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Olympic National Park welcomes all individuals with a disability! Explore the accessibility pages for relevant information categorized by disability type. Please contact us with any questions or for help planning your visit.
Beaches
Beach access is variable based on downed trees, ocean levels, and the ever-shifting landscape of the coast. There is no accessible route to any of the coastal beaches in Olympic National Park. The beaches are primarily in two areas, to learn more visit the pages for Mora/Rialto Beach and Kalaloch areas.
These trails are some of the most popular in the park! The trails are organized by the area of the park they are in.
Elwha Area
Madison Falls Trail
This is a 0.1-mile paved trail that gently slopes up to a 60-foot waterfall. There is a vault toilet intended for use by people in wheelchairs near the gravel parking lot.
Information boards at trailhead
Hoh Rain Forest Area
Hall of Mosses Trail
Parking
5 van-accessible spaces
Trail Stats
Length: 0.8 miles, loop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 3-6 feet
Running slope: This trail is hilly, and sections are very steep, ranging from 7-25% slope, though usually the steep sections are less than 50 feet long with gentle stretches in between.
Average cross slope: less than 2%
Barriers: There many large steps, rocky terrain, and steep slopes.
Description
This is one of the most popular trails in the park and starts by the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The trail weaves through an old-growth forest and features a grove of maple trees draped in moss and ferns.
View of exposed tree roots
Mini Rain Forest Trail
Parking
5 van-accessible spaces
Trail Stats
Length: 0.1 miles, loop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 48-72 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%
Average cross slope: less than 1%
Elevation change: less than 15 feet
Description
This short trail loops through a dense forest with ferns, mosses, and a bubbling creek.
View of Hoh River from trail
Spruce Nature Trail
Parking
5 van-accessible spaces
Trail Stats
Length: 1.25 miles, loop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36 inches
Minimum width: 24 inches
Average running slope: This trail is hilly, and sections are very steep, ranging from 7-25% slope, though usually the steep sections are less than 50 feet long with gentle stretches in between.
Average cross slope: less than 2%
Elevation change: 65 feet
Barriers: There are many steps, some steep slopes, and narrow sections of the trail.
Description
This is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.
Incline at start of Hurricane Hill Trail
Hurricane Ridge Area
Hurricane Hill Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 1.6 miles
Surface type(s): paved
Average width: 96 inches
Running slope:
first 0.5 miles: 5-9%
The rest of the trail is very steep with sections of 15-20% slope.
Average cross slope: less than 1%
Elevation change: 645 feet
Description
The Hurricane Hill Trailhead is at the end of the Hurricane Hill Road, 2 miles past the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The trail starts at the northwest corner of the parking area and offers spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains. At the top of Hurricane Hill, there are also views to the north of Griff Peak, Vancouver Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
This trail is on the edge of a hill and has considerable exposure off the edge in some sections. Those with a fear of heights may wish to hug the inside edge of the trail.
The Big Meadow Trail looking east
Big Meadow and Cirque Rim Trails
Trail Stats
Length:
path to the overlook: 400 feet, one way
Big Meadow: 0.25 miles, one way
Cirque Rim: 0.5 miles, one way
Surface type(s): paved
Average width:
Big Meadow: 96 inches
Cirque Rim: 48 inches
Maximum running slope:
path to the overlook: 6-13%
Big Meadow: 9%
Cirque Rim: 12-20%
Average cross slope: less than 1%
Elevation change: 50 feet
Description
There are three trailheads on the north side of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking area. The path in the center leads to an overlook and is the widest and has the easiest running slopes of the three. This trail also leads to the Big Meadow and Cirque Rim Trails.
The Big Meadow Trail leaves from the path to the overlook and winds across a meadow before connecting with the east end of the Cirque Rim Trail. The overlook is the western end of the Cirque Rim Trail. From the overlook you can see the of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, and the San Juan Islands on a clear day.
Bridge leading down to the beach
Kalaloch Area
Beach 1
Trail Stats
Length: 0.1 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope:
less than 5% through forest
16% on the descent to beach
Average cross slope: less than 3%
Elevation change: 60 feet
Barriers: Stairs, steep grades, narrow widths, rocks, and a large-downed trees that have to be climbed over.
Description
There are parking pullouts on both the east and west side of the highway for Beach 1. If parking on the east side of the highway, exercise extreme caution when crossing the highway, as the speed limit is 55 mph and there is no crosswalk.
The trail starts at the edge of the west-side pullout and proceeds into the forest. The first half of the trail winds through the forest. To get down to the beach there is a long set of stairs followed by a footbridge and finally a large, downed tree with a notch cut into it that you have to climb over.
Spruce burls along trail
Spruce Burl Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.2 mile, loop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%
Average cross slope: less than 3%
Barriers: Tree roots cross the trail up to 10 inches; narrow bridge.
Description
There are parking pullouts on both the east and west side of the highway for Beach 1. If parking on the east side of the highway, exercise extreme caution when crossing the highway, as the speed limit is 55 mph and there is no crosswalk.
