Olympic National Park is (arguably) one of the most diverse and iconic National Parks in the United States. It’s wide variety of ecosystem’s and things to do make it a sought after destination and we were able to spend several days exploring each area of the park.
Just a short drive from Seattle, Olympic is a very accessible National Park and a great place to explore whether you are wanting to be there for a long weekend or weeks at a time. After spending four days in Olympic National Park, we can definitely say there are some things we would have done differently and some things we are glad we did. So, here I am passing along the information to help you plan your trip to the Pacific Northwest.
There are qutie a few main areas in Olympic National Park, so I have broken down the article into each area and focusing on what there is to do in that specific area. We visited all the main areas and it was pretty hectic driving so much and planning for the time it took to get to different areas. If I could go back, we would focus on just one or two areas and spend more time in each. I have also listed out some tips for visiting, what to pack, frequently asked questions, and a detailed guide of what we did each day if you want a sample (and detailed) itinerary.
Table of Contents
Tips for Visiting Olympic National Park
- Rent a car or bring your car if you want to see more than one area in the park
- If you only have a few days, I suggest focusing on one or two areas instead of trying to see it all (Not normally my suggestion)
Hoh Rainforest (Hikes & More Things to do!)
This was one of the most talked about and hyped up areas of the park. I can see why – its very different with the lush flora and fauna. It’s accessible and great for all ages and physical abilities, because the trails are not difficult or long. There is a visitors center with actual bathrooms which I always appreciate in a National Park and park rangers that can give you advice or a junior ranger packet.
However, other than the two trails listed below, there is relatively little to do in this area and it is not in close proximity to other areas. If you have the time or are passing by, it is definitely worth stopping. If you live somewhere where the landscape is not very lush, you would definitely enjoy it. However, for us, being from Florida and having to drive so far to get to the Hoh Rainforest, it probably would not be a place I would put on my must-do list.
Hall of Mosses
A short 1.1 mile loop that takes you by some of the larger trees in the immediate area, past different kinds of mushrooms and of course views of various mosses hanging from and growing on trees. As easy trail for all who come to enjoy Olympic National Park.
Spruce Nature Trail
Another easy, short 1.2 miles trail that connects with the Hall of Mosses trail to make them easy to put together. See more of the landscape and rainforest as you admire the age and majesty of the plants living in the area.
White Water Rafting
Although we looked into White Water Rafting in the Hoh Rainforest, we ended up deciding we did not have time in our trip. However, it would be a really cool and fun experience if you have a full day to devote to this area. It is relatively affordable and the rapids are not intense, so it is great for if you do not have much experience.
La Push & Forks (Hikes & More Things to do!)
Twilight lovers unite! If you have read the books or watched the movie, then you will know that both of these areas are famous in the Twilight world. However, this is not the only mystical story that makes this area famous. Sassequatch is also told to be lurking around in the area and the local Quileute Indians are told to descend from wolves. So, explore at your own risk.
We stayed in Forks during our time in Olmpic National Park, because it is a more central area if you plan on driving around to the different parts of the park. It is more of a town (albeit, very small) and has grocery stores and restaurants, so a good base for your trip. There are also several things to do in a not-too-far drive.
First, Second, Third Beach
These are all different beaches, but located along the coast of La Push. We visited all three, because we wanted to compre them and see everything. Again, I would just pick one and spend more time there. Keep reading to see which one I would pick.
First Beach is located in the main town of La Push. It had the most parking and was easily accessible with the parking lot being right on the water basically. There were quite a few families playing on the beach or just relaxing in chairs. It is the most calm of the three and if I had kids this is where I would go.
Second Beach was by far our favorite. Even if you have kids, you could still go to this beach, but just be warned that it is a pretty far walk to the actual beach from the parking lot with some steep areas. However, it is stunning. I mean, just breathtaking. This is a must-do honestly. If you are a tent camper, then plan to spend the night here. There were people lining the beach setting up their camping area for the night. We visited at sunset and cannot recommend enough.
Third Beach is also stunning. Like Second Beach, it is a walk from the parking lot to the beach area. It is possible to walk between the beaches if you don’t want to move your car, but it is a walk. There were also people here planning to camp for the night, but it was less crowded.
Hole in the Wall & Rialto Beach
Start your adventure at the parking lot for Rialto Beach, which has plenty of space. There is a lot of space/beach, so if you are wanting to hangout for the day, this is a great place to choose. However, most people coming to this particular beach are coming to visit the famous hole in the wall.
As it sounds like, this is a hole in the rock wall that juts out into the ocean and is only accessible during low tide. It is a 4 mile total (2 miles there, 2 miles back) walk, but it is on the beach and a nice stroll. This was one of our favorite places, so I highly recommend visiting.
