18 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
We absolutely LOVE the hikes in Olympic National Park!
This amazing park encircles nearly a million acres in northwest Washington state. Its beauty ranges from glacier-topped peaks to raging ocean waves and sea stacks, to tranquil old-growth forests.
For those wanting to explore and see some of the best sights, you’re going to have to hike to experience it.
Many of the best vistas and adventures only come to those willing to tackle rugged coastal hikes and precipitous peaks. So which are the most worth-it hikes? Which will give you the most bang for your buck? We have you covered with the best!
Table of Contents
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park Around Lake Crescent
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Forest
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Coastline
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park Around Sol Duc Falls
- Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge Area
- Best Multi-Day Hike in Olympic National Park
- Final Thoughts
- More Around Olympic National Park
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
Before exploring Olympic National Park, make sure to grab a pass if you don’t already have one!
Either purchase the pass that covers you for a week or purchase an America the Beautiful National Park pass if you plan on visiting more national parks in Washington or the country (it lasts a year!)
The Olympic National Park hikes below are clustered into separate areas to help you better navigate your time here. This park is massive, and to complete all of these hikes, you’ll likely need a week.
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park Around Lake Crescent
There are tons of great hikes in this area of Olympic National Park, all starring Lake Crescent itself! This gorgeous blue lake is a highlight, and if you can only choose one area for hiking in Olympic National Park, let it be this one!
These are the best hikes at Lake Crescent…
1. Mount Storm King
Distance: 5.3 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation: 2,077 feet
Mount Storm King is a pretty challenging hike. Let’s get that out there from the beginning. But it also serves as one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park, without a doubt.
Its saving grace is that it’s relatively short for a mountain hike, so that the leg burn won’t last too long. Before you even get to the top of this semi-maintained trail, there are several lookouts to spur you on.
You might think the whole climb is steep enough, but wait until you are almost near the summit. At this point, unless you are a mountain goat, you will need to use strategically placed ropes to help pull you up.
Once at the summit, you’ll be able to see Crescent Lake from above, along with that classic shot on the rocks with the lake stretching out before you, surrounded by mountains like something in a nature documentary.
READ MORE: Hiking Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park
2. Marymere Falls Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 298 feet
Everyone loves a waterfall hike, and you won’t be disappointed with Marymere Falls! The trail itself is stunning, filled with moss-covered forests and tall trees reaching up to the sky.
For the majority of the time, you’ll be following a flat, winding path, so all you have to concentrate on is enjoying the scenery.
Before long, you’ll come to a series of stairs (don’t worry, they aren’t too tricky) that will bring you up to a stunning viewpoint where you can take in the 90-foot waterfall in all its glory.
The upper viewpoint is beautiful, and the hike is full of cool elements, including two bridges crossing the creeks surrounding Crescent Lake. Because it is such a scenic, short hike, on weekends and holidays it is pretty busy.
3. Spruce Railroad Trail Lake Crescent
Distance: 11.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 410 feet
Chug your way along the scenic Spruce Railroad Trail to Crescent Lake on this Olympic National Park trail, taking in the beautiful surroundings as you go.
We love a rail-to-trail path—it just makes everything a little more interesting, especially as you can learn about the history of the railway as you hike.
Part of the trail is paved, and there are some interesting features, such as the McFee Tunnel.
Although long, this is a great one for families as it is relatively flat, taking you along the lakeshore. Of course, if you have little legs with you, you can always make the hike shorter if you want to.
It makes up part of the accessible Olympic Discovery Trail, and this part has recently undergone some renovations, so head there now while everything is relatively new!
4. Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 137 feet
Just a short walk down the Spruce Railroad Trail will bring you to the epic swim spot that is Devil’s Punchbowl. The trail hugs the shore of the beautiful Crescent Lake and is primarily flat, making it easily accessible to everyone.
At first, you will be walking through a thick forest, but before long, glimpses of bright blue will spring into view… this is Crescent Lake calling.
When you get to a bridge spanning the water, you have reached the stunning area known as Devil’s Punchbowl. It is a popular spot for cliff diving for all those daredevils out there, and some people even choose to jump off of the bridge itself into the freezing waters below.
For such a short and easy walk to such a beautiful spot, be sure to stop off for a look if you are in the area!
