19 Finest Hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park For 2023

Olympic Nationwide Park is among the most various 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 fashionable.

The nationwide park is simply outdoors Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer Nationwide 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 greatest locations to go to within the US and a unbelievable alternative. 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 surprising but troublesome hike in Olympic Nationwide Park. As you’ll have guessed, the path follows the Hoh River, nevertheless it additionally cuts via 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 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. Till you attain Glacier Meadows, the path is flat and closely wooded. You’ll move varied 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 move 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 possibly can sort out the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you have got a tenting allow). Hoh River Path is an out-and-back path, so simply keep in mind that nonetheless far you stroll, you’ll should retrace your steps once more.

• Distance: 34 miles one-way
• Problem: Arduous
• Elevation achieve: 1,837 meters
• Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Customer Middle

2. Lake Crescent By way of Spruce Railroad Path

Lake Crescent Path is often known as the ‘Spruce Railroad Path’ and is an exquisite disused railway that cuts alongside a bit 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 circumstances. You’ll cross the Satan’s Punchbowl bridge and hike alongside shaded forest trails with gorgeous lakeside views. There are even a number of tunnels to chop via, which helps to maintain the hike various and thrilling.

You may entry Lake Crescent Path via both East Seaside Highway or Camp David Junior Highway. You’ll proceed to the Satan’s Punchbowl via 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: Simple
• 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 possibly essentially 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 should utilize 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 best way as an additional bonus.

To entry the trailhead, drive alongside Hurricane Ridge Highway. You’ll move 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: 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, you must strive the Klahhane Ridge Path to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Path will not be for the faint-hearted, however those that love thrills will soar 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 last 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. The complete hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.

• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Problem: Tough
• 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 greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park if you need minimal effort and most reward.

The 1.4-mile loop takes you straight via Hoh Rainforest, immersing you in a rainforest panorama with loads of old-growth bushes and dense undergrowth. The path is greatest identified for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen bushes. The method 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 Path is a hike the place remembering your digital camera is extra vital than remembering a pair of mountaineering boots. Certain, it might get somewhat 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: Simple
• 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 anticipate spectacular views of Mount Olympus and the encircling mountain peaks. At 13.9 miles, this path is ideal for a day journey, and you must permit round six hours to finish all the hike. It’s difficult in sections, so take into account bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on robust mountaineering boots.

We advise ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as a substitute of Obstruction Level Trailhead because 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 beautiful mountain views.

Climbing the Obstruction Level Path by way of Deer Park is among the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – superb if you need a extra blissful hike in nature. It’s a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however an exquisite problem in case you are up for it.

• Distance: 13.9 miles
• Problem: Tough
• 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 prime of Blue Mountain gives beautiful views over the nationwide park beneath. It is among the shortest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes however considered one of our favourite mountaineering trails. Not solely are the views gorgeous, but in addition, the drive as much as the trailhead is exhilarating. You wind your means up the mountain via dense forest on a slender stony monitor with no street rail in sections. You’ll should take your time to sort out the street safely, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty 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 filled with nature, not simply views, and it’s the good size for these in a rush or households searching for a straightforward hike. The path can be positioned 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 gratifying and simple – a particular to your Olympic Nationwide Park itinerary.

• Distance: 0.4 miles
• Problem: Simple
• Elevation achieve: 40 meters
• Trailhead: Blue Mountain Trailhead

8. Excessive Divide Path

The Excessive Divide Path is often known as 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 plenty of refreshments. Fortunately, you’ll keep impressed and motivated alongside the best way. There may be tons to see, from Sol Duc Falls to the Blue Glacier and (after all) the attractive Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these mountaineering trails, the Excessive Divide Path gives essentially the most points of interest en route, so if you wish to pack loads 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 achieve and head uphill, breaking the tree line and recognizing lovely views of the encircling mountains. Subsequent up is a putting ridge, which emerges you out into Seven Lakes Basin – among the best viewpoints of the entire hike. From there, it’s a respectable again via 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 unbelievable for stargazing, and a backpacking journey is at all times a bucket listing expertise in Olympic Nationwide Park. Plus, that means, you possibly can cut up the 19 miles over two days.

• Distance: 19 miles
• Problem: Tough
• 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 greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The path is comparatively quick and requires a reasonable health degree and primary mountaineering expertise. It will get its reputation from its unbelievable views, that are significantly lovely to expertise at dawn.

