Top Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park: From Rainforests to Coastal Cliffs
Olympic National Park presents a striking range of hiking trails, crossing rainforests, mountain ridges, and coastal cliffs. This guide highlights key routes that blend vivid natural encounters with practical trail information, helping hikers of all skill levels prepare for safely exploring this dynamic, untamed landscape.
Adventure Tips
Start Early to Avoid Afternoon Rain
The park’s weather shifts quickly with common afternoon showers, especially near coastlines and rainforests. Begin hikes early morning for drier conditions and stronger light.
Wear Waterproof Hiking Boots
Trails through the rainforest and near rivers can be slippery and wet. Waterproof boots offer traction and protection, preventing cold, wet feet on longer hikes.
Monitor Tide Schedules for Coastal Routes
Coastal trails like the Ozette Triangle expose sections only at low tide. Check tide charts before setting out to avoid getting trapped or forced onto risky alternate paths.
Use Trekking Poles on Slippery or Steep Terrain
Poles increase balance and reduce strain, especially on rocky river crossings and uphill segments like Hurricane Ridge Trail. They help navigate uneven ground confidently.
Top Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park: From Rainforests to Coastal Cliffs
Olympic National Park offers an extraordinary range of hiking experiences, each revealing different elements of this fiercely diverse landscape. From the dripping canopies of its temperate rainforests to the jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific, the park demands respect and attention. The Hoh Rainforest Trail, stretching about 5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, leads through ancient green giants dripping with moss and ferns that brush your limbs. The trail surface is soft with leaf litter, and the air hums with life—tiny streams dare you to cross with their persistent currents, always urging forward.
For a shift in scenery and challenge, the Staircase Rapids Loop offers a moderate 6-mile trek with steady elevation gain of roughly 1,000 feet. It winds along roaring rivers that pound down their rocky channels, daring you to follow their path upstream. The terrain here is rocky and often slippery, so solid hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. The surge of rapids contrasts sharply with forested stretches where sunlight filters through grand firs and cedars.
If coastal cliffs pull your spirit, the Ozette Triangle Trail provides a rugged 9.5-mile adventure combining forest and beach. Elevation is low, about 400 feet, but variable footing—sand, mud, driftwood—keeps your steps cautious. Pacific winds push and pull as you skirt the wild coastline; tide pools pop with color beneath shockingly clear water. Plan your hike around tide schedules to avoid trapped sections and to catch low tides revealing hidden sea life.
For those ready for a tougher test, Hurricane Ridge Trail climbs steadily for 5.5 miles, gaining almost 1,700 feet. The air thins and cools as you ascend to expose breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains domes and valleys. Winds here shape the landscape with urgency, and wildflowers nod stiffly in the brisk alpine air during summer months. The trail’s rocky steps demand stamina and focus.
Preparation matters on all these trails. Hydrate frequently—the temperate climate can mask sweat loss. Durable, waterproof footwear is critical given damp soil and river crossings. Starting early avoids crowds and afternoon drizzle, common in coastal and rainforest zones. Layer your clothing to adapt quickly to shifting weather; Olympic’s moods can change with impressive speed, never to be underestimated.
These routes introduce you to environments fiercely themselves, where nature’s forces—water, wind, trees—define pace and rhythm. Each step connects you to a varied world, not conquered but engaged with thoughtfully and respectfully. For any outdoor enthusiast, these trails offer experience shaped by sensory detail and pragmatic readiness, in equal measure.
Adventures near Port Angeles
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Port Angeles special.
No landmarks available
We're still collecting detailed landmark information for Port Angeles. Check back soon for updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Olympic National Park trails?
Dogs are generally prohibited on trails within Olympic National Park to protect wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Service animals are exempt but must remain under control. Plan accordingly if traveling with pets.
When is the best time to see wildlife on the trails?
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, particularly in spring and fall. Black-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species are common sights, but always observe from a distance to avoid disturbance.
Is cell phone reception reliable inside the park?
Reception is limited and patchy, especially in dense forest valleys and remote coastal areas. Don’t rely on phones for navigation; carry physical maps or a GPS device.
What should I do if I encounter river crossings?
Assess water speed and depth carefully; crossings can be dangerous after rain. Use trekking poles for balance, unbuckle your pack for safety, and avoid crossing if water appears too forceful.
Are permits required for hiking in Olympic National Park?
Day hikes generally do not require permits, but overnight backcountry trips do. Check specific trail and camping regulations in advance through the park’s official channels.
What are some lesser-known viewpoints worth visiting?
Try the Grand Canyon of the Elwha viewpoints off the Geyser Valley Trail for dramatic river views or the Cape Alava Loop for quiet coastal sunset scenes away from busier beaches.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Keeps feet dry and offers grip on wet, slippery trails common in rainforests and near rivers.
Layered Clothing
Allows quick adaptation to rapidly changing weather – moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shell.
Trekking Poles
Provides stability on rocky terrain and during river crossings; reduces joint stress on steep ascents and descents.
Hydration System
Refills needed frequently even in cool conditions due to persistent physical exertion.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Grand Canyon of the Elwha — dramatic river gorge views less crowded than Hurricane Ridge"
- "Cape Alava Loop — as extensive driftwood beaches mixed with thick forest, ideal for solitude"
- "Second Beach tide pools — rich marine life exposed at low tide, creatures seem to peak out curiously"
Wildlife
- "Black-tailed deer roam forest edges and clearings"
- "River otters chase currents near coastal estuaries"
- "Varied birds including marbled murrelets and pileated woodpeckers frequent dense rainforests"
History
"Olympic National Park preserves land sacred to local Coast Salish tribes, who lived in balance with its forests and waters for thousands of years before it became a national park in 1938."