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Olympic National Park is a wildy beautiful and diverse place. Its proximity to the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, makes it a perfect destination for a long weekend (or more). And the variety of its landscapes makes for an unforgettable trip. In order to make the most of your visit, this post will cover the best hikes in Olympic National Park.

How to get to Olympic National Park

The best way to get to Olympic National Park is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) airport and rent a car. Before leaving making your way over to the park, be sure to check out the 10 can’t-miss vegan restaurants in Seattle as the food selections are limited closer to Olympic National Park.

The park entry fee is $30 per vehicle and it is good for a 7 day period. The entry fee is also covered under the America The Beautiful Annual Pass that is $80. If you plan to visit 3 national parks in a 12 month period, it is worth it to get one of these passes. They are sold at the entrance of most parks (credit card preferred) or you can purchase an annual pass online.

One key thing to consider when planning a trip to Olympic National Park is that the park is very large and there is no main road that goes straight through it. Instead, you drive around the park and take roads that dead end into the park. In order to get to the next area, you have to exit the park and continue around the exterior.

This is incredibly important to understand if you are planning on hiking in Olympic National Park. While on the map the distance might not look far between two hiking trails, it could actually mean hours of driving. This also means that the weather could be drastically different in one area of the park relative to the next, so it is important to be prepared.

Where to Stay when Visiting Olympic National Park

Since there is not one main entrance/road to the park, where you should stay likely depends on where you will be hiking, That being said there is only one major town in the area – Port Angeles. So likely if you are hoping for hotel accomodations, this is where you should look. That being said there are plenty of other Airbnb’s and campgrounds in the area around the park. On our last visit, we took the van and did some cowboy camping.

Note: If you are planning a car camping or campervan trip, check out this vanlife packing list post to make sure you are prepared.

What to Wear when Hiking in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park has a pretty diverse climate – so not surprisingly you may need different gear than when you hike in other areas of the country. In addition to the ten essentials, make sure to pack a rain jacket, wear waterproof shoes, gloves, and bring extra layers – I prefer wool baselayers from WoolX Wool.

Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is full of beautiful hiking trails. Choosing the best hike for you will depend on the weather, season, your hiking abilities, the amount of time you have, and the area(s) of the park you plan to visit. It is also important that you remember to practice leave no trace when you visit national parks, and really everywhere in nature.

Mt Storm King

Number of Miles: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2076 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 4
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring-Fall

Mt Storm King is hands down one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park and arguably one of the best hikes in the entire Pacific Northwest. An unsuspecting and easy start quickly gives way to a grueling uphill slog. Eventually you come to the end of the maintained trail. Past this point there are usually ropes in place but these are not installed or maintained by the park service. It is helpful to have gloves for the ropes.

Venturing beyond the end of the maintained trail is certainly at your own risk, please exercise extreme caution. However the views of Lake Crescent at the end of this trail are incredible and certainly one of the highlights of any trip.

Because of the ropes and slippery nature of the trail past the maintained section, and due to the fact that this trail finale is all about the views, this is not a trail you would want to do during the rain. It would be dangerous and you likely would not see much at the end.

Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls

Number of Miles: 5,53 Miles
Elevation Gain: 213 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Yes
Dogs Allowed: No, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

The Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls is situated in the heart of Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest. So, towering moss-covered trees surround you as you make your way to Mineral Creek Falls,

Then, after you tackle one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park, be sure to enjoy a relaxing picnic.

To get here, start at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and follow the mostly-level trail alongside the majestic Hoh River. Just remember to be ready for some classic American rain, and always check the latest trail conditions for an enjoyable journey.

Marymere Falls

Number of Miles: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 298 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-Round

Marymere Falls and Mt Storm King have the same trail head. This waterfall is perfect if you are looking to extend your Mt Storm King hike, or if you have rainy weather that does not look like it will clear and you need a Mt Storm King plan B. It is also a beautiful waterfall in its own right and a great hike if you are looking for something easier.

We did this hike as an add on to Mt Storm King. But if you only have time for one waterfall and the road is not closed, I would choose Sul Doc Falls (below) instead. That waterfall very unique in its vantage point.

Moose Lake

Number of Miles: 8.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1600 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 3
Permit Required: Yes
Fees (if applicable): Yes
Dogs Allowed: No, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round and good to visit anytime.

