In this post, we’re sharing the best hikes in Olympic National Park! We’ve been to the Olympics more times than we can count, so we’re excited to share our favorite trails and pro tips for your best trip yet!
One of the best things to do in Olympic National Park is going hiking!
Whether you’re visiting in the winter or summer, are a beginner or experienced hiker, hiking in Olympic National Park is a wonderful year-round activity to add to your itinerary.
Keep reading to learn all about the coolest hikes in Olympic National Park.
- When is the best time to go hiking in Olympic National Park?
- Preparation Before Hiking in Olympic National Park
- 10 Iconic Hikes in Olympic National Park
- 1. Mount Storm King
- 2. Marymere Falls
- 3. Staircase Rapids Loop
- 4. Hurricane Ridge
- 5. Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall
- 6. Spruce Railroad Trail
- 7. Sol Duc Falls Trail
- 8. Hall of Mosses Trail
- 9. East Fork Quinault River Trail
- 10. La Push Second Beach
When is the best time to go hiking in Olympic National Park?
It depends on what you like to see!
One of the best things about Olympic National Park is that you can visit it all year round. Here’s a breakdown on what the park is like in each season:
Winter in Olympic National Park is rainy and wet. The upside to visiting in winter is that there are quieter trails and you’ll get the Hoh Rainforest all to yourself! There will be snow at higher elevations.
Spring In Olympic National Park (April/May) is a great time to see full waterfalls while going on Olympic National Park hikes. Higher elevation hikes are still snowy and you will likely get rain, so be sure to pack the right gear!
Olympic National Park in summer is the perfect time for beach hiking and camping. You’ll see amazing sunsets and wildflowers! The weather is mild and the park has the lowest average rainfall during summer.
Fall in Olympic National Park will offer you incredible fall colors, especially on Hurricane Ridge, cooler temperatures, and some rain.
Preparation Before Hiking in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park has SIX different types of environments, from coast to alpine! Cool fact, right?! Therefore, it matters a great deal where you are hiking.
Each region has specific topography and requires specific preparation for visiting each area. Here is an overview of what to expect in each area:
- Coastal Area: Over 70 miles of rocky shoreline, Must watch out for changing tides and be cautious when crossing headlands. Very rugged!
- Hurricane Ridge: Mountain elevation, snowy in fall, winter, and spring. Great trails and scenic drives here!
- Rainforest: Wet, mossy, low elevation trails. Quiet atmosphere and easy for the entire family.
- Lowland Forest: Includes the Enchanted Valley, lots of backcountry camping and longer hikes that follow the river.
- Lake Crescent: Easy day trips here, perfect for summer.
- Sol Duc Valley: Lots of waterfalls, rivers, streams, and hot springs!
10 Iconic Hikes in Olympic National Park
1. Mount Storm King
Mount Storm King is a difficult, 4.7-mile hike with 2,000’ elevation gain.
You will start at the Mount Storm King Ranger Station cabin, which is on the southeast side of Lake Crescent and about 30 minutes from Port Angeles.
This hike is for those excited for a challenge and love the gratification of hiking steep terrain to a rewarding view!
Wondering what to pack? Read our Olympic National Park packing list to prepare for this unique park any time of year!
2. Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls is an easy, 1.7-mile out and back hike with 314’ elevation gain and offers visitors beautiful views of the 90-foot cliff face waterfall.
You can find Marymere Falls on the same trailhead as Mount Storm King, but this is an easier hike!
The best time of year to hike to Marymere Falls is late spring and summer when the waterfall is full.
Taking pictures? Use our Olympic National Park photography guide to plan how and when you should visit each area for the best photo opportunities!
3. Staircase Rapids Loop
The Staircase Rapids Loop is an easy, 2.1-mile hike with 213’ elevation gain that’s known for its swimming holes, wildflowers, and bridges.
This Olympic National Park hike is good for families with kids, as it’s an easier hike with low elevation gain and passes through lots of unique natural features in the park.
This can be a crowded trail, so plan on hiking earlier in the day during the peak season in the summer!
4. Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is a moderately challenging, 3.4-mile hike with 826’ elevation gain. The trail is paved most of the way, too!
There are a lot of hikes in this area, but Hurricane Ridge is the most popular trail for its stunning high-elevation views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Going up the ridge is one of the best scenic drives in Washington and is a great way to see the area for seniors and families, or to have a sunset date night.
5. Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall
Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall is an easy, 3.4-mile hike along the beach (National Park Pass required) that’s perfect for photographers!
The Hole-In-The-Wall is a water-carbed sea arch that you can walk through at low tide, making it one of the most unique hikes in Olympic National Park!
The best time to hike to the Hole-In-The-Wall is at low tide, so be sure to plan your hike around the tide chart.
6. Spruce Railroad Trail
The Spruce Railroad Trail is an easy, 5-mile hike with 250’ elevation gain on Lake Crescent.
This is one of the best day hikes in Olympic National Park in any season!
After your hike, you can camp in the spring, kayak Lake Crescent in the summer, enjoy the changing fall leaves in the fall, or book a romantic getaway at the Lake Crescent Lodge in the winter.
7. Sol Duc Falls Trail
The Sol Duc Falls Trail is an easy, 1.6-mile roundtrip hike with 200’ elevation gain.
What makes this one of the most iconic hikes in Olympic National Park is the rewarding views of the impressive gorge waterfalls and proximity to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
This is a great hike for families with kids, because it’s an easier Olympic National Park hike with lots of cool features like waterfalls, the creek, and bridge.
8. Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail is an easy, 1.1-mile hike with only 78’ elevation gain. The trail is partially paved, too!
While on this hike, you might see elk, deer, and other wildlife, in addition to fungi and LOTS of moss!
The Hall of Mosses Trail is open year-round and is beautiful in any season.
9. East Fork Quinault River Trail
The East Fork Quinault River Trail is a challenging, 27-mile trail that’s perfect for backpackers or those who want a longer day trip.
On this trail, you’ll hike through the temperate rainforest, wildflower meadows, and gain spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s truly iconic!
You should plan on hiking this trail in May through September for the best (and safest) trail conditions.
Extend your trip to an overnight backpacking trip (with permits) to Enchanted Valley!
10. La Push Second Beach
La Push Second Beach is a moderate, 4-mile round trip hike with 310’ elevation gain.
What makes La Push Second Beach unique is that you can camp on the beach (permit required) and enjoy extended views of the sea stacks at sunset!
The best time to hike La Push Second Beach is June through September, because of the milder weather.