Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park at Sunset | Justice deCarteret

Olympic National Park is one of the rare places where a single hiking trip can include glacier-covered mountains, moss-draped temperate rainforest, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, wild Pacific beaches, and river valleys inhabited by Roosevelt elk and black bears.

That diversity also means there is no single “best” Olympic hike. The Hall of Mosses is ideal for an easy introduction to the Hoh Rain Forest. Hurricane Hill delivers tremendous mountain views for relatively modest mileage. Marymere Falls and Sol Duc Falls are excellent short forest hikes, while Mount Storm King provides one of the park’s steepest and most dramatic day-hiking challenges.

Along the Pacific, hikers can walk from Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, descend through coastal forest to Second Beach, or devote an entire day to the Ozette Triangle. Backpackers can continue much farther into Olympic’s wilderness on the High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin Loop or the 13-mile approach to Enchanted Valley.

The challenge is not finding a good trail. It is choosing among dozens of completely different landscapes.

This guide covers the best hikes for first-time visitors, families, waterfall seekers, mountain hikers, coastal explorers, and backpackers, along with the practical details that matter when planning an Olympic National Park hiking trip.

⚡ Best Olympic National Park Hikes at a Glance

Hike	Distance	Difficulty	Best For
Hall of Mosses	0.8-mile loop	Easy	Classic rainforest
Spruce Nature Trail	1.2-mile loop	Easy	Rainforest and Hoh River
Marymere Falls	1.8 miles round trip	Easy to moderate	Waterfall and old-growth forest
Sol Duc Falls	1.6 miles round trip	Easy	Waterfall
Staircase Rapids Loop	About 2 miles	Easy	River and giant trees
Hurricane Hill	3.2 miles round trip	Moderate	Mountain panoramas
Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall	About 3 miles round trip	Easy to moderate	Wild coast and tidepools
Second Beach	1.4 miles round trip	Easy	Sea stacks and beach
Mount Storm King	About 4.2 miles round trip from trailhead area	Strenuous	Lake Crescent views
Klahhane Ridge	Up to 7.6 miles round trip	Moderate to strenuous	Alpine ridge scenery
Ozette Triangle	About 9.2-mile loop	Moderate	Coast, boardwalk and beaches
High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin	18.2-mile loop	Strenuous	Alpine backpacking
Enchanted Valley	About 26 miles round trip	Moderate backpack	Rainforest wilderness and wildlife

Distances can vary slightly depending on the exact starting point, side trips, and how far you continue along out-and-back routes.

🗺️ Olympic National Park Is Bigger Than It Looks

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is assuming the park’s trailheads are close together.

They are not.

Olympic National Park surrounds a vast mountainous wilderness with few roads crossing the interior. Most travel happens around the edges of the peninsula.

Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc, the Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Kalaloch, Quinault, Staircase, and Ozette are separate destinations.

That means it is usually better to choose one or two hiking regions per day rather than trying to drive between several corners of the park.

For a multi-day trip, splitting accommodations between the northern and western sides of the peninsula can save hours of driving.

🌿 1. Hall of Mosses

The Hall of Mosses is the classic Olympic National Park rainforest hike.

Beginning near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, the trail follows a 0.8-mile loop through old-growth forest filled with enormous trees, ferns, mosses, and epiphytes.

The elevation gain is only about 100 feet.

Bigleaf maples covered in hanging moss create the scenery that has made the Hoh one of the most recognizable temperate rainforests in the world.

This is not a hike you need to rush.

Walk slowly enough to notice the layers of the forest: moss on branches, ferns growing from logs, enormous tree trunks disappearing into the canopy, and small streams moving beneath dense vegetation.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, photographers, and anyone wanting the quintessential Hoh Rain Forest experience.

🌲 2. Spruce Nature Trail

The nearby Spruce Nature Trail is slightly longer at approximately 1.2 miles.

It passes through both old- and newer-growth forest and reaches the Hoh River, giving visitors a broader picture of the rainforest ecosystem than the Hall of Mosses alone.

If you have enough time, hike both trails.

Together they require only a few miles of walking but show very different aspects of the Hoh.

