Olympic National Park Hiking Trails

Olympic has so much to offer, from the ocean to the top of the mountains you will have plenty to do in a weeks visit. We arrived to the park late on a Friday, every day venturing around hiking and swimming as much as possible. A group of nine us, stayed near Port Angeles, WA which seemed to be perfect for what we wanted to accomplish. Hitting all the key hikes and adventures, leaving us with so many memories. Below are all the trails and adventures we accomplished. Venturing through the woods in the HOH Rainforest to summiting the top of mountains like Mt. Storm King and Mt. Angeles. Capturing it all through my camera, enjoy!

PJ Lake Trail

PJ Lake Trail was the most secluded trail we hiked on in Olympic National Park, thus making it one of my favorites. Starting with an intense decline in the valley, we shortly realized we were surrounded by mosquitoes and VERY large flies. With the mountain tops above us and the Salish Sea ahead, whilst surrounded by flower-filled prairies, we slid down the loose terrain. A quarter of the way into the hike we heard this strange sound coming from beneath the surface. After pausing and thinking about turning around, we talked our way past the situation. Finally reaching the bottom of the valley, we passed a couple of streams and a waterfall, eventually leading us to PJ Lake. A crystal clear lake up against the mountains with a waterfall running into it. We then made our way around the lake to the bottom of the waterfall using a trail that hadn’t been touched in quite some time. After 20 - 30 minutes of navigating around fallen trees and spider webs, we reached the waterfall and took the moment in. As we dove in the frigid cold water it really felt like we were all alone. One with nature.

Mt. Angeles Trail

Starting the trail via Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, using a paved path to get up a steep hill, eventually leading to loose dirt. You will reach your first view point in just under ten minutes. From there on there were never ending views and what seemed like a never ending change in elevation. As we hiked along the mountain top, you could see the ocean ahead with the cruise ships passing through. After many steep inclines and declines you come to a fork in the road where the trail seems to end. If you stay left, you will be able to continue off the trail which will eventually lead up to the summit where you will get a 360 degree view! It’s truly incredible. The last section is one of the hardest parts, with a lot of loose gravel leading towards another where you will have to free climb. I do not recommend it for everyone, but it is worth it. After reaching the top we made our way down to a clearing where we ended up eating lunch. On our way back there might have been even better views, making this my favorite hike in Olympic National Park.

Mt. Storm King

Starting the hike at the base of the mountain near the boat ramp of Lake Crescent. The first half mile is an easy walk to the trail head where you will go underneath the road, thus leading you into the forest. Once you reach a fork in the road, it will be an intense up hill climb of switch backs from there on. The forest is beautiful and the time will slip away from you. Along the way up you will come across some very scenic stopping points. About three quarters of the way up you will reach the rope section. It can be a difficult section for some and you do need to use caution if it is busy. I recommend starting this hike as early as possible so that when you are on the ropes you can take your time. The last section of ropes is probably the hardest because its mostly just dirt and very few foot holds. Once past this section you will have to climb a rock face to get to the top. Its very short but also very steep on either side until you reach the top. We were lucky enough to be one of the only group up there. This is the best view of Lake Crescent! A true panoramic. On our way down we were met with a lot of other hikers, making my point of starting earlier is very important if you want space.

Hole-In-The-Wall

Arriving at the beach to catch low tide at 7am, means for a very early wake up call. About an hour drive from our Airbnb near Port Angeles brought us to Rialto Beach where the hike begins. A 3.3 mile, out and back hike starts and ends on the beach. The scenic views were instant with the fog hovering over the tree tops and the shear rocked faced islands in the distance. The hike was very easy as we headed towards our destination, we walked past the hundreds, maybe thousands of washed up lumber carried from the rivers. We began to see our destination through the dense fog making everything look mysterious. In true awe of what was in front of us, we made our way to the Hole-In-The-Wall. Walking over tide pools filled with life, we started exploring the far side of the wall because of the enclosing tide. There were plenty of sea urchins and star fish as we made it to what would be an island when the tide is in. Climbing over rocks and and kelp we made it to what seemed like a dream for a photographer. Shot after shot every capture was a moment that could be in a National Geographic magazine. After exploring the many rock faces and tide pools, we started to head back towards the parking lot where we decided it to be a good idea to jump in the sea. It was a perfect way to end the hike!

Heart O’ the Forest

Starting at a campground deep into the forest we began our 4.4 miles. The hike was beautiful and very relaxing with very few hikers. We noticed the trees towering above us and the ones uprooted were the highlights of the trail. Once you are about 1.5 miles in you will start to hear the rushing water beneath you, thus leading you to a river. When we reached the end of the trail we took some time and relaxed on a fallen log laying over the river. We were again lucky enough to be alone listening to the running of water and chirping of birds. Even though the hike didn’t have the jaw dropping view of a mountain range, the downed trees and the calming of running water through the valley created moments that were just as good.

Marymere Falls

Following our exhausting summit of Mt. Storm King we decided to take on Marymere Falls. The trails were connected at a fork, where your ascent to Mt. Storm king begins and where the falls trail lays next to Barnes Creek. The beginning of the trail had very little incline and was very scenic and calming with the water running over the rocks. We started to notice more and more people as we get closer to the bridges that allow you to cross over the creek. After the bridges the incline begins and where you will eventually loop around. The incline doesn’t last long. Once you reach the waterfall there is very little space for photos and it seemed crowded. Staying for a short time, we then followed the trail where there was another overlook of the falls. There were very few people and seemed like many just walked by the advantage point. Concluding the hike we went to the boat ramp of Lake Crescent where we swam! Perfect way to end the day!

Sol Duc Falls

An easy out and back trail 1.6 miles in length. Five minutes into the hike you can already hear the river as you walk past the enormous trees covered in moss. There was very little change in elevation in the hike making very easy. During the hike the views were very similar to Hall of Mosses until you got closer to the waterfall. The trail begins to open up near the river, creating some gorgeous view points, eventually reaching the bridge with the breathtaking view of the waterfall. Trying to capture what was in front of me was very difficult. Standing there taking it all in and realizing that a photo just doesn’t do it justice. Witnessing the water barreling down into the depths beneath me, becoming thoughtless and embracing exactly where I am standing, hoping to remember this unforgettable moment. As I gathered my surroundings I captured a couple images and then took a cold plunge. A quick hike worth doing!

Hall of Mosses

Starting a little bit later in the day we had some troubles finding parking. The hike was gorgeous, starting right as you left the parking lot bringing you to a crystal clear stream surrounded by mossy trees. As I walked through I kept thinking about how mystical this place would look while it rained. We had a warm and sunny day making it hard to imagine that this was a rain forest. The forest was still magnificent, having not seen anything like this before. There are many stopping points to gaze over the trees and plants that flourish here, making the mile hike feel like two. After finishing the hike we decided to travel down towards river where some of us took a plunge in the not so warm water. It was a gorgeous spot with the forest to our backs, the river in the foreground and the mountains following. With the running of water and the scene in front of us it was a perfect spot to take lunch. Overall the hike was gorgeous but I would have preferred the Pacific Northwest weather.