Hiking is a great way to exercise while taking in the beauty of nature. Trails and types of hikes vary in difficulty, and while easy is a relative term, all the hikes listed here are perfectly achievable by beginner hikers. Don’t be afraid to take on these adventurous trails, but make sure you’re prepared. Study hiking tips for a successful and enjoyable trek, and don’t forget your camera.
The Hoh River trail is a lush forest trail in the Olympic National Park that leads to the Mount Olympus Blue Glacier. Hoh River trail is 32 miles (round trip) and well maintained. It’s mostly flat for the first 12 miles then it begins to ascend sharply up to Glacier Meadows. Too long a trail? You’ll be happy to know most people hike just a portion of the trail then turn around and retrace their steps.
There is a lot of beauty to enjoy whether you do a 6-mile loop, 12 miles or the full distance, simply walk your pace and go only as far as you want. Be sure to stop by the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to learn about the area you are about to explore from the exhibits and get helpful hiking tips and route information from the staff.
Ouzel Falls is in the southeastern corner of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s an easy scenic hike with 3 waterfalls and many smaller cascades in 3 miles, it’s no wonder why it is considered the best waterfall hike in the park. Ouzel Falls is 6-miles of mostly shaded trail which also means there could be snow on the ground in June. Check online for the trail and weather conditions so you are prepared for this popular summer hike.
You have an option to continue to the beautiful Bluebird Lake, but you’ll have to add 7.2 miles to your roundtrip hike. Keep in mind, this next part will be steep, rocky and strenuous but your reward a pristine alpine lake.
A fun trail consists of 2 miles through the woods and 2 miles on the beach, Shi Shi Beach is great for day hikes and overnight camping. Wooden planks carry you through the first mile while the second mile is often muddy trails but aside from getting muddy, it’s an easy hike. The descent to the beach is steep but walking across 2 miles of gorgeous oceanfront awaits you. Shi Shi Beach is a scenic location, perfect for photographers capturing sunsets, waves and sea life in tidepools!
To visit Shi Shi Beach, you will need TWO permits: The Makah Recreation Pass (purchased in Neah Bay) and an Olympic National Park wilderness permit (available at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles or Forks). You’ll need a camping permit if you plan to camp.
Formed 300,000 years ago, a view from the summit of the Diamond Head Crater gives you amazing 360-degree panoramic views that will take your breath away. For a hike, it’s a relatively short trail of just 0.8 miles one way from the trailhead to the Diamond Head Crater summit but don’t let the distance fool you as the trail is a rough, steep and uneven 560-foot climb. You’ll want to make sure you have appropriate walking shoes, lots of water and sunscreen (you’re in the tropics).
This is not a shaded trail and you are in the tropics so you will definitely want to take this hike in the
morning before the high heat of the afternoon sun. The park opens at 6am daily and the entrance fee is CASH ONLY at $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. Diamond Head Crate holds the world record for the longest recorded land view and getting up early to hike up this famous landmark is absolutely worth your every step!
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