Olympic Peninsula Adventures with Your Dog

The Olympic Peninsula is a vast region sandwiched between Seattle/the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean.  It is a diverse region with multiple ecosystems: lush rainforests, woodsy forestland, coastal scenery, and classic rugged mountain peaks.  It is home to the large and beautiful Olympic National Park, but since dogs aren’t allowed on National Park trails, we’ve had to do a lot of exploring in other parts of the Olympic Peninsula that are dog-friendly!  Keep reading for our list of favorite dog-friendly adventures in this area. 

Note: If you’re looking for recommendations for Olympic National Park specifically, check out our other post here for weekend adventures, or here for an easy backpacking trip to Enchanted Valley.

Mount Ellinor

• TRAIL STATS: (from the Lower Trailhead)
  • 6.2 miles round trip 
  • Strenuous; 3,300’ elevation gain
  • Permit/pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• We did this July 2019 and started in the afternoon with the hopes of catching sunset and doing it as an overnighter, rather than a day hike. Since we had a late start on our day, we actually drove a few extra miles from the Lower Trailhead and started from the Upper Trailhead – this is much more difficult than the recommended Lower Trailhead start as it shaves off half the distance, climbing nearly 2,500 feet of gain in 1.6 miles to the summit.  Parking here at the Lower Trailhead will allow for an ample “warm-up” before the climb!
• We actually reached our campsite in the dark, so we had no idea what our surroundings were until we woke up the following morning above the clouds.  Waking up to these panoramic views and colors was such a treat!  
• Generally speaking, most people do this trek as a day hike, so we saw many, many hikers coming up as we were heading down the following morning. 

Mount Townsend

• TRAIL STATS: (from the Upper Trailhead)
  • 8 miles round trip
  • Moderate; 3,000’ elevation gain
  • No permit/pass needed

• This trek provides you with views along the entire way – peekaboo views of the famous Washington volcanoes on the way up, and quite a phenomenal panorama from the summit. 
• We’ve actually done this route twice: once during the day, and a second time to catch sunset, and we must say that sunset is definitely our preference!  Just make sure you have extra layers and headlamps for the dark, cold hike down. 
• This is also a popular trail for backpackers – several established campsites dot the trail as you near the summit, and many folks brave the winds and camp at the actual summit too.  Choose your own adventure!

Marmot Pass

• TRAIL STATS:
  • 11.5 miles round trip
  • Moderate; 3500’ elevation gain
  • Permit/pass: Northwest Forest Pass

• We did this July 2023 on a warm and sunny day.  This area is a great place to find hikes that have had significant snow melt in early summer before a lot of other higher elevation trails. 
• Don’t be intimidated by the long 11.5 mile distance – the elevation gain is gradual and rolling, there is ample shade through most of the trail, and many opportunities for refilling your water bottle. 
• It is the quintessential Pacific Northwest hike: old growth forest and the constant lullaby of creek crossings, leading to a gorgeous view at the Pass that will connect you to many other trails should you choose to continue your hiking. 

Salt Creek Recreation Area: Tongue Point

This is a family friendly area with many small trails to explore the coastline and see marine life up close and personal.  Our favorite trail follows a staircase down to Tongue Point, which is north of the campgrounds.  When the tides are low, you can explore miles of beach and tidepools.  Look for starfish, seagulls, anemone and more!  Be sure to check the tide charts though as you’ll only want to be in this area either just before or right at low tide.

Dosewallips State Park

• When we hiked Marmot Pass, we stayed at the Dosewallips State Campground within the state park.  Within the park itself, there are several family friendly trails.  The campground had large, clean bathrooms, and each campsite felt private with it’s large and shaded tree cover.  
• Our favorite trail was just across from the campground, crossing Highway 101 to the east, is Dosewallip Beach and the North Tidal Area Trail.  This will take you to an Observation Deck and to miles of sandy coastline.  It’s very common to see the local elk herds roaming through this entire area, which is always a fun sight to see.  You’ll need a Discover Pass for this area.

Looking for something inside Olympic National Park? Click here for our recommendations for day hikes or here for a family friendly backpack for a weekend within the National Park boundaries.

Happy adventuring!