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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

  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Hike Through History Along the Elwha River

    26.23 mi / 6132 ft gain
    The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Sprin...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Badger Valley Trail to Grand Pass Trail Loop

    4.0
    10.42 mi / 3235 ft gain
    Badger Valley Trail to Grand Pass Trail Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Port Angeles, Washington.
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Hike to Elk Mountain from Obstruction Point

    5.0
    4 mi / 644 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Backpack to Grand Park in the Olympics

    5.0
    7.5 mi / 2500 ft gain
    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...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    High Divide and 7 Lakes Basin

    5.0
    19.93 mi / 5056 ft gain
    A day spent plying the trails of the High Divide in Olympic National Park changes an outdoorsman. This moderate to strenuous loop boasts the best views on the peninsula, a chance to see foraging black bears and abundant deer, stunning waterfalls and marvelous old growth forests. By the time you f...
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  • Quinault, Washington

    Backpack to Enchanted Valley Chateau

    5.0
    31.59 mi / 5052 ft gain
    This backpacking trip can easily be done in 2 days, but some people prefer to stretch it out to 3. Luckily there are several different spots to stop and camp, so you can split up the distance however you are the most comfortable. The elevation over the course of the trail is minimal, which means ...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Backpack the Hoh River Trail

    5.0
    35.69 mi / 5948 ft gain
    Grab a permit on your way in at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles or at the Quinault USFS/NFS Recreation Information center before parking at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and use the wash station and rest room before you head out on the trail.  The first five miles of...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Hike the Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island

    10.6 mi / 300 ft gain
    Olympic National Park was established to preserve “the finest example of primeval forest” and so the Hoh Valley remains much like it has for thousands of years. This is the best trail to experience the magic of Hoh Valley, the grandeur of its old growth trees, lush understory and iridescent glaci...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Climb Mount Olympus, Olympic NP

    45 mi / 8000 ft gain
    Getting to the summit is no easy task.  The approach is long, you must cross a glacier, and once you are to the summit block the easiest way up is on loose 4th class rock, however a short pitch of 5.4 rock is recommended instead. Getting there On your way to the trail-head you will need to stop a...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Backpack the Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier

    5.0
    35.68 mi / 5948 ft gain
    The well trodden and well marked trail begins in the rainforest, and is flat and follows the river for the first few miles. There are many marked camp sites along the way, as well as dispersed camping on the sand bars in the river bed. Follow the trail until the first major intersection, at the O...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Backpack the Hoh River to Tom's Creek Campground

    6 mi
    Olympic National Park plays host to some incredible things, including the Hoh Rainforest. Known for its long hanging moss and crystal clear waters, it's easy to see why this is a popular destination. Spring is the perfect time of the year to visit, the weather is mild and the park is almost empty...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Olympic Hot Springs

    3.7
    21.52 mi / 3556 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Backpack to Lake Angeles

    5.0
    7.12 mi / 2503 ft gain
    Lake Angeles is, rightfully, a popular day hike and overnight backpacking option, as its one of the larger, more accessible lakes in Olympic National Park. It can be done either as a moderate day hike with a refreshing swim and picnic lunch or a relaxing overnight with gorgeous views and reliable...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Backpack 1000 Acre Meadows

    45.1 mi / 10750 ft gain
    There are many different ways to reach 1000 Acre Meadows, but this guide will get you there starting at the Deer Park trailhead (5,400').Day 1: 14 miles You will start out by descending 2,400' and 4.3 miles to reach the Graywolf Camp. This is where the loop meets up with itself later on. Our goal...
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  • Mason County, Washington

    Upper Lena Lake

    5.0
    12.61 mi / 4239 ft gain
    The hike to Upper Lena Lake is a beautiful one. It first takes you past Lena Lake, which is a very popular weekend destination for families. Luckily you're pushing on to Upper Lena Lake that sits in a peaceful alpine meadow with Mt. Lena and Mt. Bretherton towering above. The first part of the t...
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  • Mason County, Washington

    Lena Lake

    4.5
    6.24 mi / 1644 ft gain
    The 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...
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