The Spruce Burl Trail navigates through a forest of spruce trees with large burls. The trail is a short loop off of the Beach 1 Trail. There is a short, narrow bridge. On the ocean side of the loop, grasses and berry vines often grow densely along the trail. There are also numerous roots crossing the trail, sometime rising above the trail surface up to 10 inches.
Driftwood gathers at the end of the trail
Beach 2
Trail Stats
Length: 385 feet
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope:
19% from the road into forest
less than 5% through forest
15-22% descent to beach
Average cross slope: less than 3%
Elevation change: 60 feet
Barriers: Tree roots and steep slopes. There are downed trees at the beach that you’ll have to navigate around or over.
Description
The trail starts on the north side of a one-car pullout on the west side of the highway. There is a larger pullout on the east side of the highway. If parking on the east side, exercise extreme caution when crossing the highway, as the speed limit is 55 mph and there is no crosswalk.
The trail is steep up to the forest, crosses through the forest, and the descends very steeply down to a rocky and sandy beach.
The third staircase and roots across trail
Beach 3
Trail Stats
Length: 0.1 mile
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope: 7-30% interspersed with stairs
Average cross slope: less than 3%
Elevation change: 60 feet
Barriers: Long staircases, tree roots, and steep slopes.
Description
The trail starts at the south end of the Beach 3 pull-out. It leads to a rocky and sandy beach.
Wooden bridge crossing to bedrock and beach
Beach 4
Trail Stats
Length:
220 feet to overlook
815 feet to beach
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width:
60 inches to the overlook
36-60 inches to the beach
Average cross slope:
Less than 1% to the overlook
Some sections of the trail to the beach have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Barriers: Staircase, steep slopes, a bridge, and a Class 3 scramble
Description
From the Kalaloch parking area, a ramp leads to the sidewalk with access to two nearby toilets, a park information board and the trailhead. The view from the overlook may be obstructed by vegetation during the summer.
This trail is heavily-crowned, where the middle of the trail is much taller than the edges. There are many steps and a bridge. To reach the beach there is a non-technical (class 3) scramble which requires you to use your hands and feet to descend safely. From the beach you can enjoy views of rock outcroppings and Deception Island.
The Big Cedar tree, which split in half after a storm
Big Cedar Trail
Parking
The parking area is gravel with no defined parking spaces.
Trail Stats
Length: 0.3 miles, lollipop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36-72 inches
Average running slope: less than 7%
Average cross slope: less than 1%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Description
A storm in 2014 felled half of the Big Cedar tree, but what remains is still an impressive sight, as is the fallen half on the ground. The trailhead is at the end of a 0.2-mile gravel road.
The Big Cedar itself is a short distance from trailhead. The trail circles the tree to the left and continues east into the lush coastal forest. Please resist the urge to climb on this ancient giant.
After the tree split in 2014, a trail was constructed that continues into the forest and has a short loop at the end that leads to another impressive cedar.
Trail leading to ever-changing beaches and driftwood
Ruby Beach
Parking
3 van-accessible spaces
2 standard accessible spaces
Restrooms
Two vault toilets
Trail Stats
Length: 0.1 mile to the beach
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 48-60 inches
Average running slope: steep in some areas
Average cross slope: less than 1%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Barriers: There are a number of drainage ditches that cross the trail causing for steep slopes.
Description
Ruby Beach is the northernmost beach in the Kalaloch Area. All of the trails leading to beaching at Kalaloch descend from the top of the bluff. They are generally steep and constructed to weather the 8.5 feet of annual rainfall. Winter ocean swells typically rearrange the beach logs at each location, so conditions at the point where the trail reaches the beach are constantly subject to change.
There is an accessible overlook on the north end of the parking lot. Vegetation may obscure the view at sitting height.
The trail down the beach is wide. There are many drainage ditches built across the trail that sometimes cause steep slopes.
Lake Crescent Area
Marymere Falls Trail
1.8 miles, out and back
The trail begins at Storm King Ranger Station and winds its way through old-growth forest as it leads to an overlook of Barnes Creek.
Moments in Time Nature Trail
A 0.9-mile loop trail with hard-packed surface and some uneven surfaces from tree roots and other obstacles. This trail offers views of the lake, old-growth forest, and former homestead sites. It can be reached from the NatureBridge campus, Lake Crescent Lodge or the Storm King Ranger Station via short access trails.
Spruce Railroad Trail
The Spruce Railroad Trail is a paved section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. It borders the north side of Lake Crescent, in a dense forest. There are two trailheads, one at the end of East Beach Road and one off of Camp David Junior Road.
Steep corner around cedar tree, 12% grade
Port Angeles Area
The Living Forest Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.4 miles, lollipop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36-48 inches
Average running slope: less than 6% or less, with sections up to 12%
Average cross slope: less than 1%
Elevation change: 72 feet
Description
This trail begins immediately behind the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles. The trail travels through a dense forest.
