Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse and awe-inspiring parks in the United States, located in the Pacific Northwest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. With its lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and towering mountain ranges, Olympic National Park offers a unique trifecta of ecosystems, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers. This guide will help you plan your visit to maximize your experience. Consider adding it as part of a longer, epic Pacific Northwest road trip.
Getting to Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is accessible from several nearby cities. The most common starting points are:
- Seattle: A 2-3 hour drive plus a ferry ride to reach the park’s main entrances.
- Port Angeles: A great base for exploring the northern parts of the park, about 30 minutes from key trailheads.
You’ll need a car to get around the park since its various regions are spread out with no central road connecting them.
When to Visit
The best time to visit depends on your priorities:
Winter (December to March): Ideal for solitude seekers and snow enthusiasts, though many areas will have limited access.
Summer (July to September): The most popular time due to mild weather and accessible trails.
Spring (April to June): A quieter time with lush greenery and fewer crowds. We visited at the end of June and the crowds were minimal!
Fall (October to November): Gorgeous fall colors, but some higher-elevation trails may start to close.
Key Areas to Explore
1. Hoh Rain Forest
Step into a fairytale landscape of moss-draped trees and vibrant greenery. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the park’s most famous spots, receiving up to 14 feet of rain annually.
Must-Do Hikes:
- Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles): A short, easy loop showcasing the rainforest’s lush vegetation.
- Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles): Another gentle loop, perfect for families.
Tip: Get to the entrance as early as possible because they do metered entrances, only letting cars in as spots in the parking lot open up. You can get stuck in a line of cars for hours! We arrived around 10:30 AM and had to wait an hour and a half.
2. Hurricane Ridge
Offering jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains, Hurricane Ridge is perfect for those looking to experience alpine beauty without a strenuous climb. This is incredible any time of day but highly recommend catching sunset up there!
Highlights:
- Drive the scenic Hurricane Ridge Road.
- Enjoy easy hikes like the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.4 miles round-trip) for panoramic views.
- Visit in winter for snowshoeing or skiing.
3. Olympic Coastline
The park’s rugged coastline is a must-visit for tide pooling, beachcombing, and photography. Keep in mind that there can be a whole different weather pattern on the coast. Unfortunately, it was pretty rainy and cloudy when we visited.
Top Beaches:
- Rialto Beach: Known for its dramatic sea stacks and driftwood.
- Second Beach: A short hike through a forest leads to stunning ocean views and tide pools.
- Ruby Beach: Famous for its photogenic rock formations and reflective sands.
4. Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Valley
This crystal-clear glacial lake and nearby valley are serene spots for kayaking, swimming, hiking, and soaking in natural hot springs.
Don’t Miss:
- Marymere Falls Trail (1.7 miles): A family-friendly hike to a picturesque waterfall.
- Sol Duc Falls Trail (1.6 miles): A must-see trail leading to a gorgeous three-pronged waterfall.
- Relax at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
5. Mount Olympus and the High Divide
For experienced hikers, this area offers some of the park’s most challenging and rewarding trails.
Backpacking Options:
- The High Divide Loop (18.2 miles) provides unparalleled views of Mount Olympus and alpine lakes.
Wildlife and Photography Tips
Olympic National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Keep your camera ready, but remember to maintain a safe distance.
Best Wildlife Viewing Spots:
- Hoh Rain Forest: Look for elk in the early morning or evening.
- Hurricane Ridge: Keep an eye out for marmots and deer.
- Beaches: Great for spotting seals and seabirds.
If you have time, consider taking a whale watching tour while you are in this area of the state. The San Juan Islands are the perfect place to spot Orcas, Humpbacks and Gray whales!
Where to Stay
We stayed in Port Angeles at the Red Lion Hotel, a convenient base for exploring Olympic National Park. Forks is another nearby town option but it is much smaller than Port Angeles.
Additional options:
- Campgrounds:
- Kalaloch Campground (near the coast): Offers ocean views.
- Heart O’ the Hills Campground (near Hurricane Ridge): Close to mountain trails.
- Lodges:
- Lake Crescent Lodge: A charming lakeside retreat.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: Perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring.
Hikes
Looking for more adventures? Here are some additional hikes worth exploring:
- Mount Storm King Trail (4.1 miles round-trip)
- A challenging but rewarding climb with breathtaking views of Lake Crescent from the summit. Steep switchbacks and rope-assisted sections make this a thrilling hike.
- Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail (2.4 miles round-trip)
- An easy out-and-back trail near Joyce, Washington, following the historic Spruce Railroad along the northern shore of Lake Crescent. The path leads to the Devil’s Punchbowl, a popular swimming spot with clear blue waters.
- Staircase Rapids Loop (2.1 miles round-trip)
- A gentle forested hike along the Skokomish River, featuring moss-covered trees, wooden bridges, and rushing rapids—ideal for a peaceful nature walk.
- Lake Angeles Trail (7.4 miles round-trip)
- A moderately strenuous hike leading to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. The trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and solitude.
- Lovers Lane, B-Loop, and Sol Duc Nature Trail Loop (6.1 miles round-trip)
- A loop trail combining several paths in the Sol Duc area, featuring old-growth forests, river views, and access to Sol Duc Hot Springs.
Tips for Visiting
- Pack Layers: Weather can change rapidly, especially in alpine and coastal areas.
- Plan Ahead: Some trails and roads may require permits or reservations during peak season.
- Check park conditions: Before heading out, take a look at current conditions on the NPS website here
- Bring Snacks and Water: Services within the park are limited.
- Check Tide Charts: If exploring coastal areas, avoid being caught by rising tides.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve the park by packing out all trash and staying on designated trails.
Sample Itinerary for 2 Days
Day 1: Rainforest and Beaches
Morning: Explore the Hoh Rain Forest (Hall of Mosses Trail). Make sure to get there early to avoid the lengthy car lines as they do metered entrance
Afternoon: Visit Rialto Beach and Second Beach.
Evening: Stay in Forks or a nearby campground.
Day 2: Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Valley, and Hurricane Ridge
Morning: Start your day at Lake Crescent. Hike the Marymere Falls Trail and enjoy the tranquil lake views.
Midday: Head to Sol Duc Valley to hike the Sol Duc Falls Trail and, if time permits, relax at the hot springs.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Drive up to Hurricane Ridge to catch the sunset from the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.4 miles round-trip).
Evening: Stay in Port Angeles or Lake Crescent Lodge.
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