Olympic National Park tops the list of one of the most thrilling places sprawling on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This ecologically diverse park encompasses forest, coastal as well as mountain ecosystems. No wonder, it is flooded with tourists and hikers especially during summer owing to its natural splendor. What better than being able to enjoy different striking views from that of dramatic mountains to dense forests- all in the same place!
Hurricane Ridge Entrance (Port Angeles)
There are 4 major parts to explore in the Olympic National Park- The Northern part, the Pacific coastline, the Hoh rainforest, and the staircase & Eastern Park.
A) Hikes and Trails in NORTHERN Olympic National Park
You’ll come across incredible natural beauty around every bend and turn in this part. Let me tell you about a few highlights from this region that you shouldn’t miss exploring.
1) Hurricane ridge
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Mountains, Washington State
If you’re a fan of drives along the prettiest roads, Hurricane Ridge is totally your place! The stunning views of Mount Olympus will make you fall in love with the scenery.
Wildlife photographers- be ready with your cameras- because mountain goats, marmots, and beautiful deer are frequently and abundantly spotted here in the summer.
2) Take the ‘Hurricane Ridge Trail to Hurricane Hill’
Hurricane Hill Via Hurricane Ridge
It’s a must-visit! You’ll come across epic forest views, wildflowers and wildlife as you scramble up this moderately 5.5 km out-and-back trail. The trail is wide enough and draws in a lot of hikers.
It is a quick ascent, but there are many bird species to watch along the route and a lovely view from the top.
3) Sunrise viewpoint trail- enjoy the sky at its best!
I’d suggest you do not miss taking this short trail all the way up to Sunrise Viewpoint. The elevation is gentle and the view from the top is worthy!
4) Klahhane ridge trail to Mount Angeles Trail
Although the entire trail offers stunning views, they’re nothing compared to the breath-taking views from the peak of Mount Angeles. The sight truly compensates for the tricky rock trail in the final leg of the hike.
The trail is 6.25 miles round-trip and the top is at an ascent of 2550 feet. To start the hike, get to the eastern end of Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre’s parking lot and look for “High Ridge Trail”.
5) Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park
Hiking Mount Storm King In Olympic National Park
Challenging but rewarding – that’s all I’d say! If you’re ready to sweat out on a relentlessly steep climb, go ahead with this one! You’d enjoy great views of Lake Crescent during this 4.6-mile round trip.
I highly recommend trekking poles for both the ascent and descent, but lots of people made it without them. For the last rope section, to be honest, if you aren’t comfortable, do not proceed beyond this point. especially if you are scared of heights.
This the end of maintained trail. Almost there at the final climb for the rope section
The ropes segment isn’t that bad, but it seems terrifying because nothing holds but rope. You’re not climbing, but rather utilizing the ropes to keep yourself steady as you make your way up a steep stretch of the route near the summit.
So it was entirely up to you to decide if you wanted to cross that portion or not! Follow your intuition.
6) Marymere Falls At Lake Crescent
Marymere Falls Trail
The trail leading to the mind-blowing Marymere Falls is as beautiful as the fall themselves! Both hikes begin at the Storm King Ranger Station or the Lake Crescent Lodge. You will first see a sign on your left for ‘Mount Storm King,’ and if you continue going on the same path, you will come to ‘Marymere Falls.’
Very simple trail. It’s a 0.9-mile one-way trail and a great option for a quick daytime scenic hike! Along the path, you’ll see lovely ferns and moss-covered trees.
Mostly flat paved route until you reach near to the falls, where steps are utilized to watch the falls. A great option for a quick daytime scenic hike!
7) Hike to Sol Duc Falls
A short, gentle, and beautiful hike through an old-growth forest. The falls overlook showcases the view of gushing waters amidst dense greenery. Although low-height, the falls are voluminous and make for a wonderful natural setting.
Total Distance: 1.6 mi I Elevation:226 ft. I Out & Back
Sol Duc Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs after a day of hiking. The resort offers three mineral hot spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool.
B) Hikes and Trails along the PACIFIC COASTLINE
The 73 miles of coastline in Olympic National Park is a gateway to plenty of breath-taking sights with every changing mile. You’ll come across huge sea stacks, massive driftwood logs, forest outlines, and a pleasant, unending ocean view of course!
1) Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach On The Olympic Peninsula
The most unique beach walk I have ever experienced! The shoreline is decorated with tons of driftwood and haystacks. It’s ideal to go during low tide so you may crawl inside the rocks at “Hole in the Wall” and explore the interesting tide pools teeming with anemones and starfish.
Ruby Beach Washington
Pretty long hike but the views are great, so if you are visiting this beach while low tide do not miss this opportunity!
