Olympic Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most various nationwide parks within 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 Nationwide Park hikes are so standard.
The nationwide park is simply outdoors Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer Nationwide 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.
High Hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park
Trying to go to Olympic Nationwide Park? It is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the US and a implausible alternative. 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 shocking but tough 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 complete, 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 cross numerous campsites and 5 Mile Island, a hotspot for elk recognizing. After, it turns into a bit steeper, so plan just a few further stops and snacks after you cross the meadows.
If you’re finishing the hike as a day journey (no allow wanted), most individuals simply hike to 5 Mile Island and again. Alternatively, you may deal with the entire hike to Blue Glacier as a backpacking journey (so long as you might have a tenting allow). Hoh River Path is an out-and-back path, so simply do not forget that nonetheless far you stroll, you’ll must retrace your steps once more.
- Distance: 34 miles one-way
- Problem: Laborious
- Elevation acquire: 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 good looking 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 kids desirous 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 gorgeous lakeside views. There are even just a few tunnels to chop via, which helps to maintain the hike different and thrilling.
You’ll be able to entry Lake Crescent Path via both East Seashore 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. Permit about three to 4 hours to finish the route, plus longer if you wish to swim.
- Distance: 11.2 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 125 meters
- Trailhead: Spruce Railroad Trailhead
3. Hurricane Hill through Hurricane Ridge Path
In search of 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 price 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 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 short burst of elevation acquire 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 acquire: 252 meters
- Trailhead: Hurricane Hill Parking Lot
4. Klahhane Ridge Path to Mount Angeles
If you’re 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 is just not for the faint-hearted, however those that love thrills will soar 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 acquire, and unmarked switchbacks.
Take your time on this closing 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. All the hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation acquire: 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 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 timber and dense undergrowth. The path is greatest recognized for its nurse log phenomenon, the place seedlings develop from fallen timber. The method is ongoing, so that you’ll see the enormous 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 digicam is extra necessary than remembering a pair of mountaineering boots. Certain, it might 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 mountaineering trails. Positively make time to squeeze it in.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 5 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Middle
6. Obstruction Level through Deer Park
Obstruction Level is a shocking out-and-back path within the Hurricane Ridge space. You’ll be able to anticipate 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 complete hike. It’s difficult in sections, so take into account bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on sturdy mountaineering boots.
We propose 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.
Mountaineering the Obstruction Level Path through Deer Park is without doubt one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – best if you need a extra blissful hike in nature. It’s a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however a good looking problem if you’re up for it.
- Distance: 13.9 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation acquire: 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 without doubt one of the shortest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes however one among 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 approach up the mountain via dense forest on a slender stony monitor with no street rail in sections. You’ll must take your time to deal with the street 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. Preserve 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 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 fulfilling and straightforward – a particular in your Olympic Nationwide Park itinerary.
- Distance: 0.4 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 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 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 (in fact) the attractive Seven Lakes Basin. Out of all these mountaineering trails, the Excessive Divide Path gives essentially the most sights en route, so if you wish to pack loads 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 achieve Deer Lake. At Deer Lake, you’ll discover a sudden elevation acquire 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 checklist expertise in Olympic Nationwide Park. Plus, that approach, you may break up the 19 miles over two days.
- Distance: 19 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation acquire: 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 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 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’ll be able to 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 acquire: 623 meters
- Trailhead: Dawn Ridge Trailhead
10. Sol Duc Falls
We’ve already briefly lined 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 right path to take pleasure in at a gradual tempo. You’ll be surrounded by photogenic surroundings, and you may benefit from the old-growth forest and wildlife comfortable 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’ll be able to sit on the wood 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: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 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, mountaineering 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 flooring. All of the whereas, the Dungeness River rages beside you – attracting wildlife and hen tune.
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 may cease for a fast picnic earlier than returning.
Higher Dungeness Path to Useful Camp is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park if you need a scenic half-day forest hike. It’s straightforward to navigate and a comparatively straightforward hike – simply permit a bit longer in case you doubt your health.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation acquire: 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 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 right 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 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 sights. Royal Lake is a reasonably place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to achieve Higher Basin Path. This closing 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. You have 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 acquire: 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 the event you want extra proof that Olympic Nationwide Park was among the best nationwide parks within the US, this path is it. The truth is, this quick hike is without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the most picturesque sections of the Hoh Rainforest.
The path begins by the customer heart, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to a good looking 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 to cease for an image on the moss-covered archway.
The Corridor of Mosses is without doubt one of 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 checklist when visiting the nationwide park.
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 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 good looking sight to behold, however Staircase Rapids are doubly so. The water is a vibrant 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 aspect. The mix of rapids and forest is gorgeous and undoubtedly price bringing a digicam 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 implausible 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 acquire: 65 meters
- Trailhead: Staircase Ranger Station
15. Rialto Seashore Path
Have you ever heard of Rialto Seashore? What in regards to the Gap within the Wall? Properly, the Rialto Seashore Path is without doubt one of 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 may spot the well-known sea stacks and peer into tide swimming pools as you hike. You’ll must 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 a large gap in the midst of an unlimited sea stack. Hikers can stroll via the opening and discover its surrounding tide swimming pools for sea life. The Gap within the Wall was created by a volcanic eruption thousands and thousands of years in the past. It’s a favourite pure attraction – particularly amongst photographers.
Permit round an hour to finish the Rialto Seashore Path to Gap within the Wall, plus just a little longer to benefit from the standard attraction.
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation acquire: 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 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 acquire 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 just a few 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 your complete nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation acquire: 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 find out about 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 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
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 3 meters
- Trailhead: Lake Crescent Lodge
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet
If you’re searching for a backpacking journey in Olympic Nationwide Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll must get hold of a Wilderness Allow beforehand, however will probably be price it to camp within the Enchanted Valley. Because the path is so well-maintained, it is a wonderful choice for rookies who wish to dip their toes into multi-day mountaineering. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as reasonable solely due to the space, as there may be minimal elevation acquire, 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’ll be able to arrange camp for the evening at one of many many campsites.
You’ll be able to 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 take advantage of the totally different day hikes.
- Distance: 27 miles
- Problem: Average
- Elevation acquire: 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. If you emerge onto the seashore, you’ll attain Sand Level – which has gorgeous ocean and seashore views. You’ll be able to 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 certain to solely do that at low tide, and you may proceed previous the Marriage ceremony Rocks to loop again to the Ozette Coast Trailhead through 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: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 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 one of the best hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park are undoubtedly our favourite.
Check out as many hikes as potential and have a implausible journey. For an additional particular expertise, try the greatest cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.
