Olympic Nationwide 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 marvel Olympic Nationwide Park hikes are so well-liked.
The nationwide park is simply outdoors Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer National Park. It’s 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.
Prime Hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park
Seeking to go to Olympic Nationwide Park? It is without doubt one of the best places to visit in the US and a improbable selection. This information will cowl the perfect 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 shocking but tough hike in Olympic Nationwide Park. As you’ll 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 whole, the Hoh River Path to Blue Glacier is commonly 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 go numerous campsites and 5 Mile Island, a hotspot for elk recognizing. After, it turns into a bit steeper, so plan a number of additional stops and snacks after you go 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’ll be able to deal with the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you will 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
- Issue: Laborious
- 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 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 sights within the Olympic Nationwide Park.
Lake Crescent Path is a comparatively flat, family-friendly hike for these with older youngsters eager to attempt longer distances whereas sticking to straightforward path circumstances. You’ll cross the Satan’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 assorted and thrilling.
You may entry Lake Crescent Path by way of both East Seashore Highway or Camp David Junior Highway. 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 wish to swim.
- Distance: 11.2 miles
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation achieve: 125 meters
- Trailhead: Spruce Railroad Trailhead
3. Hurricane Hill by way of Hurricane Ridge Path
In search of a brief however candy hike? Hurricane Ridge Path is a superb possibility and possibly probably the most accessible hike within the Olympic Nationwide Park. It’s value noting that the path is usually known as ‘Hurricane Hill Path’, and you should use the names interchangeably. The paved path is well-maintained, and the summit supplies panoramic views over the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island. It’s possible you’ll even spot mountain goats alongside the best way as an additional bonus.
To entry the trailhead, drive alongside Hurricane Ridge Highway. You’ll go 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
- Issue: Simple
- 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, it’s best to attempt 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 bounce at this problem.
Klahhane Ridge is a shocking inexperienced strip with panoramic views over Olympic Nationwide 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 ultimate part, as it’s the difficult a part of an in any other case reasonable hike. You’ll be significantly 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
- Issue: 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 without doubt one of the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide 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 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 excellent rows and the tiny younger timber simply beginning out.
Spruce Nature Path is a hike the place remembering your digital camera is extra vital than remembering a pair of climbing boots. Certain, it will probably get just a little muddy after moist climate, however in any other case, the path is without doubt one of the best in Olympic Nationwide Park. The Spruce Nature Path distance makes it a simple addition to a busy day exploring the nationwide park and different climbing trails. Undoubtedly make time to squeeze it in.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation achieve: 5 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Middle
6. Obstruction Level by way of Deer Park
Obstruction Level is a shocking 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 it’s best to permit round six hours to finish your entire hike. It’s difficult in sections, so take into account bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy climbing boots.
We propose ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as an alternative of Obstruction Level Trailhead as a result of 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 attractive mountain views.
Mountain climbing the Obstruction Level Path by way of Deer Park is without doubt one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – splendid if you’d like a extra blissful hike in nature. It’s a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however a gorgeous problem in case you are up for it.
- Distance: 13.9 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 989 meters
- Trailhead: Deer Park Trailhead
7. Blue Mountain Path
Blue Mountain Path is really 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 attractive views over the nationwide park beneath. It is without doubt one of the shortest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes however one in every of our favourite climbing trails. Not solely are the views beautiful, 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 monitor with no highway rail in sections. You’ll need to take your time to deal with the highway safely, however that shouldn’t be a problem for the reason that 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 excellent size for these in a rush or households searching for a simple hike. The path can be situated simply outdoors of Port Angeles, which is right for these basing themselves within the city and searching for a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Path is satisfying and straightforward – a particular to your Olympic Nationwide Park itinerary.
- Distance: 0.4 miles
- Issue: Simple
- 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 lot 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 gorgeous Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these climbing trails, the Excessive Divide Path supplies probably the most sights en route, so if you wish to pack so much 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 lovely views of the encircling mountains. Subsequent up is a hanging ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – among the finest 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 record expertise in Olympic Nationwide Park. Plus, that method, you’ll be able to break up the 19 miles over two days.
- Distance: 19 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation achieve: 1,642 meters
- Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
9. Dawn Ridge Path
In search of a dawn hike? Dawn Ridge Path (aka Dawn Level Path) is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide 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 significantly lovely 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 simple, 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 (for those who 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 achieve Klahhane Ridge – which has beautiful views of Mount Angeles.
