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Explore the best of Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula with 36 unforgettable hikes.
From wave-carved beaches and mossy rain forests to alpine ridges, wildflower meadows, roaring waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views, the Olympic Peninsula offers some of the most varied hiking in North America. In this new edition of Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity, award-winning author Douglas Lorain and travel writer Rebecca Ohlsen share their favorite routes through this spectacular region, drawing upon decades of experience and more than 30,000 miles of hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re looking for an easy family stroll, a dramatic coastal walk, a view-packed day hike, or a rewarding overnight adventure, this guide helps you choose the right trail and get there with confidence. Follow quiet paths through old-growth forest, walk beside wild rivers, climb to airy viewpoints, and discover classic destinations—as well as lesser-known gems—throughout Olympic National Park and nearby public lands.
Now in full color and in a larger trim size, this updated guide features new photographs, new hikes, revised routes, refreshed driving directions, and updated trail descriptions. With detailed maps, elevation profiles, and “don’t get lost” milestones, Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity is an essential companion for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor explorers ready to experience the best of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Inside you’ll find:
- 36 selected routes for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists
- Full-color photographs, maps, and elevation profiles
- Updated trail descriptions, directions, and route details
- At-a-glance information on mileage, difficulty, features, and facilities
- “Don’t get lost” milestones to keep you oriented on the trail
- Expert commentary from two authors who know the region well
Douglas Lorain has hiked more than 30,000 miles through every corner of the American Northwest. His books include Backpacking Idaho, Backpacking Oregon, Backpacking Washington, Backpacking Wyoming, One Best Hike: Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail, One Night Wilderness: Portland, and Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity. Douglas is a recipient of the National Outdoor Book Award. His photographs have appeared in numerous magazines, calendars, and books.
Rebecca Ohlsen is an outdoor adventurer, travel writer, and part-time nomad who moved to Portland in 1995. She is also the author of Walking Portland and coauthor of Best Tent Camping: Oregon and One Night Wilderness: Portland. She has written dozens of travel guidebooks, covering destinations including Oregon and Washington.
The Top Trails Series
Map Legend
Olympic National Park & Vicinity Overview Map
Olympic National Park & Vicinity Trails Table
Using Top Trails
Introduction to Olympic National Park & Vicinity
On the Trail
Chapter 1: Olympic Coast
- Cape Flattery
- Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches
- Ozette Triangle
- Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
- Toleak Point
- Jefferson Cove
- Ruby Beach
Chapter 2: West Region: The Rain Forests
- Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trails
- South Fork Hoh River Trail
- Quinault Rain Forest Loop
- Pony Bridge, Enchanted Valley, and Anderson Glacier
- Colonel Bob
Chapter 3: Northwest Region: Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Areas
- Mount Muller Loop
- Sol Duc Falls–Lover’s Lane Loop
- High Divide Loop
- Marymere Falls
- Mount Storm King Viewpoint
- Spruce Railroad Trail
- The Cove and Salt Creek County Park
- Griff Creek Trail to Rock Viewpoint
- Goblins Gate–Geyser Valley Loop
- Dodger Point
- Lake Angeles and Klahhane Ridge Loop
- Cirque Rim Loop and Sunrise Ridge
- Hurricane Hill
- Elk Mountain
- Grand Valley and Grand Pass Loop
Chapter 5: Northeast Region: The Rain Shadow Area
- Dungeness Spit
- Deer Ridge Trail
- Baldy
- Royal Basin
- Mount Townsend and Silver Creek Loop
- Mount Zion Ridge Viewpoint
- Marmot Pass and Buckhorn Mountain
- Tunnel Creek Trail
Chapter 6: Southeast Region: Duckabush and Skokomish Areas
- Ranger Hole and Murhut Falls
- Lake of the Angels
- Mount Ellinor
- Staircase Rapids
Appendix 1: Top-Rated Trails
Appendix 2: Governing Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations
Index
About the Authors