Olympic National Park is filled with nearly 1,000,000 acres of pristine wilderness, waterfalls, mountains, forestlands, and tons of breathtaking views. On this list, we'll explore the best hikes across this incredible national park in Washington.
Whether you're looking for a short, family-friendly hike through the rainforest or a steep mountain climb, we have you covered!
Make sure to check out our Complete Guide to Olympic National Park for everything you need to know before visiting!
Top 10 Hikes in Olympic National Park
10. Staircase Rapids Loop
9. Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss
8. Sunrise View Point via High Ridge Nature
7. Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail
5. Mount Angeles via High Ridge Nature Trail
4. Mount Storm King
3. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
2. Lake Angeles
1. High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park Map
Olympic National Park Map
Download the map below for a unique view of Olympic National Park.
10. Staircase Rapids Loop
A short loop trail through pristine Olympic National park forest and across the North Fork Skokomish River.
The trail is only 2.1 miles long and follows a loop, meaning you'll get to see unique features of the national park the whole way. You will also get to cross a beautiful bridge over the river and see some truly massive fallen trees.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.1 miles | 220 feet | 1 hour | 2/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.51712045453252, -123.33013871152433
9. Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss
This very beautiful short hike takes you through the thick PNW rainforest with moss-covered trees.
The popular Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail is a short, very easy hike that's completely family-friendly. It's also very popular, so you're likely to find other hikers on most days of the year.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
1.1 miles | 80 feet | 25 mins | 1/10 |
Make sure to get there early because parking is limited, and it may run out!
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.862545894373895, -123.93395858132554
8. Sunrise View Point via High Ridge Nature Trail
A very easy, short hike that includes gorgeous views of Olympic National Park!
This family-friendly hike is close to Port Angeles and is great if you're looking for an easy afternoon out! It's a very easy hike, but the payoff is fantastic. You're unlikely to find another easy hike that has so much going for it!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
0.9 miles | 219 feet | 30 mins | 1/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.9706873628413, -123.49518327115268
7. Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail
A family-friendly hike that is ideal for any spring or summer day!
An easy, quick hike that's close to the town of Joyce, Washington. You can expect to see a little waterfall along the way and Sol Duc Falls, a unique, multi-leveled waterfall.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy this 1.6-mile trail that only climbs 226 feet. Plus, you'll only need 45 minutes to complete it!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
1.6 miles | 226 feet | 45 mins | 1/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.95549717295744, -123.83574093330289
The Putvin Trail up to the Lake of the Angels is notoriously difficult. It climbs nearly 4,000 feet in less than four miles.
It starts from a pull-off parking area only a few miles into the park and passes through a memorial to Carl Putvin, who passed away in 1913.
It quickly gains elevation until reaching the Pond of the False Prophet and the Lake of the Angels. If you're ambitious, you can continue to Mount Skokomish or Mount Stone (or both!).
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
7.8 miles | 3,800 | 6.5 hours | 7/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.583612217998855, -123.2340158375307
5. Mount Angeles via High Ridge Nature Trail
An unmissable hike up Mount Angeles along the High Ridge Nature Trail.
Along the way, you'll see breathtaking views of the Olympics while walking along a very well-maintained trail.
This beautiful, hard trail ascends Mount Angeles via the High Ridge Nature Trail. It's an out-and-back trail meaning that you're going to have to turn around when you reach the endpoint. But, until you've climbed over 2,000 feet in elevation.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
5.5 miles | 2,020 feet | 3.5 hours | 6/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.978226598028634, -123.4957968960044
4. Mount Storm King
Another absolutely gorgeous hike that leads to the top of a coastal mountain-- Storm King!
It is rated as very difficult and, despite the similar elevation gain to Mount Angeles, is more than a mile shorter. This means you'll hit far steeper sections of the trail!
The trail is usually pretty busy, so make sure you get there early enough to get a parking spot and beat the crowds to the top!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
4.1 miles | 2,100 feet | 3.5 hours | 6.5/10 |
We highly recommend going on a clear day to see the view.
Trailhead Coordinates: 48.21738170048185, -123.77817282432075
3. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
The Hurricane Ridge trail up Hurricane Hill is a spectacular moderate hike in Olympic National Park.
Its only 3.4 miles long and ascends a reasonable 800 feet. It is also one of the most popular trails in the park. On clear days, expect to find multiple groups there early. Follow the below coordinates to the Hurricane Ridge trailhead or check out the map above!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
3.4 miles | 800 feet | 2 hours | 4/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 48.09278602252172, -123.5317349840646
2. Lake Angeles
This popular 8-mile trail is a hard introduction to hiking at Olympic National Park.
It's near Port Angeles and should take you around 5 hours to complete.
The best time to visit this area of the park is in the spring. But, you should be aware that it's always possible to find snow on the trail in the early season.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
8 miles | 2,500 | 5 hours | 7/10 |
1. High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin
The hardest trail on our list of the top 5 hikes in Olympic National Park.
It's an incredible 19 miles long with some serious elevation gain along the way. It's also a loop trail which may be a plus!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
19 miles | 5,300 feet | 11 hours | 8/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 48.173441299772776, -123.39152139062551
Did you hike any of these trails? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
Any beta? Share it with the Traverse the Pacific Northwest community!