The first time I hiked the Hurricane Hill Trail, low clouds drifted through the valleys beneath the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, creating a dramatic alpine scene I’ll never forget. I realized then why hiking Hurricane Ridge trails belongs on every Olympic National Park itinerary. With short paved trails branching off the main parking lot, there’s no…
Getting to Hurricane Ridge means driving a winding mountain road. I’ve seen visitors circle the main lot when it’s full during peak season, especially on weekends. That’s where the Hurricane Ridge shuttle from Port Angeles comes in. As a local, I like taking it because I can sleep in instead of rushing to the entrance…
Visiting Hurricane Ridge in June, I watched two eagles loop through the air at eye level, their backdrop the impressive Olympic peaks spanning the horizon from the Klahane Ridge Trail. The extraordinary high-elevation perspective you get at Hurricane Ridge is why it belongs on every Olympic National Park itinerary—and why I’ve returned three times this…
Wondering if it’s worth braving the cold to explore Olympic National Park in winter? As a local who visits year-round, I can confidently say—absolutely. Winter brings a stillness and solitude you won’t find any other time of year. Yes, some places like Sol Duc Hot Springs close for the season, and you’ll need to pack…
Sol Duc is my go-to autumn destination. This year, I visited in spring and was blown away by the power of Olympic National Park’s most visited waterfall, Sol Duc Falls. If you’re wondering whether the 50-minute detour off Highway 101 is worth it, the answer’s yes. Most first-time visitors hike to Sol Duc Falls, snap…
Every visit to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park leaves me in awe. Standing among giant maples on the Hall of Mosses Trail—so uniquely shaped and exquisitely grouped together—feels like stepping into a museum of trees. It’s not just these trees that make the Hoh a must-see destination. On our last visit, we…
Hiking in Olympic National Park means walking over roots, slick wood, mud, pebbles, and sand. For years, I trusted the ankle support and protective leather of hiking boots, which felt like armor on my feet. But after talking with a gear expert, I learned the outdoor industry is shifting — moving away from bulky boots…
Planning a trip to Olympic National Park? If you feel overwhelmed once you realize how far apart the top attractions are—and how much driving it takes to reach them—you’re not alone. As a local guide, one of the first things I tell clients during trip planning sessions is this: don’t try to see the park…
Packing for a trip to Olympic National Park can feel like prepping for every season in one week. With weather that can swing between fog, wind, sun, and rain in a single day, it’s tough to know what to bring—and easy to overpack. ➥ I’ve explored this park for over a decade, and these are…
Looking for the best day hikes on the Olympic Peninsula? I hike here year-round but always look forward to summer. High-alpine ridges finally melt out, wildflowers blanket the slopes, and coastal and forest trails feel like a cool escape on hot days. I’ve explored every trail on this list firsthand, many more than once. But…