Pros & cons
PROS
- Jaw-dropping panorama over Lake Crescent and the Olympics
- Memorable rope-assisted scramble to a cliffy perch
CONS
- Very steep, exposed final section with unmaintained ropes
- Crowded on weekends; parking can fill early
Overview
Mount Storm King Viewpoint is the park’s punchiest payoff hike: short, steep, and wildly scenic. From high above Lake Crescent, you get a sweeping, big-mountain panorama that feels far more alpine than the mileage suggests.
The Hike, Quickly
- Distance/elevation: roughly 4–5 miles round-trip with about 2,000 feet of gain.
- Start: Marymere Falls Trail near the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent’s south shore; the Storm King path splits uphill from Marymere.
- Character: relentless switchbacks through lush forest, then a rough, exposed finish that includes rope-assisted scrambles beyond the end of the maintained trail.
What Makes It Special
This isn’t just another viewpoint—Storm King delivers a dramatic, cliff-edge overlook straight down to cobalt-blue Lake Crescent with layers of rugged Olympics beyond. On clear days, distant water and islands can pop into view. It’s a rare combo of rainforest approach and airy summit feel.
Safety and Conditions
- The rope section is unofficial and not maintained—proceed only if you’re comfortable with exposure and scrambling.
- The trail can be muddy, dusty, or slick after rain; traction matters, especially on descent.
- Weather shifts quickly; wind and wet rock raise the risk. Skip the scramble in poor conditions.
- Cell service is spotty; carry water, snacks, and an offline map. Trekking poles help; light gloves are great for the ropes.
Wildlife
You might spot deer, busy jays or other birds, squirrels, and—occasionally—black bears in the broader area. Stay alert, give wildlife space, and secure your food.
Logistics and Amenities
- Parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are at the Marymere Falls/Storm King Ranger Station trailhead; there are no facilities on the trail or at the viewpoint.
- A National Park Pass is required for parking.
- Many hikers add nearby Marymere Falls before or after to round out the day.
Best Time to Visit
- Aim for early morning on weekdays to beat crowds and secure parking.
- For photography, soft light at sunrise or late afternoon flatters Lake Crescent’s color and the ridge lines.
- Avoid rainy or windy days if you plan to do the rope section—conditions magnify the exposure.
Where it is
48.0554, -123.7408Mount Storm King Viewpoint
Tips for Mount Storm King Viewpoint
- 01Navigate to Marymere Falls/Storm King Ranger Station for the correct trailhead.
- 02Bring light gloves for the rope sections and grippy footwear for the descent.
- 03Start early on weekends; the lot fills and the rope section can bottleneck.
- 04Download an offline map—cell service is unreliable.
- 05If the scramble feels sketchy or wet, stop at earlier viewpoints; the views still deliver.
Amenities
Near Mount Storm King Viewpoint
All places →All trails →
1.9 mi awayLake Crescent OverlookEasy roadside stop with giant blue-lake panoramasPullout · Parking
2.1 mi awayLake Crescent Picnic AreaLakeside picnic spot with a dock and knockout blue-water viewsParking · Picnic Table
2.2 mi awayMount Storm King TrailSteep, rope-assisted climb to the best Lake Crescent overlookChallenging · 4.1 mi · 3 hr
2.2 mi awayStorm King TrailShort, brutal climb to rope-assisted views over Lake CrescentChallenging · 4.1 mi · 3.5 hr
2.2 mi awayMarymere Falls TrailShort, mossy forest stroll to a 90-foot waterfall near Lake CrescentEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
2.2 mi awayUpper Barnes Creek TrailQuiet, mossy creek walk above Lake Crescent with tricky crossingsModerate · 8 mi · 4.5 hr
2.2 mi awayMarymere FallsBeloved 90-foot plunge reached by a lush, easy forest walkTrailhead · Parking
2.3 mi awayStorm King Ranger StationHistoric log ranger station at Lake Crescent’s busiest trail hubTrailhead · Parking
