When it comes to exploring the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park offers some of the most stunning hiking experiences in the United States. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a diverse wonderland, home to lush rainforests, alpine peaks, and the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States. If you’re planning a visit, here’s a guide to the Olympic National Park best hikes.

Olympic National Park Best Hikes

1. Hurricane Hill Trail: Alpine Wonders and Panoramic Views

Length: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation: +700 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, wildflowers, wildlife

Starting with the iconic Hurricane Ridge, this area offers a gateway to the park’s breathtaking alpine scenery. The Hurricane Hill Trail, a 3.2-mile round-trip hike, is an accessible way to experience sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island on clear days. The meadows are often alive with wildflowers in the summer.

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2. Hoh River Trail: A Journey Through a Temperate Rainforest

Length: 0.8 miles round trip
Elevation: +100 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Old-growth forests, wildlife, glacial views

The Hoh Rainforest is one of the best examples of temperate rainforest in the United States, and the Hall of Mosses Trail is a must-see. This easy 0.8-mile loop takes you through a landscape straight out of a fantasy novel, where ancient trees are draped in green moss and the air is thick with the scent of earth.

3. Sol Duc Falls: A Waterfall in an Enchanted Forest

Length: 1.6 miles round trip
Elevation: +200 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Waterfalls, old-growth forest

Sol Duc Falls is one of the park’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. The 1.6-mile round-trip trail takes you through old-growth forests, crossing charming wooden bridges, until you reach the thunderous falls themselves. The sight of the Sol Duc River splitting into multiple cascades as it plunges into a mist-filled gorge is unforgettable. For an added treat, soak in the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs after your hike.

4. Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall: Sea Stacks and Tidal Pools

Length: 3.3 miles round trip
Elevation: +286 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Coastal views, tide pools, sea stacks

For a different kind of hiking experience, head to Rialto Beach on the Pacific Coast. The 3.3-mile round-trip hike to Hole-in-the-Wall is a coastal adventure that takes you along a wild beach dotted with sea stacks and tide pools. Timing is everything here — be sure to check the tide charts, as the best views and explorations occur at low tide when the marine life is most visible. The rugged coastline, combined with the dramatic ocean backdrop, makes this one of the Olympic National Park best hikes.

5. Mount Storm King: A Challenging Ascent with Epic Views

Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: +2,065 ft.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Lake Crescent views, challenging climb

For those looking for a challenge, the Mount Storm King Trail is a steep 4-mile round-trip hike that rewards you with some of the best views in the park. The trail starts near Lake Crescent and climbs rapidly through the forest, with some sections requiring the use of ropes to reach the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with awe-inspiring views of Lake Crescent, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the surrounding mountains.

6. East Fork Quinault River Trail: A Backpacker’s Dream

Length: 27.8 miles round trip
Elevation: +3,700 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: Waterfalls, wildlife, valley views

Finally, for those who want to experience Olympic National Park’s wilderness over multiple days, the East Fork Quinault River Trail offers a 27.8-mile trek into a valley where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs, and the river winds through lush meadows. Known as the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls,” this trail is perfect for backpackers who want to explore the most remote and beautiful areas of the park.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual explorer, Olympic National Park has something to offer everyone. From coastal treks to alpine adventures, these trails showcase the best of what the park has to offer. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready to experience the Olympic National Park best hikes.

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