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Hiking
 There’s no better way to absorb nature’s bounty than to be surrounded by it on a trail, any trail. Port Angeles’ “backdoor paths” range from gentle to aggressive, all rewarding hikers with superb flora, fauna, and views. Take a look at the KIRO TV 10 Best Hikes in Washington, some of which are here in the Olympic National Park. HikingMarymere Falls - Rating: easyProceed west from Port Angeles on Hwy. 101 to Lake Crescent and drive around the lake to Lake Crescent Rd. turn right and pull in to the Storm King Ranger Station parking lot. A flat, loose gravel trail to the falls winds through old growth forest. Seasonal flowers and mushrooms add color to the otherwise green and brown world of the lush rain forest. If the 9-story falls inspire you to hike more and you’re up for a challenging trek, the Mount Storm King Trail climbs steeply for 1.7 miles from the Marymere Falls trail. The path is narrow and quite steep, rising 2,100 feet, but the ascent will award you with a stunning vista of Lake Crescent, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. Spruce Railroad Trail - Rating: easy Go west on Highway 101 out of Port Angeles for about 15 miles. Turn right onto East Beach Road. Continue on East Beach Road for 3 miles to just past the signs for Log Cabin Resort. Turn left at the sign for the Spruce Railroad Trail. Cross the bridge over the Lyre River and stay left for .3 mile to the trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. The trail begins just on the other side of the road. Hurricane Ridge Trails - Rating: moderateDrive east from downtown Port Angeles on Hwy. 101 and turn south on Race St. Follow Race St. up to the turn for Hurricane Ridge. Stop at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center for maps and information. The 19-mile drive from Port Angeles winds from sea level to 5,097 ft., offering numerous opportunities to gawk at the scene below while approaching a wall of Olympic Mountain peaks. Park in the lot at the top and take the trail to the top of Hurricane Hill Trail. The summit is only 660 ft. higher than the parking area and the scenic trek begins as a paved nature trail. You might spot marmots, black-tailed deer, and mountain goats. Also evolving from the paved nature trails out of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, the Mount Angeles Loop offers moderate elevation gain, alpine meadows, and exploding fields of wildflowers. Beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife will be your reward. Clear skies will help you see Mt. Olympus, the highest peak on the Olympic Peninsula and several peaks in the Bailey Range.
Camping can have a variety of meanings, depending on whom you ask. For some it means hiking to a remote lake with all your gear in your back back, and not seeing another human for the week. To others having the ability to drive to the site with all the gear in the back of the van and have the amenities of showers, toilets, and family play areas make the most sense, and finally there are those with fully stocked and self contained luxury RV Motor homes and Trailers that create the best camping images. Well not to worry, Olympic National Park and the surrounding area offers something for everyone. The “Park” encompasses over one million acres with the majority holding the wilderness designation. For the backcountry hiker/camping enthusiast there are few better places to get-away from it all. Port Angeles has local guide and outfitter shops can help design a trek that will suit your ability and time. There are also state, county and national campgrounds scattered all through the Olympic Peninsula giving you the opportunity to choose from a mountain setting, to a campsite within ear shot of the breaking waves. If you need a spot to park your rig for the week, there are over a dozen locations for you to select from. Many with full hook-ups and RV supplies. For additional information and help please contact:
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