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 surprise Olympic Nationwide Park hikes are so fashionable.
The nationwide park is simply exterior Seattle, like North Cascades and Mount Rainer Nationwide Park. It’s simple 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 unbelievable 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 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 commonly accomplished in sections or as a multi-day backpacking journey.
So, the place to start? Hoh Rain Forest Customer Heart. 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 couple of further stops and snacks after you go 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 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 do not forget that nonetheless far you stroll, you’ll should retrace your steps once more.
- Distance: 34 miles one-way
- Issue: Onerous
- Elevation acquire: 1,837 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Customer Heart
2. Lake Crescent By way of Spruce Railroad Path
Lake Crescent Path is also referred to as the ‘Spruce Railroad Path’ and is an attractive disused railway that cuts alongside a piece 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 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 couple of tunnels to chop by way of, which helps to maintain the hike various and thrilling.
You possibly can entry Lake Crescent Path by way of both East Seaside 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. Permit about three to 4 hours to finish the route, plus longer if you wish to swim.
- Distance: 11.2 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 125 meters
- Trailhead: Spruce Railroad Trailhead
3. Hurricane Hill by way of Hurricane Ridge Path
On the lookout for a brief however candy hike? Hurricane Ridge Path is a superb possibility and doubtless essentially the most accessible hike within the Olympic Nationwide Park. It’s price noting that the path is usually 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 go Hurricane Ridge Customer Heart (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 average health degree.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Issue: 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, you need to strive the Klahhane Ridge Path to Mount Angeles. Be warned, this Klahhane Ridge Path just isn’t 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 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 acquire, and unmarked switchbacks.
Take your time on this last part, as it’s the difficult a part of an in any other case average hike. You’ll be drastically 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 whole hike ought to take between 5 to 6 hours.
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation acquire: 615 meters
- Trailhead: Hurricane Ridge Customer Heart
5. Spruce Nature Path
Is a brief, scenic stroll extra your type than tackling mountain slopes? Spruce Nature Path is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park in order for you 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 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 vital than remembering a pair of mountain climbing boots. Certain, it could 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 mountain climbing trails. Positively make time to squeeze it in.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 5 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Heart
6. Obstruction Level by way of Deer Park
Obstruction Level is a shocking out-and-back path within the Hurricane Ridge space. You possibly can 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 permit round six hours to finish the complete hike. It’s difficult in sections, so contemplate bringing trekking poles to navigate scree and put on robust mountain climbing boots.
We propose ranging from Deer Park Trailhead as an alternative of Obstruction Level Trailhead attributable to 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.
Mountaineering the Obstruction Level Path by way of Deer Park is without doubt one of the quietest hikes on Hurricane Ridge – very best in order for you a extra blissful hike in nature. It’s a little trickier than Klahhane Ridge however an attractive problem in case you are up for it.
- Distance: 13.9 miles
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation acquire: 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 gives attractive views over the nationwide park under. It is without doubt one of the shortest Olympic Nationwide Park hikes however considered one of our favourite mountain climbing 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 by way of dense forest on a slender stony monitor with no highway rail in sections. You’ll should take your time to sort out the highway safely, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty 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 an additional 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 filled with nature, not simply views, and it’s the good size for these in a rush or households in search of a simple hike. The path can also be positioned simply exterior of Port Angeles, which is good for these basing themselves within the city and in search of a fast morning journey. Blue Mountain Path is gratifying and simple – a particular on your Olympic Nationwide Park itinerary.
- Distance: 0.4 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 40 meters
- Trailhead: Blue Mountain Trailhead
8. Excessive Divide Path
The Excessive Divide Path is also referred to as the ‘Excessive Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop’. The path is a difficult 19 miles that take a median 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 mountain climbing trails, the Excessive Divide Path gives essentially the most sights en route, so if you wish to pack quite a bit into the identical path, it is a wonderful possibility.
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 acquire 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 – top-of-the-line 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 evening at Seven Lakes Basin. The area is unbelievable for stargazing, and a backpacking journey is all the time a bucket record expertise in Olympic Nationwide Park. Plus, that approach, you possibly can break up the 19 miles over two days.
- Distance: 19 miles
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation acquire: 1,642 meters
- Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
9. Dawn Ridge Path
On the lookout for 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 average health degree and primary mountain climbing expertise. It will get its recognition from its unbelievable 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 average ranking. By this level, although, you’ll have daylight in your aspect and (should you packed breakfast) a full abdomen.
