6 Kid-Friendly Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula in Washington state is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, kids included. With a diverse array of ecosystems — from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines — the peninsula boasts numerous kid-friendly hikes that combine natural beauty with adventure. With that in mind, I’ve curated this list, complete with highlights and nearby attractions. 

Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail, Port Ludlow 

If you access the Olympic Peninsula via the Hood Canal Bridge, this short, easy trail is a perfect stop to take a break and stretch your legs en route to your other Olympic Peninsula adventures. Park and meander through a grassy picnic area to access the trailhead. I recommend going to the left, clockwise, and plan to meander. 

The first part of the trail has a series of informative signs about Pacific Northwest forests, and farther along, some stream beds for more exploration. Be sure to stop at the pump house to marvel at the water level markings from a prior flood. 

Finally, take the stairs leading up to the falls and find a few spots for viewing before heading back to your starting point. There are a number of connecting trails, so keep an eye out for markers and generally keep taking the right option. It’s a short loop! 

Nearby attractions: Port Ludlow boasts over 30 miles of trails. If you want to tack on some miles, try Osprey Trail, Picnic Point, or Around the Bay Trail. Oreos Ice Cream and Burgers is a great stop for a local meal. 

Distance and difficulty: This easy hike is a 0.6-mile loop. 
Entry fee: None 
Amenities: Parking, no restrooms 
Location: 70 Breaker Ln., Port Ludlow 

Marymere Falls Trail, Port Angeles 

A trip to the Olympic Peninsula isn’t complete without hiking to Marymere Falls. This enchanting trail leads to a 90-foot waterfall that can be viewed from several lookouts along the loop. The wide path to the base of the falls always takes longer than you might think — hollowed-out trees and low branches make it an enticing spot to climb or play hide-and-seek.

The first half-mile of the trail, up to the platform at the base of the falls, is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. This is a popular trail, so be prepared for crowds and possibly a wait for parking. 

Nearby attractions: Pack a picnic and water gear to enjoy the pristine glacial water of Lake Crescent. It’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. The Spruce Railroad Trail is a short drive away and offers stunning lake views and miles of paved trail, great for bikes and scooters. Kids will love the long tunnel and watching people jump into the infamous Devil’s Punchbowl, just over a mile down the trail from the parking lot. 

Distance and difficulty: This easy-to-moderate hike is 1.8 miles round trip. 
Entry fee: National park pass required. Purchase a standard ($15–$30), annual ($55), or America the Beautiful ($80) pass. 
Amenities: Limited parking, toilets, ranger station 
Location: 227693-227769 Olympic Hwy., Port Angeles 

Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rain Forest 

Stepping into the Hoh Rain Forest is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale where ancient trees are draped in vibrant green moss and ferns grow taller than children. Spruce Nature Trail is an easy loop, and often less busy than its neighbor, Hall of Mosses. Pair them to fully experience the Hoh with children, but if you pick one, this is it. 

The trail is relatively short and flat, and it takes you down to the Hoh River to see the unique pale blue-gray glacial water coming down from Mount Olympus. You might even get lucky and spot elk grazing in the riverside meadows. 

Nearby attractions: You’ll spend a good bit of time getting to the Hoh Rain Forest, but if you can make it a multi-day trip, check out the Hoh Valley Cabins for a great base to explore the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. The Hard Rain Cafe nearby is a good place to get some food and browse a quirky gift shop. 

Distance and difficulty: This easy hike is 1.2 miles round trip. 
Entry fee: National park pass required. 
Amenities: Limited parking, toilets, ranger station 
Location: Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park 

Hurricane Hill Trail, near Port Angeles 

Hurricane Hill Trail is a paved trail that offers outstanding panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Elwha River Valley. With the elevation of Hurricane Ridge (5,242 feet), you may find a bit of snow on the trail — even in July! 

You’ll find this out-and-back trail 1.5 miles past the visitor center. It meanders slowly up 700 feet of elevation, through several switchbacks, ending at the summit. Bring your binoculars and keep your eye out for mountain goats, or ferries crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

In 2023, a fire destroyed the visitor center at Hurricane Ridge. The area remains open to the public, but as of summer 2025, there are no food or gift shop services available until the rebuild is complete. Restroom facilities and a temporary information station are available. 

