To most hikers, gyms are stuffy and boring. Walking and running in place is tedious, and the general atmosphere of the building is not welcoming. Bright lights, TVs and mirrors as far as the eye can see. Counters full of supplements next to the juice bar try to convince us that we need to bulk up and be strong. The gym is not a natural place to work out. We need oxygen, we need a change of scenery, and we need to start a healthy lifestyle in a location that makes us want to return.

 

We need nature as our gym. We need to get off the elliptical machines and treadmills and hit the trails. Hiking can give you a full workout and a rewarding view, while at best, the gym might give you glimpse of that cutie. Avoid the awkward eye-contact and instead, find true love on the trails of the Olympic National Park. We can assure you that if you try hiking instead of going to the gym, you will have a much healthier, active and happy life.

 

Don’t believe us? Try hiking these 12 trails and tell us we are wrong.

 

HIKES AS WORKOUTS

 

Hood Canal Region

 

Beginner: Staircase Loop

Miles Round Trip: 4 Miles

Elevation Gain: 200ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/2lS5i

 

Moderate: Lena Lake

Miles Round Trip: 5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1300ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/feqjR

 

Advanced: Flapjack Lakes

Miles Round Trip: 15 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3,000ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/2lS5i

 

 

Rainforest Region

 

Beginner: Hall of Mosses and Hoh River Trail

Miles Round Trip: 2-5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 300ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/JohtT

 

Moderate: Colonel Bob Peak

Miles Round Trip: 12 Miles

Elevation Gain: 4,200ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/uLzTr

 

Advanced: Enchanted Valley

Miles Round Trip: 26 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3500ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/cAZtx

 

 

Beaches Region

 

Beginner: Ruby Beach

Miles Round Trip: 1-3 Mile

Elevation Gain: 100ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/qqLYn

 

Moderate: 2^nd and 3^rd Beach

Miles Round Trip: Variable

Elevation Gain: 200ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/6D2Fs

 

Advanced: Ozette Loop

Miles Round Trip: 9.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 300ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/Nn8B0

 

 

North Region

 

Beginner: Spruce Railroad Trail

Miles Round Trip: 8 Miles

Elevation Gain: 200ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/WgeZ3

 

Moderate: Dodger Point Bridge/Goblins Gate

Miles Round Trip: 7 Miles

Elevation Gain: 800ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/eM8t9

 

Advanced: Seven Lakes Basin

Miles Round Trip: 19 Miles

Elevation Gain: 4000ft

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/J8jtL

 

 

Buy our Guidebook for even more awesome hikes!

 

 

Like my shoes?

Check out Oboz!