12 best trails in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. It’s filled with hiking trails of all difficulties.

1. High Divide Loop (7 Lakes Basin)

The following is general information about High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop:

• Length: 19 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 4,000 feet.
• Best time to go: April to October.
• Difficulty: Hard.

High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop is a popular and busy loop trail located near Forks, Washington. It’s about 15 miles south of Lake Crescent, and a National Park Pass is required.

Make sure you don’t bring your dog on this trip because they’re not allowed on the loop trail.

Although you can finish the loop in a day, it can take longer. If you want to make it a day-hike, then be sure to start early. If you start late, plan on camping, or not completing the entire loop.

Camping permits are limited. Reservations are recommended between May 1 and September 30, so do it ahead of time. Half of the sites are reservable, while the other half is available for walk-up permits.

Throughout the hike, you’ll find rainforests, alpine meadows, lakes, wildflowers, and beautiful views of Mount Olympus and other peaks.

The loop is typically done counterclockwise. However, you can do the hike going in either direction.

It’s common to see bears during your hike. That’s why bear canisters are required for storing food, garbage, and scented items. If you don’t have one, they can be rented from the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.

Depending on the season, you may run into snowfields and ice. Make sure you’re prepared and have the right gear, which can include carrying an ice ax.

2. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier

General information about Hoh River Trail are as follows:

• Length: 37 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 3,700 feet.
• Best time to go: May to October.
• Difficulty: Hard.

The Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is an out and back trail located near Forks, Washington. It’s famous due to the Hoh Rainforest, and the river flows from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast.

It’s important to note that you’ll need a National Park Pass to enter, and dogs aren’t allowed.

The first 12 miles are relatively flat, and after that, the grade increases. It’ll begin to feel more steep and challenging.

Since the trail is around 17 miles one-way, consider camping so that you can enjoy the beauty without being rushed to finish before a certain time.

Throughout the hike, you’ll find wildflowers, wildlife, views of the mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and old-growth.

The first mile runs along the banks of the Hoh River, which means it can be packed with people. It’s a popular path with spectacular views of the river.

Later, you’ll turn away from the river and head into the forest towards the glacier viewpoint. It’ll take some time, but once you’re there, you’ll realize that it was all worth it.

The viewpoint is gorgeous, and you can expect to spend an hour or more there admiring the panoramic views.

3. Hole-in-the-Wall from Rialto Beach

General information about Hole-in-the-Wall are as follows:

• Length: 4 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 108 feet.
• Best time to go: Year-round during low tide.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Hole-in-the-Wall trail is perfect for a stroll on the beach with views of the scenic Olympic Coast. When you’re planning your trip to visit Hole-in-the-Wall, you must keep track of the tides because you can only walk through it during low tide.

The hike starts at the Rialto Beach parking area with your trail being the beach. Then you’ll head north for a couple of miles until you reach Hole-in-the-Wall.

When you reach the arch, go through it to see the Rialto Beach tide pools, which are one of the most popular in Olympic National Park. You’ll also find sea stacks, driftwood logs, starfish, whales, and sea lions.

4. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge

The following are details regarding Hurricane Hill Trail:

• Length: 3.2 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 650 feet.
• Best time to go: May to October.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge is a family-friendly trail that’s also great for day-hikes. It’s located near Port Angeles, Washington, and requires a National Park Pass for entry.

It’s easy to access, and the trails are wide. You’ll get panoramic views of the Olympic Range, Bailey Range, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island.

During the winter months, Hurricane Ridge is open to skiing. It has a summit elevation of 5,240 feet, and the average annual snowfall is more than 400 inches.

5. Klahhane Ridge Trail

The following are details regarding Klahhane Ridge Trail:

• Length: 5 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 1,700 feet.
• Best time to go: June to October.
• Difficulty: Hard.

Klahhane Ridge Trail is located south of Port Angeles, Washington. It’s a great place for hiking, running, bird watching, or horseback riding.

It can be accessed from four different directions with the most direct route being Switchback Trail. However, it’s important to know that it gets steep quickly, as it gains 1,500 feet in 1.5 miles.

The top of the ridge can be windy and chilly, so wear layers. If you’re hiking on a sunny day, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, since you’ll be exposed to the sun for the majority of the hike.

