Where Rainforest Meets Sea: Hiking the Wild Heart of Olympic National Park
From glacier overlooks to moss-draped old growth and wild Pacific shores—how to plan a multi-ecosystem adventure.
The morning light at Hurricane Ridge is thin and precise, like someone has taken a blade to the sky. You’re above the marine layer now, the Olympic Mountains cleaving a horizon of jagged teeth against a pale Pacific. Wind tugs at your jacket and at the grass in the subalpine meadows, sending it into soft waves; the air smells of snowmelt and crushed wildflower. Below, down through a stitched mosaic of ecosystems, the Hoh Rainforest breathes—an entire green world that seems to move in slow motion, its mosses draping branches like party streamers left from an ancient celebration. Follow the river west and the rainforest hands you off to a coast of basalt sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood cathedrals where the Pacific hurls itself theatrically into rock.
Trail Wisdom
Start early at popular trailheads
Arrive before 8 a.m. at Hurricane Ridge or Hoh parking to secure a spot and avoid midday crowds and heat.
Check tide tables for coastal hikes
Plan beach travel on a falling or low tide window and carry a printed tide chart—phone signals can be unreliable on the coast.
Carry bear-safe storage
Backcountry camps require bear canisters or Ursacks—store food away from sleeping areas and follow NPS requirements.
Layer for microclimates
Temperatures can vary dramatically between ridges and valleys—pack a warm midlayer and a waterproof shell.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ozette Triangle and Cape Alava loop—remote coastal hiking with petroglyph sites and expansive tide pools.
- •Mount Storm King trail above Lake Crescent—short but brutal climb with dramatic shoreline views.
Wildlife
Roosevelt elk, Black bear
Conservation Note
The 2014 Elwha dam removals restored natural river flow and salmon runs—an ongoing recovery success that highlights large-scale ecosystem restoration in the park.
Olympic National Park was established in 1938 and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve in 1981; the park sits within the ancestral lands of several Coast Salish tribes.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Waterfalls (high flow), Wildflowers at lower elevations
Challenges: Mud and snow on higher trails, Unpredictable weather
Spring brings swollen rivers and energized waterfalls; lower trails bloom while higher routes may still be snowbound—pack microspikes and patience.
summer
Best for: Hiking high trails and glacier view access, Coastal backpacking at safer tide windows
Challenges: Peak crowds (especially July–August), Hoh Rainforest access may have long waits
Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions for high routes and beach approaches—book permits early and expect crowds.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds and crisp air, Spectacular light and elk rut viewing
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Increasing storm frequency late season
Fall is shoulder-season gold: cooler temps, thinning crowds, and vivid light—just be ready for early-season storms.
winter
Best for: Snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge, Low-season solitude
Challenges: Avalanche risk and closure of some roads, Limited services in gateway towns
Winter delivers crisp, snowy scenery and excellent snowshoeing, but requires avalanche awareness and winter-specific gear.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof rain jacketEssential
A breathable shell is indispensable for Hoh’s persistent dampness and coastal spray.
Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)Essential
Support and traction for rooty rainforest trails, wet beaches, and rocky headlands.
Bear canister or UrsackEssential
Required for many overnight zones to protect food and the park’s wildlife.
Microspikes or snowshoes
Useful for icy trails on Hurricane Ridge and snowy approaches in shoulder seasons.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to backpack in Olympic National Park?
Yes—overnight backcountry permits are required for most multi-night trips and should be reserved in advance during peak season via the park’s reservation system.
When is the best time to visit for clear alpine views?
Late July through September usually offers the most stable weather and snow-free high trails, though early fall can provide crisp visibility with fewer crowds.
Can I visit Olympic National Park as a day trip from Seattle?
Yes—many operators run full-day tours from Seattle that include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and a coastal stop; expect a 10–13 hour day including ferry/transit time.
Are there bear encounters I should worry about?
Black bears live in the park; encounters are rare but real—store food properly, make noise on trails, and follow NPS bear-safety guidelines.
Is the Hoh Rainforest open year-round?
Yes, the Hoh area is open year-round, but summer can bring long entry wait times and winter brings frequent rain and mud; plan accordingly.
Do I need to worry about tides on coastal hikes?
Absolutely—many coastal routes require timing to low tide windows. Consult tide tables and local guides before attempting headland sections.
What to Pack
Waterproof shell (rain and wind protection), layered insulation (for alpine and coastal swings), tide table printed copy (safety on beaches), bear-resistant food storage (required for overnight trips)
Did You Know
Olympic National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve in 1981 due to its extraordinary ecological diversity, including one of the largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states.
Quick Travel Tips
Book backcountry permits early; check tide charts before coastal hikes; bring cash or card for Port Angeles services; allow travel time for ferry crossings from Seattle
Local Flavor
The Olympic Peninsula reflects long-standing ties between Coast Salish tribes and the landscape—sample smoked salmon and local shellfish, explore small towns like Port Townsend and Forks for regional crafts, and consider guided tours led by local naturalists who weave Indigenous and ecological history into the narrative.
Logistics Snapshot
Park entry and backcountry permits required for overnight trips; primary road access via Port Angeles or ferry from Seattle; expect variable cellphone coverage; ranger stations in Port Angeles and Forks for current conditions.
Sustainability Note
Practice Leave No Trace, use designated campsites and food storage, respect tidepool life by observing without removing organisms, and support local conservation groups working on habitat restoration.