From hikes that cross driftwood-strewn beaches to traversing mossy rainforest trails, we’ve rounded up the best hikes Olympic National Park for all levels and abilities. Plus we’ve included some important information you’ll want to know before you hit the trails.
The large stretch of land in northwestern Washington known as the Olympic Peninsula or “OP” for short is characterized by rugged beaches, cascading waterfalls and beautiful displays of temperate rainforests.
All surrounding the Olympic Mountain Range — the second largest mountain range in the state of Washington.
Nearly 1 million acres of the peninsula are protected lands in the Olympic National Park, known as one of the most diverse national parks in the country.
With so many geographical and natural wonders to explore, and so much of the park a roadless wilderness, hiking trails and camping are the best way to discover the beauty that lies within.
In this guide to the best hikes in Olympic National Park, you’ll discover hikes that cross driftwood-strewn beaches, traverse mossy rainforest trails and climb to some of the best viewpoints in the Olympic Mountain Range.
We’ve included hikes on this list for all levels and abilities — from well-trodden trails to the lightly-trafficked backcountry.
Article Contents
- Best time to go hiking in ONP
- Annual Park Pass
- Easy day hikes in Olympic National Park
- Multi-day hikes in Olympic National Park
- Backcountry camping in ONP
- What to pack for hiking in ONP
Psst! Check out our entire Olympic National Park guide on our sister site for more information on visiting the national park and what you can expect.
Know before you go
There are a few important details you should know before you head to Olympic National Park to start hiking.
Best time to visit Olympic National Park
The optimal time for hiking in Olympic National Park is during the late spring to early fall months, typically from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions and access to a all of the best trails.
The summer months, in particular, offer longer daylight hours, making it possible to embark on longer hikes and fully immerse oneself in the park’s natural beauty. However, it’s important to note that weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable, so visitors should always be prepared for sudden changes and check trail conditions before heading out.
And keep in mind, Olympic National Park is susceptible to seasonal road closures during winter months.
America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass
If you’re planning to visit more than one of the Washington national parks, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass. At $30 per vehicle for the entrance fee, visiting ONP along with most other national parks in the U.S. can get expensive.
For just $80 per year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful park pass. This pass grants you free access to all of the national parks. Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States.
If you still need convincing, check out our article: America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass: Is it Worthwhile?
Psst! Check out some of our other favorite national parks on the west coast that make great hiking destinations.
Single-day hikes in Olympic National Park
There are seemingly endless hikes to choose from in this national park, but here are some of the top single-day trails to put on your itinerary for the OP.
1. Mount Storm King
- Distance: 5.3 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 2,076 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail guide
The trek up Mount Storm King may be a challenging one, but there’s a good reason it’s at the top of our list of best hikes in Olympic National Park! The views over Lake Crescent are well-worth the difficult journey on this super popular trail.
The trail starts out pretty easy, passing under Hwy 101, but don’t get too comfortable! Soon enough the trail will get steeper — so steep even that the final scramble to the summit involves a rope that is necessary to pull yourself up to the top.
Tip: For a double-whammy, start your hike on the Marymere Falls trail and continue on to summit Mount Storm King.
How to get there: Find the trailhead for Mount Storm King just outside the Storm King Ranger Station.
Check out our complete guide to hiking the Mount Storm King trail for all of the details you need to plan your hike.
2. Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest
- Distance: 1.1-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 78 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail guide
If you only have time for one hike through the Hoh Rainforest, this is the hike that should not be missed! As the name implies, this is one of the best places to capture photographs of the ethereal moss-covered forest. The well-maintained trail is lined with signage that will educate you about the delicate ecosystem of the temperate rainforest along the way.
Keep in mind that the easily accessible trails are heavily trafficked, meaning this may be one of the more crowded stops on your time in the OP.
Note: There is also a short nature trail through a rainforest marsh that is wheelchair-accessible.
Tip: The best time to hike this short trail is in the early morning when the sunlight is filtered through the dense canopy.
How to get there: The trailhead for the Hall of Moss Trail can be found behind the Hoh Rainforest Visitors Center off Hoh Valley Road.
