Below are our recommendations for the best hikes in the Olympic National Park, Washington.
We have chosen these hikes according to a variety of criteria, including their scenic beauty and the physical challenge they impose.
Whether you are looking for a casual afternoon stroll through some of the world’s most spectacular landscape, or a gruelling physical challenge, there will be something on this list for you.
Note that although all these hikes are relatively close to each other in proximity, each boasts its own unique charms and challenges – it is therefore, difficult to compare or rank them.
Distances are all given as the roundtrip total.
Hoh River Trail
Trailhead Location: Hoh Rain Forest
Distance: 49 km
Elevation gain: 1558 m
Duration: ~ 3 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Hoh River Trail is one of the National Park’s most popular regions. As a temperate rainforest, the Hoh Rain Forest receives over 12 feet of precipitation annually, mostly in the months between October and April.
This results in a plethora of lush vegetation, characterised by verdant ferns, moss, Giant Sitka spruce and western hemlocks. Through this landscape winds the Hoh River Trail, which starts off as a relatively flat meander along the northern banks of the Hoh River and eventually steepens significantly until you reach the glacial meadow at the base of Mount Olympus.
From here, you turn around and head back the way you came. The hike can be truncated and turned into a family-friendly day-hike, or you can use one of the multiple campsites along the route to allow enough time complete the full adventure.
Remember to pack waterproof clothing – rain jacket, socks, backpack cover or a dry bag – there is nothing more miserable than being caught in a three-day drizzle unprepared.
Hurricane Ridge
Trailhead Location: Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre
Distance: 5.1 km
Elevation gain: 240 m
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hurricane Hill is a great introduction to the Olympic National Park, and can serve as the initial portion of a number of lengthier hikes, such as a 22-km round trip from the Elwha River Valley web of trails.
The path is generally snow-free between July and September; it is well maintained, easily accessed and is even paved for some of the trail. Right from the get-go, the walk offers sprawling views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the glacial peaks of the park.
The trail winds through pine forests, indigenous shrubbery and past helpful signboards which point out notable landmarks on the horizon. If you visit during summer, you will likely encounter marmots, deer and possibly mountain goats grazing on the adjacent ridges.
When you reach the top of Hurricane Hill, you will be treated with panoramic views of the Olympic Range, Vancouver Island and Puget Sound. Return to your car on the same trail.
Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River
Trailhead Location: Graves Creek Trailhead
Distance: 41 km
Elevation gain: 518 m
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Enchanted Valley chalet has provided shelter for weary travellers since the 1930s. During the Second World War, the chalet was converted into an Aircraft Warning Station and has consequently been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To reach this remarkable destination, you will walk through the ancient Douglas firs, western red cedars and Sitka spruce forest along the East Fork Quinault River trail.
The shaded trail which winds along with the river occasionally opens up to show the glorious snow-capped Olympic Mountain peaks.
Once you reach the chalet, you will gain access to a magnificent, panoramic view of the mountains lining the valley, whose cliff are streaked by sparkling waterfalls in the summertime.
Remember that this is bear territory, so make sure that all your provisions are properly stored in a bear canister for camping.
Mount Storm King
Trailhead location: Lake Crescent
Distance: 4.5 km
Elevation gain: 519 m
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
The hike up Mount Storm King is one of the favourites of the peninsula, famous for its exquisite views of Lake Crescent as well as its extreme gradient.
The trail weaves through an old-growth forest, passing two lookouts on the way.
The first is basically a forest clearing, from which you can see across the lake and up to the distant Straits of Juan De Fuca. To reach the second lookout, you will have to use technical ropes to scramble and reach the summit of Mount Storm King.
If you’d like to extend the excursion, the option of the “grand traverse” is available. This more challenging route starts at Barnes Creek, heads up to Lookout Dome, after which it leads you to the summit Mount Storm King.
Rialto Beach
Trailhead Location: Mora Road outside La Push
Distance: 3.2 km
Elevation gain: Negligible
Duration: ~1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Rialto Beach is one of the most popular coastal walks within the national park, and is easily accessible by a quick walk from the beach access point.
Along the pebbled shore, you will see massive logs of driftwood, teaming tidal pools, sea stacks and squawking seabirds. Walk for as long as your legs will carry you, crossing Ellen Creek by balancing over a fallen log.
Although there is the option of staying overnight if you organise a permit, you can also mark the end of your walk and turn around once you’ve seen the epic Hole-in-the-Wall rock feature.
On the way back, go and take a look at the adjacent First Beach. Other similar walks that are great tide-pooling locations include Ruby Beach, Beach 4 (both near Kalaloch), Second Beach and Third Beach.
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Loop
Trailhead Location: Quinault National Forest
Distance: 0.8 km
Elevation gain: 12 m
Duration: ~ 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Quinault Rain Forest Nature Loop is really more of a quick jaunt than a walk, but the staggering scenery it offers makes it one of our favourites.
