Olympic Peninsula Snowshoeing: Snowshoe Rentals & Tours

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Snowshoeing

Strap on your snowshoes and head to the many trails of Olympic National Park that are suitable not only for hiking but also for exciting snowshoeing adventures.

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Where can I go snowshoeing in Olympic National Park?

Hurricane Hill
This trail is one of the most popular snowshoe routes in the park as it contains some very easy sections in addition to others that are more difficult. Admire frost-flocked trees, snow-covered meadows, thick forests, and awesome views of beautiful Mount Olympus. White-out conditions can occur, however, so always check the weather report before you go. 

  • Distance: 6 miles/4 hours 
  • Elevation Gain: 800 feet 
  • Difficulty: easiest to more difficult 
  • Trail Type: out-and-back 
  • Trailhead: Travel 6 miles west from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge Road to the Visitor Center, about 17 miles. Sign in at the lodge, which is near the trail.

Blue Mountain/Deer Park
Trek through thick expanses of moss-covered cedar and fir trees and look for black-tailed deer and mountain goats on your trip up Deer Park Road to the summit of Blue Mountain. Your also see adorable, furry little martens that run from tree to tree. 

  • Distance/time: 14 miles total/ 6 hours (overnight optional) 
  • Elevation gain: 2,500 feet 
  • Difficulty: More difficult, best for snowshoers with some experience 
  • Trail Type: out-and-back 
  • Trailhead: From Port Angeles, turn south onto Deer Park Road. Follow for 9 miles to the Olympic National Park boundary. The road may be gated here (elevation 2000 feet). If the gate is open, continue on the road for 2.8 miles to a second gate at 3500 feet (or as far as the snow allows). If the first gate is closed, park here to begin your journey.

Eagle Point
This trek, which begins with a steep descent and then levels off a bit, ends at majestic Mount Olympus. On the way, ooh and aah at views of the Lillian River Valley, the Bailey Range, Steeple Rock, and – of course – Eagle Point. If it’s snowing hard, skip the last 3 miles as they can be quite treacherous when the weather is bad. 

  • Distance: 10 miles total/7 hours (overnight optional) 
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet 
  • Difficulty: Most difficult 
  • Trail Type: out-and-back 
  • Trailhead: From Port Angeles, drive about 6 miles west to Hurricane Ridge Road to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, about 17 miles. Sign in at the center (required for all users) and then drive back down the road 0.5 mile to the trailhead parking.

Mount Angeles
It takes a little work to get to this trail, but most snowshoers agree that it’s worth the trouble. Enjoy bucolic meadows, sparkling ice-covered evergreens, and views of Blue Mountain, Elk Mountain, and Maiden Peak. This is a high elevation trail that begins high and stays that way. 

  • Distance: 6 miles/6 hours 
  • Elevation Gain: 600 feet 
  • Difficulty: backcountry skills required 
  • Trail Type: out-and-back 
  • Trailhead: From Port Angeles, drive 6 miles to Hurricane Ridge Road to the Visitor Center, about 17 miles. Sign in at the Visitor Center, which is close to the trailhead.