You’ll discover the Dawn Ridge Trailhead simply previous the Hurricane Ridge Customer’s Heart. It’s simply mixed with different ridges within the Hurricane Ridge area. You possibly can proceed on the path for a mile to succeed in Klahhane Ridge – which has gorgeous views of Mount Angeles.
- Distance: 6.9 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation acquire: 623 meters
- Trailhead: Dawn Ridge Trailhead
10. Sol Duc Falls
We’ve already briefly coated Sol Duc Falls within the Excessive Divide Path. However, should you don’t fancy the long-distance hike, you possibly can all the time simply hike to Sol Duc Falls. The mild stroll is gorgeous and the proper 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 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 typically creates rainbows in its spray. You possibly can sit on the wood 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: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 69 meters
- Trailhead: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead
11. Higher Dungeness Path to Useful Camp
Prepared for an additional riverside hike? Dungeness River is without doubt one of the most lovely within the nationwide park. Plus, mountain climbing 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 hen tune.
The hike is rated average 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 possibly can 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 in order for you a scenic half-day forest hike. It’s simple to navigate and a comparatively simple hike – simply permit a bit longer should you doubt your health.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Issue: 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. 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 mountain 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 reasonably place to cease for refreshments, after which you proceed across the lake to succeed in 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 affordable health ranges. The various terrain retains the hike thrilling. It’s essential 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 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. Should you want extra proof that Olympic Nationwide Park was top-of-the-line nationwide parks within the US, this path is it. Actually, this quick hike is without doubt one of the greatest 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 heart, instantly heading into the Hoh Rainforest to an attractive 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 greatest issues to do in Olympic Nationwide Park, by no means thoughts simply top-of-the-line 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: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 24 meters
- Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Customer Heart
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 an attractive 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, placing 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 price bringing a digicam 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
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 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? Properly, the Rialto Seaside 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 seaside itself, the place you possibly can 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 just 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 hundreds of thousands of years in the past. It’s a favourite pure attraction – particularly amongst photographers.
Permit round an hour to finish the Rialto Seaside Path to Gap within the Wall, plus just a little longer to benefit from the fashionable attraction.
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation acquire: 33 meters
- Trailhead: Rialto Seaside 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 wonderful health (or plenty of time) to finish the hike. The elevation acquire 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 unbelievable? In a couple of phrases, the summit. You’ll have breathtaking views over Lake Crescent and the encircling Olympic Mountains. Mount Storm King has top-of-the-line viewpoints in the complete nationwide park – which is a lofty title contemplating its competitors.
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Issue: Tough
- 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 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 mountain climbing trails. The Moments in Time Path is good for households or aged hikers who need an immersive expertise with out bodily exertion.
In fact, there are viewpoints to take pleasure in as properly. 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
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 3 meters
- Trailhead: Lake Crescent Lodge
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet
If you’re in search of a backpacking journey in Olympic Nationwide Park, Enchanted Valley is the prime candidate. You’ll must acquire a Wilderness Allow beforehand, however it is going to be price it to camp within the Enchanted Valley. For the reason that path is so well-maintained, it is a wonderful possibility for newcomers who wish to dip their toes into multi-day mountain climbing. The Enchanted Valley hike charges as average solely due to the gap, 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 possibly can arrange camp for the evening at one of many many campsites.
You possibly can 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 couple of days tenting within the Enchanted Valley to benefit from the completely different day hikes.
- Distance: 27 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation acquire: 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. If you emerge onto the seaside, you’ll attain Sand Level – which has gorgeous ocean and seaside views. You possibly can 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 Wedding ceremony Rocks. Be sure that to solely do that at low tide, and you may proceed previous the Wedding 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 top-of-the-line Olympic Nationwide Park hikes to finish in half a day.
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation acquire: 104 meters
- Trailhead: Ozette Coast Trailhead
To Conclude
Visiting Olympic Nationwide Park is an unbelievable expertise, and these greatest mountain climbing trails are certain to make your go to much more spectacular. The Olympic Peninsula is stuffed with surprises, however the perfect hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park are positively our favourite.
Check out as many hikes as attainable and have a unbelievable journey. For an additional particular expertise, try the greatest cabins in Washington State for lodging inspiration.
