Top 5: Day Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula

Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula represents some of the best scenery in the state. There are old-growth forests of towering, moss-laden trees, snow-capped mountains and wild coastline, all packed into a relatively small and accessible area.

Day hikes in the region abound. For the best options, check out:

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Third Beach

Third Beach is a flat, 3.6-mile hike to one of the coast’s best beaches. Climb over driftwood logs, hunt for sea glass, spy anemones and sea stars in the tide pools and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bald eagles, otters and sea lions.

© Thomas Kriese | Flickr

Hurricane Hill

A must-do is Hurricane Hill, accessible after a long, winding drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge. Here, when the weather is clear, a row of towering mountains greets you, as do marmots and deer dining on abundant wildflowers.

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The Dungeness Spit

The Dungeness Spit stretches into the remote Strait of Juan de Fuca, separating Washington from Vancouver Island. Wildlife and mountain views abound.

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Marmot Pass

Marmot Pass reaches some of the most epic scenery on the peninsula, combining old-growth forest with mountain views. Look out for the mountain goats that frequent the trail.

© Chris Boswell | Dreamstime

Hoh Rainforest

Two short nature trails through the prehistoric Hoh Rainforest are worth checking out: the Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles).