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.
A visit to Sol Duc Falls is a must!
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.
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is one of the most stunning and accessible waterfalls in all of Olympic National Park and is absolutely worth the trip. The hike to the falls is a relatively easy 1.6 mile round trip through a gorgeous old growth forest of towering Douglas fir and western red cedar, making it a wonderful option for families, beginners, and anyone who just wants to experience the magic of the rainforest without a strenuous climb. The payoff at the end is spectacular, where the Sol Duc River splits into four powerful channels and crashes into a narrow rocky gorge surrounded by lush green moss. It is the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. After your hike, the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers natural mineral hot spring pools that are the perfect way to relax and soak tired muscles before heading back to Port Angeles!
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.
Before You Hit the Trail
A little preparation goes a long way when hiking in and around Olympic National Park. Here are a few tips to help make your adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Always check trail conditions before heading out. Olympic National Park's website and the visitor center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles are great resources for up to date trail reports, closures, and weather conditions. Rangers are incredibly helpful and happy to point you toward trails that match your skill level and interests.
If you are planning an overnight backpacking trip, you will need a wilderness permit. Permits can be picked up at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, and bear canisters are required for most backcountry camping. You can rent or purchase bear canisters at the visitor center or at local sporting goods stores in downtown Port Angeles.
What to Pack
Even on a short day hike, it is always smart to come prepared. The Olympic Peninsula weather can change quickly, so layers are your best friend. A waterproof jacket is a must year round, as the rainforest side of the park receives some of the highest rainfall in the contiguous United States.
Some essentials to bring along include plenty of water, snacks, a trail map or downloaded offline map, sunscreen, natural bug spray during summer months, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent on many trails, so downloading your route before leaving town is always a good idea.
Best Seasons for Hiking Near Port Angeles
Port Angeles is truly a year round hiking destination, and each season brings its own magic to the trails.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with wildflowers blooming across Hurricane Ridge and the high country trails fully accessible. Fall is an absolutely stunning time to hike, with golden foliage, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures making for incredibly comfortable conditions on the trail. Many locals will tell you fall is their favorite season for hiking in the park.
Winter brings snow to the higher elevations, making Hurricane Ridge a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, while lower elevation trails like the Elwha River Trail and Marymere Falls remain accessible and beautifully peaceful. Spring is a wonderful time for waterfall chasing, as snowmelt sends cascades roaring through the forest.
Getting to the Trailheads
Most trailheads in and around Olympic National Park require a vehicle, but there are a few car-free options worth knowing about. Clallam Transit operates a seasonal Hurricane Ridge Shuttle from Port Angeles for just $1 per adult, making it one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach the ridge without driving. The shuttle departs from the Gateway Transit Center in downtown Port Angeles.
For those with a vehicle, a valid National Parks Pass or a day use fee is required to enter Olympic National Park. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a great investment if you plan to visit multiple national parks throughout the year.
Leave No Trace!
Olympic National Park is one of the most breathtaking and pristine wilderness areas in the entire country, and we all play a part in keeping it that way! When you are out on the trails, stick to marked paths, pack out everything you pack in, and give wildlife plenty of space. As tempting as it may be, please do not feed the animals! Leave what you find, take only photos and memories, and help us protect this incredible place so that everyone who comes after us can enjoy it just as much as we do.