3. Shi Shi Beach
- Distance: 8.8 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 561 ft
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
To get to this somewhat remote beach, you’ll need to hike about 2 miles on a muddy, jungly path on the Makah Indian Reservation. Once you reach the ocean, it is another 2 miles of walking on the sand to get to the dramatic sea stacks that characterize this stunning remote beach. But oh man, is it worth it for the sunset!
Being that it is quite a trek, we’d recommend a stop here only if you are camping overnight, or if you intend to spend the whole day exploring. Over on our sister site, we put together an entire guide to camping on Shi Shi Beach with everything you need to know.
To visit Shi Shi Beach, you’ll need a Makah Recreation Pass which you can pick up at the Washburn General Store in Neah Bay or a number of other locations in the area. Display this $10 pass in your windshield while enjoying the trails, beach and other activities in the area.
How to get there: Drive to the end of the bay on Hwy 112 and turn left on Fort Street, right on 3rd Ave, and then a left on Cape Flattery Road. Follow this for about 2.5 miles and turn left on Hobuck Road. Follow the signs to Shi Shi beach trailhead.
Note: If you’re staying overnight, you’ll have to park up the road about 0.6 miles from the trailhead at one of the designated parking areas (i.e. someone’s yard). Be sure to read our complete guide to understand the extra fees involved.
4. Marymere Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.7 miles, out and back
- Elevation: 298 ft
- Rating: Easy
- View the trail guide
Walk through moss-covered old growth forests with very little elevation gain on this easy hike to Marymere Falls. This short but sweet hike is good for hikers of all ability levels and comes with the reward of a towering 90-ft waterfall dropping over a basalt cliff surrounded by lush greenery. This is one of the more popular hikes in Olympic National Park thanks to it’s easy access from Hwy 101.
Tip: Instead of hiking the same trail back, hikers can take the Moments in Time Nature Trail to make a loop back to the ranger station and parking area. Or you can combine this hike with the significantly more difficult Mount Storm King to double-down on your scenery.
How to get there: The trailhead is just outside the Storm King Ranger Station off Hwy 101 on the east side of Lake Crescent.
5. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge Trail
- Distance: 3.4 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 826 ft
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
One of the best hikes in Olympic National Park for first-timers, this is a can’t-miss on your trip to the Olympic Peninsula. The wide and well-maintained trail is good for hikers of all levels (including families) as its minimal elevation gain is slow and steady.
Plus, the views from the peak are unbeatable! With relatively moderate effort, you’ll be rewarded with views spanning all the way from Mt. Baker to Victoria, BC, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
How to get there: Find the Hurricane Ridge trailhead from the parking lot at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road. If you park at the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, you will add 2.4 miles to your hike.
Psst! Check out our complete guide to visiting Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park for more information!
6. Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 255 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Possibly one of the most well-known in Olympic National Park and certainly one of the best waterfalls in Washington, Sol Duc Falls is a must-visit for the scenery alone. These stunning falls look like something out of Fern Gully (remember that movie?!).
The Nature Trail is an easy and relaxing walk through the temperate rainforest. After an easy mile-and-a-half, you’ll bump into the falls, a picturesque attraction with four separate waterfalls plummeting nearly 50 ft into the canyon below.
Don’t forget to bring your camera on this excursion! There are two main parts to the falls – the first section you’ll walk past is smaller and filled with moss-covered rocks. Walk a bit further and you’ll reach the main part of the falls, which is larger. You’ll definitely want to see both parts, but we actually enjoyed the first section more.
Tip: Extend your hike another 5-ish miles on the Lover’s Lane Loop.
How to get there: Follow the Sol Duc Road to its end just beyond the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll find a parking lot and the trailhead.
Psst! If you enjoy hiking in national parks, you’ll want to check out our list of the best Crater Lake hikes, one of the most underrated national parks… in our opinion.
7. Spruce Nature Trail
- Distance: 1.4-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 16 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Another great trail for hikers of all abilities through the Hoh Rainforest is the Spruce Nature Trail. This trail tends to be slightly less crowded than the Hall of Moss, but can easily be combined for more exploration of the temperate rainforest.