Total Distance: 3.3 mi I Out & Back
2) Tree of Life
Near the famous tree in Olympic National Park: Kalaloch Tree of Life
Tree of Life is around 7.2 miles from Ruby beach. It is located on the Kalaloch Beach near the Kalaloch Campground, “Tree Root Cave” features a tree like no other.
Be sure to access this from the Kalaloch campgrounds, rather than the Kalaloch Lodge. There is one convenience store near the ‘Kalaloch Lodge’ which is a little ahead but other than that you won’t find anything in that patch.
We were looking for food and a gas station but unfortunately, nothing was found within that area till we came to the Rialto beach side.
3) Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach
The most unique beach walk I have ever experienced! The shoreline is decorated with tons of driftwood and haystacks.
It’s ideal to go during low tide so you may crawl inside the rocks at “Hole in the Wall” and explore the interesting tide pools teeming with anemones and starfish.
Pretty long hike but the views are great, so if you are visiting this beach while low tide do not miss this opportunity!
4) Cape Flattery Trail
It’s a 1.2-mile out and back trail with pretty scenery along the way. The wooden walkways are well maintained and offer views of the rock formations and the giant Pacific Ocean.
5) Shi Shi Beach
This lovely remote beach is a 2 mile stretch of sand featuring giant sea stacks and rocky cliffs at its ends. Point of the Arches at the South end of the beach is a prominent attraction that you can explore during low tide.
The trail leading to the beach is a mixed experience of rainforest hiking and beach walking – you’d love it!
6) La Push Beach
Looking for sea adventures? This is your place!
The La Push Beaches, situated close to the La Push settlement, are made up of three individual beaches: First, Second, and Third Beaches, with First Beach located at the northernmost point.
Third Beach is the most remote among them. To access it, one must embark on a 3-mile round-trip hike through a wooded area. The route is mostly flat and simple, but it can feel a bit monotonous as you make your way through the forest.
C) Hikes and Trails in HOH RAINFOREST
Olympic National Park | Hoh Rain Forest
Make sure to keep this UNESCO-accredited World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in your cards because, trust me, it’s just too majestic to miss! This natural wonder of Washington State is one of the most incredible and oldest temperate rainforests in the United States.
The majestic Hoh Rain Forest is one of the natural wonders of Washington state
Some trees here are humongous – up to 300 feet high and 7 feet wide! The sight of hanging moss and ferns in clumps is common too!
During peak time it’s difficult to get parking rather you have to wait in the queue at the entry point so it’s better to arrive early. The rainforest features several short nature trails:
1) Hall of Mosses
Magical Hike in the Hall of Mosses, Olympic National Park, Washington State
Enjoy a pleasant, short walk here with excellent views that’ll fuel your nature-loving heart. The trail is flat and merely 0.8 miles but feels like you’re walking in a castle of greens.
You’ll come across a lot of mossy woods and fellow travelers, especially during summer. Also, don’t be surprised if the land is quite moist even in the summer!
2) Spruce Nature Trail
Spruce Nature Trail Olympic national park
Unlike Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail is perfect for a relaxing, solitude time amidst nature. You’ll see varied wonders of nature in this short rainforest loop of just 1.2 miles.
The trail features the Hoh River viewpoint, several small streams, “nurse logs”, huge spruce trees, etc. It’s worth the visit.
3) Enchanted Valley
Enchanted Valley Chalet via East Fork Quinault River Trail is a challenging and long 25.5-mile (out & back) journey. Even though the route is enjoyable (from the stories what I have read about), we didn’t take this trail as it takes almost 10-11 hours to cover the distance!
D) Hikes and Trails in STAIRCASE & EASTERN part of Olympic National Park
The staircase abuts the southeastern corner of the park. It is adorned in a lowland old-growth forest and abodes a seasonal ranger station and a huge campground.
The eastern part of the National Park majorly flaunts sweeping views of towering Douglas fir. I’d recommend these famous hikes around this area for an amazing nature-centric experience-
1) Staircase Rapids Loop
It is an easy 2-mile day hike with just a 200-foot elevation gain that leads to a great bridge viewpoint over the North Fork Skokomish River. The land here is home to canopies of 300-400-year-old Douglas firs, western redcedars, and western hemlocks!
As you keep moving, the view occasionally switches from that of the river to historical ferns to mossy trees. Keep this on your list for a quick pleasurable hike.
2) Mount Ellinor
Although it’s a quite popular area for hiking, we did not take it up because it’s generally considered challenging and is pretty long (5-6 hours out and back).
But if you’ve got some time in hand and you’re ready for some seriously adventurous hiking, you sure can go ahead pulling off this one!
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