Great Hikes for Kids: The Olympics, Washington
Quinalt National Recreational Trails
Pass needed at the trailhead: NW Forest Pass
Easy
4-10 miles depending on the loop
Elevation gain: 300 feet
3-4 hours
The recreational trails offer ten miles of interconnecting paths through an old growth rain forest of monster trees. It runs along the shoreline of Lake Quinalt, past multiple waterfalls with wide trails and gentle grades. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/quinault-national-recreation-trails
Graves Creek to Pony Bridge
Pass needed at the trailhead: America the Beautiful Interagency PassEasy
4.8 miles round trip out and back
Elevation gain: 1,164 feet
4-5 hours
This short and glorious day hike is on the way to the Enchanted Valley. Your destination is Pony Bridge, 2.5 miles from the trailhead where the picturesque bridge crosses the Quinalt River. Do this hike in winter and you may run across some of the largest elk herds in America. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/quinault-river-pony-bridge-trail
Rain Shadow Loop/Blue Mountain
Pass needed at the trailhead: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass
Easy
.5 mile loop
170 feet elevation gain
1 hour
This short, enchanting hike starts high and climbs a mere 170 feet for 360 degree views from the top of Blue Mountain. On a clear day you’ll see the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Cascades, Vancouver Island, the Dungeness Spit with its 5 mile sandbar and so much more. The view is dazzling, postcard vistas in all directions, and the high alpine meadow is lit with wildflowers in July and August. The trailhead is a short drive from Deer Park campground. The road closes for the winter from October to May. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rain-shadow-loop
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center Trails
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offers the easiest access to the Olympic Mountains. At 5,242 feet you’ll feel the majestic draw of the mountains and there are many easy loops and trails from the Center. Note that the 17-mile Hurricane Ridge Road is open in the winter season from Friday to Sunday, and weather dependent on those days. In winter all vehicles must carry chains. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm
Big Meadow Loop:
An easy paved quarter-mile traverse over open meadows. Stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible with some assistance
Cirque Rim:
An easy half mile paved trail, stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible with assistance
High Ridge:
A partially paved half-mile loop that climbs 250 feet to a dynamic view from Alpine Hill
Hurricane Hill:
A popular 3-mile round trip trail that ascends 700 feet to rolling views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Marymere Waterfalls
Pass needed at the trailhead: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass
Easy
1.8 miles round trip out and back
Elevation gain: 500 feet
1.5-2 hours
The impressive two-stage plunge waterfall drops 119 feet, filling the air with the sound of cascading water. It’s an easy hike with a wide level trail except for the last 500 foot climb to the viewing site. After the hike, treat yourself to lunch at nearby Lake Crescent Lodge. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/madison-falls-trail
Spruce Railroad Trail
Pass needed at the trailhead: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass
Easy
8 miles round trip out and back
Elevation gain: 260 feet
4 or more hours depending on dawdle and swim time
The trail follows an historic railroad grade for four easy miles that make up a signature piece of the 150-mile long Olympic Discover Trail. One mile in you’ll come to Devil’s Punchbowl, where there is a jump from low cliffs if you dare into the deep impossibly clear lake. http://www.protrails.com/trail/628/olympic-national-park-spruce-railroad-trail