You can also keep a look out for sea creatures. We saw sea lions and several star fish of different colors. The tide will start to come in and limit you though, so make sure to pay attention to when low tide is on the day you visit.
Twilight Museum & Store
Located in downtown Forks is both a Twilight themed store and Twilight museum. They also have a Twilight festival/Stephanie Meyer Day if you are a big fan and want to plan your schedule around that time. The museum has very limited hours and as a result, we never actually went. However, the store does not and has merch galore, along with some photo op areas.
Sassequatch The Legend Store
Cheesy? Yes. Must do? Definitely. Whether you belive in Big Foot or just like to giggle at the merch, Sassequatch The Legend Store is a fun place in downtown Forks to stroll around in. If you are there hunting for him, it is a must visit. The owners are actually from Alabama and after experiencing an “encounter with big foot” moved to Forks to continue the hunt and spread the word.
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls does not really fall great into any of the categories/areas in Olympic National Park, because it is about a 45minute-1hour drive from the two main areas closest (Forks and Lake Crescent). However, it was one of our favorite waterfall hikes, so I would recommend stopping by to do this hike. It is an actual waterfall and you could see a rainbow in it.
The parking lot is a good size so you do not have to fight for parking. The trail to the falls is not bad and if you are wanting a longer hike, there are options to keep going. If we had the time, I would have loved to do the Lover’s Lane Trail.
Lake Crescent (Hikes & More Things to do!)
This area ended up being our favorite in the park and I would go back just to stay in the Lake Crescent Lodge and be around the lake. We love water anyway and mountain lakes are just different. So blue, clear and gorgeous. Plus, the atmosphere around this area is just an oasis.
Marymere Falls
Unfortunately, we did not have time to do this hike, but if you are in the Lake Crescent area, this was recommended to us. It is a short 1.7mile hike to see a waterfall and there are other trails that you can add to it if you are wanting to see more.
Devils Punchbowl
We ended up picking this trail over Marymere Falls, because although longer, it seemed like an easier trail. It is a (basically) fully paved trail and you will see bikers and walkers using the path. It goes pretty far, but if you are wanting to visit the Devil’s Punchbowl, it is only a 2.4mile event. The Devil’s Punchbowl is a little alcove in Lake Crescent that is suuuuper blue and frequented by swimmers. It is also a popular place to jump in and they have a rope to help you get out.
Pro tip: turn off the paved trail onto a dirt path right before going through the dark tunnel. We missed the turn off and kept walking past it for a while until we checked All Trails (an amazing app if you haven’t ever used it, get it!).
Mount Storm King
A highly recommended trail, but we did not get to it during our time in the area. However, it is not for the weak. It is a challenging and steep 4.2mile trail with views that pay off at the end.
Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP
Bring your own or rent equipment at the Lake Crescent Lodge, but a must-do is getting out on or in the water. Since it is pretty cold water, even in the summer, gliding along on top is a pretty good option. If you are renting, make sure to show up early, because they fill up fast as people can rent them for all or half the day and they do not have a huge stock. Prices are reasonable though and it is a blast.
Lake Crescent Lodge
If you are looking for a place to stay, I highly recommend checking the Lake Crescent Lodge. They have several options for all price ranges and it is an adorable, quaint, quintessential area. We loved it. Even if you are not staying here though, I highly recommend stopping by. They have a dining room, restrooms, a pier on the lake, water equipment rental (see above) and just a lovely atmosphere to relax around a fireplace or on a porch.
Pro tip: Order take out from the dining room at the bar and sit on the porch, lobby or pier to relax and enjoy a meal.
Port Angeles (Hikes & More Things to do!)
The largest town in/around Olympic National Park is Port Angeles. If you are wanting to stay in a place with more options for grocery stores, restaurants or hotels, then this is the place for you. However, one of the main areas in the park is located close to Port Angeles.
Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center
Unfortunately, the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center burned to the ground not long before we went on our trip. Because of this, they were limiting the amount of visitors into this area of the park. We had to get there as soon as it opened and thankfully were able to get in with no issues. Check the Olympic National Park website for updates to see if the visitors center has been rebuilt or if they are still limiting visitors.
Olympic National Park Visitors Center
However, do not fret, because on your way up to Hurricane Ridge (or on the way down), you pass the main Olympic National Park Visitor’s Center. With restrooms, a store, park rangers, and educational areas, I love a good visitors center. If you have time, even if you are not going to Hurricane Ridge, this visitors center is not far off the main road in Port Angeles and would be easy to stop by on your way through town.