This out-and-back hike starts at Obstruction Point trailhead and will take you down through a meadow that is filled with marmots. If you can, visit in the summer when the area is overflowing with incredible wildflowers.

You’ll continue down to Moose Lake but then have to climb all the way back up. So, pace yourself because the hike back up from the lake is long and takes you up a lot of steep switchbacks. I would also pack plenty of bug spray since this area is filled with mosquitos.

Hole in the Wall from Rialto Beach

Number of Miles: 3,29 Miles
Elevation Gain: 108 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 3
Permit Required: Yes
Fees (if applicable): Yes
Dogs Allowed: No, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round and good to visit anytime.

The Hole in the Wall on Rialto Beach hike features an awe-inspiring sea-carved arch that is accessible via a 1.5-mile hike from the beach’s northern tip.

The raw coastal beauty of this place – with its alluring tidal pools, majestic sea stacks, and weathered driftwood – entices intrepid travelers from around the globe.

Also, as you pass through Hole in the Wall, keep an eye out for vibrant starfish and marine life.

Moreover, this is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park that embraces the essence of America’s outdoor heritage with breathtaking beauty.

Sul Doc Falls

Number of Miles: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 226 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring-Fall (road closes in the winter, check conditions before you go)

Sul Doc Falls is one of the more unique waterfalls that I have experienced. If you only have time for one waterfall hike, this is the one I would recommend as it is quite beautiful and much bigger than you would expect. The trail is not difficult, but the road does close in the winter so make sure to check the conditions before adding this one to your itinerary.

Note: If you are in Portland, there is a waterfall that looks somewhat similar to this one called Triple Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.

Cape Flattery

Number of Miles: 1.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 1
Permit Required: Yes.
Fees (if applicable): Yes.
Dogs Allowed: No, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Best Time of Year to Hike: The best times to visit this trail is year-round

Cape Flattery sits at the northernmost point of the Continental United States. This easy, out-and-back hike will take you to some incredible views. However, because the land belongs to the Makah tribe, you will need a separate permit to visit.

While I love this hike in Olympic National Park, it is a bit out of the way. So, only visit if you have time. Start by going through Neah Bay, to get your permit, and begin a hike through an open forest that takes you down a slight slope.

You’ll encounter some boardwalks along the way and can stop at three unique turn-offs to admire the impressive views. The final viewpoint is the best and allows you to see Tatoosh Island in the distance.

Look closely and you might spot some whales and otters in the water too.

Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop

Number of Miles: 2,1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 95,14 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 1
Permit Required: Yes.
Fees (if applicable): Yes.
Dogs Allowed: No, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Best Time of Year to Hike: The best times to visit this trail are April through October.

The Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop is found at the center of Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest.

This short, family-friendly, 0.8-mile loop trail will allow you to dive into an enchanting old-growth forest, where colossal moss-draped trees create a truly magical atmosphere along one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.

Now, as you wander through this verdant wonderland, keep your eyes peeled for diverse local wildlife and unique plant species.

So, to reach this natural gem, simply follow the well-marked signs from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center,

But, before you set out on this adventure, make sure to pack sturdy footwear, rain gear, and a camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Hoh Rainforest.

Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge

Number of Miles: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 826 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring-Fall (road closes in the winter, check conditions before you go)

Hurricane Ridge trail may be mostly paved, but do not let that fool you. There is still a steep incline involved but the payoff for the views is quite high. This hike also feels quite different than the other viewpoint hike, Mt Storm King – less classic Pacific Northwest trail vibe and much less incline. It is also located in a pretty popular area so it is heavily trafficked in good weather.

Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad trail

Number of Miles: 2,4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 137 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is Hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash.
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Devil’s Punchbowl, accessible via the Spruce Railroad Trail, is an archetypal display of American natural beauty.

This 6.5-mile round-trip hike is rated as moderately difficult and will take you along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Crescent. So, take in breathtaking views of glassy water that is set against a backdrop of densely wooded mountains.

Now, you can find the trailhead by making your way to the North Shore of Lake Crescent, adjacent to the historic Storm King Ranger Station.

For the best experience, you have to plan your adventure for the late spring through early fall. This is when the weather is at its best and perfect for exploring some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.

Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses Trail

Number of Miles: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 81 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-Round

If you have not spent much time hiking in the Pacific Northwest, Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses Trail is one of those trails that is an absolute must do. It is easy and it is probably everything you are thinking of when it comes to hiking in Olympic National Park. Incredibly green, lush, mossy, and wet. If you have hiked a lot in the region, it is still worth checking out.

This entrance into the park is the farthest from Seattle-Tacoma Airport and can be far if you are on limited time. But that does not mean you should skip it. You will pass by the Twilight fan-favorite town of Forks on the way. This area can get excessively buggy in the summertime so be sure to pack bug spray. It’s also a rain forest so a rain jacket is a must.

The High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin

Number of Miles: 19 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 4000 feet
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 5
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-Round

This is probably one of the best backpacking trails in Olympic National Park. However, make sure you are very physically fit and have some backpacking expertise before tackling this hike.

It may be one of the most intense hikes in Olympic National Park, but it’s worth since you’ll see incredible wildlife (black bears, mountain goats, etc.) and more than 8 amazing lakes along the way.

I would not recommend doing this as a day hike since it will be a VERY long day. Instead, try to spread it out across three days and two nights. This way you can move at a more relaxed pace and really enjoy the scenery around you.

You’ll also want to do this hike in a clockwise direction since the ascent up the High Divide is a bit more gradual this way. So, begin at Sol Duc Falls Trailhead and make your way through a thick forest before hittinf Sol Duc Park about half way through the hike.

Use the vault toilet and continue with the hike which starts to get really intense from here. You’ll pass Heart Lake and continue up the ridge. If you can, make a detour to Lunch Lake which is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Then it’s all downhill from here and back to the parking lot.

If you do decide to go backpacking, you must reserve a camping permit in advance and you will need bear canisters for the High Divide. There is also no water at the High Divide. So, purify all the water you need before leaving Heart Lake.

Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches (Pacific Coast)

Number of Miles: 8 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: Yes
Fees (if applicable): Park Entry Fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-Round

Shi Shi Beach is one of the most stunning and wild beaches in Olympic National Park. So, if you have the time I highly recommend trying this hike. Since this is a beach hike, do check the tides before you visit so that you don’t get stuck.

All in all, this easy trail is amazing and worth completing to the end since you’ll wind up at Point of Arches. I know this hike seems long, but there is little elevation gain. The elevation only drops when you actually get down to the beach. Otherwise, this hike is totally flat.

Highlights include exploring the tide pools at Point of Arches and marveling at the many Bald Eagles soaring through the air. Like with the Cape Flattery hike, this hike is on Makah Tribe land. So, you’ll need a permit to park the the fish hatchery.

Best Hikes in Olympic National Park FAQs

What is the Most Popular Hike in Olympic National Park?

The most popular hike in Olympic National Park is the hike to Mt. Storm King. It is a challenging, short climb that rewards hikers with stunning views of Lake Crescent. It also features a steep and relentless ascent to the summit.

Which Part of Olympic National Park is Best?

The best part of Olympic National Park is Rialto Beach. So, head to the vistas of Rialto Beach to enjoy views of the rugged coastline, incredible sea stacks, and the Pacific Ocean, To get there, drive approximately 10 miles from Forks, Washington, which should take about 20 minutes.

What Trails to Hike in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park’s extensive network of trails ensures that hikers of all levels and inclinations can savor its natural beauty. Below, you’ll find some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.

• Hoh River Trail
• Sol Duc Falls Trail
• Hurricane Hill Trail
• Rialto Beach Trail
• Marymere Falls Trail
• Second Beach Trail

What is the Least Crowded Hike in Olympic National Park?

The upper Queets River in the southwest corner of the park is approximately an hour’s drive from Lake Quinault and is one of the least crowded hikes in Olympic National Park.

In particular, the Sam’s River Loop trail begins at the abandoned Queets ranger station and meanders through the lush temperate rainforest along the Queets River bottomlands.

Olympic National Park Hiking

Hopefully this overview of the best hikes in Olympic National Park has you ready to plan your trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Have you done any of these hikes? If not which one do you want to do first? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Hiking the Enchantments in Washington State
• Best Waterfall Hikes near Portland
• How to Hike in the Rain Forest

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