Olympic National Park, Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Olympic National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Olympic National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Olympic National Park
-
Mason County, Washington
Lena Lake
4.56.24 mi / 1644 ft gainThe trail climbs gently up and is accessible almost every season, weather permitting. Snowshoes may be needed December-February, so make sure and check with the Hoodsport Ranger Station. Just 45 minutes north of Hoodsport (a darling small town on the shores of Puget Sound), this trailhead has sp...Read more -
Mason County, Washington
Climb the Brothers (South Climb)
4.517 mi / 6062 ft gainThe Brothers is a notable peak on the border of Olympic National Park. The dual summits are a distinguishing feature of the Olympic Range, viewed from Seattle. This is a challenging route, testing a climber's route finding skills, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. From the parking lot, you ...Read more -
Brinnon, Washington
Camp at the Dose Forks
15 mi / 1200 ft gainThe Dose Forks Campground is an overlooked campsite deep within the Olympic National Park, making it a perfect weekend camping destination. A mild, 7.5 mile (one-way) trail delivers you to this enchanting area and is a must for those who love photographing forests. There are no reservation requir...Read more -
Quilcene, Washington
Marmot Pass via Big Quilcene Trail
5.010.5 mi / 3481 ft gainThis trail has a nice, steady climb that's perfect for beginner or intermediate backpackers. The first 2.5 miles follow a forest trail along the Big Quilcene River. For the next 3 miles, the trail flows in and out of shaded trees, over a small talus field, and through a meadow before the final ac...Read more -
Quilcene, Washington
Backpack to Marmot and Constance Passes
24 mi / 5200 ft gainThe secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics...Read more -
Hoodsport, Washington
Snowshoe Mt. Ellinor's Winter Route
5 mi / 4500 ft gainYou can stat this adventure at one of two trailheads. I suggest using the lower of the two. The start of the trail ascends through a forest of old growth pines with periodic views of Mt Washington. Eventually, at a fork in the trail, you will see a sign marking the start of the winter route. You ...Read more -
Brinnon, Washington
Hike Lower Big Quilcene River
13 mi / 1800 ft gainWhile this hike does not provide any sort of fantastic views, its does provide an easy ~13 mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead to a parking lot for the Upper Big Quilcene Trail which leads to Marmot Pass. Along the way you will cross several bridges, some large and wide, other simple log bridg...Read more -
La Push, Washington
Strawberry Point on the Olympic Coast
5.09.6 mi / 1545 ft gainStarting at Third Beach trailhead, hike 1.5 miles through lush forests to Third Beach. Once at Third Beach, follow the trail until you find a ladder to pull yourself up the bluff. Continue to meander again through the forest before descending back down to a little cove of Taylor Point. Make sure ...Read more -
La Push, Washington
Camp at Third Beach
5.01.2 mi / -300 ft gainThird Beach trailhead is off of La Push road and is 4 hours outside of Seattle anyway you cut it. Two options once you're on the peninsula: Drive up from the south for awesome ocean views around Kalaloch, or drive down from the north and be blown away by Lake Crescent. Give yourself time too, be...Read more -
La Push, Washington
Toleak Point via Third Beach Trailhead
4.811.98 mi / 1634 ft gainStart off hiking down to the very popular Third Beach, starting from the Third Beach trailhead and following the Pacific NW Trail near La Push, WA. Once down at the beach, push on beyond the sometimes crowded beach and enter one of the most amazing places in WA. Be careful of tides (check the ch...Read more -
Forks, Washington
Rialto Beach to the Sea Stacks
4.71.06 mi / 26 ft gainBefore 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 ...Read more -
Forks, Washington
Chilean Memorial via Rialto Beach
7.71 mi / 207 ft gainBackpacking 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...Read more