View from bridge over July Creek
Quinault Area
July Creek Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.2 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36-60 inches
Average running slope:
Steep entry and exit from picnic area with slopes up to 13%;
less than 7% in picnic area
Average cross slope: less than 1%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Barriers: a 2-inch lip at the curb ramp
Description
Formerly a campground, the July Creek Picnic Area contains outstanding examples of large Douglas fir trees, some with diameters larger than 6 feet! The loop trail leaves from the center of the parking area.
Arriving at Kestner Homestead
Kestner Homestead Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 1.3 miles, loop
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36-60 inches, minimum 24 inches
Average running slope:
From Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail to the homestead: less than 7%, maximum 10%
From kiosk to the homestead: less than 5%
Average cross slope: less than 1%, maximum 4%
Barriers: Uneven ground and boards on the bridge, tree roots rising up to 2 inches above the trail surface.
Description
You can reach the homestead either by way of the Maple Glade Trail or from a trail that departs near the information kiosk. For those wishing to visit the homestead on a less strenuous hike, depart from the trailhead kiosk and return the same way. This is a 1.1-mile round trip.
The Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail is hilly. It travels through a forest of maple trees and is generally clear of obstacles. There is a 40-foot bridge.
Once at the homestead the trail becomes grassy. The trail follows the original entrance road past the orchard before cross a bridge over Kestner Creek. The decking of the bridge is due to be replaced. There is a 24-inch wide metal path running down the center of the bridge to provide traction, but there is room on either side to cross the bridge on the uneven boards.
Ramp leading to trail
Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.5 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 36-60 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%, maximum 7%
Average cross slope: less than 1%, maximum 4%
Barriers: Tree roots, bridges, and other features rise over 2 inches above the trail surface in places. There is at least one 4-inch step on the trail.
Description
Trail brochures for the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail and the Kestner Homestead Trail are available. The Maple Glade brochure describes forest elements at 13 marked points along the trail.
The Quinault Rain Forest receives over 12 feet of rain annually. Portions of the trail may be flooded between the months of October and May, but the summer months are typically dry, and so is the trail. The sides of the trail have short plants growing through the gravel, but it is still firm.
The trail loops through a quiet forest of mossy big leaf maple trees, braided with streams. The trail crosses many wooden bridges.
Parking area and wayside exhibit near trailhead
Sol Duc Area
Ancient Groves Nature Trail Loop
Trail Stats
Length: 0.6 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope: Hilly with 9-20% slopes
Average cross slope: less than 2%
Elevation change: 25 feet
Barriers: Steep slopes, narrow trail, boardwalks.
Description
The Ancient Groves Nature Trail departs from a roadside pullout approximately 8.8 miles up the Sol Duc Valley Road. Though short in length, the trail is hilly and has many steep sections. It traverses through a beautiful old-growth forest and has a brief section along the edge of the bluff overlooking the river. There are multiple sections of narrow boardwalk.
Viewing platform perched above Salmon Cascades
Salmon Cascades
Trail Stats
Length: 190 feet to the overlook
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width:
To the overlook: 72 inches
Past the overlook to the water: 24 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%
To the overlook: maximum 11%
Past the overlook to the water: maximum 15%
Average cross slope: less than 2%
Elevation change: less than 25 feet
Description
This trail leads to a viewing platform that is perched above Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River. In late summer/early fall, coho salmon can be seen leaping out of the water as they make their way upriver to spawn. The trailhead is at approximately milepost 7 on the Sol Duc Road. There are some tree roots along the trail. The trail continues past the overlook, though it becomes very steep and ends in a 3 foot drop down to the water.
The Big Cedar
Staircase Area
Big Cedar Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.2 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 72-96 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%
Average cross slope: less than 2%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Description
From the Staircase parking area, the trailhead is located directly across the bridge over the Skokomish River. This trail leads to a large cedar tree.
River overlook
Four Stream Trail
Trail Stats
Length: 0.3 miles
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 72-96 inches
Average running slope: less than 5%, maximum 16%
Average cross slope: less than 2%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Elevation change: less than 25 feet
Description
The first section of the Four Stream Trail runs along the southern bank of the Skokomish River and ends at a river overlook. The trail narrows and continues beyond that point. This trail intersects with the Big Cedar Trail and has views of the river.
Bridge across Skokomish River
Shady Lane
Trail Stats
Length: 0.8 miles one way
Surface type(s): compacted gravel
Average width: 24 inches
Average running slope: 6-40%
Average cross slope: less than 2%, though some sections have a significant crown where the middle of the trail is taller than the edges
Barriers: Much of this trail is very steep with running slopes between 20% and 40%. Steps, water bars, rocks, and narrow bridges.
Description
From the Staircase parking area, across the bridge over the Skokomish River, the trailhead is identified by a sign on the left side. This trail is very rocky and steep. It has many steps, water bars, and few narrow bridges. There is a short spur trail to an old mine shaft. There are sections of this trail that drop off on the edge.
