Take A Boardwalk Trail Through Coastal Forests To Hidden Beaches In Washington

There's no doubt about it—the state of Washington is a premier place to hike. From our mountainous climbs to our waterfront treks, our trails offer something for everyone, and all skill levels. And if the idea of hiking through a lush green forest to an ocean beach sounds appealing, you'll love the Cape Alava Trail.

This trail is located inside Olympic National Park and the Makah Indian Reservation, so make sure you have your National Park Pass before you go, and try to leave everything better than you found it. Happy hiking!

The Cape Alava Trail is located near Neah Bay, and at 6.9 miles round-trip, it's a lengthy trek.

However, the trail is mostly boardwalked, and it's considered a fairly easy hike.

The hike starts at Lake Ozette and takes you right into a dense forest of red cedars, ferns, and evergreens.

Parts of this journey will have you thinking you've stumbled into a fairytale.

The deeper into the forest you get, the more peaceful everything gets... and then you'll start to hear the unmistakable sounds of the ocean and smell the salty air.

This tells you that you're coming close to the beach.

You'll have to hike down a few stairs to reach the shoreline—and remember, the stairs and the boardwalks can be slippery here.

But when you see the ocean, it will all be worth it.

While you're here, feel free to do some beachcoming, especially if the tide is out.

If you're lucky, you might even spot some harbor seals or other wildlife.

This is an out-and-back trail, and it typically takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours to complete.

However, we highly recommend blocking out most of your day for your adventure so you can spend some time at the beach, enjoying the scenery.

The Cape Alava Trail is a must-see for any PNW hiker.

And while it's an easy to find, popular hike, the length of the trail tends to keep the large crowds away.

Do you have a favorite hiking trail in Washington?