Last updated: April 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Take a Short Hike Near the Visitor Center
NPS Photo
Near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, two short loop hikes take visitors through peaceful, green lowland forests. Both trails are open year-round, and provide a great introduction to the forests of Olympic following a visit to the Visitor Center. Picnic benches located near the trailheads and amenities at the Visitor Center make this a great spot to stop for a post-hike lunch.
Peabody Creek Trail to Aldwell Nature Trail
This moderate-difficulty half-mile loop begins at the western edge of the Visitor Center parking lot. The trail descends through the forest to Peabody Creek. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the unique experience of walking under moss-covered trees that lean over the trail. Keep right (north) to join the Aldwell Nature Trail and return to the Visitor Center parking lot, or continue on the Peabody Creek Trail for a 5.2 mile out-and-back journey.
Living Forest Trail
This easy 0.4 mile loop starts beside the historic Beaumont cabin, behind the Visitor Center. Keep a lookout for banana slugs, interesting fungi, and the many birds of the forest!
Peabody Creek Trail to Aldwell Nature Trail
This moderate-difficulty half-mile loop begins at the western edge of the Visitor Center parking lot. The trail descends through the forest to Peabody Creek. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the unique experience of walking under moss-covered trees that lean over the trail. Keep right (north) to join the Aldwell Nature Trail and return to the Visitor Center parking lot, or continue on the Peabody Creek Trail for a 5.2 mile out-and-back journey.
Living Forest Trail
This easy 0.4 mile loop starts beside the historic Beaumont cabin, behind the Visitor Center. Keep a lookout for banana slugs, interesting fungi, and the many birds of the forest!
Details
Duration
15-30 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on the Peabody Creek Trail.
Pets are not allowed on the Living Forest Trail.
Pets are not allowed on the Living Forest Trail.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Start from the Visitor Center
The Peabody Creek trailhead is located at the western edge of the Visitor Center parking lot.
The Living Forest trailhead is located behind the Visitor Center.
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
The Living Forest trailhead is located behind the Visitor Center.
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Peabody Creek Trail: This trail is not considered ADA accessible. Visitors should be aware that this trail involves sometimes-steep inclines and declines, steps, and wooden bridge crossings. There are some natural obstacles along the trail route, including tree roots.
Living Forest Trail: This trail is considered accessible with assistance. The trail does not meet ADA standards, but may be accessible by visitors with sufficient upper body strength and balance, or a friend to help. Living Forest Trail has an elevation change of 82 feet.
Living Forest Trail: This trail is considered accessible with assistance. The trail does not meet ADA standards, but may be accessible by visitors with sufficient upper body strength and balance, or a friend to help. Living Forest Trail has an elevation change of 82 feet.