the most handy nationwide parks to go to on a metropolis break.
High Hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park
Trying to go to Olympic Nationwide Park? It is among the best places to visit in the US and a unbelievable selection. This information will cowl the easiest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park – from following the Hoh River to strolling the Corridor of Mosses. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Hoh River Path to Blue Glacier
The Hoh River Path is a surprising but troublesome hike in Olympic Nationwide Park. As you could 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 Path to Blue Glacier is usually accomplished in sections or as a multi-day backpacking journey.
So, the place to start? Hoh Rain Forest Customer Middle. It’s 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. Till you attain Glacier Meadows, the path is flat and closely wooded. You’ll cross numerous campsites and 5 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 cross the meadows.
In case you are finishing the hike as a day journey (no allow wanted), most individuals simply hike to 5 Mile Island and again. Alternatively, you may sort out the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you may have a tenting allow). Hoh River Path is an out-and-back path, so simply keep in mind that nevertheless far you stroll, you’ll need to retrace your steps once more.
- Distance: 34 miles one-way
- Problem: Exhausting
- Elevation achieve: 1,837 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Customer Middle
2. Lake Crescent By way of Spruce Railroad Path
Lake Crescent Path is also called the ‘Spruce Railroad Path’ and is a fantastic disused railway that cuts alongside a piece of Lake Crescent shores. Lake Crescent is a glacial lake surrounded by mountain peaks. It is among the hottest points of interest within the Olympic Nationwide Park.
Lake Crescent Path is a comparatively flat, family-friendly hike for these with older kids eager to strive longer distances whereas sticking to simple path situations. You’ll cross the Satan’s Punchbowl bridge and hike alongside shaded forest trails with gorgeous lakeside views. There are even just a few tunnels to chop by way of, which helps to maintain the hike different and thrilling.
You may entry Lake Crescent Path by way of both East Seashore Street or Camp David Junior Street. You’ll proceed to the Satan’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. Enable about three to 4 hours to finish the route, plus longer if you need to swim.
- Distance: 11.2 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 125 meters
- Trailhead: Spruce Railroad Trailhead
3. Hurricane Hill by way of Hurricane Ridge Path
Searching for a brief however candy hike? Hurricane Ridge Path is an excellent choice and doubtless probably the most accessible hike within the Olympic Nationwide Park. It’s value noting that the path is typically known as ‘Hurricane Hill Path’, 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. Chances are you’ll even spot mountain goats alongside the best way as an additional bonus.
To entry the trailhead, drive alongside Hurricane Ridge Street. You’ll cross Hurricane Ridge Customer Middle (a spot to cease and ask the Nationwide 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 Path is appropriate for anybody with a reasonable health degree.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 252 meters
- Trailhead: Hurricane Hill Parking Lot
4. Klahhane Ridge Path to Mount Angeles
In case you are an skilled hiker accustomed to scrambling and navigating unclear routes, you need to strive the Klahhane Ridge Path to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Path 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 Nationwide 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 unfastened scree, sudden elevation achieve, and unmarked switchbacks.
Take your time on this remaining part, as it’s the difficult a part of an in any other case reasonable hike. You’ll be enormously 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. Your complete hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 615 meters
- Trailhead: Hurricane Ridge Customer Middle
5. Spruce Nature Path
Is a brief, scenic stroll extra your model than tackling mountain slopes? Spruce Nature Path is among the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park if you need 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 finest recognized for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen timber. The method is ongoing, so that you’ll see the large centuries-old timber now lined in good rows and the tiny younger timber simply beginning out.
Spruce Nature Path is a hike the place remembering your digital camera is extra necessary than remembering a pair of mountaineering boots. Certain, it may get a bit muddy after moist climate, however in any other case, the path is among the best in Olympic Nationwide Park. The Spruce Nature Path distance makes it a straightforward addition to a busy day exploring the nationwide park and different mountaineering trails. Positively make time to squeeze it in.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 5 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Middle
6. Obstruction Level by way of Deer Park
Obstruction Level is a surprising out-and-back path within the Hurricane Ridge space. You may count on spectacular views of Mount Olympus and the encircling mountain peaks. At 13.9 miles, this path is ideal for a day journey, and you need to enable round six hours to finish your complete hike. It’s 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 an alternative of Obstruction Level Trailhead resulting from frequent closures at Hurricane Hill. The primary few miles alongside this path take you thru thick woodland, after which you emerge onto the ridge and are greeted by beautiful mountain views.
Climbing the Obstruction Level Path by way of Deer Park is among the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – ideally suited if you need a extra blissful hike in nature. It’s a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however a fantastic problem in case you are up for it.