5. Pyramid Mountain Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation: 2,486 feet
The Pyramid Mountain Trail is one of the longer hikes in Olympic National Park, so give yourself at least half a day to hike, take in the views, and admire the beauty of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.
You’ll start by walking through a beautiful forest, and shortly after, your heart will start pumping pretty hard.
Luckily, you’ll have lake views most of the way to distract you. From the summit, the views stretch for miles in all directions.
If you’re considering Mount Storm King and this one, note that Mount Storm King is much tougher and steeper and should maybe be left for the more athletic hiker, or at least those who love a challenge.
6. Moments in Time Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 9 feet
Take a walk around Crescent Lake on this self-guided hike, basking in the impressive sights as you go.
The forest here is large and lush and beautiful, so bring a picnic and make a day of it—you won’t get a much more scenic spot to enjoy a sandwich or two.
For some of the hike you’ll be walking along the lake shore, and other parts of the trail wind through towering trees and open meadows.
This is a great Olympic National Park trail to hit if you are short on time but still want to stretch those legs and get a quick feeling about what the park has to offer.
RELATED: Exploring Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Forest
This is the iconic moss forest of Olympic National Park. The hikes here are short and sweet, and you get rewarded with cool scenery the entire way.
The only thing to keep in mind is this road is a dead-end, and you’re driving anywhere from 30-60 minutes away from La Push or Ruby Beaches (and the main road).
This road is known for its narrowness and crowds. Aim to get to this section early or late with the intention of camping at your reserved space.
7. Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses
Distance: 1.1 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 78 feet
Experience life in the rainforest right in Olympic National Park, a stark contrast to the frigid peaks of some other parts of the park.
You’ll start this shorter hike from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and delve into the lush rainforest, learning as you go thanks to the numerous interpretative signs.
You have a great chance of spotting local wildlife such as Roosevelt elk and the brightly colored banana slug.
Although the Hall of Mosses may sound a little like a museum dedicated to the fuzzy green stuff, it is so much more than that and makes for an incredibly scenic and exciting hike.
Everything you see is covered in dripping moss, from the rocks to the trees, making everything look very surreal!
8. Spruce Nature Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 16 feet
Delve deep into the wonders of the Hoh Rainforest on the Spruce Nature Trail. Although short, it is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.
Nurse logs are a natural phenomenon you may not have heard of, but you’ll get to see them on this trail.
No, not trees that the other trees go to when they are not feeling great, but fallen trees that provide the perfect condition for new seedlings to grow and flourish.
See if you can spot a nurse log at different stages of its life cycle, from freshly fallen to old and rotting, with almost fully grown trees sprouting out of its carcass.
Listen to the sounds of the Hoh River as you walk, and note the milky hue it has thanks to the water from the glaciers.
This is a great one to pair with the Hall of Mosses Trail, as they are both relatively short, so you can get a two-for-one kind of deal.
RELATED: Things To Do in Olympic National Park
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Coastline
What’s better than a gorgeous hike? Having a dramatic beach with towering sea stacks alongside you, of course!
It’s perhaps the signature of Olympic National Park and the PNW coast in general—Epic sea stacks getting battered by the tides.
These coastal hikes in Olympic National Park are hands down the most worth it.
9. Hole in the Wall Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 108 feet
Hit the coast at the Hole in the Wall Trail.
This Olympic National Park trail is nice and easy, which makes it perfect for families or if you want a gentle stroll. Although the walk is gentle, the Pacific Ocean that roars alongside you certainly isn’t.
This is the Washington coast in all its raw beauty. As you traverse Rialto Beach, you’ll soon reach a series of impressive rocky boulders.
This is where the rock formations can be found, including the hole in the wall that gives the hike its name.
From the trailhead, depending on the tide, you’ll either be walking on the sand or up through the trees. It’s recommended to come at low tide so you can walk on the beach and explore the tidepools and the hole in the rock better.
RELATED: 25 EPIC Hikes in Washington to Tackle
10. Ruby Beach Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 49 feet
Ruby Beach is breathtaking. Sun-bleached hunks of driftwood dot the shore, and massive rock formations dominate the coast. This is Washington state at its finest, with raw, rugged beauty and nature showing what she can do.
Some people wouldn’t even really call this a hike, as it’s just a little walk down to the beach from the trailhead, over the driftwood, and down onto the sand, although we still think it is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.
