Yes, all the American National Parks are phenomenal—but few can touch Olympic National Park for sheer size and diversity. From moody, windswept Pacific beaches to alpine mountain meadows to temperate rainforests so utterly lush they’ve been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stretch of nearly a million acres truly has it all. Of course, a landscape like that can also draw crowds—and many of Olympic National Park’s most popular trails are also its most crowded. Fortunately, it’s a big enough landscape that there are also plenty of hidden gems for those in search of crowd-free hiking trails—and they offer the same kinds of breathtaking views you’d get on the well-known paths.
Below, we’ve partnered with AllTrails to bring you some of the best less crowded trails in Olympic National Park (and a great deal, which we’ll talk about in just a minute). And as you already know, RV camping is the name of the game here at RVshare—and the very best way to enjoy wild places including the national parks and beyond. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best unique hiking experiences in Olympic National Park that bring the beauty—without the crowds.
Best Crowd-Free Trail Suggestions by AllTrails
If you aren’t already familiar with AllTrails (a situation that’s probably pretty unlikely if you’re searching for less crowded hiking trails!), it’s an all-in-one app for all things outdoors. From trail maps to wrong turn alerts to a community heat map powered by its more than 80 million members, AllTrails is a must-have for any serious hiker.
And if you’re really serious, upgrading is worth it—especially since, for a limited time, AllTrails is offering RVshare readers 30% off their Plus Membership, which allows you to download maps ahead of time for when you get deep enough into the outdoors to lose cell signal (among many other neat features). Once you’ve got that set up, you’re ready to go—so let’s dive into their expert recommendations!
Skip the Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island; Instead, Try Elwha River and Lillian River Trail
Yes, the Hoh River Trail to Five-Mile Island is one of the most iconic hikes in the entire park. And yes, at 10 miles of distance and a few hundred feet of elevation gain, it’s highly sought-after by the most adventurous park visitors, many of whom compete for limited permits to backpack, so they can set up camp and sleep along the way, immersing themselves in this incredible landscape for longer.
But if you’re after deep old-growth forests with peek-a-boo riverside views and the opportunity to spot wildlife you might not easily find anywhere else, there’s a path less taken that can bring you all the same magic—without a lot of strangers crowding your photos.
The Elwha River and Lillian River Trail offers a similarly rugged profile, elapsing about 10 miles and seeing more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain along the way. This moderately challenging trail is particularly special because it’s nestled along the banks of the Elwha River, which is undergoing a historic restoration: In the 2010s, the two dams that held the river back for more than a century were removed, allowing the area to return to its previous free-flowing glory.
Along the Elwha River and Lillian River Trail, hikers often spot elk and even black bears, who come to feed on the salmon that populate the newly restored river. There are also Doug firs, western hemlock, and bigleaf maples, surrounded by giant sword ferns. In other words, it’s pretty much as Pacific Northwest as it gets. And you’ll also likely have it almost all to yourself.
Before You Go Considerations
Like any outdoor adventure, there are safety considerations to keep in mind before you head out on the Elwha River and Lillian River Trail. Here’s what to know before you go:
- You’re going to be in a remote area, so be prepared. Obviously, getting away from crowds is kind of the whole point—but this trail is tucked deep into the park and you’re unlikely to have cell signal, so you’ll need to carry everything you need with you and be prepared for emergencies.
- This is bear country. As noted above, black bears like to hunt in this area—and while they can be fun to see in the wild, it’s important to know how to behave in an encounter. Check out the National Park Service’s bulletin about staying safe around bears.
Skip Hurricane Hill Trail; Instead, Try Sam’s River Trail
Sweeping views of snow-topped peaks in the distance; large, ambling alpine meadows dotted, at the right times of year, with wildflowers; off on the horizon, the blue waves of Puget Sound. We absolutely understand what makes Hurricane Hill via the Hurricane Ridge Trail so popular. Along with these breathtaking experiences, the trail is also a relatively moderate challenge level, at under four miles in length and 1,000 feet in elevation change. It’s also in one of the easiest-to-access parts of the park, only an hour away from Port Angeles.
But accessibility does sometimes mean extra crowds—which is why AllTrails recommends trying out Sam’s River Trail instead. Although it’ll take you more driving to arrive there, this easy, three-mile loop is an excellent alternative for those looking for a crowd-free experience—and one easy enough for the whole family. At just three miles round trip and a nearly flat profile, even the youngest campers will likely be able to make it.
Sam’s River Trail offers dense forests and river views as you pass through a landscape so lush and green you might scarcely believe it’s real. You may also get the opportunity to pass over a downed log bridge or hug a tree that’s been around since before your parents were born. Oh, and did we mention you are very unlikely to have strangers around you?
Here’s what some real, live hikers have to say about their experiences on Sam’s River Trail:
- Nice, easy loop; very secluded. A little muddy in places but it’s the rainforest so that’s part of the fun!
- Beautiful, magical, easy-to-follow trail along the river
- Lots of cool stuff! Mushrooms, banana slugs, surprised a herd of elk. Male bugled at us, we chose to detour off trail to give them space.
Before You Go Considerations
Here’s what to keep in mind before you take off for Sam’s River Trail.
- As you saw in the comments above, this trail can get muddy—so be sure you’ve got a sturdy pair of boots and perhaps some gaiters.
- As you also saw in the comments, elk live here along with black bears—always do the same as this commenter did and give them plenty of space!
- No matter where you are in Olympic National Park, be sure to be prepared for wet weather. A large chunk of the park is, after all, a rain forest, so no matter when you come, rain is possible. You’ll want to bring waterproof clothes!
Post-Hike Resources for Olympic National Park
Given that Olympic National Park has—again—almost a million acres to its name, you probably won’t get bored just wandering around inside of it. But this part of the world has a whole lot else to see and do, so here are some other items to add to your list.
- For starters, you’ll want to set up camp at one of the nearby RV parks in and around Olympic National Park. Be sure to reserve well in advance, since even for those who seek out the less crowded trails, the park itself tends to fill up fast!
- Nearby cities like Port Angeles are awash in dining opportunities as well as shops and art galleries—and Forks, Washington is already a well-known destination to anyone who has read and loved the Twilight books. You can even have a meal at the Carver Café—sometimes, Bella’s cobbler is on special!
- In case you want to add even more outdoorsy adventures to your trip, consider Olympic National Forest to the south, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the east, or North Cascades National Park to the northeast — not to mention all the other cool camping spots and activities on the Olympic peninsula. (Psst: There are also some incredible Olympic National Park destination dupes if you need even more PNW-style goodness in your life!)
No matter where in the world your RVing adventure takes you—and especially Olympic National Park—RVshare will be there every step of the way with tips, tricks, and the perfect rental rig for your needs. (Oh, yeah—and that 30% discount on AllTrails Plus!)