How to get there: The trailhead for the Spruce Nature Trail can be found behind the Hoh Rainforest Visitors Center off Hoh Valley Road.
8. Staircase Rapids Loop
- Distance: 2.1-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 213 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
With waterfalls, dense old-growth forest and moss-covered vegetation, the Staircase Rapids Loop is an easy trail for hikers of all abilities to enjoy. This short hike hugs the North Fork of the Skokomish River through a temperate rainforest. Cross a suspension bridge over the river and follow the loop back to where you started.
How to get there: Find the trailhead for Staircase Rapids Nature Trail just beyond the Staircase Campground on Forest Road 24 off Route 119.
Note: The Forest Roads often go through seasonal closures from November – May.
9. Hole-in-the-Wall from Rialto Beach
- Distance: 3.3 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 108 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
This short and leisurely hike is more of a beach stroll. Make your way past the sea stacks as you walk along the sandy and rocky shore of one of the most popular coasts in Olympic National Park. Head as far up the shore as your legs will carry you. About 1.5 miles from the parking area you’ll come across a unique rock formation known as Hole-in-the-Wall.
Tip: Come during low tide or make sure you have decent waterproof hiking shoes like our favorite: Chacos.
How to get there: Make your way to the beach from the Rialto Beach Parking Area off Mora Road and head north.
10. Quinault Loop Trail
- Distance: 3.8-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 367 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Make your way through dense old-growth forest and lush greenery on this easy 4-mile loop through the Quinault Rainforest. Interpretive signs along the way will help you learn about the vegetation and delicate ecosystem.
How to get there: Find the trailhead for the Quinault Loop Trail behind the Lake Quinault Lodge just east of Hwy 101.
11. Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent
- Distance: 11.2 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 433 ft
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
This scenic hike along the shores of Lake Crescent is mostly flat and family-friendly. There are several historic bridges you’ll cross, including the one over Devil’s Punchbowl, a trail highlight, and a few tunnels to traverse. So bringing a flashlight or headlamp is recommended for orientation.
How to get there: Find the Spruce Lake Trailhead off of East Beach Road just after crossing the Lyre River.
12. Lover’s Lane Loop
- Distance: 6.1-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 590 ft
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
An extension of the Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail, this popular loop trail will have you continue your hike past the falls, using the Campground Trail on the return to make a loop. With very little elevation gain, this longer version of the Sol Duc Nature Trail can be enjoyed by hikers of all levels and abilities.
How to get there: Follow the Sol Duc Road to its end just beyond the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll find a parking lot and the trailhead for Sol Duc Falls aka Lover’s Lane Trail.
Psst! Interested in seeing more national parks in the area? Check out this guide to Washington’s national parks to help you plan your visit.
13. Ozette Triangle Trail
- Distance: 9.4-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 538 ft
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
This is the perfect day hike in Olympic National Park for those looking to get some miles in without the elevation gain. This trek will take you through coastal wilderness, wetlands, lush forests and rugged beach scapes as you traverse between the Pacific Ocean and Ozette Lake in a triangle formation.
How to get there: The loop begins at the Cape Alva Trailhead near the Ozette Campground. Make your way towards the ocean, then south on the beach until you reach The Sand Point Trail which will return you to the start.
14. Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
- Distance: 10.6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 300 ft
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Most first-time visitors to the Olympic Peninsula don’t leave without a stop at the Hoh Rainforest. You can’t escape the feeling of magic as you trek through the lush moss-covered Hoh Rainforest.
If you’re up for a longer hike with an easy grade, the Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island is the perfect day hike. The trail follows the glacier-carved Hoh River as it winds its way through the temperate rainforest. Stop for a picnic lunch at Five Mile Island, a sunny spot with views of Bogachiel Peak.
How to get there: The trailhead for the Hoh River Trail can be found behind the Hoh Rainforest Visitors Center off Hoh Valley Road.
15. Mount Ellinor Trail
- Distance: 6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 3,385 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
As one of the tallest mountains on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Ellinor offers stunning panoramic views of the peninsula and on a clear day you can see out to Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.
There are actually two trails to take you to the summit, a short but very steep trail or a longer trail with a more gradual incline.