Hiking boots with excellent tread is also important. The trail can get narrow and slippery, so good hiking boots are a must-have item.

6. Marymere Falls Trail

The following are details regarding Marymere Falls Trail:

• Length: 1.8 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 500 feet.
• Best time to go: Year-round.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Marymere Falls Trail is located right next to Lake Crescent. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Olympic National Park that’s family-friendly.

The hike can take around an hour and a half, making it the perfect quick day-hike. Once you reach Marymere Falls, you’ll be able to admire the 90-feet-tall beauty.

Overall, the Marymere Falls trail is a nice and short hike in the rainforest. The majority of the trail is flat, and the incline is at the end.

7. Mount Ellinor Trail

The following are details regarding Mount Ellinor Trail:

• Length: 6.2 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 3,300 feet.
• Best time to go: April to December.
• Difficulty: Hard.

Mount Ellinor is the most accessible and southern peak in the Olympic Mountains. It’s located north of Lake Cushman, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Although there are several panoramic viewpoints along the way, reaching the summit is worth the hike because you’ll get a 360-degree view of the Olympic Mountains and Western Washington.

The last mile is the most difficult. It’s in the open and there’s no shade, so be prepared by having water and sunscreen.

It’s also one of the steepest parts, which may require poles. If you don’t have poles, and you’re not an experienced hiker, most people turn around at the point where the forest opens into an alpine meadow.

8. Mount Storm King

The following are details regarding Mount Storm King:

• Length: 4 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 2,065 feet.
• Best time to go: April to October.
• Difficulty: Hard.

Have you seen that signature photo of Lake Crescent from above? That’s the view from the summit of Mount Storm King. It’s located south of Lake Crescent, and the hike is strenuous, but the views are rewarding.

At 1.3 miles, you’ll have views of Lake Crescent and the Strait of Juan de Fuca through the trees. This is also where there’s a sign that lets you know it’s the end of the maintained trail.

If you wish to continue, you can. However, it’ll get more difficult and rough because you must climb up and use the ropes.

The hike is fun, challenging, and the view is worth it.

9. Ozette Triangle Trail

The following are details regarding Ozette Triangle Trail:

• Length: 9.4 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 100 feet.
• Best time to go: Year-round.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

The Ozette Triangle Trail begins at Lake Ozette, which is the largest unaltered natural lake in Washington. Then, it has a point at Cape Alava and south to Sand Point.

Between Cape Alava and Sand Point, you can make a stop at the Wedding Rocks, and view the petroglyphs.

Throughout the loop trail, you’ll experience boardwalks, beautiful forests, rocky beaches, and sand. Since there are different aspects of the trail, wearing sturdy shoes is a must to keep you safe.

Additionally, a National Park Pass is required.

10. Ruby Beach

The following are details regarding Ruby Beach:

• Length: 6 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 60 feet.
• Best time to go: Year-round.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Ruby Beach is located south of where the Hoh River and the Pacific Ocean meet. It offers miles of space to explore the beach. You can view beautiful rock formations, sea stacks, driftwood, and wildlife.

Sunsets at Ruby Beach are magical. If you have the opportunity to watch a sunset, it’s highly recommended.

11. Second Beach

The following are details regarding the Second Beach Trail:

• Length: 4 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 310 feet.
• Best time to go: April to September.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Second Beach is located south of La Push, Washington. It’s an easy hike that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, sea stacks, and wildlife. There are also many eagles and whale sightings.

12. Sol Duc Falls

The following are details regarding Sol Duc Falls:

• Length: 1.6 miles, roundtrip.
• Elevation gain: 200 feet.
• Best time to go: May to October.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Olympic National Park. It’s an easy and short hike where a National Park Pass is required.

The trail is a wide and well-maintained path, so it’s family-friendly. If you’re visiting during high water levels or rainy seasons, there’s a possibility that the road to the trailhead is closed due to flooding.

The Sol Duc Falls are beautiful, and getting there is easy.

Conclusion

Olympic National Park is full of trails of different difficulties. It covers nearly a million acres and is filled with beauty. Take a hike to check out the rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, and learn about the history.

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Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.