If you’re planning a summer trip to the Olympic Peninsula, hiking should be at the top of your list. With over 600 miles of trails that wind through rugged coastline, lush rainforest, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, the best hikes in Olympic National Park offer a little bit of everything. You can wander through the moss-draped Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest, summit exposed ridgelines, where you’ll embrace sweeping views of Mount Olympus, or cool off beside waterfalls like the popular Marymere Falls. The variety of landscapes packed into one park is what makes hiking here so unforgettable.
Of course, hiking is just one of many amazing things to do in Olympic National Park this summer. Paddle across the turquoise waters of Lake Crescent, explore tidepools along the coast, or catch the sunset from Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. For photographers, nature lovers, and families alike, the park delivers nonstop beauty with every step or scenic drive. The best hikes in Olympic National Park include trails that range from easy loops to challenging climbs, such as Mount Storm King or Grand Pass. With the long daylight hours of summer, there’s sometimes time to do more than just one in a day, depending, of course, on where you go.Â
When you’re done enjoying the best hikes in Olympic National Park, you’ll want a comfortable place to land at the end of the day. That’s where our top-rated Olympic National Park lodging comes in. Our collection of elevated vacation rentals around the Olympic Peninsula puts you close to the top Olympic National Park trails, while giving you the privacy and comfort you crave in a vacation. These properties are some of the best places to stay near Olympic National Park, offering thoughtful design, great locations, and everything you need to relax and recharge. Book your stay today!
Summer Guide: Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
When it comes to unforgettable summer experiences, there are few things better than hitting up one (or more) of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. One moment you’re climbing toward alpine ridgelines with sweeping views of glacier-topped peaks, and the next you’re deep in a rainforest that feels older than time. The range of terrain here is unmatched. Whether you’re hiking through a sea of ferns under dripping moss, standing on a sun-drenched bluff above the Pacific, or navigating switchbacks toward an isolated mountain pass, there’s always something around the corner that takes your breath away.
These trails are far more than just the best hikes in Olympic National Park, though. They are immersive adventures through one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. There are easy, family-friendly loops and trails that challenge even seasoned hikers. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife, wildflowers, old-growth trees, and views of Mount Olympus, Washington, that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. For anyone looking for a true summer hiking getaway, the Olympic Peninsula is an unbeatable place to go.
The Best Olympic National Park Hiking Trails
- If you want to step into a landscape that feels like another world, one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park is the Hall of Mosses Trail at the Hoh Rainforest. This iconic rainforest hike is short and accessible, but packed with ancient trees, hanging moss, and a quiet, otherworldly feel that will leave you with a new appreciation for the color green.Â
- One of the best hikes in Olympic National Park for families is the Marymere Falls Trail. This is an easy hike through old-growth forest that leads to a stunning 90-foot waterfall. Best yet, it’s close to Lake Crescent Lodge, giving you the perfect excuse to explore these beautiful turquoise waters when you’re done.Â
- Another great Lake Crescent-area hike for those who want a more challenging experience is the Mount Storm King trail. This is one of the steepest hikes in Olympic National Park, but it rewards hikers with one of the most jaw-dropping views of Lake Crescent.Â
- A little further west of Lake Crescent is the Sol Duc River Valley, where you’ll find the popular Sol Duc Falls Trail. This is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park, on a trail that meanders through lush forest that ends at one of the park’s most photogenic waterfalls, with optional extensions to deeper forest trails.
- When it comes to the best hikes in Olympic National Park, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the trails at the top of Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Hill is an ever-popular choice, though. It’s a 3.2-mile round-trip trail near Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park, offering big rewards with minimal effort, including 360-degree mountain and water views.
- Heading up Hurricane Ridge Road is also how you’ll access another popular hike, Klahhane Ridge. This trail provides sweeping views, plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, and options to extend your adventure deeper into the Olympic backcountry.
- Speaking of backcountry treks, don’t miss the chance to hike to Grand Pass. It’s a longer, more remote hike for experienced hikers who are looking to escape the crowds and reach high alpine views, wildflower meadows, and glacial valleys.
- If you’re looking for gorgeous coastal hikes, there are plenty to choose from. A great place to start is the Second Beach Trail. It’s a short hike that leads to a wild stretch of coastline with dramatic sea stacks, tidepools, and options for beach camping.Â
- For beach lovers, one of the best hikes in the Olympic National Park is the Ozette Triangle. It’s long, though, including three miles along coastal beaches. If you’re not up for the whole trail, the Capa Alava Trail is a great shorter option for coastal hikes in the park. Â
- Don’t miss hiking through the Enchanted Valley. Known for its waterfalls and historic chalet, this multi-day trek through the Quinault Rainforest is a favorite among backpackers and nature lovers, and is easily one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.
Unwind at Nearby Olympic Peninsula Lodging
After a day of hiking through old-growth forests, climbing ridgelines, or chasing waterfalls, there’s nothing better than coming home to a space that lets you unwind in total comfort. Whether you’re cooling off after a summit of Mount Storm King or soaking sore legs from a trek out to Grand Pass, the right lodging makes all the difference. Our curated vacation rentals on the Olympic Peninsula are designed to be more than just a place to stay. They offer thoughtful details, modern design, and inviting spaces that make it easy to relax and recharge between your adventures.
Staying in Port Angeles puts you just minutes from Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, and trailheads like Klahhane Ridge and Marymere Falls, not to mention easy access to Lake Crescent, coastal hikes, and more. No matter where your hikes take you across the Olympic Peninsula, there’s a well-appointed vacation rental close by, giving you flexibility, privacy, and a more elevated experience than a standard hotel. It’s the perfect setup for travelers who want to explore all day, then come home to a space that feels like home.
Our lodging properties are rated among the best places to stay near Olympic National Park. These homes are ideal for hikers, couples, families, or anyone who appreciates a touch of comfort alongside their adventure. With locations that keep you close to the top Olympic National Park hikes, you can spend less time driving and more time exploring. From trail to retreat, your Olympic experience starts and ends in a space that’s built for real travelers who want to do more than just visit the park. If you’re ready to plan your adventure, we’re ready to host you. Book your stay today!