Take the Lower Trailhead for a 6-mile round trip that starts with an easy grade though an old growth forest, then climbs with gentle switchbacks. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Upper Trailhead, which is a shorter 3.2 miles round trip with steep switchbacks the entire way.
How to get there: To get to the trailheads you’ll follow Route 119 from Hwy 101 until you reach Forest Road 24. A right at Forest Road 24 will take you 1.6 miles and then a left on Forest Road 2419. You’ll reach the lower trailhead in 4.9 miles. Parking is limited, but not usually very crowded.
To get to the Upper Trailhead, continue for another 1.7 miles and turn left of Forest Road 2419-040. Go until you reach the end of the road and you’ll run into the Upper Trailhead as well as a picnic table, bathroom facilities and some beautiful views.
16. Sunrise Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles
- Distance: 5.5 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 2,017 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Experience more stunning views over Hurricane Ridge on this slightly more difficult hike along the Klahhane Ridge towards Mount Angeles. The hike starts on the High Ridge Nature Trail, a paved trail climbing up to a nice viewpoint on the ridge.
From there you will be rewarded with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range. You’ll continue east along the ridge towards Mount Angeles on the Sunrise Point Trail, ending at an overlook with a great view of Mount Angeles.
Note: Most people turn around when they reach the start of the Mount Angeles climb (where the trail ends). The climb to the summit of Mount Angeles is an unmarked Class 3 scramble and should not be attempted without proper experience and climbing equipment.
How to get there: Find the trailhead for the High Ridge Nature Trail just outside the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center (a sight in and of itself with breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape).
17. Klahhane Ridge to Lake Angeles
- Distance: 12.6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 4,514 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
This hike is long for a single day, but well worth it for the views of the picturesque Lake Angeles from atop the ridge. As an extension of the Sunrise Ridge Trail, you’ll begin your hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor’s Center and follow the Klahhane Ridge Trail beyond Sunrise Ridge towards the alpine lake.
The trail gets pretty narrow and has a steep accent, which makes it a lot more challenging in the wintertime. Throughout the summer, however, you will find the hike surrounded by wildflowers.
How to get there: Find the trailhead for the Klahhane Ridge Trail just outside the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center.
18. Royal Basin – Royal Lake
- Distance: 15.8 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 3,802 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The high country of Upper Royal Basin in Olympic National Park is defined by rocky slope, milky blue tarns and wildflower-dotted subalpine meadows flanked by 7,000-foot peaks. Topped off by one of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls in the backcountry, hiking to Royal Basin Falls is one of the best little-known gems in the park.
The hike starts at the Upper Dungeness Trail and connects with the Royal Basin Trail after just about a mile. The nearly 16-mile hike takes stamina if it is to be completed as a day trip, and can easily be turned into an overnight backcountry hike if you obtain a camping permit.
Note: This hike requires you to drive nearly 19 miles of dirt roads to get to the trailhead. It also requires a backcountry permit, even if you aren’t planning to camp overnight.
How to get there: Take Forest Road 2880 (a steep and winding gravel road) across the Dungeness River and past the Dungeness Forks Campground. In another 0.9 miles go straight at the intersections onto what is now Forest Road 2870.
Continue for 2.5 miles and bear right at the intersection to stay on 2870. In another 4.9 miles, stay left at the fork to stay on 2870. In 1.6 miles, you will cross the Dungeness River again and find the parking lot for the Upper Dungeness trailhead.
Multi-day backcountry hikes
Below are some of the best multi-day hikes for backcountry hiking and camping. Keep in mind reservations are highly recommended as permits are required for backcountry camping in the OP and there are a limited number of permits available.
19. Enchanted Valley Chalet via East Fork Quinault River Trail
- Distance: 30.6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 4,642 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
This hike will take you through lush, old growth forests, across rustic bridges scaling the river below, and ultimately to a majestic wide open valley. Aptly named, the Enchanted Valley is known as a great place to spot wildlife, like black bears and elk, and makes an epic multi-day hike.
