Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests.
Visit a Forest office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest.
Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member. Check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests. Vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water. Even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or a walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope. Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared. If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer. If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer. If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
Learn more on the links below.
- Know Before You Go
- Tread Lightly
- Map Pages
- National Forest Maps in the Avenza Store
- Responsible Recreation
Backpacking
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Big Creek Campground
Site Open
Campsites will accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The 64 camp units are spaced for privacy in a second-growth forested area. Big Creek, a small stream, is adjacent to the campground. Fires in…
Big Creek Trailhead
Site Open
Picnic shelter is available with 6 tables and stoves at Big Creek Trailhead & Picnic area within Big Creek Campground.Provides access to:Big Creek Campground Trail #827 - a gentle 1-mile loop…
Big Creek Upper Loop #827.1
Site Open
This trail passes through mature second growth and affords the hiker an excellent walk in the forest. Upper Big Creek Loop Trail #827.1 makes a four-mile loop around Big Creek Basin. To access the…
Big Quilcene area
A true vision of a Pacific Northwest Forest, the Big Quilcene area is home to big trees, rushing rivers and rolling fog lines. With a multitude of hiking opportunities, the trails in the Big Quilcene…
Big Spruce Trailhead
Site Open
Drive one mile beyond the Pacific Ranger District, Quinault office on South Shore Road to reach the trailhead. From the trailhead along South Shore Road take a .3 mile stroll to enjoy the World's…
Bogachiel Rain Forest River Trailhead
Site Open
Provides access to: Bogachiel Rain Forest River Trail #825 and Ira Spring Wetland Trail which create a loop option. Bogachiel Rain Forest Trail follows the Bogaciel River and enters Olympic…
Brown Creek Campground
Site Open
Brown Creek Campground is located along the shore of the South Fork Skokomish River at the confluence with Brown Creek. Evergreen conifers and hardwoods provide lots of shade at this campground.…
Brown Creek Interpretive Trailhead
Site Open
Provides access to: Brown Creek Nature Loop Trail #877 a 0.8 mile accessible trail with interpretive signs and great wildlife viewing opportuinities.This trailhead is located adjacent to Brown…
Buckhorn Wilderness
Site Open
Buckhorn Wilderness is located in the northeast portion of the Olympic National Forest. A patented mining claim involving 216 acres of private land is within the Wilderness. This Wilderness…
Camp Creek Olympic Discovery Trailhead
Site Open
This site provides western access to the Olympic Discovery Trail that parallels the winding course of the Sol Duc River. It is a dog-friendly trail that is also open to touring bikes, mountain…