Best places to hike in Olympic national park

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Best places to hike in Olympic national park

Olympic National Park offers a variety of hiking experiences from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines & alpine peaks. Here are some of the best hikes you can explore:

Northern Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Trail to Hurricane Hill: A 3.2-mile round trip with stunning panoramic views. It’s an easy to moderate hike perfect for families.
Mount Storm King: A challenging hike with steep sections offering breathtaking views of Lake Crescent.
Mary mere Falls: A short easy hike leading to a beautiful waterfall great for all ages.

Pacific Coastline

Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall: A scenic coastal hike with tide pools and sea stacks.
Shi Shi Beach: Known for its remote beauty and dramatic sea stacks.
Ruby Beach: Famous for its picturesque views and unique rock formations.

Hoh Rainforest

Hall of Mosses: A short loop trail through lush moss-draped trees.
Spruce Nature Trail: Another easy loop that showcases the rainforest’s beauty.

Staircase Area

Staircase Rapids Loop: A scenic loop along the North Fork Skokomish River.
Mount Ellinor: A more strenuous hike with rewarding views from the summit.

Multi-Day Backpacking

High Divide Trail & the Seven Lakes Basin Loop: A popular multi-day hike offering stunning alpine scenery and numerous lakes.

11 Best hikes in Olympic national park

Here is a 11 Best hikes in Olympic national park and their all details :

Northern Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Trail to Hurricane Hill:

Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Highlights:

Scenery: Offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In summer the trail is adorned with vibrant wildflower meadows making it a great spot for photography.

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for deer, marmots, and occasional sightings of mountain goats.

Tips: The trail is accessible year-round but in winter it’s popular for snowshoeing. First check weather conditions before heading out ok.

Mount Storm King:

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

Highlights:

Scenery: This steep and challenging hike rewards with breathtaking views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.

Challenges: The final ascent involves using ropes to navigate the steep terrain so it’s not recommended for beginners or those with a fear of heights.

Tips: Start early to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water. The trail is best tackled in dry conditions as it can become slippery when wet.

Mary mere Falls:

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

Scenery: This easy trail meanders through an old-growth forest leading to a stunning 90-foot waterfall.
Family-Friendly: Ideal for families and beginners the trail is well-maintained and offers interpretive signs along the way.
Tips: The trail can be busy during peak seasons so visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon may provide a more serene experience.

Pacific Coastline

Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall:

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Highlights:

Scenery: Walk along the beach with views of towering sea stacks tide pools teeming with marine life and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation.

Tide Pools: Best visited at low tide when the tide pools are most accessible.

Tips: Wear sturdy footwear for walking on the rocky beach and check tide schedules to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.

Shi Shi Beach:

Distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

Scenery: Known for its remote beauty Shi Shi Beach features dramatic sea stacks tide pools and one of the most pristine beaches in the park.

Permits: Requires a Makah Reservation permit which can be obtained at the Makah Tribal Center in Neah Bay.

Tips: Be prepared for muddy sections of the trail especially after rain. Consider camping overnight to experience the stunning sunset and sunrise views.

Ruby Beach:

Distance: Short walk from the parking area
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

Scenery: Famous for its ruby-colored sand driftwood-strewn shores and striking rock formations that make it a photographer’s paradise.

Accessibility: Easy access from the parking area makes this an ideal stop for those short on time.

Tips: Visit during low tide to explore the tide pools and get closer to the rock formations.

Hoh Rainforest

Hall of Mosses:

Distance: 0.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

Scenery: This short loop offers an enchanting walk through the Hoh Rainforest with trees draped in moss and a dense canopy overhead.

Educational: Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the unique ecosystem of the temperate rainforest.

Tips: This trail can be busy so try to visit early in the day for a more tranquil experience.

Spruce Nature Trail:

Distance: 1.2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

Scenery: This easy loop showcases the diverse plant life of the Hoh Rainforest including giant Sitka spruce trees ferns and lush undergrowth.

Wildlife: Look out for banana slugs elk and various bird species as you explore the trail.

Tips: The trail is relatively flat and suitable for all ages making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to wear waterproof footwear, as the rainforest can be damp even during the summer months.

Staircase Area

Staircase Rapids Loop:

Distance: 2.1 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Highlights:

Scenery: The trail follows the North Fork Skokomish River offering views of rapids old-growth forest and a charming suspension bridge.

Accessibility: The trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers with the rapids providing a soothing soundtrack as you walk.

Tips: This area is less crowded than other parts of the park making it a great choice for those seeking solitude. Consider combining this hike with a picnic by the river.

Mount Ellinor:

Distance: 6.2 miles round trip (from the upper trailhead)
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

Highlights:

Scenery: The steep climb is rewarded with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains Puget Sound and on clear days even Mount Rainier.

Challenges: The trail includes steep and rocky sections requiring good physical fitness and proper gear.

Tips: Start early to avoid the midday heat and to secure a parking spot at the trailhead.

Multi-Day Backpacking

High Divide Trail & the Seven Lakes Basin Loop:

Distance: 18.2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

Highlights:

Scenery: This popular multi-day hike offers some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the park with numerous lakes wildflower meadows and potential wildlife sightings including black bears and mountain goats.

Camping: Several backcountry campsites are available along the loop providing opportunities to immerse yourself in the serene wilderness.

Permits: A wilderness permit is required and reservations are recommended due to the trail’s popularity.

Tips: Plan for at least two to three days to fully enjoy the loop. Pack light but ensure you have all necessary gear including bear canisters as bears are common in this area.

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