6 Best Easy Hikes in Olympic National Park

Did you know you can walk through a rainforest, stand on a mountain peak, take a dip in a lake, and go tide pooling in the Pacific Ocean all in one national park? Olympic National Park packs four distinct ecosystems into its boundaries, and you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to experience them all. 

I love exploring Olympic’s trails, and I’ve found that some of the park’s most impressive sights are actually along its easiest paths. From mossy forests straight out of a storybook to waterfall-filled valleys, these gentle trails show off everything that makes Olympic special – no intense climbing required! 

Let’s take a look. 

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➡️ If you want to see even more hikes, check out: 20 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

1. Sol Duc Falls Trail 

The Sol Duc Falls Trail is one of my favorite easy Olympic National Park hikes. At just 1.6 miles round trip, it’s perfect for an afternoon outing. The trail starts near Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and takes you through a gorgeous old-growth forest that’s especially pretty in spring when everything’s green and fresh. 

What I love about this trail is how easy it is – there’s barely any elevation gain, and the path is well-maintained. You’ll walk under towering trees and cross several little streams before reaching the main attraction. The falls themselves are something else – they split into multiple channels and drop 48 feet into a narrow canyon with a satisfying roar. 

There’s a really nice viewing platform at the falls where you can take photos and feel the cool mist on your face. I’ve brought visitors of all ages here, and it’s always a hit. The trail has plenty of spots to rest if needed, and it’s wide enough for groups to walk together comfortably. 

Summer is my favorite time to visit, but the trail is open year-round. Just wear sturdy shoes since the path can get a bit muddy after rain.

If you’re looking to make a day of it, pair this hike with the nearby Ancient Groves Nature Trail – they’re both super manageable and show off different sides of the park’s beauty. 

‼️ Pro tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the best light for photos. The parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak season! 

➡️ READ MORE: Sol Duc Falls Trail Guide

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2. Hall of Mosses Trail 

The Hall of Mosses Trail is one of the best family hikes in Olympic National Park ‘s Hoh Rain Forest. At just 0.8 miles, this loop trail takes you through a magical world of green-draped trees with only 100 feet of elevation gain. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale! 

Starting from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, the well-maintained path winds through some of the oldest and most impressive trees in the park. What I really like about this trail is how the interpretive signs tell you all about the unique ecosystem you’re walking through – it’s like having a mini nature lesson while you hike. 

The trail is wide and easy to follow, making it perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants a gentle walk. You’ll see massive Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees covered in thick blankets of moss. Keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk – they love hanging out in this area! 

Spring is my favorite time to visit when everything’s extra green and the forest feels super alive. But honestly, this trail is amazing year-round. I’ve hiked it in summer when sunlight filters through the canopy, and in winter when mist gives everything a mysterious vibe. 

‼️ Pro Tip: Get here early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the best lighting for photos. The parking lot can fill up fast, especially during peak season between June and September. And don’t forget your camera – the moss-covered trees make for some incredible shots!

➡️ READ MORE: Hall of Mosses Trail Guide

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3. Marymere Falls Trail 

Marymere Falls Trail is one of the most popular easy Olympic Park hikes, and for good reason! The 1.8-mile round trip starts at Storm King Ranger Station or Lake Crescent Lodge near Lake Crescent, winding through a stunning old-growth forest filled with towering Douglas firs and western red cedars. 

What makes this trail so great is how gentle it is – most of the path is pretty flat until you get close to the falls. The trail is well-maintained with sturdy footbridges crossing Barnes Creek and Falls Creek. You’ll love how the sunlight filters through the forest canopy, creating beautiful light patterns on the forest floor. 

The last quarter-mile has some stairs and a bit of elevation gain as you approach the 90-foot waterfall. But don’t worry – there are handrails and viewpoints where you can catch your breath. The falls themselves are spectacular, dropping in a thin ribbon through a moss-covered rock gorge. 

I’ve hiked this trail in different seasons, and it’s always worth it. Summer afternoons can get busy, so I like going early in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Spring is fantastic too, when the waterfall is really flowing from snowmelt. 

