Olympic National Park is one of the most varied landscapes in the country, defined by where the Olympic Mountains rise fast from lowland forests, and the coastline feels rugged and untamed. That variety is exactly why Olympic National Park hikes are so memorable. You can move from rainforest to ridgeline views to sea stacks in a single trip, and each area feels like its own world inside one park.
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Olympic National Park. As you traverse the park, the terrain changes in ways you can feel underfoot; the air cools as you climb; the forest thickens and drips with moss, then opens into wide alpine views. At the core of why we hike is a grand sense of discovery: a trail that makes the scenery personal, close-up, and intimate, rather than something you only see from pullouts.
There are endless Olympic National Park hikes to consider, from short treks to multi-day loops. But, of course, this is just one of the many things to do in the Olympic National Park, too. To round out your itinerary beyond the trails, add a dip in Lake Crescent, tidepooling on the beaches, followed by an afternoon exploring Port Angeles, Sequim, or other Olympic Peninsula towns.
There are plenty of choices for lodging near Olympic National Park, but none like our vacation rentals, with space to stretch out, cook, and reset after long days of hiking in Washington. With family- and dog-friendly lodging available, it is an easy fit for groups seeking comfort and practicality. Book your vacation rental today!
Must-Do Olympic National Park Hikes For Your Itinerary
Hiking in the Olympic National Park is diverse. You can be in dense rainforest in the morning and on an exposed ridge with Olympic Mountains views by early afternoon if you want! Wherever your hiking boots take you, expect changeable weather, even in summer, plus wet roots, slick boardwalk sections in the rainforest, and real elevation gain on many of the most popular Olympic National Park hiking trails. It’s definitely an activity to be prepared for.
Whether you’re planning full-day treks in the park or hitting some of the shorter Olympic National Park hikes, we recommend you start earlier in the day than you need to. Parking lots often fill up quickly, especially at popular places like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest.
Some areas and routes require wilderness permits for overnight trips, and several zones operate on quotas, so if a backpacking route like Sol Duc, Seven Lakes Basin, Grand Valley, or Cape Alava is on your list, look up permit availability before you go. If you are camping in the wilderness, you also need a solid food storage plan. The park requires bear canisters in some areas and strongly recommends them more broadly, and storing scented items incorrectly is a fast way to ruin your trip.
Otherwise, lace up your boots and get ready to enjoy the most impressive Olympic National Park hikes this summer!
The Best Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
- Hurricane Hill Trail, a classic among Olympic National Park hikes, is paved for much of its length and is known for big, open views. It’s a 3.2-mile trek round-trip, and there are plenty of fantastic nearby picnic areas for when you’re back to your car.
- Mount Storm King at Lake Crescent is one of the more intense hikes in the park. It’s a relatively short hike, but the elevation gain is intense with steep switchbacks and a scrambly finish. This one is best saved for a clear day, so the Lake Crescent view pays off.
- Marymere Falls is another great hike at Lake Crescent. This easy trail is a crowd pleaser, as it’s fairly short and easy, with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
- Sol Duc Falls is one of the most iconic Olympic National Park hikes. It starts with a beautiful walk through a verdant, temperate forest, and gradually makes its way to a powerful waterfall.
- Lover’s Lane Loop is a longer loop in the Sol Duc area that links forest walking with falls access. It’s a great hiking trail for when you want to stretch your legs a little more.
- High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop, often cited among the best hikes in Olympic National Park, offers alpine views and gorgeous access to lake country. Snow can linger in this area, and overnight plans can require quota permits, but it’s a hike that you’ll never forget if you’re lucky enough to go.
- Hall of Mosses is a short loop that shows off the Hoh Rainforest’s moss-draped giants. Just like at Hurricane Ridge, we recommend going early or late to avoid peak crowds, and keep your eyes open for Roosevelt elk.
- Enchanted Valley is a longer day trek for experienced hikers who want the best of the Olympic National Park. This hiking trail is famous for dramatic valley walls and big river scenery.
- Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall is one of the most memorable coastal Olympic Peninsula hikes inside the park. Time it with tides so you can reach the arch and tide pools safely.
- Ozette Triangle Loop, from Cape Alava to Sand Point, is a classic coastal circuit with a boardwalk through the forest combined with long miles along the beach. Permits apply if you camp, and there are quota systems in place at times. Cape Alava can also be a solid out-and-back option if you want the Ozette coastline without the full triangle.
- Lake Angeles is another of the most rewarding Olympic National Park hikes near Hurricane Ridge. The hike is just over 7 miles round-trip, but the enchanting glacially-carved landscape and alpine lake are worth the effort.
- Mount Angeles is a bigger summit effort with broad ridge views, and is one of our favorite hikes in Olympic National Park. It starts from the Visitor Center at Hurricane Ridge, and makes its way a couple of miles up a barge ridgeline to a gorgeous summit with big mountain views.
- Klahhane Ridge, also in the Hurricane Ridge area, is known for sweeping scenery. It’s only 2.5 miles to the top, but it’s an astonishing 6,000-foot elevation gain that leaves you breathless and tired in the way only the best Olympic National Park hikes can.
The Best Private Lodging Near Olympic National Park
After a day tackling any one (or more) of these impressive Olympic National Park hikes, coming home to a private place on the Olympic Peninsula is exactly what you need. Travel Experience Lodging offers vacation rentals near Olympic National Park, saving you from the noise and tight quarters of a standard hotel. You can cook an easy dinner, spread out your gear to dry, and plan tomorrow’s route through the Olympic Mountains.
These rentals are built for recovery and rest, with hot tub soaks after steep climbs, before kicking back to watch your favorite show with your feet up. With family-friendly and dog-friendly options available, it is a practical base for couples, friend groups, and families who want access to all the best things to do in Olympic National Park. Book your National Park adventure today!