How to get there: The Enchanted Valley trailhead is quite remote, making it essential that you plan your trip to Olympic National Park with this hike in mind. Make your way to the Quinault Ranger Station, which is located in the southwest region of the Olympic Peninsula. Continue for about 6 miles on the road along the Quinault River which will soon turn to gravel past the station. The road dead ends at Graves Creek Campground, which is a great place to spend the night before your hike. The campground is just ¼-mile from the trailhead.
Looking for campsites inside and outside of the national park? Our advice is to download The Dyrt, an app that’ll take your camping game to the next level. Use this link to get 30 days of the Pro Membership totally FREE (no strings attached)!
20. High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop
- Distance: 19-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 5,308 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
For a tranquil trail and idyllic scenery, take the High Divide Trail to the stunning subalpine basin known as Seven Lakes Basin. The basin itself has more than 7 lakes (who named this thing!?) and is teeming with wildlife from black bears roaming to mountain goats grazing. It’s a picturesque place to spend a few nights in the backcountry if you want to get away from the crowds.
How to get there: This hikes begins on the same trail as the Sol Duc Falls. Follow the Sol Duc Road to its end just beyond the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll find a parking lot and the trailhead. Once you’ve reached the falls, you’ll continue on the Deer Lake Trail, then head south from Deer Lake to the High Divide Trail.
Things to know about backcountry camping in Olympic National Park
Backcountry permit
You’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit if you want to do any backcountry camping in Olympic National Park. The fee for this permit is $8 per adult, per night, plus a $6 non-refundable reservation fee. Limited reservations become available 6 months in advance on a rolling window (so it’s a good thing to plan ahead!).
The permit is easily obtainable online from the U.S. National Park website. You can pick up your permit at one of the nearby ranger stations in Port Angeles or at the Quinault Ranger Station, which is close to the trailhead for hiking the Enchanted Valley.
Bear canister
It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to carry a bear canister to keep all of your food and toiletries while in the backcountry on the OP. You can bring your own (this is the one we have), or you can rent one free of charge at the same place you get your permit.
Bear spray
Bear spray is another must if you go into the backcountry. Additionally, some people like to carry a bear bell (especially if you’re hiking and camping solo). If you don’t bring a bell, just be sure to talk loudly when you’re hiking on trails without crowds.
What to pack for hiking in Olympic National Park
- Navigation*: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
- Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
- Hiking daypack
- Water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak
- Dry bag (we always carry one with us for our valuables in case of rain)
- Bug repellant
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
- Lots of layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Rain gear: Doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s always good to be prepared in rainy Washington!
- Sturdy waterproof shoes: We’re obsessed with Chacos, and they were pretty much all we wore during our trip in Olympic National Park. They are good for long walks, hiking, beaches, and can get wet.
- Headlamp: If you’re camping, this should be a must in your packing
- Bear spray: It’s highly recommended to carry this on any overnight hike
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
Be sure to grab our ultimate hiking packing list includes our must-have gear for any hiking trail!
You may also like…
- Best Campsites in Washington State
- Top 50 Hikes in Washington State
- Incredible Washington Hot Springs & Where to Find Them
- Crater Lake Hikes: 10 Best Hikes in the National Park
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these Olympic National Park hikes do you love the most? Are there any you think we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
My husband and I had a chance to visit ONP a few Thanksgivings ago. We loved it and saw a lot, but only had one day. It’s a good start, but even though some of the routes were closed for the winter, that just didn’t cut it. Agree with you that the park deserves 2-4 days. Maybe 2 in the winter, but if I were to go back, I’d go in the warmer months and give it the full 4 days.
This is a most handy and welcome web site. The info is helpful. In the late 70’s, I hiked extensively in the ONP. I hiked the Staircase and Sol duc in Summer and Winter beautiful scenery. Did not need back country permit then. Hiked the Grey Wolf trail numerously. In 1978, I Helped organize a 50 mi back pack going in at the Sol duc, crossing Seven Lakes Basin / High Divide, Hoh Meadows, Blue Glacier, summited Western Peak of Mt Olympus, and out thru Hoh Ranger Station. This was a seven day event! It was exquisite scenery, a demanding /difficult hike, and a testament to God’s creations.