The Spruce Nature Trail tends to feel quieter than the Hall of Mosses, particularly once you move away from the visitor center.

Best for: Rainforest scenery with fewer crowds and views of the Hoh River.

🥾 Hoh River Trail

Visitors wanting more than a short nature loop can simply continue onto the Hoh River Trail.

This trail penetrates deep into the Olympic wilderness and eventually reaches the Blue Glacier area below Mount Olympus.

The entire route extends more than 18 miles one way, but day hikers can turn around whenever they like.

That makes it unusually flexible.

Walk two miles and return.

Spend half a day following the Hoh River.

Or obtain a wilderness permit and turn the trail into a multi-night backpack.

Even a relatively short extension beyond the visitor-center loops quickly reduces the crowds.

🌧️ Hoh Rain Forest Crowds

The Hoh is one of the busiest areas of Olympic National Park between May and September.

Entrance lines can become lengthy during summer.

An early arrival makes a significant difference.

If the Hall of Mosses is one of your highest priorities, consider staying on the western side of the peninsula rather than driving all the way from Port Angeles that morning.

For more planning information, see The Enchanting Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park.

💦 3. Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls is one of Olympic National Park’s best short waterfall hikes.

The trail begins near Lake Crescent and travels approximately 0.9 mile one way, making the full trip about 1.8 miles.

The route passes through beautiful old-growth forest before climbing toward the approximately 90-foot waterfall. The hike gains about 400 feet overall.

Much of the approach is gentle.

The final section becomes steeper as stairs and switchbacks climb toward viewing areas.

Marymere Falls is particularly attractive after periods of rain, when the creek carries more water.

Best for: Families, waterfall lovers, Lake Crescent visitors, and hikers wanting a short forest walk.

🌊 Combine Marymere Falls With Lake Crescent

One advantage of Marymere Falls is its location.

You can hike the falls, walk along Lake Crescent, stop near Lake Crescent Lodge, and add another short trail without spending much of the day driving.

The Moments in Time Trail is an easy 0.6-mile forest-and-lake loop.

Another popular option is the Spruce Railroad Trail on the northern shore of Lake Crescent.

Strong hikers can also branch from the Marymere Falls route toward Mount Storm King.

🏔️ 4. Mount Storm King

Mount Storm King is one of Olympic National Park’s most famous strenuous day hikes.

The maintained trail climbs approximately 2,000 feet in only 1.7 miles after leaving the Barnes Creek Trail, rising from around 700 feet to 2,700 feet.

That elevation profile is steep enough on its own.

The route becomes even more serious beyond the official End of Maintained Trail sign.

Visitors have installed ropes on the steep upper terrain, but these are not installed, inspected, or maintained by the National Park Service. Loose rock and significant exposure make this section considerably more hazardous than an ordinary hiking trail.

The famous reward is a dramatic view over Lake Crescent.

Best for: Experienced hikers comfortable with steep terrain and exposure.

⚠️ Mount Storm King Is Not for Everyone

Photos can make the summit viewpoint look like a routine Instagram destination.

It is not.

The maintained portion is extremely steep, and the unofficial terrain beyond it carries real fall risk.

Never assume a rope is trustworthy because someone else is using it.

Rain, mud, ice, and loose rock make the upper section even more hazardous.

Turning around before the exposed area is completely reasonable.

A hike does not become unsuccessful simply because you choose not to cross terrain outside your comfort level.

💦 5. Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls offers one of the best effort-to-scenery ratios in the park.

From the trailhead at the end of Sol Duc Road, the route travels approximately 0.8 mile one way through old-growth forest with only about 200 feet of elevation gain.

The river splits into multiple channels before plunging into a narrow rocky gorge.

Unlike many waterfalls viewed from below, Sol Duc Falls is often seen from above and beside the gorge, giving the scene a very different character.

The forest approach is nearly as attractive as the waterfall itself.

Best for: Families, waterfall lovers, photographers, and visitors to Sol Duc Hot Springs.

🌲 Lover’s Lane Loop

If the basic waterfall hike feels too short, extend it into the Lover’s Lane Loop.

The roughly six-mile circuit links Sol Duc Falls with the resort and campground while following portions of the Sol Duc River through old-growth forest.

