Discovering the best Olympic National Park hikes is a lifelong venture, since it’s the largest national park in the Pacific Northwest with nearly one million acres. Within its borders, you’ll find wild coastline, lush rain forests, and jagged Olympic Mountains. As you can imagine, hiking is the must-do activity in the park.
To help you discover the best hikes in Olympic National Park, I’ve devised a list of my all-time favorites. Regardless of your fitness level or what time of year you’re visiting, let this be your guide as you plan your excursion!
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17 Olympic National Park Hikes
The Olympic National Park is Washington state’s largest NP, encompassing most of the Olympic Peninsula and a significant portion of Washington’s coastline. There are a few ways to get there: from the southern end via the scenic Highway 101, the ferry from Bainbridge Island, or hugging the Sound through Tacoma.
Most people swear summer is the best time to visit because it’s dry and sunny, but I prefer the tail end of spring and fall. Yes, you’ll need a raincoat, but you’ll be rewarded with lush green forests, wildflowers, and a fraction of the crowds.
What are the best bikes in Olympic National Park?
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update this list with more Olympic NP hikes as I discover them!
Hurricane Hill Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~3.4 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~820 feet | difficulty: easy
Hurricane Ridge is located in Port Angeles at the start of the park. It’s drivable and makes for one of the most scenic drives in the park. There are multiple hikes from the visitor center, but Hurricane Hill is one of the most accessible and family friendly. If possible, visit during sunset for top-notch pics.
Sol Duc Falls Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~1.8 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~262 feet | difficulty: easy
Sol Duc is located in the northwest section of the park, about 40 minutes from Port Angeles. It’s best known for Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort, which is where the start of the falls trail begins. Depending on water levels, the falls can split into up to four channels, all cascading 48 feet into a rocky canyon with multiple viewpoints.
Pro tip: This is one of the best hikes on a cloudy day because the diffused light projecting off the falls makes for lovely pictures.
Ozette Triangle Loop
website | get directions | distance: ~9.3 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~557 feet | difficulty: moderate
The Ozette Triangle Loop at Cape Alava is one of my favorite Olympic National Park hikes. It’s longer but mostly flat and starts on a boardwalk through the woods for ~3 miles before getting to the beach. Then you’ll take the beach for another ~3 miles before going back into the woods for the remainder of the hike. While flat, where good hiking shoes because there’s a lot of driftwood and rocks on the beach.
Also, keep an eye out for wildlife. I’ll never forget one time I was looking down on the beach, gabbing to my boyfriend at the time, when all of a sudden I saw his feet scrambling into the water backwards. I started saying, “What are you doi…” and then I saw his eyes watching a toddler bear lazily charging at us. We both went into the water slowly, but luckily didn’t need to go far because the bear veered off. A few moments later we realized it was stalking an elk up the beach and was telling us it wasn’t happy with the interruption. While experiences like this may be rare, you’re in a remote part of the peninsula, so stay alert!
Pro tip: The start of the trail is near Ozette Lake, the largest unaltered lake in Washington. Relax after your hike and take in the views!
Second Beach Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~2.2 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~300 feet | difficulty: moderate
Near Rialto Beach, one of the best Washington state beaches, you’ll find three cleverly-named beaches in La Push: First, Second, and Third Beach. I prefer Second Beach because it’s more interesting in landscape, though it’s slightly challenging in terrain. From the parking lot, there’s a set of switchback stairs leading to seastack-dotted coastline and a rock formation with a water-carved hole on the mainland.
Mount Storm King Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~4.1 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~2,1000 feet | difficulty: difficult
Mount Storm King Trail is located off Lake Crescent in Port Angeles and promises stunning views…but for a price. The hike starts flat, but your climb will come in due time. This is a thigh burner with switchbacks and peek-a-boo views of the lake. There’s an opportunity to extend your hike, but it gets less maintained and more exposed once you pass the viewpoint for the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Shi Shi Beach to Point of Arches
website | get directions | distance: ~8 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~200 feet | difficulty: moderate
In my opinion, the hike from Shi Shi Beach to the Arches is one of the most beautiful hikes in the park and rivals the best Mt Rainier Hikes. It’s an easy day trip hike, though you could turn it into a multi-day backpacking trip if you’re so inclined.
