The Unwritten Rules of Hiking Around Port Angeles

Hiking around Port Angeles is kind of magical. You’ve got ocean air in your lungs, moss hanging from trees like nature’s tinsel, and trails that zigzag through old-growth forests, wildflower meadows, and misty mountaintops. But just like any great adventure, there are some unspoken rules—the kind no one writes on a trailhead sign, but everyone appreciates when followed.

So whether you’re a first-time hiker or just new to our neck of the woods, here are the unofficial hiking rules for exploring the trails around Port Angeles (and yes, breaking them might summon Bigfoot).

1. The Banana Slug Deserves Respect

It’s big. It’s slimy. It’s somehow… cute? The iconic Pacific Northwest banana slug is basically a trail mascot around here. If you see one, say hi. Step over it. Don’t poke it. And definitely don’t step on it. Hikers say spotting one early in your hike brings good luck. We don’t know if that’s true, but we’re not taking any chances.

2. Speakers Are for Campsites, Not Trails

Let’s just put this one plainly: if you’re hiking with music blaring from a speaker, you’re doing it wrong. The forest already has a playlist—birds, wind, distant water, your own breathing. It’s perfect. Don’t mess it up with Top 40 hits or EDM drops. Want tunes? Pop in an earbud. One ear only. That way you can still hear your surroundings… or Bigfoot. Your choice.

3. Uphill Hikers Have the Right of Way

Going uphill is hard. Don’t make it harder. Step aside and let them pass. This is trail etiquette 101. And if you’re the one gasping up a steep incline and someone kindly steps aside for you, smile and say thanks—preferably between breaths.

4. Pack Out Every Crumb

This is not a metaphor. Crumbs count. Leave no trace isn’t just a cute slogan—it’s how we keep the Olympic National Forest pristine. Don’t leave granola bar wrappers, tissues, orange peels, or rogue protein bar bites. Yes, even the organic ones. If it came with you, it leaves with you. That includes dog poop bags (you know who you are).

5. Watch Where You Put Your Feet (and Your Snacks)

Look down. Roots, rocks, and puddles like to jump out of nowhere. It’s also where slugs live and wildflowers bloom. Looking down helps with balance, safety, and snack security. Speaking of which, if you drop a peanut butter cracker, don’t let the squirrels win. They’ll never forget.

6. “Hi” Is Mandatory

There’s an unspoken social contract on trails around here. When you pass someone, you say hi. Even if it’s just a nod or a polite “hey.” We don’t make the rules. Oh wait, we kind of do. And this one’s non-negotiable.

7. Fog Is Nature’s Filter

Don’t let cloudy skies fool you. The trail will still be beautiful. In fact, some of our favorite hikes are even better in the mist—Hurricane Ridge on a foggy morning? Unreal. The trees drip with mood. Your photos will look like they belong on an indie album cover. Trust the fog.

Hiking in Port Angeles is a dream. It’s peaceful, mossy, occasionally misty, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re on a short stroll to Marymere Falls or tackling a longer trek near Lake Crescent, these trails offer something special. Just remember the unspoken rules, share the trail, and be a kind human in the woods.

And seriously… watch out for banana slugs.