Strictly speaking, the loop falls just outside of the Olympic National Park. However, the educational interpretive signs which inform visitors about the fragile temperate rainforest ecosystem is the perfect introduction to a longer hike within the Park’s boundaries, so we thought we’d include it on the list anyway.
Walk through the dripping, gargantuan trees, over carpets of velvety moss and listen to the joyful chirping of various insects and birds all the while reading about their delicate and vital interactions.
There is also a small waterfall that you can visit if you take a small detour down a side trail as you approach the parking lot.
Ozette Triangle (Cape Alava Loop) Trail
Trailhead Location: Lake Ozette
Distance: 14.8 km
Elevation gain: 30 m
Duration: ~2 days
Difficulty: Easy
The Ozette Triangle Trail combines some of the best beach-side and forest trekking that you can find in the Olympic National Park. Start by walking along the shoreline of Lake Ozette, the largest, natural, unaltered lake in Washington.
After crossing the Ozette River on a rickety bridge, keep right on the trail junction to continue the loop. From here, the route is straight-forward. The trail is technically a triangle because it consists of three prominent, straight stretches: Cape Alava Trail, North Sand Point
Trail and the stretch of coastline which links the other two sides.
The canopy of the Cape Alava Trail consists of old-growth, giant Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and western hemlock, while the floors are carpeted with dense salal, devil’s club and bog skunk cabbage, all of which thrive in the heavy annual rainfall.
Furthermore, the area has an ancient history of human habitation, with evidence of human culture in the area dating over 2000 years ago. You have the option of completing the trek in one day, or extending it over two and camping along the way.
Klahhane Ridge Trail and Sunrise Point
Trailhead Location: Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 518 m
Duration: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Klahhane Ridge Trail begins with the High Ridge Trail which leads from the parking lot to a junction with Sunrise Point Trail – follow this short path to Sunrise Point for some epic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Otherwise, continue on the High Ridge Trail and continue onto the Klahhane Ridge Trail.
Meander through flowery meadows stocked with munching deer and on ridges spotted with marmots. You will gain access to southern views of the Olympic Peaks, as well as of the North Cascades.
Finally, you will reach Klahhane Ridge which cuts along the base of Mount Angeles at which point you can turn around and head back.
Third Beach to Strawberry Beach
Trailhead Location: Third Beach trailhead
Distance: 18.8 km
Elevation gain: 99 m
Duration: ~8 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail from Third Beach to Strawberry Beach is perfect for those wishing to extend the classic, quick beach stroll, such as the Rialto Beach trail.
This stretch of beach offers all the same attractions characteristic of a Washington beach trek, including sea stacks, tide pools, driftwood, eerie sea views and oceanic wildlife.
Warm up by walking through beautiful old-growth forest, down the ravine and out onto the Third Beach campsite. Although it is a popular option to set up camp on Third Beach, we advise that you continue on to Strawberry Beach.
From here, the shoreline trail requires a bit of scrambling, and leads you on intermittent detours up the bank, through the forest and back down to the beach.
Whether you are planning on overnighting, or want to complete the roundtrip in one day, it is important that you keep an eye on the tides. High tide forces you to spend more time walking on the banks than on the beach, and obscures the contents of the tidal pools.
Marymere Falls
Trailhead Location: Lake Crescent, Strom King Ranger Station
Distance: 2.9 km
Elevation gain: 54 m
Duration: ~ 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
The Marymere Falls are easily accessed off Highway 101 via a short dirt path which winds through the classic old-growth forests of cedar, fir, alder and hemlocks.
As such, the landmark is popular and welcomes plenty of day visitors. Nevertheless, it is not to be missed. The water of the falls descends from a creek in Aurora Ridge, pouring down Marymere and continuing as Barnes Creek.
The trail to the falls crosses several bridges and rivulets, followed by a brisk uphill walk which is easily manageable for the whole family. Enjoy the gentle gurgling of the creek, the impressive view of the falls and the pleasant smell of dewy dampness that engulfs the area.
Mount Ellinor
Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: 1005 m | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous
Mount Ellinor is a strenuous day hike, with a steep elevation gain, which offers glorious panoramic views as a reward for those willing to make the effort. There are two routes to Mount Ellinor’s summit starting from the lower and upper trailheads.
The latter option eliminates the first 400 m of elevation gain, but it also removes the relatively gradual introduction to the climb – starting higher up means you’ll have to hit the ground running. Either way, look forward to sprawling vistas of Lake Cushman, the Cascades and the Hood Canal.
There is also the enticing (if slightly more dangerous) option of attempting the climb during winter, using ice picks and crampons for assistance.
A wintertime ascent means enjoyable glissading as the means of descent, a reward which may be even more tempting than the views from the peak.
Note that the mountain is inhabited by mountain goats, which, although charming from a safe distance, can become aggressive. Refrain from approaching the goats, and leave them to forage in peace.