The hike starts at the fish hatchery before descending steeply into the beach on an eroded trail. After 1.3 miles of beach hiking, you’ll reach the Point of Arches, a mile-long parade of sea stacks and tide pools.
Marymere Falls Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~1.8 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~320 feet | difficulty: easy
You can access multiple trails from the Storm King Ranger Station off of Lake Crescent, and Marymere Falls is one of the most popular. To get there, depart from the ranger station on a paved path through old growth forest, keeping left and continuing upstream to the Mount Storm King Trail junction. You’ll cross two creeks before reaching the 90-foot high waterfall.
Being mostly paved and well-maintained, this is a great hike for kids, especially in the spring after the snow melt.
Spruce Railroad Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~11.2 mi | elevation gain: ~400 feet | difficulty: moderate
The Spruce Railroad Trail is a segment of the much longer Olympic Discovery Trail and offers impressive views of Lake Crescent. The trail begins in an old orchard lined with moss covered maple trees before dipping into an old railroad used to haul Sitka spruce trees out of the forest.
There’s beach access at multiple points, though don’t be surprised to find yourself occasionally peering down nearly 40 feet above the crystal blue waters. A popular shorter segment of the trail is the ~2.4 mile Devil’s Punchbowl. Stop here for photos of the still, clear blue waters before turning back if you don’t have the energy to do the whole Spruce Railroad Trail.
Enchanted Valley
website | get directions | distance: ~25.5 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~3.250 feet | difficulty: difficult
The Enchanted Valley is one of those hikes that reminds you why the Olympic NP is one of the best Pacifc Northwest national parks. It’s been a staple hike of the park since the 30s, when it provided a mountain retreat for horseback riders. The East Fork Quinault River Trail is one of the more popular trails in the southern portion of the park and provides an easy viewpoint for wildlife and greenery.
I suggest doing this hike in the spring and early summer for the waterfalls, though this may not be a hike you want to bring kids on. Also, be mindful of bears and always store your food properly (especially if you’re camping!).
Tubal Cain Mine to Buckhorn Lake
website | get directions | distance: ~19.4 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~4,400 feet | difficulty: difficult
The Tubal Cain trail is a thigh burner to say the least, but it’s a scenic route to Marmot Pass, another jumping off point for further travels. The first four miles are well shaded even in the summertime, and rhododendrons cover the path if you visit in late June/early July.
Be careful as you drive, since hikers report gnarly potholes. Also, I recommend bringing poles for the hike, plenty of water, and shoes with good tread.
Pro tip: On your way to the hike, stop by Sunny Farms Country Store in Sequim for delicious and organic goodies!
Bogachiel Rainforest Trail
website | get directions | distance: ~19.7 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~866 feet | difficulty: moderate
Most people will tell you the Hall of Mosses is the best hike for observing the PNW rainforests, but I think there are less crowded alternatives. The Bogachiel Rainforest Trail offers a glimpse into the lowland rainforest ecosystem. It’s born on the lower mountains of the Hoh Rainforest and lacks some glacial coloration, but it more than makes up for it with solitude.
Pro tip: South Fork Hoh is another option. It’s ~8 miles roundtrip and with minimal elevation gain, it’s an easy hike that promises much of the same viewpoints as the nearby Hoh Rainforest.
Bogachiel → Seven Lakes
website | get directions | distance: ~21.5 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~6,200 feet | difficulty: difficult
If you’re up for a multi-day backpacking trip that includes many of the park’s main features, this should be at the top of the list. This is one of the only hikes that grants access to Sol Duc Falls, Heart Lake, and views of Mount Olympus, Blue Glacier, Hoh River, and the Seven Lakes Basin.
