7 Scenic Washington Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula You’ll Never Forget

If you’re looking to explore some of the most beautiful trails in Washington, the Olympic Peninsula offers a mix of forest, coastline, and mountain views that are hard to beat. Whether you want easy strolls or more challenging hikes, this region has something to match your pace and interests.

These 7 scenic hikes on the Olympic Peninsula will give you memorable outdoor experiences with stunning landscapes to enjoy along the way. You’ll find paths that take you through lush rainforests, along rugged beaches, and up to panoramic summit views, making your trip well worth the effort.

Marymere Falls Trailhead

If you’re looking for an easy hike that rewards you with a beautiful waterfall, Marymere Falls Trail is a great choice. The trail is just under 2 miles round trip and winds through an old-growth forest full of towering trees and lush greenery. It’s a relaxing walk that feels like a little escape into nature.

The highlight is the 90-foot Marymere Falls itself, where you can pause and enjoy the sound and sight of the cascading water. Along the way, you’ll find a few spots that offer nice views and photo ops.

This trail is perfect if you want a short, peaceful hike without a lot of elevation gain. It’s popular among families and casual hikers who want to soak in the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula without too much effort.

You’ll find the trailhead near Lake Crescent, making it easy to combine with other outdoor activities in the area like visiting the lake or exploring nearby trails.

Rating: 4.8 (1821 reviews)
Location: 227693-227769 Olympic Hwy, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Website: Visit Website

Olympic National Park

When you visit Olympic National Park, you’ll find a huge variety of landscapes packed into one place. From snowy peaks to lush rainforests and wild coastlines, there’s something different to explore at every turn.

The park covers nearly a million acres of wilderness. You can hike through old-growth trees, discover glacier-capped mountains, or walk along more than 70 miles of rugged Pacific shoreline.

The park’s diverse ecosystems make it perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after challenging trails or peaceful nature walks, you’ll find trails to fit your pace and interests.

If you love nature and variety, Olympic National Park offers an unforgettable experience with incredible scenery and a chance to connect with the outdoors.

Rating: 4.8 (10,496 reviews)
Location: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Contact: (360) 565-3130
Website: Visit Website

Marymere Falls

If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall, Marymere Falls is a great choice. The trail is about 1.8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of around 500 feet, making it suitable for most skill levels.

You’ll start your hike through lush old-growth forest on Lake Crescent Road. The path is well-maintained and offers chances to spot local wildlife and enjoy peaceful nature scenes before reaching the waterfall.

When you arrive, Marymere Falls offers a stunning view with water cascading over rocks into a clear pool. It’s a perfect spot for a break, photos, or just to soak in the quiet beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.

Rating: 4.8 (701 reviews)
Location: Lake Crescent Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Contact: (206) 625-1367
Website: Visit Website

Olympic National Forest

When you visit Olympic National Forest, you’ll find a huge range of landscapes to explore. From thick temperate rainforests to mountain ridges and coastal fjords, this place covers a lot of different terrains. It’s perfect if you want to switch up your scenery during your hike.

The forest covers over 600,000 acres, so there’s plenty of room to find your own quiet spot. You can hike through lush canyons, stroll by waterfalls, or enjoy views that stretch 360 degrees at higher elevations. It’s a mix of nature’s best features.

You’ll also get the chance to enjoy other activities like camping and fishing while you’re there. It’s a great spot to unplug, breathe fresh air, and challenge yourself with new trails. The forest has something for just about every outdoor enthusiast.

The area has a long history, starting as a forest reserve back in 1897. Today, the focus is on restoration and maintaining the natural balance, making sure it stays beautiful for years to come.

Rating: 4.8 (3885 reviews)
Location: Washington 98363
Contact: (360) 956-2300
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Hall of Mosses Trailhead

If you want a quick hike with a big payoff, the Hall of Mosses Trail offers a short 0.8-mile loop through the lush Hoh Rain Forest. You’ll find yourself surrounded by old growth trees covered in thick green moss, with plenty of ferns adding to the forest’s unique look. It’s an easy walk that feels like stepping into another world.

The trail winds through maple trees heavily draped with club moss, giving the area its name. The constant rain and mild temperatures help create a dense, shaded canopy that’s great for spotting a variety of plant life. Keep an eye out for the massive Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir trees towering overhead.

This trailhead is right next to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps or ask rangers for tips. It’s a great starting point if you’re planning to explore more trails in the area, like the longer Hoh River Trail or the Spruce Nature Trail. The visitor center also has exhibits explaining the forest’s ecosystem.

The peaceful atmosphere here makes it a favorite for both first-time visitors and seasoned hikers. You can expect to see signs of wildlife too, from elk tracks to birdsong, enhancing the experience even on this short hike.

Rating: 4.8 (1474 reviews)
Location: Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331
Contact: (360) 565-3131
Website: Visit Website

Obstruction Point Trailhead

If you’re up for a hike that offers spectacular views, Obstruction Point Trailhead is a great choice. It’s located near Port Angeles and gives you access to some of the most beautiful parts of Olympic National Park. You’ll find alpine meadows, mountain vistas, and plenty of wildflowers along the way.

The trail takes you through high-elevation terrain, so be prepared for cooler temperatures even in summer. It’s a popular spot for hikers who want a challenging but rewarding experience, especially during the late spring and early fall when the weather is ideal.

Since this trailhead sits at a high elevation, it’s less crowded than many other spots in the park. You can enjoy a peaceful walk through subalpine forests and open ridges. Make sure to check current conditions before you go as snow can linger well into summer here.

You’ll find trail information and updates on the National Park Service site. It’s a good idea to pack plenty of water and snacks because there aren’t amenities near the trailhead. This hike is perfect if you want to take in some quiet, dramatic landscapes on the Olympic Peninsula.

Rating: 4.9 (93 reviews)
Location: Port Angeles, WA 98362
Website: Visit Website

Klahhane Ridge Trail

If you’re looking for a hike with rewarding views, Klahhane Ridge Trail is a solid choice. The trail winds through lush forests before opening up to panoramic overlooks of the Olympic Mountains.

The path is well-marked and offers a mix of shaded sections and open ridges. You’ll get a nice variety of terrain without anything too intense, making it good for most skill levels.

Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife and wildflowers. The elevated ridgeline gives you a fresh perspective on the surrounding landscape and plenty of spots to pause and take it all in.

You can start the trail from Port Angeles, which also makes it convenient for a day trip if you’re staying nearby.

Rating: 4.9 (168 reviews)
Location: Port Angeles, WA 98363
Website: Visit Website

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