This is an excellent half-day hike.

You still get the famous waterfall, but the longer route provides a quieter forest experience and more time beside the river.

A soak afterward at Sol Duc Hot Springs makes a particularly good finish.

For more planning, see Olympic National Park Hot Springs: Sol Duc, Olympic Hot Springs & Visitor Guide.

🌲 6. Staircase Rapids Loop

The Staircase Rapids Loop is one of the best easy forest hikes on Olympic’s southeastern side.

The route covers roughly two miles and follows the North Fork Skokomish River through forest containing enormous Douglas-firs.

A bridge crosses the river and completes the loop.

As of September 2026, Staircase has reopened following the 2025 Bear Gulch Fire, and the Rapids Loop is open. However, the other Staircase wilderness trails remain closed while crews continue assessing hazards and repairing damaged infrastructure.

Best for: Easy forest hiking, families, giant trees, and visitors approaching from the Hood Canal side.

🔥 A Note About Staircase in 2026

Do not use an older guidebook to assume that Flapjack Lakes, Wagonwheel Lake, or the North Fork Skokomish backcountry routes are currently available.

Those trails remain closed following the Bear Gulch Fire.

For now, build a Staircase visit around the Rapids Loop, North Fork Skokomish River scenery, and nearby Lake Cushman.

Our Staircase in Olympic National Park: Hikes, Lake Cushman & Visitor Guide has more detail.

🏔️ 7. Hurricane Hill

For panoramic mountain scenery without an enormous mileage commitment, Hurricane Hill is one of Olympic’s best hikes.

The paved trail extends approximately 1.6 miles one way and gains around 700 feet.

The route climbs through subalpine meadow toward broad views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and surrounding landscape.

On clear days, the scenery is exceptional.

Wildflowers bloom during summer, while black-tailed deer, marmots, birds, and other mountain wildlife may appear along the route.

Best for: Mountain views, moderate hiking, wildflowers, and first-time visitors to Hurricane Ridge.

♿ Hurricane Hill Accessibility

The first portion of Hurricane Hill was improved to federal accessibility standards, making part of the route much more accessible than most mountain trails.

Beyond that section, the climb becomes steeper.

Even though the entire trail is paved, do not confuse paved with flat.

The final approach requires sustained uphill walking at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.

Take your time if you are arriving directly from lower elevations.

🌦️ Hurricane Ridge Weather

Mountain weather changes rapidly.

A sunny morning can become cloudy, windy, foggy, or cold surprisingly quickly.

Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the summer but can close because of weather or road conditions at other times. As of the current 2026 season it is open, but the National Park Service advises checking road status before driving up.

Carry an extra layer even when Port Angeles is warm.

Conditions at Hurricane Ridge can feel like a different season.

🏔️ 8. Klahhane Ridge

Hikers wanting a longer mountain route can continue toward Klahhane Ridge.

From the Hurricane Ridge area, the first portion follows ridge terrain for approximately 2.8 miles before reaching the junction with Klahhane Switchback Trail.

Continuing another mile climbs roughly 800 additional feet toward the ridge.

The route provides increasingly dramatic views and feels more like an alpine hike than Hurricane Hill.

You can turn around whenever conditions, time, or energy dictate.

That flexibility makes Klahhane Ridge an excellent choice for strong hikers who want more mountain time without committing to an overnight wilderness trip.

Best for: Ridge walking, wildflowers, mountain views, and stronger day hikers.

🌊 9. Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall

Not every Olympic hike climbs a mountain.

The walk from Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall follows approximately 1.5 miles of wild Pacific shoreline in each direction.

Instead of switchbacks, the challenges are loose stones, sand, driftwood, waves, and tides.

At Hole-in-the-Wall, erosion has carved a large arch through a rocky headland.

At low tide, the surrounding intertidal zone reveals tidepools filled with sea stars, anemones, mussels, and other marine life.

Sea stacks rise offshore while driftwood lines the upper beach.

Best for: Coastal scenery, tidepools, sunsets, and hikers wanting something completely different from a mountain trail.

🌊 Tides Matter More Than Mileage

A three-mile beach hike can become dangerous if you ignore the ocean.

