Hiking Mount Storm King, Olympic WA

Hiking Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park is a challenging but rewarding experience and one that we will never forget. With stunning views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains, it's no wonder this hike is a favorite among visitors… and us!!

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Here's our guide to help you prepare for this iconic hike at Mount Storm King

Know before you go

Mt. Storm King is located in Olympic National Park in Washington state.
If you choose to visit in the early-to-mid-Fall or early spring, you can avoid crowds. We also always recommend visiting these places on a weekday for the best experience.
Get a national park pass ahead of time or buy one at the gate
Arrive at the trailhead before 10 AM or after 4 PM in the summer. We started our hike around 3pm and only passed a few other people.
Be mindful of the weather and bring proper clothing! Conditions can change quickly and keep in mind, if it’s foggy, poor visibility ruins the whole experience.
Only hike Mount Storm King if you’re comfortable with the ropes section. The final stretch to the summit is an unmaintained trail with ropes along steep cliffs. If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to opt for a different hike.
Check the map - we highly recommend AllTrails Pro, as you can easily download maps on to your phone and use it during your hike without cell phone service.
Distance: 4.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Hard
Total Elevation Gain: 2106 feet
Starting Elevation: 600 feet
Highest Elevation (Mt. Storm King): 2,700 feet
Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours
When to Go: May through October
CHECK OUT THE MAP, TRAIL DESCRIPTION, AND REVIEWS
DON’T FORGET TO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR A PACKING LIST!

The trailhead for Mount Storm King is located off Highway 101, near the Lake Crescent Lodge. We parked the van at the lodge and hung out there for the morning and swam in the lake after our hike. (Highly recommend!!) The hike to Mount Storm King shares the same trailhead for Marymere Falls. The trail starts on the east side of the parking lot, heads behind the Storm King Ranger Station, and then crosses under Highway 101.

The trail is about 2 miles each way, with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet. This seems easy enough but the hike is rated as difficult, and hikers should be prepared for steep and rocky terrain, as well as exposure on the summit and a little bit of rope climbing.

The first part of the hike is relatively easy, following a switchback trail through the forest. After about a mile, the trail starts to climb steeply, with sections of rocky terrain. There are several viewpoints along the way, offering stunning views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains. (Scroll down for photos)

As we were headed up the trail, a huge thunderstorm came through and we had to take shelter in the nearest rock outcropping. We waited it out and just as quickly as the storm rolled in, the sun came out again and we had the whole place to ourselves with crisp, clean, mountain air.

As you near the summit, the trail becomes even steeper, with several sections of scrambling required. There are ropes and chains along the way to help on the steep and exposed sections. The final ascent to the summit requires some careful footing and major attention to the trail, as it is narrow and rocky. By then our legs were shaking so we took it extra slow. WARNING: If you are scared of heights, this might not be the hike for you! Neither one of us is afraid of heights but this definitely freaked us out a bit with the wet rocks.

Once at the summit, you are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Crescent. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It's a great spot to hang out and enjoy the beauty of Olympic National Park. We don’t go on any hikes without our MSR stove and we never miss an opportunity for a hot meal and epic views.

The hike down was much easier and faster (minus the beating to our knees!). We highly recommend having some poles but to each their own! See list of gear below >>

Tips to Keep In Mind

When hiking Mount Storm King, it's important to remember to stay on the trail and respect the natural environment. We talk about it a lot but always follow Leave No Trace principles and keep the trail better than you found it. It’s always upsetting to see people leaving garbage in these beautiful locations

It's also important to be aware of weather conditions when hiking Mount Storm King. The trail can be dangerous and slippery in wet conditions, and thunderstorms can occur suddenly in the mountains — exactly what happened to us! Check the weather forecast before beginning your hike, and be prepared to turn back or wait it out if conditions are not favorable.

This maybe goes without saying but please make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. The number of people that hike in flip flops still blows our minds.

We recommend hiking Mount Storm King to anyone visiting Olympic National Park if you are in good physical shape. It’s challenging but a very rewarding experience.

What to Pack for Your Mount Storm King Hike

Hiking Boots with Good Traction – Anna’s favorite are the Columbia Newton Ridge classics. James’ favorite are Salomans. We recommend anything that suites your style from REI or Backcountry
Wool socks
Hiking Poles – We absolutely love this pair of trekking poles.
Layers – Temperature can change dramatically throughout the day. Moisture-wicking hiking shirts and fleece base layers will keep you feeling good throughout the hike
Rain Jacket – It’s the Pacific Northwest… it always rains! Again, we love anything from REI or Backcountry. Here is our Northfaces, and Anna’s classic yellow!
Backpack- We love Osprey Tempest for women or Osprey Talon for men with plenty of room for water and extra gear.
First Aid Kit
Headlamp with Extra Batteries – We never go anywhere without them! We recommend the Black Diamond headlamp
Hat and Sunscreen
and if you want to be bougie like us, an MSR stove or jet boil are a must! Expensive but worth it and will last you a lifetime if you take good care of it. + all the Mountainhouses!!