Olympic National Park 30 scaled

Closest Olympic National Park Hike to Seattle: A Comprehensive Guide

by

The closest Olympic National Park hike to Seattle is located in the Crescent Lake area, approximately 120-140 miles from the city. This area offers several hiking options, including the popular Marymere Falls trail, which is about 1.8 miles round trip. The journey from Seattle to the trailhead takes around 2-3 hours by car, including a ferry ride to the Olympic Peninsula.

The Crescent Lake area in Olympic National Park offers the closest hiking opportunities to Seattle. Located about 18 miles west of Port Angeles, this area is approximately 120-140 miles from Seattle, depending on the route taken. The journey typically takes 2-3 hours by car, including a ferry ride from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula.

What are the Key Details of the Closest Hike?

closest olympic national park hike to seattle
Image ‘File:Olympic NP Washington USA3.jpg’ by Jason Pratt from Pittsburgh, PA (FishSpeaker), licensed under CC BY 2.0
  • Distance from Seattle: 120-140 miles
  • Travel Time: 2-3 hours (including ferry)
  • Trailhead Location: Storm King Ranger Station near Lake Crescent
  • Parking: Available at trailheads and designated areas

What are the Best Hikes Near Seattle in Olympic National Park?

Several excellent hiking options are available in the Crescent Lake area, which is the closest part of Olympic National Park to Seattle. Here are some of the top choices:

Marymere Falls Trail

closest olympic national park hike to seattle
Image ‘File:Olympic National Park – 53205729916.jpg’ by John Manard, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: 500 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Highlights: 90-foot waterfall, dense forest, babbling brooks

Spruce Railroad Trail

  • Length: 8 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Highlights: Lake views, mountain scenery, historic railroad trail, Devil’s Punchbowl

Hurricane Hill Trail

  • Length: 3 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: Moderate
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Highlights: Panoramic mountain and water views, including Vancouver Island and San Juan Islands

How Can You Access Olympic National Park Hiking Trails from Seattle?

Accessing Olympic National Park from Seattle involves a combination of ferry and road travel. Here’s a breakdown of transportation options and trail conditions:

What are the Public Transportation Options?

  1. Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry or Kingston Fast Ferry from Seattle
  2. Connect with the Clallam Transit Strait Shot Bus to Port Angeles
  3. Use local transportation or guided tours to reach trailheads

What are the Trail Conditions and Amenities?

Area Trail Conditions Amenities Public Transport
Crescent Lake Easy to moderate Parking, restrooms, trail maps at Storm King Ranger Station Ferry and bus to Port Angeles, then local transport
Hurricane Ridge Easy to strenuous Parking, restrooms, visitor center Same as above, but note winter closures

What are the Top Day Hikes Easily Accessible from Seattle?

For those looking to make a day trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park, here are the top hikes to consider:

Marymere Falls

  • Seasonal Considerations: Open year-round, best in spring and summer
  • Costs: National Park Pass required
  • Recommended Itinerary:
  • Start early morning
  • Hike to Marymere Falls (1.8 miles roundtrip)
  • Return via the same trail
  • Combine with visits to Elwha River and Salt Creek for a full day

Spruce Railroad Trail

  • Seasonal Considerations: Open year-round, optimal in spring and summer
  • Costs: Free, National Park Pass required for some areas
  • Recommended Itinerary:
  • Begin at Lake Crescent
  • Hike along the lake (up to 8 miles roundtrip)
  • Enjoy scenic views and historic features
  • Return via the same trail

Hurricane Hill Trail

  • Seasonal Considerations: Best from late June to September
  • Costs: National Park Pass required
  • Recommended Itinerary:
  • Start early to avoid crowds
  • Hike to the top of Hurricane Hill (3 miles roundtrip)
  • Enjoy panoramic views at the summit
  • Return and explore other Hurricane Ridge area attractions

What Should You Know Before Hiking in Olympic National Park?

Before embarking on your closest Olympic National Park hike to Seattle, consider these important factors:

  1. Weather: Check forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes
  2. Trail Conditions: Verify current conditions with park rangers
  3. Permits: Ensure you have the necessary passes or permits
  4. Safety: Carry essential gear, including water, snacks, and first-aid kit
  5. Leave No Trace: Practice responsible hiking and camping principles

By considering these factors and choosing the right trail, you can enjoy a memorable day hike in Olympic National Park, even when starting from Seattle. The park’s diverse landscapes and proximity to the city make it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers of all levels.

Reference:
1. 21 Best Olympic National Park Hikes You Must Do
2. Olympic National Park Day Trip from Seattle
3. Top 10 Day Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula

Leave a Comment