Check the official tide forecast before leaving.

Ideally, reach Hole-in-the-Wall before low tide so you have time to explore while the water is still receding.

Never race an incoming tide around a headland.

Large waves can travel much farther up the shore than expected, and drifting logs can become lethal when surf begins moving them.

For much more coastal planning, see Best Beaches in Olympic National Park: Rialto, Ruby Beach, Shi Shi & More.

🏖️ 10. Second Beach

Second Beach requires a short forest hike before revealing one of Olympic’s classic Pacific landscapes.

The trail runs approximately 0.7 mile one way, dropping around 100 feet toward a sandy beach filled with sea stacks, driftwood, and tidepools.

The transition makes this hike particularly memorable.

For most of the approach, you are surrounded by coastal forest.

Then the trees suddenly open and the Pacific fills the horizon.

As of May 2026, parking on Quileute Tribal lands, including the Second Beach trailhead area, requires a daily fee.

Best for: Families with active children, photographers, beach scenery, and a short coastal adventure.

🦅 Wildlife at Second Beach

Bald eagles are frequently seen around the coast, and seals may appear offshore.

Gray whales migrate past this part of Washington during portions of spring and fall.

Sea stacks provide important habitat for seabirds.

Do not climb offshore rocks or disturb nesting birds.

Second Beach is part of Olympic’s wilderness coast even though the trail is short.

Treat it like a wild natural area rather than a recreational city beach.

🔺 11. Ozette Triangle

The Ozette Triangle, sometimes called the Ozette Loop, is one of Olympic National Park’s most unusual full-day hikes.

The route covers approximately 9.2 miles and combines three distinct sections:

Forest and boardwalk to Cape Alava
Roughly three miles along the Pacific coast
Boardwalk and forest returning from Sand Point

The terrain is mostly flat, but beach travel and slippery boardwalks make the loop more demanding than the elevation profile suggests.

Best for: A full-day coastal hike with forest, archaeology, wildlife, and wild beaches.

🌲 Cape Alava

The Cape Alava trail travels roughly three miles through forest and prairie before reaching a rocky section of coast.

The combination of cedar boardwalks and Pacific scenery makes the approach unusual even before you reach the ocean.

Marine mammals and bald eagles may appear along the coast.

Cape Alava also lies near important cultural and archaeological areas associated with the Makah people.

Respect all closures and cultural resources.

🏖️ Sand Point

Sand Point offers a broader, sandier coastline than Cape Alava.

The trail connecting it with the Ozette Ranger Station covers approximately 2.8 miles.

Many hikers complete the loop counterclockwise or clockwise depending on the tide.

That is the correct way to think about the route: let tidal conditions determine the order, rather than choosing a direction arbitrarily.

The beach portion includes headlands that may require alternate routes when water is high.

⚠️ 2026 Ozette Conditions

The Ozette Triangle was reported in generally good condition during summer 2026, although portions of the boardwalk had weak or loose planks and can become extremely slippery when wet or frosted.

The high-tide headland route north of Sand Point is steep and potentially hazardous, with unofficial ropes that are not maintained by the National Park Service.

Check the tide carefully before committing to the beach section.

🏔️ 12. High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin Loop

The High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin Loop is one of Olympic National Park’s premier wilderness hikes.

The complete loop covers approximately 18.2 miles with about 3,050 feet of elevation gain.

The route combines old-growth forest, Deer Lake, subalpine meadows, mountain lakes, ridgeline scenery, wildlife, and exceptional views toward Mount Olympus.

Most visitors complete it as a two- or three-day backpack, although very strong hikers sometimes tackle the entire circuit in one long day.

The best general season is mid-July through September because snow frequently lingers on the higher trail into early summer.

Best for: Experienced backpackers, alpine lakes, wildlife, and some of Olympic’s finest mountain scenery.

🐻 Seven Lakes Basin Wildlife

Black bears and Roosevelt elk are frequently seen in the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin region.

Deer are also common.

This is wilderness wildlife habitat, not an animal-viewing attraction.

Maintain distance and secure food properly.

The park requires approved bear canisters throughout the High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin area, and overnight permits are limited year-round.