Hurricane Hill Trail
If you are looking for a trail with sweeping views of the park, then you have hit the jackpot. This was the most recommended hike in the park when I did research and is the only one of the type in the park. It is a 3.4mile up and back trail. At the top you can see all the way to Canada and beautiful scenes of Olympic National Park. However, it is very steep with little to no shade, so come prepared.
Klahhane Ridge
Another great hike to see views of the area. It is a steep 5mile total hike. We did not do this trail after doing Hurricane Hill, it seemed like the same type thing.
Cirque Rim and Big Meadow Nature Trails
I put both of these together, because they are really easy to combine into one larger loop. The trailhead starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor’s Center parking lot and it is a simple, small stroll to loop around the area. If you are wanting to visit this area, but not up for a big hike, then these would be good options.
Where to Stay When Visiting Olympic National Park
Where you stay in Olympic National Park really depends on what areas you are wanting to visit. We were trying to do it all, so we stayed in a great tiny house AirBnB in Forks that I would highly recommend to anyone. It had a full kitchen, washer & dryer (praise!), fire pit, adorable front porch and was quite, safe and close to town.
If we went back or could redo, I would probably try to book Lake Crescent Lodge for all the reasons I mentioned above, I won’t keep talking about how great it was (unless they want to host us – shamless plug).
Port Angeles has the most options though if you are wanting to be in a larger town.
Finally, we only stopped by here passing through on our way out, but the Lake Quinault Lodge is also really precious and unique. However, it is farther from things in the park, so it would not be my first choice, but if you are just wanting a gettaway in Olympic National Park and do not plan to explore much, I suggest checking into it.
What to Bring When Visiting Olympic National Park
Okay, get ready for a long list, because with the diversity of Olympic National park, that means a diverse array of clothing. However, I will try to only list my favorite and must-get’s.
- Hiking boots (I LOVE my keens and highly recommend getting hiking specific insoles, they saved my feet).
- Hiking pants (Prana pants have been my go-to brand and I am loyal. Pricey, but worth it, trust me.)
- T-shirts or tank tops for summertime hiking
- Merino wool long sleeve for colder temperatures (I find smartwool to be really flattering and comfortable)
- Hiking socks (Darn Tough has some really cute designs & high quality)
- Rainjacket (I lean towards Northface, but you can find more affordable ones)
- Hiking packs (my husband convinced me to get an Osprey and I won’t go back)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Quick dry underwear (Found these on amazon and they are great with 100%cotton – I wear them all the time!)
- Light jacket to layer (a great Lulu Lemon dupe on amazon – here)
- National Park Pass (if you are going to visit more than 3 parks in a year)
- First aid kit
- Snacks
- Swimsuit
Disclaimer: some of the links above are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may recieve a compensation if you click the link and make a purchase.
Our Experience
Day 9
Oh day 9. What a day you were. We started off on a good foot, getting ready and packed up in the North Cascades to drive to Olympic National Park. We were running late, but so were some friends of ours who just moved to WA, so it was great.
Our friends met us for lunch at a place in Mount Vernon called Calico. It was highly recommended to them and a quaint local place with a shop connected to it. It was great catching up with them. I got a pesto chicken sandwich on focaccia (the bread was divine) and Reid got the smoked salmon hash which he really liked. We sat talking and catching up for a while before heading out.
We had originally made plans to take the Whidbey Island ferry to get there in 3.5 hours. However, our friend informed us the day before that you have to have reservations and of course they were all taken when we checked. You can do standby for it or other ferry’s, but you might end up waiting 2-3 hours for it. So, we decided to just go around Seattle which made the drive about 5 hours.
Well…. As we got closer to the city, our gps kept telling us there were delays. Thirty minute delay. Stop and go, but we got through it. 17 minute delay. 9 minute delay. Another 30 minute delay. It took us 2 extra hours to get past Seattle. Then we stopped at a target to walk around before continuing and switching out driving.
Back on the road. 2 hour delay. No big deal, there’s an alternate route that goes around it. We get to the delay and it’s so backed up to even take the detour. We finally get to going on the detour and it turns into a dirt road. Then people going the other way starting yelling out their windows to turn around you can’t go that way, there’s a closed gate. So we turn around and proceed to sit in the stand still traffic. At this point I’m panicking and have to pee again. With no other option, I grab a plastic bag and crawl into the back seat and pee in the bag. Don’t worry, I double bagged it. And we continue to inch along.