One of the most prominent landmarks is the onshore arch and some of the larger sea stacks, and this hike gives you a great chance to see them much closer.
The beach is beautiful at both high and low tide, but low tide gives you the best chance of viewing some of the local sea life, from starfish to giant green anemones, and gives you much more sand and land to explore and enjoy.
RELATED: 9 Incredible Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
11. La Push Second Beach Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 278
For an interesting hike ending in a stunning beach, it is no wonder that Second Beach Trail is one of the most popular coastal hikes in Olympic National Forest.
The trail is varied and hilly, with multiple natural elements like sea stacks and other rock formations that help to keep things interesting.
The start of the trail might not be the best impression, with a porta-potty and what looks like an almost derelict kiosk. You may be thinking, what have I got myself in for, but don’t let this put you off; it only gets better from here.
The path will take you through the beautiful old-growth forest before climbing down a huge hill with the help of a rickety staircase.
At this point, the hike turns into a kind of adult obstacle course, as you’ll have to make your way through a field of huge logs before making it to your reward, the beach!
The beach is impressive, with sea stacks jutting out of the surf and even a natural arch in the rock. Roll up those hiking trousers and check out the tide pools for sea life if you make it during low tide.
PS – In case you’re wondering, yes, there is a La Push Beach #1 and #3, too!
READ MORE: Your Guide to La Push Beaches in Olympic National Park
12. Shi Shi Beach Trail
Distance: 8.8 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 561 feet
Located in the park’s northernmost reaches, Shi Shi Beach Trail starts in the Makah Indian Reservation and ends on a remote beach surrounded by, you guessed it, some pretty awesome sea stacks.
You’ll start your hike trekking through cedar and spruce forests, and you’ll likely have to contend with lots of mud, though there are several boardwalks to help you out along the way.
Eventually, you’ll descend about 200 feet onto the glorious Shi Shi Beach, where you can spend some time tidepooling or keep walking along the shore until you reach the famous sea stacks (about 2 miles).
This hike is especially beautiful if you can get to the beach by sunset, but you won’t want to hike back in the dark. So, if you can snag one (they are hard to come by), try to get a camping permit so you can stay the night right on the beach!
Note that you will need a Makah Recreation Pass in addition to your park pass to hike Shi Shi Beach Trail.
13. Cape Flattery Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 229 feet
If you loved the ethereal feel of the Makah Indian Reservation and want to explore the area further, check out Cape Flattery Trail. This is a much shorter and easier route, with a shockingly rewarding viewpoint for such little effort required.
The trail is a mix of boardwalks, gravel, and dirt, meandering through blufftop forests along the coast. You’ll get some pretty great views as you hike, but the real highlight is at the end of the trail, where you’ll find three viewpoints of Cape Flattery.
Because the trail sits within the reservation, you’ll need a Makah Recreation Pass in addition to your park pass to hike here.
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park Around Sol Duc Falls
There’s a gorgeous nook full of verdant forest, teeming rivers, and waterfalls to hike to in Olympic National Park.
This is another dead-end road that will take you to yet another woodland paradise—The highlight here is Sol Duc Falls! This is one of the best waterfalls in Olympic National Park.
14. Lovers Lane Trail to Sol Duc Falls
Distance: 5.8 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 485 feet
This hike may not be the romantic, hand-in-hand stroll that the name suggests, but why would you want that when you have forested trails and a beautiful waterfall?
Lovers Lane trail takes you through a rich, thick forest filled with cedar, maples, huckleberries, and ferns before landing you at Sol Duc Falls.
Begin the hike following the Sol Duc River, starting relatively flat, but slowly getting steeper the further upstream you go. Before long, the waterfall should come into view, with a great viewpoint from a strategically placed bridge.
Once you have had your fill of waterfall views, you can then continue the hike back downstream via the trail on the other side of the river.
We love this longer version of the otherwise shorter Sol Duc Falls trail because the forest is gorgeous, and you get a few smaller, more tranquil bonus waterfalls this way too!
Although this is not a particularly strenuous hike, it is always nice to have an excuse to relax, so after the walk, why not book yourself into the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort at the end of the trail for a bit of treat?
What better way to top off hiking one of the best trails in Olympic National Park?
READ MORE: 21 Epic Waterfalls in Washington
15. Ancient Groves Nature Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 59 feet
You’ll fall in love with the Ancient Groves hiking trail. There is just something so magical about following the winding path through the old-growth forest.
