While our national parks are spectacular, dogs generally aren’t allowed out onto the trails, and Olympic National Park is no exception. The good news is that the Olympic National Forest which lies adjacent to the park offers the chance to bring your four-legged best friend hiking with you, including the Lower Big Quilcene Trail.
This is not only a great early season hike, located at a fairly low elevation that’s often snow-free, it’s incredibly scenic, surrounded by lush greenery, first traveling high above the river then alongside it, as well as crossing over at some points.
The 6.2-mile out-and-back trail is fairly easy with just a 1,100-foot elevation gain. While dogs are allowed, they must be kept on leash.
photo credit: K.C. Dermody
Bring a picnic and you two can enjoy dining at the edge of the rushing water with beautiful cascades tumbling down the moss-covered rocks and boulders.
If you enjoy hiking the Northwest with your dog, keep an eye out for more posts covering the best dog-friendly hikes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