- Distance: 6.9 miles
- Issue: 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, 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 may benefit from the old-growth forest and wildlife comfy with out having to march off on a 19-mile hike. As a substitute, 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 calm down with views over the falls. It falls nearly fifteen meters – fairly the sight to behold.
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Issue: Simple
- 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 without doubt one of the most lovely within the nationwide park. Plus, climbing Higher Dungeness Path is an effective 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 ground. All of the whereas, the Dungeness River rages beside you – attracting wildlife and hen music.
The hike is rated reasonable problem, 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 a few hours. You begin the hike on the Higher Trailhead. The path endpoint is the Camp Useful shelter, the place you’ll be able to cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.
Higher Dungeness Path to Useful Camp is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park if you’d like a scenic half-day forest hike. It’s straightforward to navigate and a comparatively straightforward hike – simply permit a bit longer for those who doubt your health.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation achieve: 229 meters
- Trailhead: Higher Dungeness Trailhead
12. Royal Basin Path
Royal Basin Path is without doubt one of the prettiest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The basin sits on the base of an alpine valley, with a lot of peaks and alpine lakes and tarns to admire. In order for you a style of distant magnificence, the Royal Basin Path is the proper day hike to seek 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 climbing 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 sights. Royal Lake is a fairly place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Higher Basin Path. This ultimate 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 affordable health ranges. The varied terrain retains the hike thrilling. It’s worthwhile to 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
- Issue: 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 the event you want extra proof that Olympic Nationwide Park was among the finest national parks within the US, this path is it. In truth, this quick hike is without doubt one of 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 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. Be sure that to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.
The Corridor of Mosses is without doubt one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park, by no means thoughts simply among the finest 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
- Issue: Simple
- 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 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, hanging distinction. The trail runs alongside the rapids, with an old-growth forest and ferns on the opposite aspect. The mix of rapids and forest is gorgeous and positively value bringing a digital camera to seize.
Begin the hike by strolling the Staircase Rapids Nature Path, taking a proper fork after a few mile. This path leads you to a suspension bridge (with improbable views down the river). You observe the path on the junction to get again to Staircase Ranger Station.
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Issue: Simple
- 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? Properly, the Rialto Seashore Path is without doubt one of 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’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 Gap within the Wall (the path endpoint) is barely accessible when the tide is low.
For many who don’t know, Gap within the Wall is a large gap in the course of an unlimited sea stack. Hikers can stroll by way of the outlet and discover its surrounding tide swimming pools for sea life. The Gap within the Wall was created by a volcanic eruption hundreds of thousands 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 just a little longer to benefit from the well-liked attraction.
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Issue: 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 without doubt one of 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 lot of time) to finish the hike. The elevation achieve is unrelentless and fixed all through. There’s even a rope part for the reason that 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 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 finest viewpoints in your entire nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Issue: 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 instructional 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 find out about Lake Crescent’s pure and cultural historical past, a uncommon alternative on most climbing 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 get pleasure from as effectively. Hikers will discover a lot of little pebbled seashores alongside Lake Crescent’s shore – excellent for a cool-down dip. Don’t miss out on picture alternatives right here, because the lake has lovely views.
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation achieve: 3 meters
- Trailhead: Lake Crescent Lodge
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet
In case you are searching for a backpacking journey in Olympic Nationwide Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll have to receive 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 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 gap, as there’s 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 evening 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 a number of days tenting within the Enchanted Valley to benefit from the totally different day hikes.
- Distance: 27 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation achieve: 989 meters
- Trailhead: E Fork Quinault River Path
19. Sand Level Path
Sand Level Path 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 lovely because the endpoint itself, so take your time and snap loads of footage. Whenever you emerge onto the seashore, you’ll attain Sand Level – which has beautiful ocean and seashore views. You may admire the ocean stacks, discover to seek out tide swimming pools or simply calm down on the designated campsite space.
Many individuals select to increase the hike by venturing to the well-known petroglyphs at Marriage ceremony Rocks. Be sure 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 among the finest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes to finish in half a day.
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation achieve: 104 meters
- Trailhead: Ozette Coast Trailhead
To Conclude
Visiting Olympic Nationwide Park is an unimaginable expertise, and these finest climbing trails are certain to make your go to much more spectacular. The Olympic Peninsula is filled with surprises, however the very best hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park are positively our favourite.
Check out as many hikes as attainable and have a improbable journey. For an additional particular expertise, try the best cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.
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