We finally arrive in Port Angeles where we were going to stop for groceries. So we go to Safeway and get a few things, then start to look for somewhere quick to eat. We drive to jack in the box, nope. There’s no one there and workers are standing outside chilling. We drive to Dairy Queen, because at least it looks popping. After waiting too long for our order we finally eat and continue our drive. We arrive in Forks at our AirBnB at 11pm, 12 hours after we left that morning. Thankfully our place is great. Showers. Bed.
Day 10
Our first day in Olympic National Park! Today we slept in until 9am since we had been up until after midnight last night and then it was so cold when we woke up that we ended up going back to bed to warm up. Needless to say it was a late day and we ended up not leaving the cabin until 11:30am or so.
We headed to the Hoh Rainforest in the southern part of the park. When we got there, we were metered which means as one car goes out, one car can go in. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait when we got there and we thought about turning around and doing something else, but decided to stick it out. In the end we only waited an hour and were really glad we stayed. While we waited, we watched a Netflix show and a park ranger gave us some park pamphlets that we read.
When we got into the park, it was around 2pm and we went to the visitors center first. It’s pretty small at this location, but we looked around and I went ahead and got the booklets for junior ranger and another one they had, ocean steward. I filled them out while Reid read info in the visitors center and then I got my pin and patch. The ranger was so into in and invested.
Leaving the visitors center we did the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail. Together they were about 2 miles and an easy stroll. On the paths you saw obviously a lot of moss on trees and some really big trees. I think the coolest part was being able to see the different levels of canopy. The bottom level with all the ferns, the middle layer of branches without leaves and draped with moss and the top level with the flourishing tree branches.
After walking these paths, we decided not to do any others and headed to the car. On the way out, we stopped at a cute store called Peak 6 that had a lot of Olympic merchandise. We decided to do an earlier dinner and headed to Blakeslees Bar and Grill in Forks. Our expectations were low, but we both got burgers and they were bomb. I got onion rings and honestly I want to go back just for those.
After eating, we went into downtown forks and checked out the Twilight store and Sassequatch store. Both so cheesy, it was great.
From there we headed to Third Beach and walked 1.6mi down to the beach through the woods. It was a nice trail, just be conscious of the length to get to the beach, it takes a minute. After admiring the beach, we headed to Second Beach. Out of the two, I would recommend this one and we had a ranger say it was her favorite. It’s only 0.8mi to the beach from the road. Once you get there, the rocks jutting out from the ocean is just majestic and sunset was amazing. We stayed a while walking the beach and looking for starfish before heading back to the car at dusk.
I was pretty upset about being out so late, but we got back around 10:30pm and got ready for bed. It’s really hard not to stay out late with sunset being at 9:15pm.
Day 11
Today was an early one. Earlier this year, the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center burned down to the ground. Because of this, they are limiting the number of people that can go into this area of the park each day. They allow 175 cars to enter and then start metering the next 170 cars before cutting it off at 345 total. We had been checking when it gets full and planned to be there when they opened. It is 1.5 hours away from where we stayed, so we got up at 5am to get ready and got there by 7am. An early day, but we made it in!!
We headed to the end for the trailhead of Hurricane Hill, the most popular trail in the area. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get parking in the main area, but they had overflow a quarter of a mile away. We were exhausted and Reid took a Power Nap while I did my make up since I didn’t have time before we left.
The hike was a nice one. It was all paved, which made things easier, but it was really steep at points. We saw some beautiful wildflowers, my favorite were the purple bells. There were also deer and of course lots of Mountain View’s. Once we got to the top, we took a couple of unpaved paths to explore more of the area and took pictures. We’ve become a pro at asking people to take them.
After snacks and rest, we headed back down, both taking a break to pee in the trees. We then headed to where the visitors center used to be and did two short trails that made a loop, Big Meadow and Cirque Rim.
Then we headed to the other main visitors center and looked around. It is the location in Port Angeles and really cute with a kiddie playroom along with adult displays to read. After looking around and getting our signature magnet, we left and headed to get gas and some coffee at Starbucks to waken up.
Off to the Makah Indian Reservation! First, we drove to the Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum. We went to get a recreation pass for $20 which is required to be on any beaches or recreation areas on the res. We did not look around ($10 per person), but we’re told by a park ranger it is the best Indian museum they’ve ever been to.
From there, we tried to eat at Calvin’s Crab House which was recommended by someone at the museum, but they were closing. Instead we decided to wait and go to Cape Flattery, the most Northwest Point in the US.
The walk to the end was .75mi and a nice stroll with a lot of boardwalks. There were several lookout areas and at the end you can see the lighthouse. It was fun and worth doing.
On the way out we ate at Warmhouse, which was also recommended. It was great. We had views of the water, good service and yummy food. I got the Halibut and Chips, because the area is known for halibut and the tribe is known for fishing them. Reid got the Salmon burger and chips for the same reason. So yum.