As the trail is short and sweet, you won’t have to worry about how long you take reading the interpretive signs along the route or stopping to take that perfect shot of the river.
This hike is the essence of Washington state, with moss hanging atmospherically from every surface it can and knarled trees reaching their way skyward.
There is easy parking on Sol Duc Springs Road, making the whole experience nice and stress-free. Be sure to check out the nearby Salmon Cascades to see salmon jumping upstream to respawn!
RELATED: Your Guide to Hiking The Sol Duc Falls Trail
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge Area
Here is our last area and yet another dead-end road into a totally different world within Olympic National Park. Here, there are precipitous peaks, sometimes dusted in snow or engulfed in clouds.
There are tons of small scenic trails near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, but for more of a challenge, these two are a favorite.
16. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
Distance: 3.4 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 826 feet
This is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. As soon as you step foot outside your car, you’ll be treated to the first views of the hike, with an expansive vista of the Bailey Range.
The trail is wide, and although you’ll be heading uphill most of the time, it is a relatively gradual ascent with plenty of views and interpretive signs to help take your mind off the climb.
The views from the hill’s summit are incredible but don’t take its name lightly.
The weather in the park can be unpredictable at the best of times, and the mountain is very exposed, meaning the wind can batter you if you’re not adequately prepared with the right kit.
From your lofty viewpoint, you should be able to pick out the town of Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the surrounding mountains on a clear day.
READ MORE: Your Guide to Hurricane Ridge Trails
17. Mount Angeles via Switchback Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation: 1,571 feet
Do your stretches and eat a banana or two before tackling this trail; you’ll need it, trust us.
Just kidding, this Olympic National Park trail is not that bad. You will be tackling about 1500 feet in elevation gain in under 1 mile, though, so it is a steep one.
As the highest peak in the Hurricane Ridge region, it is not surprising that it is on many hikers’ bucket lists of mountains. Despite its height, it is one of the easiest in the area to summit.
Although there are a few different ways to reach the summit, this one is via the Switchback Trail, as the switchbacks make it a bit easier to climb such a steep gradient.
Although it is hard going, there are views pretty much all the way to the top, which makes the climb that little bit easier.
Once you have followed the switchback trail for a while, you will join the Klahhane Ridge Trail.
At this point, you’ll have to decide whether you want to go all the way to the summit, as from here on out, it is a Class 3 scramble and not suitable for your average hiker.
Once you do finally manage to reach the peak, you will be awarded a stunning vista of the Olympic Mountains and even out as far as the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Best Multi-Day Hike in Olympic National Park
If you’re up for a real challenge, you can hop on one of the multi-day hikes in Olympic National Park.
This is not for the fight of heart, and you’ll need to plan and prepare for your excursion well in advance. Backcountry permits are required, and reservations can be hard to come by!
18. Enchanted Valley Chalet via East Fork Quinault River Trail
Distance: 25.5 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation: 3,254 feet
Our favorite multi-day hike in Olympic National Park is the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The name itself is straight out of a fairytale, and while the trail is technically hard, this is considered a beginner-friendly overnight trail.
You’ll trek through old-growth forests, across pastoral bridges, and eventually, through the lovely Enchanted Valley. You’ll likely encounter plenty of wildlife as you hike, including elk and black bears.
This is a popular trail, so you’ll likely encounter plenty of other hikers, plus some great spots to pitch a tent once you’ve had enough hiking for the day.
Final Thoughts
No doubt hiking in Olympic National Park is absolutely epic. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington and one of our favorite places in the state. We can’t get enough of hiking in the area!
We hope you can get to all these hikes!
More of our guides to Olympic National Park:
- Things To Do in Olympic National Park: 35 Must-Do Activities!
- Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
- 9 Incredible Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
- Kalaloch Beach in Olympic NP: What to Know
- 7 Waterfalls in Olympic National Park
- 6 BEST Lake Crescent Hikes
- Marymere Falls Trail
- Exploring Lake Crescent
- Your Guide to Hurricane Ridge Trails
- Your Guide to La Push Beaches
- Hiking Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
- 15 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
- Hiking Mount Storm King
We hope this post helped you learn more about the best hikes in Olympic National Park! Don’t forget to check out more terrific hikes in Washington.
