Amanda Park, Washington

A day spent plying the trails of the High Divide in Olympic National Park changes an outdoorsman. This moderate to strenuous loop boasts the best views on the peninsula, a chance to see foraging black bears and abundant deer, stunning waterfalls and marvelous old growth forests. By the time you f...

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is a simple 0.8 mile walk to a roaring falls on the Sol Duc River. If you’re up for more of a hike, continue on the trail to Deer Lake from Sol Duc Falls. At the fork in the trail, turn left and hike up away from the Lover's Lane Trail. The trail steepens and the rocky ...

Second Beach is recognized as one of Olympic National Park’s crown jewels, and its views and surroundings don’t disappoint. It's a great place to spend a night but it can also be done as just a day trip if you wish.To access the beach, you’ll need to make an easy 0.7-mile with minimal elevation c...

Great little hike to explore while in the Sol Duc area. I would strongly recommend doing this hike near sunset as the sun will stream through the trees and light everything up in a beautiful glow. The hike will take you to a cliff edge to walk along and get views of the Sol Duc river below.  Ver...

La Push is an absolutely magical place to stay. Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of the rugged coastline of the mighty Pacific. It's a wonderful place to walk on the beach and take photos, especially of the offshore islands, enormous driftwood, and sunsets. Lots of resident seals, bi...

Start at the very well kept parking lot at the end of Mora Road outside of La Push, Washington. There is no clearly marked trail to get to the sea stacks that are in all the pictures. It's about a mile hike down the beach to them. Although it is short, the hike can be difficult as the beach is m...

Before you start this hike, you'll need to pick up a permit at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, WA - (360) 565-3100. The trail itself starts at Rialto Beach, which is at the end of Mora Road in La Push. There's a large parking lot for overnight campers so there shouldn't be any ...

Backpacking on the Olympic Coast is an awesome way to spend a weekend. The scenery is rugged and wild. Many groups stop at the first camping areas available, but if you want less people and more scenery, keep going. Seals, Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, and other wildlife are common further up the beac...

This trail is great for nature trips and for birding. A national park pass or an entry fee of $25 per car (or $10 fee to walk in) is required for entry into Olympic National Park. Watch out for mud on the trail after rain. 

The campground is right at the very north end of Lake Crescent. It has bathroom and potable water, and for just $20 a night I think it is well worth it. Each campsite is equipped with a table and firepit (bring firewood). Open between May and October; first come first serve.  As for activities, t...

The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Sprin...

To tackle the Wolf Creek Trail, you start by winding up Whiskey Bend Road just outside of Port Angeles, falling the curves and hills of Elwha River. The peaks of the Olympic Mountains stand in the distance.Once you approach a clearing and small parking area, you grab the gear and hit the trail. T...

The trailhead is located right next to the Storm King ranger station adjacent to Lake Crescent right off Hwy 101 just past Port Angeles if heading West. It shares the same trail as, and breaks off left from the Marymere Falls trail (also worth seeing) about a quarter mile in (look for signage). ...

Marymere Falls (90 ft.) is located in Olympic National Park, near Lake Crescent. The falls can be accessed by a short, well-maintained dirt trail through old-growth lowland forest consisting of fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder trees. The creek descends from Aurora Ridge and tumbles over Marymere Fa...

Located about 20 minutes outside of Shelton, Washington on US Forest Service Road NF-2340.  To get there, head North on Highway 101 and exit onto W Skokomish Valley Rd. about 12 miles (or 20 minutes) after passing Shelton.   W Skokomish Valley Road will take you through a beautiful area of farml...

Hikers who reach the summit of Mount Ellinor are treated to a rarer view of Olympic National Park, one that is notably more immersive, rugged and dynamic than the common vista from Hurricane Ridge. Ellinor’s profile is, no doubt, familiar to most Seattleites, as it’s the Olympics’ southernmost p...