Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity (36 Must-Do Hikes for Everyone)

Explore the best of Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula with 36 unforgettable hikes.

From wave-carved beaches and mossy rain forests to alpine ridges, wildflower meadows, roaring waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views, the Olympic Peninsula offers some of the most varied hiking in North America. In this new edition of Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity, award-winning author Douglas Lorain and travel writer Rebecca Ohlsen share their favorite routes through this spectacular region, drawing upon decades of experience and more than 30,000 miles of hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re looking for an easy family stroll, a dramatic coastal walk, a view-packed day hike, or a rewarding overnight adventure, this guide helps you choose the right trail and get there with confidence. Follow quiet paths through old-growth forest, walk beside wild rivers, climb to airy viewpoints, and discover classic destinations—as well as lesser-known gems—throughout Olympic National Park and nearby public lands.

Now in full color and in a larger trim size, this updated guide features new photographs, new hikes, revised routes, refreshed driving directions, and updated trail descriptions. With detailed maps, elevation profiles, and “don’t get lost” milestones, Top Trails: Olympic National Park & Vicinity is an essential companion for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor explorers ready to experience the best of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Inside you’ll find:

• 36 selected routes for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists
• Full-color photographs, maps, and elevation profiles
• Updated trail descriptions, directions, and route details
• At-a-glance information on mileage, difficulty, features, and facilities
• “Don’t get lost” milestones to keep you oriented on the trail
• Expert commentary from two authors who know the region well