- Distance: 13.9 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 989 meters
- Trailhead: Deer Park Trailhead
7. Blue Mountain Path
Blue Mountain Path 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 among the shortest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes however one in every of our favourite mountaineering trails. Not solely are the views gorgeous, but additionally, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your method up the mountain by way of dense forest on a slim stony observe with no street rail in sections. You’ll need to take your time to sort out the street safely, however that shouldn’t be a problem because the drive is so scenic.
When you attain Deer Park Campground, take a left flip on the fork and proceed up the hill for one more couple of miles. You’ll attain the Blue Mountain Trailhead right here, and you may benefit from the fifteen-minute hike across the summit. Maintain your eyes peeled for deer, rabbits, and bears.
Blue Mountain Path is full of nature, not simply views, and it’s the good size for these in a rush or households in search of a straightforward hike. The path can also be positioned simply exterior of Port Angeles, which is right for these basing themselves within the city and in search of a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Path is pleasing and simple – a particular on your Olympic Nationwide Park itinerary.
- Distance: 0.4 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 40 meters
- Trailhead: Blue Mountain Trailhead
8. Excessive Divide Path
The Excessive Divide Path is also called the ‘Excessive 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 a number of refreshments. Fortunately, you’ll keep impressed and motivated alongside the best way. There’s tons to see, from Sol Duc Falls to the Blue Glacier and (in fact) the attractive Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these mountaineering trails, the Excessive Divide Path gives probably the most points of interest en route, so if you wish to pack so much into the identical path, it is a wonderful 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 encircling mountains. Subsequent up is a placing ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – probably the greatest viewpoints of the entire hike. From there, it’s a first rate again by way of 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 at all times a bucket record expertise in Olympic Nationwide Park. Plus, that method, you may break up the 19 miles over two days.
- Distance: 19 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 1,642 meters
- Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
9. Dawn Ridge Path
Searching for a dawn hike? Dawn Ridge Path (aka Dawn Level Path) is among the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide 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 within the distance are virtually at all times 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 aspect and (in case you packed breakfast) a full abdomen.
You’ll discover the Dawn Ridge Trailhead simply previous the Hurricane Ridge Customer’s Middle. It’s simply mixed with different ridges within the Hurricane Ridge area. You may proceed on the path for a mile to succeed in Klahhane Ridge – which has gorgeous views of Mount Angeles.
- Distance: 6.9 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation achieve: 623 meters
- Trailhead: Dawn Ridge Trailhead
10. Sol Duc Falls
We’ve already briefly coated Sol Duc Falls within the Excessive Divide Path. However, in case you don’t fancy the long-distance hike, you may at all times simply hike to Sol Duc Falls. The mild stroll is gorgeous and the proper path to take pleasure in at a sluggish tempo. You’ll be surrounded by photogenic surroundings, and you may benefit from the old-growth forest and wildlife comfy with out having to march off on a 19-mile hike. As an alternative, 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 may sit on the picket platform on the endpoint to chill out with views over the falls. It falls virtually fifteen meters – fairly the sight to behold.
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 69 meters
- Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
11. Higher Dungeness Path to Useful Camp
Prepared for one more riverside hike? Dungeness River is among the most lovely within the nationwide park. Plus, mountaineering Higher Dungeness Path 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 of the whereas, the Dungeness River rages beside you – attracting wildlife and chicken tune.
The hike is rated reasonable problem, and also you’ll want common health ranges and the arrogance to sort out a river crossing. At 6.5 miles, the out-and-back path isn’t too tiring, and you may simply full the hike in two to 3 hours. You begin the hike on the Higher Trailhead. The path endpoint is the Camp Useful shelter, the place you may cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.
Higher Dungeness Path to Useful Camp is among the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park if you need a scenic half-day forest hike. It’s simple to navigate and a comparatively simple hike – simply enable a bit longer in case you doubt your health.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation achieve: 229 meters
- Trailhead: Higher Dungeness Trailhead
12. Royal Basin Path
Royal Basin Path is among the prettiest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The basin sits on the base of an alpine valley, with a number of peaks and alpine lakes and tarns to admire. If you need a style of distant magnificence, the Royal Basin Path is the proper day hike to search out it.
Royal Basin Path begins on the Dungeness Path, 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 next 5 miles alternates between mountaineering by way of thick forest paths and some quick slopes. After a river crossing by Decrease 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 Higher Basin Path. This remaining part of the path is all alpine meadows and river crossings – plus a scenic waterfall within the distance.