The snowcapped mountains within the distance are nearly 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 facet 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 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 lined Sol Duc Falls within the Excessive Divide Path. However, for those who don’t fancy the long-distance hike, you possibly can at all times simply hike to Sol Duc Falls. The mild 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 relaxed 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 typically 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 nearly fifteen meters – fairly the sight to behold.

• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Problem: Simple
• Elevation achieve: 69 meters
• Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead

11. Higher Dungeness Path to Helpful 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 bushes 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 chook track.

The hike is rated reasonable issue, 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 a few hours. You begin the hike on the Higher Trailhead. The path endpoint is the Camp Helpful shelter, the place you possibly can cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.

Higher Dungeness Path to Helpful Camp is among the greatest 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 permit a bit longer for those who 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 plenty of peaks and alpine lakes and tarns to admire. If you would like 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 a substitute bear proper. The next 5 miles alternates between mountaineering via 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 fairly place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Higher Basin Path. This last 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 varied terrain retains the hike thrilling. It is advisable to be up for something – be it utilizing a log crossing or determining an unclear route in the midst 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 essentially the most well-known of all of the hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. In case you want extra proof that Olympic Nationwide Park was among the best nationwide parks within the US, this path is it. In reality, this quick hike is among the greatest hikes within the nation. You’ll stroll via lush forests lined 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 an exquisite 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 to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.

The Corridor of Mosses is among the greatest issues to do in Olympic Nationwide Park, by no means thoughts simply among the best Olympic Nationwide Park hikes. It ought to rank on the prime of your must-hike listing when visiting the nationwide park.

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Problem: 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 at all times an exquisite sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a shiny blue, and the riverbanks are lined in inexperienced moss – creating a colourful, putting distinction. The trail runs alongside the rapids, with an old-growth forest and ferns on the opposite facet. The mixture 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 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: Simple
• Elevation achieve: 65 meters
• Trailhead: Staircase Ranger Station

15. Rialto Seaside Path

Have you ever heard of Rialto Seaside? What in regards to the Gap within the Wall? Nicely, the Rialto Seaside Path is among the greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park, and it combines the 2. The primary 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 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 individuals who don’t know, Gap within the Wall is an enormous gap in the midst of an unlimited sea stack. Hikers can stroll via 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 Seaside Path to Gap within the Wall, plus somewhat longer to benefit from the fashionable attraction.

• Distance: 3.3 miles
• Problem: Average
• Elevation achieve: 33 meters
• Trailhead: Rialto Seaside Parking Space

16. Mount Storm King

Are you up for a problem? Mount Storm King Path is among the hardest however greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The Mount Storm King distance is deceptively low; don’t be fooled. You’ll want glorious health (or plenty 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 unbelievable? 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 all the nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.

• Distance: 4.1 miles
• Problem: Tough
• Elevation achieve: 642 meters
• Trailhead: Mount Storm King Ranger Station

17. Moments in Time Path

The Moments in Time Path is essentially the most academic of our hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park. The quick stroll takes hikers on a fifteen-minute stroll via 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.

After all, there are viewpoints to get pleasure from as effectively. Hikers will discover plenty of 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 lovely views.

• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Problem: 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 acquire a Wilderness Allow beforehand, however will probably be value it to camp within the Enchanted Valley. For the reason that path is so well-maintained, it is a superb choice for learners who need to dip their toes into multi-day mountaineering. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the space, 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 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 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
• Problem: Average
• Elevation achieve: 989 meters
• Trailhead: E Fork Quinault River Path

19. Sand Level Path

Sand Level Path is a coastal monitor that runs via a beachside forest on a photogenic boardwalk. The boardwalk via the coastal rainforest is as lovely because the endpoint itself, so take your time and snap loads of photos. While 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 seek 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 sure 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 best Olympic Nationwide Park hikes to finish in half a day.

• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Problem: Simple
• Elevation achieve: 104 meters
• Trailhead: Ozette Coast Trailhead

To Conclude

Visiting Olympic Nationwide Park is an unbelievable expertise, and these greatest mountaineering trails are positive to make your go to much more spectacular. The Olympic Peninsula is stuffed with surprises, however the most effective hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park are positively our favourite.

Check out as many hikes as doable and have a unbelievable journey. For an additional particular expertise, take a look at the most effective cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.