Reservations should be made well ahead of popular summer dates.

❄️ Snow on High Divide

Do not assume that June weather in Port Angeles means summer conditions on High Divide.

Snow often persists until early or even mid-July.

When steep slopes remain snow-covered, hikers may need an ice axe and the ability to self-arrest.

This is not gear you simply carry as decoration.

If conditions require an ice axe, you should already know how to use it.

Waiting several weeks for snow to melt can be the safer choice.

🌄 13. Enchanted Valley

Enchanted Valley is one of Olympic National Park’s classic rainforest backpacking destinations.

The East Fork Quinault River Trail travels approximately 13 miles from Graves Creek to Enchanted Valley, gaining about 1,700 feet.

Unlike High Divide, the appeal is not primarily alpine terrain.

The route follows a broad rainforest river valley past Pony Bridge, O’Neil Creek, and Pyrites Creek before reaching a spectacular open valley surrounded by mountains and seasonal waterfalls.

The historic Enchanted Valley Chalet stands near the river, while black bears and Roosevelt elk frequently use the surrounding meadows.

Best for: Multi-day rainforest backpacking, wildlife, waterfalls, and wilderness scenery.

⛺ How Long Do You Need for Enchanted Valley?

Most hikers should allow two to four days.

Strong backpackers can hike all 13 miles to the valley on the first day, but dividing the approach at O’Neil Creek or Pyrites Creek creates a much more relaxed trip.

The full out-and-back distance is roughly 26 miles.

Spending at least one night in Enchanted Valley gives you time to experience the landscape without immediately turning around.

For a complete route breakdown, see Olympic National Park’s Enchanted Valley.

⚠️ Current Enchanted Valley Conditions

Trail and road conditions in the Quinault wilderness change frequently because of storms, river movement, fallen trees, and washouts.

Anyone planning this route should check current National Park Service wilderness trail conditions immediately before departure.

Overnight backpackers need a wilderness permit, and approved bear-resistant food storage is required in the Enchanted Valley area.

🏆 Best Easy Hike in Olympic National Park

For an easy trail, choose the Hall of Mosses.

The distance is short, elevation gain is minimal, and the scenery is unmistakably Olympic.

If you prefer a waterfall, choose Sol Duc Falls.

For mountains, the short meadow trails at Hurricane Ridge provide easy walking with huge views.

For the coast, Second Beach gives you tremendous scenery after only 0.7 mile of forest hiking.

💦 Best Waterfall Hike

For the most impressive short waterfall experience, I would choose Sol Duc Falls.

The forest approach is beautiful, the hike is easy, and the waterfall’s multiple channels crashing into a rocky gorge make it distinctive.

Marymere Falls is an extremely close second and is easier to combine with Lake Crescent.

If your Olympic itinerary already includes Sol Duc Hot Springs, Sol Duc Falls is the obvious choice.

🌲 Best Rainforest Hike

For first-time visitors, the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail combination provides the easiest classic rainforest experience.

If you want more solitude, continue along the Hoh River Trail.

For a multi-day rainforest adventure, Enchanted Valley is difficult to beat.

The Hoh and Quinault rainforests feel related but not identical, so dedicated hikers may want to experience both.

🏔️ Best Mountain Hike

For most visitors, choose Hurricane Hill.

It provides big mountain views without requiring a full day or highly technical terrain.

Experienced hikers wanting a bigger adventure should consider Klahhane Ridge or High Divide.

Mount Storm King delivers the most dramatic Lake Crescent view but involves far steeper and more exposed terrain.

🌊 Best Coastal Hike

For a short hike, choose Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall.

For a full day, choose the Ozette Triangle.

For a short forest-to-beach experience, choose Second Beach.

The coast operates according to tides rather than trail clocks, so the “best” hike may simply be whichever route is safest during the tidal window on the day you visit.

👨‍👩‍👧 Best Hikes for Families

Good family options include:

Hall of Mosses
Spruce Nature Trail
Marymere Falls
Sol Duc Falls
Staircase Rapids Loop
Second Beach
Hurricane Ridge meadow trails

Hurricane Hill may also work well for older children accustomed to uphill walking.

