Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula

by Craig Romano

Introducing next-generation trail guides for the Northwest. We asked hikers what they want in a trail guide today and this is what they more day hikes, with options for extending the trip; hike selection conveniently arranged by highway and travel corridors; more hikes close to urban centers; more year-round hikes at low elevation; clear driving directions; a portable size; and more use of color. To meet the needs of the modern hiker, The Mountaineers Books introduces its new Day Hiking guidebook series, written by Northwest residents with impressive hiking resumes. These guides provide accurate information in attractive, high-quality packaging and are infused with the environmental ethic that distinguishes The Mountaineers Books from other outdoor publishers.

Genres: Reference, Travel, Nonfiction, Nature, Guidebook, Outdoors

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2007

About the author

Outdoors writer and award-winning author of more than 25 Pacific Northwest guidebooks. Avid hiker, runner, Northwest trails expert and dedicated conservationist.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Romano knows his trails, this isn't the only trail book I have of his Detailed, easy to follow and plenty of options for exploring. He is a pacific Northwest author, which I love as the places he writes about are home to me. I enjoy just reading his books, even if I haven't hit all the trails he describes. Someday that will happen.

I highly recommend checking out his other books. He even has some urban trail books for trails close and in some of the cities which make hiking more accessible to more people. He is also has a page on facebook dedicated to his hiking and shares other articles from time to time. Its a fun page to follow.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went on some of these hikes during a recent trip to Olympic National Park. Gives information on how to get there, difficulty, length of hike, whether its dog friendly, and other features, as well as what you can do if you want to "extend" your hike. The snapshots of the various places would motivate the most entrenched couch potato to get moving. This is a must take for those interested in visiting any part of the peninsula.

[MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far so good — useful info packed in.

[Markus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is great, but the layout is possibly the most difficult hiking book I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure there is a better book for the OP out there, though.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, hands down, the best hiking guide for the Olympic Peninsula. Great for families with kids and/or dogs. A must-have for anyone visiting or living on the Olympic Peninsula.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously didn't read this cover to cover but this book got us through nearly a week of hikes using Port Angeles as a home base. My wife and I tend to look for hikes that Craig described as being "off the beaten path," "hard," or "solitary." On every one of these, we found his reviews spot on and ended up doing 3 of the greatest hikes we've ever been on: (1) 18.5 mile Bogachiel Peak loop past Deer and Heart Lakes (AMAZING but quite a go in one day--we were the only people we saw doing it in a day), (2) North Fork of Sol Duc (stunning and had a cat encounter), and (3) South Fork Hoh River (a solitary version of the main Hoh trails). We also did some other great hikes (Queets River) and on every one, Craig's guidance was spot on. If you're going to Olympic National Park, skip the website writeups and just get this book. I borrowed it but also just bought my own copy as thanks to the author and to have one for myself for future trips.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needing something to read while flying to Seattle...when I can't read my Kindle...this was interesting. I read about several hikes and some of the extra information and advice given by this author. I am the owner of several of this author's book. If you want some good suggestions for hiking in Washington...this is the book to get!

[Lisita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the layout of the book. Can't wait to get hiking!