The parking area at Storm King Ranger Station has restrooms and picnic tables, making it perfect for a half-day trip. If you’re looking for more, Lake Crescent’s shoreline is right there for a post-hike dip in summer. Just remember to bring water and wear shoes with decent grip – parts of the trail can get slick after rain.

➡️ READ MORE: Marymere Falls Trail Guide

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4. Hurricane Hill Trail 

Hurricane Hill Trail is one of Olympic National Park’s most rewarding easy trails for children. Starting from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, this 3.2-mile round trip walk takes you to some of the best views in the park. Don’t let the 700-foot elevation gain scare you – the path is paved almost the whole way, making it super walkable. 

The trail starts at 5,242 feet, and right from the parking lot, you’ll see the Olympic Mountains spread out before you. The path gradually climbs through mountain meadows that fill with wildflowers in summer. Keep your eyes open for Olympic marmots and black-tailed deer – they’re regulars up here! 

What I love about this trail is how it works for pretty much everyone. The paved surface means you can take it slow and steady, and there are benches along the way for rest stops. The views just keep getting better as you go up, so even if you don’t make it to the end, you’ll still get amazing photos. 

Summer and early fall are the best times to hike Hurricane Hill. The road is typically open from July through October, and clear days give you views all the way to Vancouver Island. On really clear days, you might even spot Mount Baker in the distance! 

‼️ Pro Tip: Remember to bring layers – the weather can change quickly at this elevation. I always pack a windbreaker since it can get breezy at the top. And don’t forget water – even though it’s an easy trail, you’re at high altitude where you get thirsty faster.

➡️ READ MORE: Hurricane Hill Trail Guide

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5. Hole-in-the-Wall Trail 

The Hole-in-the-Wall Trail at Rialto Beach in Olympic is one of the coolest kid friendly hikes in Olympic National Park. It starts right from the Rialto Beach parking lot, and the distance changes a little bit based on the tides. I always check the tide tables before heading out – you’ll want to time your visit for low tide to get the best experience. 

Walking along the beach, you’ll pass massive driftwood logs and tall sea stacks until you reach the main attraction – a huge natural arch carved by waves.

The walk there is pretty flat, just watch out for slippery rocks! Kids love poking around in the tide pools near the arch, where you can spot starfish, anemones, and tiny crabs. 

The beach itself is made up of smooth stones and sand, making it an easy walk. In summer, the path is usually dry and simple to follow. I like going early in the morning (tide-permitting) when the marine layer is still lifting – it makes for some really pretty photos! 

If you’re hiking with little ones or older folks, take it slow and bring walking sticks for extra stability on the rocky sections. Summer weekends can get busy, but if you go on a weekday morning, you might have the place mostly to yourself. 

‼️ Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack a light jacket – even on sunny days, the Pacific breeze can be chilly. And wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet – sometimes those sneaker waves can catch you by surprise! 

➡️ READ MORE: Rialto Beach – Hole in the Wall Guide

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6. Ancient Grove Trail 

The Ancient Grove Trail in the Sol Duc area of the parkk is one of the best short hikes in Olympic National Park you’ll find. It’s just 0.6 miles long, making it perfect for families, older adults, or anyone who wants a quick taste of the park’s amazing old-growth forest without breaking a sweat. 

I love this trail because it packs so much beauty into such a short distance. The path winds through massive old trees that have been standing guard here for centuries. You’ll see towering spruce and hemlock trees draped in moss, giving the whole place a magical feel. The trail surface is well-maintained and relatively flat, so you won’t have to worry about tricky footing. 

What makes this hike really special is how it changes with the seasons. In spring, you might spot wildflowers poking through the forest floor. Summer brings cool shade under the thick canopy – a welcome relief on hot days. Fall shows off mushrooms of all shapes and sizes, while winter offers peaceful solitude among the evergreens. 

The loop format means you won’t see the same thing twice, and there are several spots where you can stop and take in the surroundings. Look for nurse logs – fallen trees that act as natural planters for new saplings. It’s pretty amazing to see how the forest renews itself right before your eyes. 

If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll get a kick out of measuring themselves against the massive tree trunks. There are also some informative signs along the way that tell you about the forest’s ecology without being too technical. 

