Mount Storm King: A Majestic Olympic Adventure
A challenging climb with a rewarding view.
Mount Storm King, located in the Olympic National Park, is a popular hike known for its stunning views and challenging terrain. The park itself is located in the State of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. If you’re in Seattle and seeking a weekend adventure, this park is the ideal destination.
The hike is quite steep but you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Crescent. It is definitely one of our favorite hikes not just in the Olympics but also in Washington.
The weather was perfect when we hiked Storm King in April 2023, and there weren’t many other people on the trail.
Trail Details
Length: 5.2 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
You can find complete details of the hike on AllTrails here.
Trailhead & Parking
The trailhead is located at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. There is ample parking here.
Moss-covered trees, bridges along the trail add a touch of magic to the hike.
About 0.5 miles into the hike, there is a junction that splits into two trails.
Marymere Falls is a quick detour to the hike. You can either do it in the beginning or at the end of the hike. It only adds 20 minutes round trip and it is definitely worth it! We decided to do it in the beginning of our hike.
After finishing the waterfall hike, we started on the ascent to the Mount Storm.
About an hour into the hike, the trail becomes unmaintained, and the rope section begins. While this part may seem intimidating at first, I personally found it exhilarating.
It’s a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and experience the trail in a different way. Remember to pace yourself, stay safe, and always prioritize your comfort. If you’re not comfortable with the rope section, there’s a lovely viewpoint a little further down the trail where you can still enjoy the stunning views of Lake Crescent.
One of the good reasons to do this hike early in the morning is to avoid crowds in this part.
Once we reached the summit we were mind blown! The panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains was worth it.
We spent a lot of time here to enjoy the views, ate a snack and clicked lots of pics!
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with stunning scenery, Storm King is the hike for you.
