Olympic National Park offers a variety of snowshoeing trails for enthusiasts of all levels. According to AllTrails.com, the best hiking trail for snowshoeing in the park is Lake Angeles Trail, which has a 4.7-star rating from 1,968 reviews and is 11.1 km long with an elevation gain of 758 m. For those seeking a longer trail, Sentinell Peak via Grey Wolf Deer Loop is the longest snowshoeing trail in the park, estimated to be 72.1 km long. There are a total of 8 snowshoeing trails in the park, which have an average 4.5-star rating from 4,298 AllTrails community reviews.
Snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is the focus of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Olympic National Park, with easy access and 15 to 20 miles of routes. The area provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more, with its winter season generally lasting from late November through the end of March. Visitors should be prepared for winter driving conditions, as all vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station from November 1 through April 1, regardless of tire type or weather conditions.
Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks
Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered at 1:30 pm on Saturdays, through March 25, 2023, snow permitting. The walks last approximately 90 minutes and are less than one mile in length, with space limited to 25 individuals. Sign-up begins at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center information desk 30 minutes before the scheduled walk. Organized groups such as youth or school groups must make advance reservations for snowshoe walks.
Guided Snowshoeing Tours
Guided snowshoeing tours are also available through Olympic Hiking Co., which provides snowshoes, trekking poles, roundtrip transportation on a four-wheel-drive shuttle bus, and picnic lunches for purchase. The guided tour is led by one of the company’s experienced Naturalist Hiking Guides, who overview the fundamentals of snowshoeing, winter hiking, and avalanche awareness.
Snowshoeing Trail Highlights
Here are some of the top snowshoeing trails in Olympic National Park:
| Trail Name | Distance (km) | Elevation Gain (m) | AllTrails Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Angeles Trail | 11.1 | 758 | 4.7 |
| Sentinell Peak via Grey Wolf Deer Loop | 72.1 | N/A | N/A |
| Deer Park | 8.0 | 366 | 4.6 |
| Staircase Rapids | 6.4 | 183 | 4.6 |
| Hoh River Trail | 32.2 | 762 | 4.7 |
In summary, Olympic National Park offers a range of snowshoeing experiences for enthusiasts of all levels, with easy access and a variety of trails to choose from. Visitors should be prepared for winter driving conditions and consider joining a ranger-led snowshoe walk or guided tour for a safe and enjoyable experience.