Royal Basin Path is ideal for adventurous hikers with cheap health ranges. The various 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
- Problem: Average
- Elevation achieve: 1,159 meters
- Trailhead: Dungeness Trailhead
13. Corridor of Mosses Path
The Corridor of Mosses might be probably the most well-known of all of the hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. In case you want extra proof that Olympic Nationwide Park was probably the greatest national parks within the US, this path is it. The truth is, this quick hike is among the best hikes within the nation. You’ll stroll by way of lush forests coated in attribute, thick, inexperienced moss. The Corridor of Mosses Path is film-set worthy and is among the most picturesque sections of the Hoh Rainforest.
The path begins by the customer middle, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to a fantastic 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. Be certain that to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.
The Corridor of Mosses is among the best things to do in Olympic National Park, by no means thoughts simply probably the greatest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes. It ought to rank on the high of your must-hike record when visiting the nationwide park.
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 24 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Customer Middle
14. Staircase Rapids Loop
Staircase Rapids Loop is a brief path that follows the North Fork of the Skokomish River. Rapids are at all times a fantastic sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a shiny blue, and the riverbanks are coated in inexperienced moss – creating a colourful, placing distinction. The trail 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 value bringing a digital camera to seize.
Begin the hike by strolling the Staircase Rapids Nature Path, 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
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 65 meters
- Trailhead: Staircase Ranger Station
15. Rialto Seashore Path
Have you ever heard of Rialto Seashore? What concerning the Gap within the Wall? Nicely, the Rialto Seashore Path is among the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park, and it combines the 2. The primary part of the stroll covers the seashore itself, the place you may 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 Gap within the Wall (the path endpoint) is simply accessible when the tide is low.
For individuals who don’t know, Gap within the Wall is an enormous gap in the course of an unlimited sea stack. Hikers can stroll by way of the opening and discover its surrounding tide swimming pools for sea life. The Gap within the Wall was created by a volcanic eruption tens of millions of years in the past. It’s a favourite pure attraction – particularly amongst photographers.
Enable round an hour to finish the Rialto Seashore Path to Gap within the Wall, plus a bit longer to benefit from the in style attraction.
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation achieve: 33 meters
- Trailhead: Rialto Seashore Parking Space
16. Mount Storm King
Are you up for a problem? Mount Storm King Path is among the hardest however finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The Mount Storm King distance is deceptively low; don’t be fooled. You’ll want wonderful health (or a number 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 Path, taking a left onto Storm King Path at 0.6 miles. It’s 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 encircling Olympic Mountains. Mount Storm King has probably the greatest viewpoints in your complete nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 642 meters
- Trailhead: Mount Storm King Ranger Station
17. Moments in Time Path
The Moments in Time Path is probably the most academic of our hikes in Olympic Nationwide 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 Path is right for households or aged hikers who need an immersive expertise with out bodily exertion.
In fact, there are viewpoints to take pleasure in as effectively. Hikers will discover a number 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
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 3 meters
- Trailhead: Lake Crescent Lodge
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet
In case you are in search of a backpacking journey in Olympic Nationwide Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll have to get hold of a Wilderness Allow beforehand, however it will likely be value it to camp within the Enchanted Valley. For the reason that path is so well-maintained, it is a wonderful choice for rookies 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 Path, 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 Nationwide Park. You may arrange camp for the night time at one of many many campsites.
You may take many different routes from the Enchanted Valley, together with the Graves Creek Path (that leads you to Graves Creek Campground) and the Anderson Moraine Path. Don’t be afraid to spend just a few days tenting within the Enchanted Valley to profit from the totally different day hikes.
- Distance: 27 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation achieve: 989 meters
- Trailhead: E Fork Quinault River Path
19. Sand Level Path
Sand Level Path 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 photos. Once you emerge onto the seashore, you’ll attain Sand Level – which has gorgeous ocean and seashore views. You may admire the ocean stacks, discover to search out tide swimming pools or simply chill out on the designated campsite space.
Many individuals select to increase the hike by venturing to the well-known petroglyphs at Marriage ceremony Rocks. Be certain that to solely do that at low tide, and you may proceed previous the Marriage ceremony Rocks to loop again to the Ozette Coast Trailhead by way of the Cape Alava Path if you want. In any other case, simply deal with the hike as an out-and-back path. At 6.2 miles, it’s simply probably the greatest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes to finish in half a day.
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation achieve: 104 meters
- Trailhead: Ozette Coast Trailhead
To Conclude
Visiting Olympic Nationwide Park is an unimaginable expertise, and these finest mountaineering trails are certain to make your go to much more spectacular. The Olympic Peninsula is filled with surprises, however the perfect hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park are undoubtedly our favourite.
Check out as many hikes as attainable and have a unbelievable journey. For an additional particular expertise, try the best cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.
