7 Easy Fall Hikes in Olympic National Park (Family-Friendly)
Planning a trip to Olympic National Park this fall?
Autumn is my favorite season because it’s when the park comes alive in a whole new way.
Bigleaf maples blaze gold, huckleberry shrubs glow deep red, and mushrooms dot the damp forest floor. Coho salmon fight their way upstream, while bull elk fill the valleys with their echoing mating calls.
In this short guide, you’ll find the best easy fall hikes plus practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Pack your rain jacket—it’s time to explore.
7 Easy Fall Hikes in Olympic
Here are seven easy fall hikes in Olympic National Park.
Want even more fall adventures in Olympic? Click here for my complete guide to the best things to do in autumn.
1. Madison Falls Trail & the Elwha River
- Hike length: .2 miles
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
This accessible trail is more of a short walk than a hike and leads to the picturesque Madison Falls. From the parking lot, you get excellent autumn scenery of the Elwha River. This hike is great for a quick visit.
2. Marymere Falls Trail
- Hike length: 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 318 feet
On this family-friendly hike through old-growth forest, enjoy colorful foliage along Barnes Creek before reaching Marymere Falls. Look for the grand maple tree next to Highway 101, whose leaves will put on a display.
3. Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl
- Hike length: 2.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 124 feet
This scenic trail follows an old rail bed along the northern shore of Lake Crescent. It offers easy walking past bigleaf maples turning color. Highlights include Devil’s Punchbowl, a popular summer swimming hole.
4. Sol Duc Falls
- Hike length: 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 262 feet
This short hike in the Sol Duc Valley leads you through a mossy forest to one of the most iconic waterfalls in Olympic National Park. You’ll reach a viewing bridge where you’ll see autumn colors lining the Sol Duc River as it cascades down in multiple streams.
5. Hall of Mosses Trail
- Hike length: 1.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 82 feet
Walk this short loop through the Hoh Rain Forest to see gold and amber maple leaves contrasted against vibrant, draping green moss that hangs from stately evergreen trees. This autumn hike might be the park’s most enchanting.
6. Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail
- Hike length: .9 miles
- Elevation gain: 121 feet
Impressive old-growth trees and views of Willaby Creek flowing through the forest make this easy loop trail a fantastic hike to do year-round. But just like at the Hoh, the lush moss and maidenhair ferns in the Quinault Rainforest become more vibrant after the rains begin.
7. Staircase Rapids Loop Trail
- Hike length: 2.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 203 feet
This scenic loop trail follows the North Fork Skokomish River, offering serene views of rushing waters and river rock beds. Deciduous trees and moss-covered boulders line the river, making it a great hike for enjoying the season’s colors.
Tips: Visiting Olympic in the Fall
General Travel & Safety Tips
- Check park alerts.
- Stay updated on weather conditions.
- Know which areas are closed before you head out the door.
- Always tell a friend or family member which trail you plan to hike and when they can expect you to return.
- Look up driving routes in advance in case you lose cell service.
Gear & Clothing
- Bring rain gear! A gore-tex rain jacket and rain pants are necessities.
- Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with good traction.
- Use trekking poles when hiking. They’re helpful in wet conditions.
- Bring all ten essentials in your backpack.
- Bring a portable cell phone charger and cord.
- Dress in layers instead of, for example, wearing a parka-style jacket over a shirt.
Where to Go Next in Olympic National Park
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, these hikes show off Olympic’s autumn magic.
Staying the night gives you the best opportunity to explore more. Lake Crescent Lodge is surrounded by golden and scarlet maples and is just a short drive for lake activities and trips to the Sol Duc Valley, one of my favorite places to visit in fall.
Visit Salmon Cascades to see salmon jumping up the Sol Duc River, returning to spawn.
And don’t forget your rain gear!
Skip the guesswork, stress, and hours of research—let me help you plan your itinerary!
