Hiking Near Port Angeles
Let’s hike! From day hikes to overnight beach and mountain backpacking treks, Port Angeles is a hiker’s dream. The Port Angeles area — just outside Olympic National Park — was made for hiking. From the Pacific Ocean beaches to the mountains and everything in between, there’s a route and a view for everyone. Head up into a deep forest trail during a gorgeous sunrise or pick a destination on a beach that will give you an unobstructed view west as the sun settles stunningly beneath the horizon.
With the Olympic National Park (ONP) at our doorstep, it’s no wonder that Backpacker Magazine named Port Angeles as one of their favorite National Park getaway towns. Port Angeles attracts serious backpackers as well as those just looking for casual hiking experiences around the Olympic Peninsula. Pick up bear cans and your trip permits at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. You can also find bear canisters and camping gear at one of Port Angeles’ sporting goods stores.
Fortunately, whatever the level of hiking skill, there are so many options within Port Angeles itself or within miles to a trailhead. There are trails that are just right for the kids or those who just want a casual, short stroll; there are trails that welcome the dog; there are trails rated easy, moderate and very difficult; there are trails that take you above the clouds (hello Hurricane Ridge!) or high into forests and to cascading waterfalls, or trails that bring you down to a deserted beach. The views are spectacular practically every place you roam!
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge offers trails that range from short, easy loops to more moderate hikes, all with panoramic mountain views, wildflowers in the summer, and frequent wildlife sightings. For a memorable ridge-top experience, the Hurricane Hill Trail is a must, with sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Marymere Falls Trail
Marymere Falls Trail is a gentle 1.8-mile round trip through lush old-growth forest, ending at a stunning 90-foot waterfall—a perfect hike for families or photographers. The Spruce Railroad Trail along Lake Crescent showcases historic railroad tunnels and wooden bridges, making for a leisurely hike with breathtaking lake scenery.
The Elwha River Trail
The Elwha River Trail stretches up to ten miles through dense forest along the river, with the Glines Canyon Dam as a scenic highlight. For coastal adventure, the Ozette Triangle and nearby beaches offer a 9.2-mile loop with driftwood-strewn shores and fascinating petroglyphs. Deer Park Trail provides a peaceful three-mile hike through forested terrain with views of the Strait, ideal for escaping crowds.
And many More Hikes!
Along the coast, Second Beach and Rialto Beach Trails take hikers past tide pools, sea stacks, and waterfalls that tumble directly onto the sand. For those seeking alpine beauty, the Seven Lakes Basin Trails lead through mountain meadows and crystal-clear lakes, offering a moderate to strenuous adventure that’s especially vibrant in mid-summer.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, summiting peaks, or strolling along serene beaches, Port Angeles and its surrounding trails deliver endless opportunities for exploration and unforgettable views.