Named for its intense winds, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most easily accessible mountain areas within the Olympic National Park, but that also makes it susceptible to unpredictable weather. Always check the conditions before you head to Hurricane Ridge and ensure that the road is open. 

Nearby attractions: If you return from Hurricane Hill and haven’t had your hiking fill, there are several other family-friendly trails from the parking lot. The Erikson Playfield is a great place to stop as you head in or out of Port Angeles. If you’ve enjoyed delicious food from Yodelin Broth Company in Leavenworth, you’ll be excited to know that they have a new location in Port Angeles with a big outdoor deck and a similar fresh menu. 

Distance and difficulty: This is a moderate hike with an out-and-back distance of 3.2 miles. 
Entry fee: National park pass required. 
Amenities: Parking, toilets 
Location: Hurricane Hill Trailhead, Olympic National Park

Staircase Rapids Loop, near Hoodsport 

The Staircase Rapids Loop is a gorgeous trail that meanders through old-growth forest along the North Fork of the Skokomish River. For the best river views, hike the loop clockwise. Children will delight in climbing up and through a giant fallen cedar, meandering under moss-draped trees, and detouring to climb boulders along the river. 

Pack a lunch and swim gear to take a break at one of the swimming holes. The suspension bridge at the halfway point is a highlight that offers panoramic views of the river. The trail is well maintained, though some sections may be uneven and not suitable for strollers. 

Nearby attractions: Book a site at Staircase Campground for easy access to the trailhead and time to enjoy the turquoise waters of Lake Cushman. Replenish your energy with delicious ice cream cones from Hoodsport Coffee Company or shuck your own oysters at Hama Hama. 

Distance and difficulty: This easy-to-moderate hike is a 2.1-mile loop. 
Entry fee: National park pass required. 
Amenities: Parking and vault toilets 
Location: Staircase Trailhead, Olympic National Park 

Hole-in-the-Wall Trail, Rialto Beach

You might contend that this is more a beach walk than a hike, but regardless of how you categorize it, the Hole-in-the-Wall Trail is a truly unique way to explore the Pacific shore. This trail leads to a natural rock arch known as Hole-in-the-Wall. At low tide, you can walk through the hole and explore nearby tide pools teeming with marine life. 

From the parking area, you’ll head out to the beach and go north, walking over sand, rocks and driftwood. Check the tide times and allow one to two hours to get to the arch from the parking lot. Depending on your family’s likelihood of getting engrossed in building driftwood forts or counting sea stars along the way, you may want even more time. If the tide is high when you get to the rock, you can still take the overland trail over the arch and take in panoramic views. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and review tide pool etiquette with everyone in your group. 

Nearby attractions: “Twilight” fans will be happy to know that you must pass through Forks to get to Rialto Beach. While there, also make a stop at The Local Mocha Motion for its famous breakfast bagels. 

Distance and difficulty: This easy-to-moderate hike is 3.3 miles round trip. 
Entry fee: National park pass required. 
Amenities: Parking, toilets 
Location: Hole-in-the-Wall, Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park 

What to know before you go 

• Getting to the peninsula: To access the Olympic Peninsula from the Seattle area, you have several options depending on your preferred mode of travel. One route is to take a ferry from either downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island or from Edmonds to Kingston. Once across, you drive over the Hood Canal Bridge and make your way west to Highway 101, which is the main highway that loops around the peninsula and connects you to the hikes shared above. Alternatively, if you prefer an all-land route, you can drive south on I-5 and access Highway 101 northwest of Olympia.
• Park access: All but one of these hikes (Ludlow Falls) require an entrance pass. You can purchase a park-specific short-term or annual pass; or an annual America the Beautiful pass that applies to national parks, forests and federal sites. If you have a fourth grader, take advantage of the Every Kid Outdoors program for a free year of access to any National Park Service site.
• Safety: For any hike, you can check current trail conditions on the Washington Trails Association website. Always follow safe hiking practices.
• Engaging activities: Highway 101 circles most of Olympic National Park, which means you are never far from a park entrance. Round out your hiking adventures by participating in the Junior Ranger or Ocean Steward programs; you can pick up a copy of the books from one of the many Olympic National Park visitor centers.