The Best Hikes to Watch the Sunset In & Around the Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge
Hike Name: Hurricane Ridge Trail System
Hiking Distance: Varies, from .5 mile options to 16-mile option
Accessible: Yes, with assistance on some trails
Dog-friendly: No
Distance from Port Angeles: 20 miles, 35 minutes
Wind and snow have been carving out this alpine paradise for eons. There are several hiking trail options around Hurricane Ridge, from spring meadow meandering to ridgeline backpacking trips. For sunset, we recommend the 3.2 mile Hurricane Hill Trail. This paved trail winds around the western side of the ridge with sprawling views of the Olympic Mountains. Soak up the dusky glow covering wildflower fields. You may catch deer grazing in the meadow. A sunset on Hurricane Ridge is only a short hike for a spectacular reward for your soul.
Port Angeles City Pier
Hike Name: Port Angeles Pier
Hiking Distance: Varies
Accessible: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance from Port Angeles: zero, in the heart of downtown
Take a sunset stroll around the Port Angeles City Pier for a bustling maritime scene. Watch the ferry come and go, gliding through the calm waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Sink your toes in the sand at Hollywood Beach. Climb the steps of the viewing tower for a bird’s eye view of Port Angeles cast in golden rays. There are plenty of downtown shopping and dining options at your fingertips to cap off the day.
Ediz Hook
Hike Name: Ediz Hook
Hiking Distance: 3 miles one way
Accessible: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance from Port Angeles: 0 - in town
For unforgettable sunset vistas, you can hike, bike or trot your pup down a 3-mile long sand spit. Ediz Hook will lead you down a path flanked with glittering sea and generous views of the Olympic mountains as they soar above Port Angeles. Even in the last hour of daylight you may see boaters and paddlers nearby. The sand spit shields the inlet from the churn of the strait, giving you a smooth sapphire surface against the warm colors of the setting sky. Pack a picnic dinner to linger just a little longer.
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Hike Name: several options available
Hiking Distance: Varies from .4 to 6.8 miles out and back
Accessible: No
Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance from Port Angeles: 16 miles, 20 minutes
For a calming and scenic walk with a bit of history, visit Salt Creek Recreation Area. Once known as Camp Hayden, a World War II military camp, Salt Creek Recreational Area is a well-appointed nature area. Get there before sunset to explore tide pools and forests. Wander past historic bunkers and along sandy shorelines. As the sun begins to sink, we recommend the short yet wonderfully sweet .4 mile out and back Bluff Trail. This path keeps you on the west side, winding up the ridge for elevated ocean views. For a longer hike with even more jaw-dropping vistas, take the 6.8-mile hike up the Striped Peak Trail for water views and a waterfall.
Cape Flattery
Hike Name: Cape Flattery
Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles out and back
Accessible: No
Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance from Port Angeles: 2 hours, 90 miles
Cape Flattery at sunset is a bucket list experience. This out and back path will have you planted on the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States with a view of tiny islands and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are four viewing platforms so you can really drink up the scenery. Listen to seabirds as you gaze over jagged rock towers. Be sure to keep an eye out for gray whales in the distance as you watch the changing hues of the horizon.
Elwha River Beach
Hike Name: Elwha Beach Trail
Hiking Distance: .9 miles out and back
Accessible: There’s a walkway down to the beach
Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance from Port Angeles: 10 miles, 14 minutes
For a river-meets-sand-and-surf encounter, breathe in the beauty of Elwha Beach. This easy trail meanders along the mouth of the Elwha River through wetlands and coastal shrub to a sprawling ocean shoreline. Bring a kite or frisbee along for added joy. With mountains behind you and a jewel-tone ocean in front of you, settle onto some driftwood to enjoy the awe-filled moment.