Hiking is easily one of the best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, with miles of trails that range from coastal paths to alpine ridgelines and old-growth forest loops. While Olympic National Park hikes like Hurricane Ridge tend to get most of the attention, the region offers far more than high mountain ridges and rocky coastal treks. Some of the most rewarding Olympic Peninsula hikes lead to waterfalls. That is especially true as we get further into spring and the snowmelt really begins to swell local rivers.
Beyond hiking, the Olympic Peninsula offers a wide range of experiences that make it a compelling destination year-round. You can spend the morning walking along driftwood-lined beaches, then head inland to explore waterfalls in Washington that cascade through moss-covered forests. Scenic drives like Hurricane Ridge provide sweeping mountain views, while areas such as Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rain Forest showcase the diversity that makes Olympic National Park so distinctive. Wildlife watching, kayaking, tide pooling, and exploring small coastal towns all round out the list of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, creating a well-balanced itinerary that goes far beyond the trail.
With so much to see, you’ll want a home base that keeps you out on the trails longer. Travel Experience Lodging offers thoughtfully curated vacation rentals near Olympic National Park, with properties in Port Angeles, Sequim, and beyond. These convenient vacation rentals place you close to some of the best hikes on the Olympic Peninsula, along with easy access to Olympic National Park hikes and surrounding areas. Settle in and give yourself ample time to explore one of the most lush and unique landscapes in the country. Book your lodging today!
What Are the Best Olympic Peninsula Hikes to Add to Your List?
Exploring the Olympic Peninsula on foot gives you a more grounded sense of the landscape, taking you up close and personal to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery the country has to offer. Every turn in the trail reveals something you would likely miss from the road, especially as the terrain shifts from dense evergreen forests to open ridgelines. Though there are plenty of popular (and crowded) Olympic Peninsula hikes, there are also a few hidden gems around the peninsula that will have you leaving the crowds behind.
The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Washington, and the spring season is one of the best times to see them. Below, we’ve offered 6 waterfall hikes to consider, with three of them being much less-trafficked and more remote.Â
The Best Waterfalls Near Port Angeles
- Sol Duc Falls is one of the best Olympic Peninsula hikes. This waterfall hike is in Olympic National Park and features a short, well-maintained trail to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Washington. The falls split into multiple streams as they drop into a narrow canyon, creating a dramatic, misty scene that’s especially striking after rain.
- Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent is one of the most approachable waterfall hikes near Port Angeles. It’s found in the Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park and is generally considered an easy, family-friendly trail through old-growth forest that leads to a tall, two-tiered waterfall.
- Madison Falls in the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park is another great choice for accessible Olympic Peninsula hikes. Just a short walk from the parking area, you’ll find a wide, powerful cascade framed by lush greenery, making it a quick but worthwhile stop.
- Merriman Falls is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more remote and less trafficked. It’s found in the Lake Quinault area of Olympic National Forest, and is a roadside-accessible waterfall with a wide, curtain-like flow. It’s not a long hike, but it’s one of the most picturesque and frequently photographed stops near Lake Quinault. It’s a particularly great choice if you’re driving the Olympic Peninsula Loop.
- Willaby Creek Falls is another option near Lake Quinault. This small but charming waterfall is reached via a short walk from the campground area. It’s quieter than nearby spots and works well as a quick add-on when exploring the Quinault region.
- Beaver Falls is an alternative among the other Olympic Peninsula hikes near Lake Crescent and Sol Duc. It’s a broader, multi-tiered waterfall that’s less visited than Sol Duc but still scenic. The setting feels more remote, with fewer crowds and a more rugged forest backdrop.
Where to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula
After a full day exploring Olympic Peninsula hikes and waterfalls, head home to one of our unique and curated vacation rentals. Unlike a sanitized hotel experience that is impersonal, our lodging near Olympic National Park is intentional and well-suited for this kind of trip, with locations in Sequim and Port Angeles that keep you close to some of the best hikes on the peninsula. You can head out for an early trek or spend the afternoon visiting waterfalls in Washington, then come back to a space that is comfortable, private, and easy to settle into.
These homes also give you the flexibility that traditional lodging often cannot match. Whether you are planning a weekend focused on Olympic National Park hikes or building a broader itinerary of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, you have the space to spread out, recharge, and plan your days. Thoughtful amenities, convenient access to nearby trails, and proximity to both town centers and natural areas make these rentals a practical and appealing choice. Spring is here, and the waterfalls are calling. Book your Olympic Peninsula lodging today!
