Mount Storm King, Olympic National Park
Hike Statistics:
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation gain: 2,106 feet
Highlights: Marymere Falls, rocky scramble, Lake Crescent overlook
About this Hike
It’s hard to go wrong with any hike in Olympic National Park. The park’s diverse regions – the mountains, rainforest, coastline, and Lake Crescent – each offer something special to discover. I debated listing Hurricane Hill as the hike to do here, but I decided on something more adventurous: Mount Storm King.
Looming over Lake Crescent, Mount Storm King provides a panoramic view of the lake and nearby Canada. Though it’s only a 4-mile round trip hike to its summit, it entails 2,000 feet of elevation gain. After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail turns into a rocky scramble – assisted by ropes – leading to the summit. At the summit, a lack of trees creates lots of exposure and a 360° view of the surrounding wilderness.
Like the other Washington hikes on this list, you should plan to visit Olympic in July or August to catch the sun. This hike is a little less fun when it’s windy, rainy, and cloudy. Plus, the view at the top is less rewarding when clouds obscure it. Be sure to detour to Marymere Falls after returning from the summit!
Read more about the things to do in Olympic National Park.
