Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula

If you are in western Washington and like to hike, this is an invaluable guide. The book lists 136 hikes in seven sections: Southwest Washington and Olympic Peninsula South, East, Northwest, North, West, and Coast. A map shows all the hikes. Most are in and around Olympic National Park, but many are along the coast and in other places. A table gives a quick overview of each hike with round-trip distance, rating, difficulty, whether it’s year-round, if car camping is nearby, whether it is kid- or dog-friendly, if it has exceptional wildflowers or old growth forest, whether it has beach hiking, bird watching, historical significance, and if it’s good for overnight camping. Each hike has a good write-up detailing whom to contact for passes or maps, whether mountain bikes or dogs are allowed, how to get there, what you will find on the trail, and what you might do to extend your trip. There is also a map of each hiking trail and a color photo for each. The writing is conversational and pleasant to read. The size (5”x 7”x1”) is perfect to tuck into a backpack or glovebox. Don’t leave home without it.