The Best Backpacking in Olympic National Park

The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Sprin...

The trail crosses through fir trees and alpine meadows. Views to the north include the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, and Mount Baker. Hikers will enjoy wildflowers, and a little dose of the freshest air you will ever breathe. The hike begins on the High Ridge Nature Trail, and connec...

Hurricane Ridge to Heart of the Hills via Heather Park Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Port Angeles, Washington.

Some old cabins and houses remain along the trail. The trail begins in DNR land and enters Olympic National Park after about 1.1 miles. The trail ascends next to a river, and winds through large rock faces. The trail features a waterfall, and is shared by hikers, horseback riders, and those wishi...

Grand Valley is one of the most popular areas in Olympic National Park. The hike to Grand Valley via Grand Pass is perfect for experienced hikers who are looking for a breathtaking backpacking or hiking experience with friends. Camping is available around Grand Lake, Moose Lake, and Gladys Lake. ...

Badger Valley Trail to Grand Pass Trail Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Port Angeles, Washington.

Lillian Ridge Way Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Port Angeles, Washington.

Olympic National Park is built for someone with a week or more to spare for backpacking deep into the heart of the park's endless miles of wilderness. Between the mountains, the coast, and the rainforest, there is a lot of park to see for someone who is trying to fit their visit into an extended ...

The beauty of many of the north coast trails in the Olympic Peninsula is that your car does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.  This is certainly true of the Grand Valley Trail, which begins more than a vertical mile above the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the end of the Obstruction Point Road.  Six...

A day spent plying the trails of the High Divide in Olympic National Park changes an outdoorsman. This moderate to strenuous loop boasts the best views on the peninsula, a chance to see foraging black bears and abundant deer, stunning waterfalls and marvelous old growth forests. By the time you f...

This backpacking trip can easily be done in 2 days, but some people prefer to stretch it out to 3. Luckily there are several different spots to stop and camp, so you can split up the distance however you are the most comfortable. The elevation over the course of the trail is minimal, which means ...

Hoh River Trail to Hoh Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Joyce, Washington.

Grab a permit on your way in at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles or at the Quinault USFS/NFS Recreation Information center before parking at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and use the wash station and rest room before you head out on the trail.  The first five miles of...

Olympic National Park was established to preserve “the finest example of primeval forest” and so the Hoh Valley remains much like it has for thousands of years. This is the best trail to experience the magic of Hoh Valley, the grandeur of its old growth trees, lush understory and iridescent glaci...

Getting to the summit is no easy task.  The approach is long, you must cross a glacier, and once you are to the summit block the easiest way up is on loose 4th class rock, however a short pitch of 5.4 rock is recommended instead. Getting there On your way to the trail-head you will need to stop a...

The well trodden and well marked trail begins in the rainforest, and is flat and follows the river for the first few miles. There are many marked camp sites along the way, as well as dispersed camping on the sand bars in the river bed. Follow the trail until the first major intersection, at the O...