Mount Storm King is not an appropriate choice simply because its mileage appears short.

Coastal trails also require close supervision around waves, driftwood, slippery rocks, and tidepools.

🐕 Hiking With Dogs

Pets are prohibited on most Olympic National Park hiking trails and wilderness beaches.

There are a few notable exceptions where leashed pets are allowed, including portions of Rialto Beach, Kalaloch-area beaches, the Spruce Railroad Trail, Madison Falls Trail, Peabody Creek Trail, and July Creek Loop.

Rules differ on adjacent national forest, tribal, and state lands.

Always verify that your specific trail allows dogs before leaving the vehicle.

🌧️ Be Ready for Rain

There is no universal “dry side” of an Olympic hiking trip.

Weather varies enormously between the coast, rainforest, and mountains.

Even in summer, carrying a waterproof layer is sensible.

A warm sunny afternoon at Lake Crescent does not guarantee dry conditions in the Hoh, and fog may cover Hurricane Ridge while the coast is clear.

Layers work better than a single heavy garment.

Protect essential electronics and dry clothing inside your pack.

🎒 Carry the Ten Essentials

Olympic’s short hikes can feel friendly, but the park contains real wilderness.

Bring navigation, light, sun protection, insulation, first aid, fire-starting ability, repair tools, food, water, and emergency shelter appropriate for the route.

Even an easy trail can become complicated if weather changes, darkness arrives, or an injury slows the return.

The farther you move from a road, the more important self-sufficiency becomes.

💧 Treat Backcountry Water

Do not drink untreated water directly from rivers, creeks, or lakes.

Olympic National Park recommends boiling or filtering backcountry water with a method capable of addressing common pathogens such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Carry enough drinking water for short day hikes.

For longer wilderness travel, bring a dependable treatment system and know how to use it before the trip.

🐻 Wildlife Safety

Olympic hikers may encounter Roosevelt elk, black bears, deer, mountain goats, cougars, marmots, and many smaller animals.

Do not approach wildlife for photographs.

Park regulations prohibit intentionally approaching within 50 yards of bears, elk, mountain goats, cougars, or wildlife when doing so disturbs the animal.

Carry a telephoto lens or binoculars instead.

Never feed animals.

Keeping wildlife wild is part of keeping both visitors and animals safe.

🌊 Coastal Hiking Safety

Olympic’s beaches require a different safety mindset from inland trails.

Bring a tide chart.

Know which headlands become impassable.

Never camp below the high-tide line.

Watch for sneaker waves.

Stay away from driftwood being reached by surf.

Expect beach hiking to take longer than ordinary trail hiking.

Loose sand, cobbles, slippery rocks, tidal detours, and overland headland routes can make three coastal miles feel far harder than three forest miles.

❄️ Mountain Snow

High-elevation Olympic trails can remain snowy long after lowland trails are fully green.

Hurricane Ridge may become snow-free while High Divide, mountain passes, or shaded basins still hold substantial snow.

Check actual trail conditions rather than relying solely on calendar season.

Snow travel can require traction devices, navigation skills, ice axes, or the judgment to turn around.

📅 Best Time for Hiking Olympic National Park

July through September provides the greatest access to the park’s full range of mountain trails.

Lower forests and coastal routes can be excellent in spring and fall.

Winter hiking is possible in some lowland areas, but mountain roads, snow, storms, and short daylight significantly change conditions.

There is no single perfect month because each environment follows a different seasonal schedule.

A July trip is ideal for high country but busy in the Hoh.

A May trip may be wonderful for rainforest waterfalls while alpine trails remain buried in snow.

🌸 Spring

Spring is particularly good for waterfalls and low-elevation rainforest.

Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls carry abundant water.

Mosses and ferns are intensely green.

Coastal trails offer longer daylight, though storms remain possible.

High country is the major limitation.

Snow can remain deep above relatively low elevations, making routes such as High Divide inappropriate without winter travel skills.

☀️ Summer

Summer offers the widest choice of trails.

Mountain roads are generally open, snow gradually disappears from alpine routes, and long daylight makes larger day hikes easier.

It is also the busiest season.

