Looking for some great day hikes on the Olympic Peninsula? Click on the map markers for a brief introduction to each hike, then click on the included web link to go to my full review. You can also link to hike reviews from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.

Most of the hikes listed here are short, making it easy to do multiple hikes in one day or pair a hike with other activities. Just keep in mind that the Olympic Peninsula is large, so check the drive times when planning your day. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the forest, beaches to explore at low tide, or incredible views, the Olympic Peninsula has you covered!

OLYMPIC PENINSULA HIKING TIPS

• Always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles: for day hiking, this means planning ahead and preparing, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, and treating other visitors and wildlife with respect.
• Bring the 10 Essentials. Most of the hikes listed here are short, but it’s still important to have sun protection, extra layers, food, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, and a trail map.
• Always stay on the trail unless you’re in an area that allows roaming off trail. This protects the native plants and guards against erosion.
• When beach hiking, check the tides ahead of time. Go at low tide for the best tide pooling experience and to avoid getting stranded!
• Check the trail status before you go. The WTA (Washington Trails Association) website is a great resource, as is the Olympic National Park website.
• Be prepared for weather — all kinds of weather. The Olympic Peninsula is known for rain, but some areas see a surprising amount of sunshine, and Hurricane Ridge is named for high winds. Check the weather before you go, and pack anything you might need, including extra layers, hats, gloves, sunscreen, and good hiking boots or shoes.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TIPS

• When visiting Olympic National Park, be sure to hang an America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) in your car window. Some individuals, including veterans and fourth graders, may qualify for a free pass. You can also purchase a $55 pass valid only for Olympic National Park, or pay a $30 entrance fee (valid for up to seven days) at a park entrance booth. Personally, I recommend the America the Beautiful pass, because it covers entrance fees for all national lands, not just national parks. In Washington State, this includes many trailhead parking fees on National Forest land.
• You can purchase a park pass from one of Olympic National Park’s entrance stations (including on the road to Hurricane Ridge or Sol Duc) or a visitor center. Please note that you won’t pass through an entrance station to reach many areas of the park, including Lake Crescent and Rialto Beach. Parking at most of these locations still requires a pass, so be prepared and bring one with you or get one from the visitor center first. Some parking lots have automated pay stations.
• Pets are not allowed on trails in Olympic National Park. When hiking with a pet, look for trails outside the national park, many of which allow pets on leash. For information on where pets are allowed within the park, please visit the National Park Service website.
• For hiking advice, trail conditions, and more stop by one of Olympic National Park’s visitor centers or ranger stations. The main visitor center is located just outside Port Angeles en route to Hurricane Ridge.
• While none of the hikes listed here require permits at this time, permits may be required for backpacking trips and wilderness camping. Check the National Park Service website for further information.

WHEN TO GO

The Olympic Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit year round. In summer, Lake Crescent is a mecca for swimming and paddling, while in winter Hurricane Ridge is a spectacular place for snow tubing and skiing.

Any time year, expect rain. OK, scratch that — expect that there might be rain. As our climate changes, dry summer weather is becoming more and more common. Also, the Olympic Mountains create a rain shadow that affects the northeast corner of the peninsula. This area, particularly around the town of Sequim, is significantly drier than the rain forests to the west.

Summer is the busiest time of year. This has a big impact on popular spots within Olympic National Park, such as Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, but there are many lesser known trails that offer an escape from the crowds.

Fall and spring see fewer crowds, but the weather is variable. Bring your rain gear, and expect that on sunny weekends the most popular trails will be busy. In winter, Hurricane Ridge operates a popular ski and snow tube area. The Olympic Peninsula doesn’t often see much snow at the lower elevations, and is more frequently rainy and cold.

NEARBY & NOTABLE

• There are so many more hikes on the Olympic Peninsula — this guide is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the WTA (Washington Trails Association) for more hiking opportunities and trip reviews. If you, like me, appreciate a good hiking guidebook, I recommend Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula by Craig Romano.
• The Olympic Peninsula is a wonderful place to camp. Check out my reviews for Mora Campground near Rialto Beach and Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent, two beautiful locations on the north Olympic Peninsula. The National Park Service website lists more great options.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers the chance to relax and unwind after a hard day’s hike. Consider enjoying a pool session at the hot springs after hiking to Sol Duc Falls.
• Stunning Lake Crescent is a delight to explore, and I’ve written a guide that takes you around the lake. In summer, this is the perfect place to swim and paddle, or just relax near the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.
• Lake Ozette offers a more remote experience, and is another great place to paddle. Our family had a fantastic experience exploring this wild lake and one of its islands. Lake Ozette is also the starting point for the beautiful Cape Alava loop hike to the coast.

WATERFALL HIKES

• Sol Duc Falls
  This beautiful waterfall is the highlight of a lovely hike through lush forest. It also pairs well with a trip to Sol Duc Hot Springs.
• Marymere Falls
  This popular short trail departs from the Storm King Ranger Station at Lake Crescent.

BEST BEACHES

• Rialto Beach
  With spectacular sea stacks and crashing surf, Rialto Beach epitomizes the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula coastline.
• Lyre Conservation Area
  While rocky, this secluded beach is a great place to play, picnic, and take in the views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Point No Point Lighthouse & Beach
  Technically, Point No Point is on the Kitsap Peninsula, but with it’s location not too far from the Hood Canal Bridge, it’s a beautiful place to visit en route to or from the Olympic Peninsula.

SWEEPING VIEWS

• Hurricane Ridge to Sunrise Ridge
  The views go on for miles at Hurricane Ridge, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Canada.
• The Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl
  The views across Lake Crescent near the Devil’s Punchbowl swimming hole are fantastic.
• Rialto Beach
  No matter the weather, the ever-changing views at Rialto Beach are magnificent.

HIKING & BIKING

• The Spruce Railroad Trail
  This level, paved trail extends for miles along the north shore of Lake Crescent, and is perfect for biking and walking. In summer, take a detour along a hilly path to reach the gorgeous swimming hole at Devil’s Punchbowl.

EASY/ACCESSIBLE HIKES

• The Spruce Railroad Trail
  Paved and flat, the Spruce Railroad Trail is ideal for anyone in search of an accessible path. Please note that the side trail to Devil’s Punchbowl is not accessible.
• Marymere Falls
  The first section of this trail is wide and flat, leading to a beautiful river. While the final leg to the waterfall is steep, it’s still well worth hiking to the river for those who can’t to make it to the falls.
• Rialto Beach
  A wheelchair accessible ramp leads from the parking lot to a gorgeous viewpoint at the edge of the beach.
• Point No Point Lighthouse & Beach
  This lighthouse on the Kitsap Peninsula is accessible via a paved walkway. The beach itself is smooth and flat, but the hike up the bluff is steep.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

• The Lyre Conservation Area
  This easy, forested hike to a rocky beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a wonderful place to escape the crowds.
• Point No Point
  Located at the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula, this beautiful stretch of sand is just far enough from the main highway to deter crowds.
• Sledding & Snowshoeing at Heart O’ the Hills
  In winter, Heart O’ the Hills is a quiet, low-key alternative to the skiing and tubing at Hurricane Ridge. Take note that there are no groomed trails, and due to its lower elevation snow can be spotty.