Friday Harbor, Washington

Hiking to Klahhane Ridge is a rewarding experience that provides you with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains. Further access to overnight opportunities is possible if you venture beyond the summit trail. Here’s the scoop: Get an early start. There is a decent amount of parking available at ...

A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is ...

Madison Falls is at the end of a 200 foot paved pathway. It is approximately 60 feet tall and lingers in the midst of incredible lush forest. Enjoy it from a viewing point of up close and personal where you can see the greenest of moss growing up along the rocks.

The winding roads and drop-off cliffs provide an outstanding journey to the trailheads on a clear day. If you have to bear through the fog, your reward at the top is worth every second of what you missed. The first image above is your view from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, so even if you a...

West Elwha River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Port Angeles, Washington.

A short and scenic trail of tranquility that leads to the secluded Lake PJ, hidden on Hurricane Ridge. Nothing but nature stirs here. The trail, while well-traveled, is far quieter than others in the surrounding area of Olympic. You might see one other hiker. It is lined with wildflowers and in t...

To get to this hike you drive up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The drive up to Hurricane Ridge is on a winding road with amazing views of the mountains. Once you reach the visitors center at Hurricane Ridge you can fill up water bottles or use the restroom. The trailhead for Hurric...

Tucked away in the trees along Olympic Hot Springs Road, the Elwha River slows to a crawl and forms a perfect natural swimming hole. It is a great place to cool off, picnic, and enjoy the beautiful forest surrounding the Elwha River.   The river's water is crystal clear and a vivid blue-green co...

If you're looking for a long day hike or multi-night backpacking trip in the Olympics, add Royal Lake and Royal Basin to your adventure list!   The first mile of trail along the Dungeness River gains a gentle 300 feet.  When you reach the bridge, do not cross it (the trail across the bridge goes...

Olympic National Park is built for someone with a week or more to spare for backpacking deep into the heart of the park's endless miles of wilderness. Between the mountains, the coast, and the rainforest, there is a lot of park to see for someone who is trying to fit their visit into an extended ...

The beauty of many of the north coast trails in the Olympic Peninsula is that your car does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.  This is certainly true of the Grand Valley Trail, which begins more than a vertical mile above the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the end of the Obstruction Point Road.  Six...

Badger Valley Trail to Grand Pass Trail Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Port Angeles, Washington.

The adventure begins during the rugged wooded hike from the gravel parking lot to the stunning beach (10 minutes). Once you reach the stone and pebble beach, plant yourself down to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Juan de Fuca Strait (and a picnic lunch if you’ve come prepared!).Head east to find...

From the Log Cabin Resort located on the east shore of Lake Crescent, rent a kayak and spend the day on the water! My husband and I rented a kayak on our honeymoon for a day and explored half of the lake staying close to the east shore.You can see the bridge for the Spruce Railroad trail on the ...

There are four trailheads that guide you to the top of Mount Townsend, but the most popular choice is to begin at the Upper Trailhead Trail #839 (snow permitting).  The trail gradually climbs while traversing through forested area. While walking through the fir and hemlock trees, you pass three ...

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...