The trailhead is easy to find near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Just remember to bring your camera – the light filtering through the trees makes for some fantastic photos. You can finish this hike in about 30 minutes, but I’d suggest taking your time to really soak in the atmosphere of this special place. 

➡️ READ MORE: Ancient Groves Trail Guide

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7. Salmon Cascades Trail 

The Salmon Cascades Trail near Sol Duc is a quick hike that packs in some pretty incredible natural drama – especially if you time it right! The trail runs about 0.5 miles to an overlook where you can watch salmon leap up the cascading waters. It’s right off the main Sol Duc Road, making it super easy to access. 

I’ve found that fall is hands-down the best time to visit. That’s when you’ll catch coho and chinook salmon making their way upstream to spawn. It’s pretty wild to watch these determined fish jump through the rushing water – nature putting on a show that beats anything on TV! The best viewing times are usually September through November, depending on the year. 

The path itself is straightforward and mostly flat, perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants a quick nature fix. You’ll walk through a beautiful stretch of forest before reaching the viewing area, which has a sturdy railing where you can safely watch the action below. 

Even if you don’t catch the salmon run, the cascades themselves are worth checking out. The water tumbles down through a narrow rocky channel, creating quite a spectacle. The surrounding forest provides plenty of shade, and you might spot other wildlife like birds and squirrels going about their business. 

There’s a small parking area at the trailhead, and you won’t need any special gear beyond comfortable shoes and maybe a rain jacket (this is the Olympic Peninsula, after all). The trail surface is well-maintained, though it can get a bit muddy after rain. 

‼️ Pro tip: For photographers, morning light tends to work best for catching those salmon-jumping shots. Just remember to be patient – sometimes you’ll need to wait a few minutes between jumps, but when you catch one mid-leap, it’s totally worth it!

➡️ READ MORE: Salmon Cascades Guide

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8. Moments in Time Trail 

The Moments in Time Trail at Lake Crescent is a sweet little 0.6-mile loop that’s perfect when you want to take things slow and really enjoy the scenery. Starting from Lake Crescent Lodge, the trail takes you through old-growth forest and along the crystal-clear waters of the lake. 

I really love how this trail mixes natural beauty with local history. You’ll find signs scattered along the path that tell stories about the area’s past – from Native American settlements to early pioneers and the development of Lake Crescent Lodge. The signs are short and interesting, making great stopping points to catch your breath and learn something new. 

The trail surface is mostly flat and well-maintained, with just a few gentle slopes. It’s wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and there are several benches where you can sit and take in views of the lake. The path alternates between forest sections and lakeside stretches, giving you different perspectives throughout your walk. 

In summer, you’ll find plenty of shade from the big trees, making this a nice cool walk even on hot days. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall shows off some gorgeous colors reflected in the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – I’ve spotted deer, eagles, and plenty of smaller critters along this trail. 

What makes this hike really special is how it lets you experience Lake Crescent’s beauty without any tough climbing or long walks. You can finish the loop in about 30 minutes, but I’d plan for an hour if you want to read all the signs and take some photos. The trail starts right by the lodge’s parking lot, so it’s super easy to find. 

‼️ Pro tip: Try walking this trail in early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the lake just right – it makes for some amazing photos! 

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Final Thoughts on the Best Easy Day Hikes: Olympic National Park

Whether you’re traveling with kids, managing mobility issues, or just prefer a gentler outdoor experience, Olympic National Park’s easy trails deliver big rewards for minimal effort. Each trail I’ve shared offers something unique, from coastal views to rainforest wonders, proving that you don’t need to tackle tough terrain to see the park’s highlights. 

Remember to check trail conditions before you head out, and don’t forget essentials like water and weather-appropriate layers. The best part about these trails is that they’re enjoyable year-round – though summer and early fall typically offer the most reliable weather for hiking. 

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Travel Insurance for Olympic National Park

You should definitely have travel insurance when you travel to Olympic National Park.  Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage if your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident while hiking the best trails in Olympic National Park or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Happy hiking! 

More Planning Resources for Olympic National Park

Do you have any other top picks for the best trails: Olympic National Park? I’d love to hear about it.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).

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The Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

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