After dinner we headed back to the cabin and got back at a decent time. We tidied the car and cabin and I even had time to relax on the porch before heading in to shower. A good day.
Day 12
Today was a great day! My favorite in the Olympics! We finally got in bed earlier last night and slept until 8am, so I was fully rested for the first time in daysssss. We got ready pretty quickly and headed out the door to go to Sol Duc Falls. On the way we stopped at Salmon Cascades but did not see any salmon.
This spot was a nice 0.8mi trail down to, well, Sol Duc Falls. There was plenty of parking and it wasn’t overly crowded. The trail was clear and not challenging. Once you get to the falls, there are other trails and if we had time we would’ve done the Lovers Lane Loop (5.8mi) where you might be able to see salmon. You can also walk around to different viewpoints of the water fall.
It was by far the best waterfall we’ve seen on the trip. It was more of an actual waterfall and had mist coming over the bridge that went across it. We were able to climb down closer and saw a rainbow in the mist!! We walked around some and then headed back to the car.
Then, we stopped by Sol Duc Spring Resort to take a look around and use the bathroom before eating lunch in the car heading to Rialto Beach.
We had to time our walk at Rialto Beach with the tides in order to see certain thing better. Lowest tide was at 12:45pm so we planned to be there then. We got there a little later, but it was still low. There was a good amount of parking and although busy, we found a spot and it did not feel crowded.
The beach is made of beautiful smooth pebbles and there are huge islands jutting out in the water. When we got onto the beach we saw some people standing around and looking at the waves and realized they had seen a sea lion!!! We got to watch this sweet animal swim in the waves and keep popping it’s head to look around. It was so cute!
We continued our walk to the hole in the wall rock that can only be accessed during low tide. You can see it in the distance, but you wouldn’t be able to walk up to it or through it. Once we got to it, we took pictures and then walked around looking for starfish. We found five!! Three bright orange ones and two purple ones. Reid was so happy. Then we walked back to the car (3.3mi total).
We wanted to see La Push so we drove to town and the main beach (first beach) to see the res and James Island which is a sacred place for the Quielete Indians. From there we headed to Lake Crescent Lodge to look around. When we got there, we saw they had kayaks to rent, but it was too late to rent one.
Then we headed to the Devils Punchbowl Trail in the area. This trail is paved and goes along Lake Crescent. It is a nice stroll and at one point you can go through a tunnel which is pretty dark and a little creepy. We actually missed a turn and went a half mile past where we were supposed to before realizing it and heading back. The devils punchbowl is basically a little inlet with crazy blue water. There is a bridge you can jump off of, but it’s super cold.
When we got back to the car, I went to look up the menu of the burger place we had eaten at in Forks and saw that they were closed on Mondays. That’s where we were going to eat, but had to change plans. We saw Lake Crescent Lodge had a restaurant, but you had to have reservations. However, they have a bar you can order to go from.
So, we ordered a burger & fries and fish & chips and split them. We got cokes and sat on the porch of the inn to wait for our food and then eat. We had a beautiful view of the lake and the sunset and the whole experience was just the most relaxing magical evening.
After eating we walked around the lodge and pier before heading back to the cabin. Then we got our stuff together and got ready for bed to leave tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many days do you need to visit Olympic National Park?
Since Olympic National Park is so large, a weekend trip would be difficult unless you are in a 3-5 hour driving distance or plan to only visit one area in the park. Otherwise, I feel that you probably need at least four days to make it worth going and to be able to see more.
What is the best month to visit Olympic National Park?
I can only speak from experience, but the summer months seemed ideal, although it definitely got warmer than I expected being from Florida.
Do you need a car in Olympic National Park?
Yes. There are some buses that travel into the parks, but that would be really difficult to plan and getting an uber or lyft would be really expensive. The closest airport is Seattle and you really need a car to experience more and be able to access places in the park.
Is one day enough for Olympic National Park?
No. When you calculate travel time, no, you won’t be able to have enough time to see much at all. Even if you live in Seattle a day trip would be difficult (read our experience of driving from Seattle to Olympic National Park above). I would recommend at least two nights.
Is Olympic National Park worth visiting?
Yes! It is beautiful, diverse, amazing and a majestic unique creation. There is so much to do and see, so many options for all types of travelers, National Park buff or not.
Laurel McDaniel
Pin the image below to save this article for your Olympic National Park trip!
(Read More!) National Parks Checklist
Follow along as we try to visit every National Park in the United States of America!
Grand Canyon
Congaree
Olympic
