10 Popular Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula for Spring and Summer Adventures
The Olympic Peninsula is a hiker’s paradise, where rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and alpine meadows come alive in Spring and Summer. From the misty trails near Forks to the wildflower-strewn ridges above Port Angeles, this region offers unforgettable adventures for every skill level. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, tide pools, or panoramic views near Sequim, these 10 must-do hikes will make your 2025 outdoor season epic. Grab your boots, pack a rain jacket, and let’s explore the best trails on the Peninsula!
Why Hike the Olympic Peninsula in Spring and Summer?
Spring (April-May) blankets the Peninsula with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, fueled by snowmelt and gentle rains. Summer (June-August) brings longer days, drier trails, and warm weather (60-75°F), perfect for coastal strolls or high-country treks. Olympic National Park and its surrounding forests deliver diverse ecosystems—think mossy temperate rainforests, sandy beaches, and glacier-capped peaks—all within a few hours’ drive. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these hikes showcase the Peninsula’s magic.
1. Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park)
Distance: 3-6 miles (varies; try Hurricane Hill, 3.2 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 700 ft (Hurricane Hill)
Why Go: Just 17 miles from Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains. In Spring, avalanche lilies and paintbrush dot the meadows; Summer brings clear vistas to Mt. Olympus. Paved trails suit families, while longer routes like Klahhane Ridge test seasoned hikers.
Seasonal Tip: May-June for wildflowers; July-August for snow-free paths. Snow lingers into May—check conditions at the ranger station.
Pro Tip: Start early to avoid crowds; bring binoculars for spotting marmots or black-tailed deer.
2. Marymere Falls (Lake Crescent Area)
Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Why Go: This family-friendly trail near Lake Crescent winds through old-growth cedar and fir to a 90-foot waterfall. Spring’s high flows make the falls thunderous; Summer’s shade keeps it cool. It’s a quick win for visitors staying in Port Angeles.
Seasonal Tip: April-May for peak water volume; June-July for lush ferns.
Pro Tip: Extend your day with a kayak rental at Lake Crescent Lodge—perfect post-hike.
3. Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses (Hoh River Valley)
Distance: 0.8-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Why Go: Step into a green cathedral of moss-draped maples and towering Sitka spruce near Forks. This short loop in the Hoh Rainforest feels otherworldly, with Spring rains enhancing the emerald glow and Summer offering drier footing.
Seasonal Tip: May for vibrant moss; July for less mud.
Pro Tip: Bring a macro lens for close-ups of lichens and fungi—photographers love this trail.
4. Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Why Go: This coastal hike from Rialto Beach (near La Push) weaves past sea stacks and driftwood to a tidal arch carved by waves. Spring low tides reveal starfish and anemones; Summer sunsets paint the Pacific gold.
Seasonal Tip: April-May for tide pooling; July for warmer beach walks.
Pro Tip: Check tide charts (NOAA) to time your hike—high tides can trap you at Hole-in-the-Wall.
5. Sol Duc Falls (Sol Duc Valley)
Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Why Go: A short trail through dense forest leads to Sol Duc Falls, where the river splits into a dramatic, three-tiered cascade. Spring’s snowmelt makes it roar; Summer’s clear pools invite lingering. Near Sol Duc Hot Springs, it’s a great add-on to a soak.
Seasonal Tip: May for powerful flows; June-August for easier access.
Pro Tip: Extend to the 6-mile Lover’s Lane loop if you’re up for more forest immersion.
6. Spruce Railroad Trail (Lake Crescent)
Distance: 8 miles round-trip (or 4 miles out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 150 ft
Why Go: Hugging Lake Crescent’s north shore, this flat gravel trail offers turquoise water views and a swim spot at Devil’s Punchbowl. Spring wildflowers (lupine, columbine) pop; Summer’s warm days make it a family favorite.
Seasonal Tip: April-May for blooms; July for swimming.
Pro Tip: Bike it (rentals at Lake Crescent Lodge) to cover more ground—great for kids.
7. Dungeness Spit (Sequim Area)
Distance: 10.2 miles round-trip to lighthouse
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Why Go: Walk the longest natural sand spit in the U.S., stretching into the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Sequim. Spring brings migratory birds (puffins, brant); Summer offers sunny beach vibes and seal sightings.
Seasonal Tip: April-May for birdwatching; June-July for drier sand.
Pro Tip: Start at low tide for firmer footing; pack snacks—the lighthouse is a long haul.
8. Mount Storm King (Lake Crescent)
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
Why Go: This steep climb rewards with a dizzying view over Lake Crescent’s turquoise expanse. Spring’s quieter trails suit solitude seekers; Summer’s clear skies amplify the payoff. Not for the faint-hearted!
Seasonal Tip: May for fewer crowds; July for stable weather.
Pro Tip: Bring trekking poles—the rocky descent is tough on knees.
9. Shi Shi Beach (Neah Bay)
Distance: 8.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Why Go: This remote coastal trek near Neah Bay (Makah Reservation) leads to Point of Arches, a stunning lineup of sea stacks. Spring’s low tides expose tide pools; Summer’s mild weather is ideal for camping.
Seasonal Tip: April-May for marine life; July for backpacking.
Pro Tip: Buy a $20 Makah Recreation Pass at the trailhead; muddy sections need sturdy boots.
10. Obstruction Point (Hurricane Ridge)
Distance: 7.4 miles round-trip to Deer Park
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Why Go: Accessed via a seasonal dirt road from Hurricane Ridge, this alpine trail offers 360° views of Mt. Olympus and wildflower meadows. Spring’s snowmelt feeds tiny tarns; Summer’s open terrain feels like the Rockies.
Seasonal Tip: June for snow patches; July-August for clear trails.
Pro Tip: High clearance vehicle recommended for the 8-mile Obstruction Point Road—check park updates.
Planning Your Hiking Adventure
Gear: Pack layers (rain gear for Spring, sunhat for Summer), sturdy boots, and 2L water. Trekking poles help on steep or muddy trails like Storm King or Shi Shi.
Park Pass: Olympic National Park requires a $30 vehicle pass (7-day) for Hurricane Ridge, Hoh, and Sol Duc—buy online or at entrances.
Crowds: July-August sees peak visitors; start early (before 9 AM) for parking at popular trailheads like Hurricane Ridge or Sol Duc.
Safety: Cell service is spotty—download offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS). Watch for bears in rainforests and tides on coastal hikes.
Stay: Base in Port Angeles (hotels like Olympic Lodge), Forks (cabins at Three Rivers Resort), or Sequim (camping at Dungeness Recreation Area). Book early for July.
Tie It to the Peninsula’s Outdoor Scene
Love the trails? The Peninsula’s rivers, like the Sol Duc or Hoh, are just as inviting for summer fly fishing. Our team at Anadromy Fly Fishing knows these waters inside out—pair a morning hike with an afternoon casting for trout or salmon. Book a guided trip with us to level up your adventure!
Hit the Trail in 2025
From the rainforest magic of the Hoh to the coastal drama of Shi Shi, these 10 hikes capture the Olympic Peninsula’s wild heart. Spring and Summer 2025 are calling—whether you’re near Forks, Port Angeles, or Sequim, there’s a trail for you. Need local insights or a fishing guide to round out your trip? Contact us today—let’s make your Peninsula adventure unforgettable!