Keep in mind that the hike to Bogachiel Peak is only a 0.3-mile side trip. What you’re really after is everything in between. While you can’t camp at the peak, visitors can get wilderness permits to camp at Seven Lakes.
Pro tip: Most people do this hike counterclockwise, but it can be done either way.
Mineral Creek Falls
website | get directions | distance: ~5.5 mi one way | elevation gain: ~213 feet | difficulty: easy
The Hoh River Trail is the jumping off point for hiking Mount Olympus, though you certainly don’t have to venture that far out for scenic views. This hike is relatively flat and much quieter than other areas of the park. You’ll find the falls near the turnaround spot, more so during the spring after snow melt.
Strawberry Bay Falls
website | get directions | distance: ~3.6 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~280 feet | difficulty: easy
Strawberry Bay Falls, AKA Third Beach Falls, is an easy family-friendly hike that culminates in sandy beaches littered with driftwood and the gentle hum of the falls. The hike starts off on an old road climbing through thick Sitka spruce trees before revealing the ocean.
From there, hike south for half a mile along Strawberry Bay before reaching the waterfall plunging its waters into the crashing ocean waves.
Lover’s Lane Loop
website | get directions | distance: ~5.8 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~485 feet | difficulty: moderate
Lover’s Lane is one of the shorter, but scenic trails near the Sol Duc River. It follows the river upstream, connecting you with Sol Duc campground and the resort. The first three miles are relatively flat, but the trail quickly gets steeper as you approach lush forests of Douglas firs and Sitka spruce trees. Stop for photos after crossing the bridge and circling back to camp.
Duckabush → Big Hump
website | get directions | distance: ~9.5 mi roundtrip | elevation gain: ~2,700 feet | difficulty: difficult
Duckabush is not for the faint of heart, but the views of the Olympic Mountains and thick, moss-dressed forests are worth it. The trail starts uphill, gently curving around a creek before revealing massive maple trees. It flattens out after the first mile, and by mile two, you’re rewarded with the first glimpse of Duckabush River.
You’ll begin the ascent to Big Hump about three miles into the hike. The switchbacks can be draining, but there are plenty of shaded spots along the way to stop and hydrate before reaching Big Hump Peak to overlook the awe-inspiring landscape.
How to hike Olympic National Park
Keep these tips in option to make the most of your time exploring the best Olympic National Park hikes!
Bring layers…and options
The Olympic NP is diverse and the weather can turn on a dime. Since you’re more than likely traveling by car, do yourself a favor and bring a variety of clothes, plus sun sleeves, hats, and a raincoat.
Know how long the hikes will take
My #1 tip for determining how long a hike will take is to use a hiking calculator. My general rule of thumb is that if it’s 500 or more feet in elevation gain per mile, it’ll likely be a difficult hike. So plan accordingly for your Olympic National Park itinerary.
Pay attention to animal warnings
Depending on where you’re in the park, you’ll need to be mindful of bears, cougars, etc. Read up on what animals have been sighted near your hikes and make note of how to deal with an encounter. For example, if you run into a bear, make yourself appear large and raise your voice in a calm way (saying “hey bear” is common), but don’t run, as this can trigger a chase response.
Opt for the slower months
Tourists make a playground of the park in the summer months, so if you’re trying to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting in early June or late September/early October. The kids are in school during this time, and the weather is usually a milder version of what’s to come.
Buy the proper passes
To enter the park, you’ll need the proper national park pass. You can get a day pass, an annual pass, or an America the Beautiful national year pass. I highly recommend the America the Beautiful pass because it gives you access to every national park in the country and covers up to four adults per vehicle (kids under 16 are always free to enter).
More to do on the Olympic Peninsula
After you do these best Olympic National Park hikes, check out these nearby activities.
