7 Epic Backpacking Trails for Your Next Adventure in Olympic National Park
Located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington State, Olympic National Park is a pristine wilderness area covering nearly one million acres of land. With a stunning variety of landscapes ranging from glacier-capped peaks to rugged coastline, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure to be found here. For avid hikers and backpackers, the park offers some of the most scenic and challenging trails in the Pacific Northwest.Here are seven epic backpacking trails for your next adventure in Olympic National Park:
1. Hoh River Trail
The Hoh River Trail is a classic Olympic National Park hike that passes through magical temperate rain forests, glacier-fed rivers, and alpine meadows. The trailhead is located off Upper Hoh Road and is accessible year-round. The hike is 32 miles roundtrip with a modest elevation gain of 3,700 feet. The trail offers stunning views of Mount Olympus and the Hoh River Valley. Backpackers can make camp at several locations along the trail, including five designated campsites which require a permit.
2. Olympic Hot Springs Trail
The Olympic Hot Springs Trail is a moderate-level hike featuring natural hot springs that are open year-round. The trail is just over 5 miles roundtrip with a gentle elevation gain of 350 feet. Located in the Elwha River Valley, backpackers can soak in the natural hot springs after a day of hiking. The hot springs are located in a designated wilderness area, so permits are not required for camping.
3. High Divide Loop Trail
The High Divide Loop Trail is a 18-mile loop that offers stunning views of Mount Olympus, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the Olympic Coastline. The trail has an elevation gain of 4,500 feet and is considered a strenuous hike. Backpackers can camp at several locations along the trail, including Sol Duc Park and Deer Lake. Permits are required for camping in the Olympic National Park backcountry.
4. Enchanted Valley Trail
The Enchanted Valley Trail is a 26-mile roundtrip hike that features stunning views of the Quinault River and Enchanted Valley. The trailhead is located at Graves Creek and is accessible from mid-May to October. The hike has a modest elevation gain of 1,800 feet and takes backpackers through old-growth rainforests and alpine meadows. Backpackers can camp at designated campsites along the trail, which require a permit.
5. North Fork Quinault River Trail
The North Fork Quinault River Trail is an 18-mile roundtrip hike that takes backpackers through old-growth rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and steep-sided canyons. The trailhead is located at the North Fork Ranger Station and is accessible year-round. The hike has a moderate elevation gain of 800 feet and takes backpackers to stunning backcountry campsites along the river.
6. Sol Duc Falls Trail
The Sol Duc Falls Trail is a 7.6-mile roundtrip hike featuring a series of cascading waterfalls. The trailhead is located at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and is accessible year-round. The hike has an elevation gain of 1,100 feet and is considered a moderate hike. Backpackers can camp at several locations along the trail, including popular backcountry campsites in the Sol Duc Valley.
7. Ozette Loop Trail
The Ozette Loop Trail is a 9.4-mile loop that offers stunning views of the Olympic Coastline. The trailhead is located at the Ozette Ranger Station and is accessible year-round. The hike has a modest elevation gain of 300 feet and takes backpackers through old-growth forests and along pristine beaches. Backpackers can camp at several locations along the trail, including Ozette and Sand Point. Permits are required for camping in the Olympic National Park backcountry.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a beginner, Olympic National Park offers some of the best and most scenic trails in the Pacific Northwest. From the lush Hoh River Trail to the stunning views of the Quinault River and Enchanted Valley, these seven epic backpacking trails offer something for everyone. Be sure to plan ahead, obtain the necessary permits, and follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Olympic National Park for years to come.
