Little River Trail

This is a lush, lowland river hike that trades big views for deep-forest mood. Starting near Little River Road and Black Diamond Road south of Port Angeles, the path follows old road grades on state land before entering Olympic National Park around 1.2 miles. From there, it tucks into a narrow canyon with high, fern-draped walls, steady river sound, and multiple crossings on sturdy bridges or logs. Expect massive trees, moss, fungi, and striking basalt features—watch for the “Goblins” rock outcrops and a quirky metal spiral, a leftover from early wooden water pipes.

How far you go is up to you. Many hikers turn around around 3.5 miles from the trailhead for a scenic 7-mile round trip with gentle grades and constant water views. The full corridor climbs roughly 7.6–8 miles one way to meet the Hurricane Hill/Hurricane Ridge Trail; pushing that far makes for a long day and a much bigger climb. Elevation gain varies widely by turnaround—roughly 1,400 feet for moderate day hikes, up to nearly 4,000 feet if you push toward the ridge.

The surface is mostly soft dirt with roots, rocks, and occasional mud, especially after rain. It’s a lightly traveled alternative to more famous Olympic hikes, so solitude is a real perk. Know that you won’t get ocean vistas here; this one’s about rainforest texture, river music, and canyon walls. If you’re chasing sweeping panoramas, you’ll need to continue many miles toward Hurricane Ridge—or pick a different day hike.

Access and regulations: The first mile-plus crosses Washington State land; a Discover Pass is required to park. Pets and bikes are only allowed up to the park boundary (about 1.2 miles)—turn around there if you brought them. Past that sign you’re on National Park trail where dogs and bikes are not permitted.

Best time to hike: The trail is effectively year-round. Spring and early summer bring peak greenery, mushrooms, and lively river flow (great for photos; expect more mud). Late summer and fall tend to be drier with autumn color. Higher sections can hold snow any time of year; the park advises bringing navigation and watching the weather. Weekdays see very light traffic.

Tips: Start early for empty bridges and soft light in the canyon. If you want a half-day, use the fourth river crossing or ~3.5-mile mark as your turnaround. After storms or in early spring, expect blowdowns and messy stretches. In bug season, bring mosquito/tick repellent.