Hoh Rain Forest entrance lines, Hurricane Ridge parking, Lake Crescent trailheads, and popular coastal access points can become crowded.

Start early whenever possible.

🍂 Fall

Early fall is one of Olympic’s best hiking seasons.

Crowds drop, mountain trails may remain snow-free, and cooler temperatures make longer hikes comfortable.

Autumn color appears in mountain meadows and rainforest maples.

As the season advances, storms become increasingly important.

Shorter daylight also leaves less margin for slow travel or unexpected detours.

❄️ Winter

Winter favors lowland forest walks and storm watching.

Sol Duc Road, Hurricane Ridge Road, and other seasonal routes may close or operate under restrictions.

The coast becomes more powerful and potentially dangerous.

Snow affects mountain routes.

A winter Olympic hike can be beautiful, but itineraries need much more flexibility than summer travel.

🗓️ Best One-Day Hiking Plan

Olympic is too large to choose one universal one-day itinerary.

If staying around Port Angeles, combine Hurricane Hill with Marymere Falls at Lake Crescent.

If staying near Forks, hike the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, then finish with Rialto Beach or Second Beach.

If staying near Kalaloch, hike a rainforest trail and spend the afternoon exploring Ruby Beach or Beach 4.

If approaching from Hood Canal, make Staircase Rapids Loop the center of the day.

🗓️ Best Three-Day Hiking Plan

A strong three-day first visit might look like this:

Day 1: Hurricane Hill and Marymere Falls.

Day 2: Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail, and a short section of the Hoh River Trail.

Day 3: Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall or the Ozette Triangle.

That itinerary includes all three environments that make Olympic exceptional: mountains, rainforest, and wilderness coast.

With additional days, add Sol Duc Falls, Second Beach, Quinault, or an overnight wilderness route.

🎟️ Wilderness Permits

Day hikes generally do not require wilderness camping permits.

Overnight wilderness trips do.

This includes Enchanted Valley, High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin, overnight coastal trips, and other backcountry camping routes.

Some popular camping areas operate under quotas and may fill months ahead.

If a specific overnight hike is central to your trip, secure the permit before building the rest of your itinerary around it.

🏆 If You Can Hike Only Five Trails

For a first trip, my five would be:

Hurricane Hill — best accessible mountain panorama.
Hall of Mosses — classic Olympic rainforest.
Sol Duc Falls — outstanding waterfall and forest.
Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall — wild Pacific coast.
Marymere Falls — beautiful short hike beside Lake Crescent.

Strong hikers could substitute Mount Storm King for Marymere Falls.

Backpackers should put High Divide–Seven Lakes Basin or Enchanted Valley near the top of the list.

🌲 Final Thoughts

Olympic National Park’s best hikes are difficult to rank because they barely feel as though they belong in the same park.

The Hall of Mosses winds beneath maples coated in hanging moss.

Sol Duc Falls crashes into a narrow rainforest gorge.

Marymere Falls drops through old-growth forest only a short distance from the brilliant water of Lake Crescent.

At Hurricane Hill, hikers step out of the forest entirely and walk through mountain meadows overlooking the Olympic range.

Mount Storm King climbs steeply above Lake Crescent.

Klahhane Ridge stretches farther into the high country.

Then the trail system reaches the Pacific.

Rialto Beach leads across stones and driftwood toward Hole-in-the-Wall. Second Beach emerges suddenly from coastal forest beneath enormous sea stacks. The Ozette Triangle combines cedar boardwalks with miles of wilderness shore.

And beyond the day hikes lie enormous backpacking possibilities.

High Divide circles through mountain lakes and subalpine meadows beneath Mount Olympus. Enchanted Valley follows the East Fork Quinault through rainforest to a remote valley filled with waterfalls, wildlife, and a historic chalet.

The best Olympic hiking trip does not focus on only one of those environments.

Experience the mountains.

Walk through the rainforest.

Spend time beside the Pacific.

Check current road and trail conditions, carry rain gear, respect wildlife, and understand the tides before heading onto the coast.

Most importantly, avoid packing so many trails into the itinerary that you never have time to notice where you are.

Olympic National Park rewards hikers who slow down.