The state of Washington is a destination to be considered by all those who would love to organize an itinerary of the American Pacific North West. People who love nature, and want to discover some gems outside the classic tourist routes, will surely find what they are looking for here. The Olympic National Park is an essential stop that will give you the opportunity to explore varied landscapes and ecosystems all within the same national park.
However, it is not as easy to visit as most other American parks; it is so large that there is no single road crossing it the whole way through. For this reason it is better to get organized beforehand and find out what you want to see before you arrive, so you don’t waste too much precious time when moving around.
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Olympic National Park Directions
As mentioned, the Olympic National Park is located in the state of Washington, in what is commonly referred to as the Olympic Peninsula. The distance from Seattle is rather difficult to calculate as there are many points that you can access the park from. Let’s say that, in principle, to reach the entrance closest to the metropolis in your rental car, it will take you about 2 and a quarter hours.
Entry to the park costs $30 per non-commercial vehicle (maximum 15 people), and is valid for all its occupants for a duration of seven consecutive days. You can buy the pass directly on site, or through the official website. If you buy it online, you’ll have to remember to print it out and present it at the entrances and then leave it on display in the car. Otherwise, you can use the convenient America The Beautiful parks pass.
The park is open every day throughout the year. There are four Visitor Centers and their opening hours change according to the time of year. To avoid surprises, take a look at the official website where you will find updated schedules for each center. Be aware, however, that the Olympic National Park Visitor Center (3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles) is closed only two days a year: Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Best time to visit Olympic National Park
To decide on the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park we must mention something unrelated to the quality of the things to see, but rather the ability to visit the park in its entirety. Â All the roads and excursions are, in fact, only open and accessible (unless there are special complications) during the summer months (June to September).
During the winter months (October to May), temperatures get colder and the chances of finding less than optimal weather increase (check out our article on Seattle’s weather to get a rough idea). For this reason, some roads may be closed out of precaution or for real necessity. Should you want to visit the Olympic National Park during the winter months, please consult the official page that will contain information about area and road closures.
Bear in mind that this is a very rainy area all year round, so make sure you bring with you appropriate clothing for every need.
Things to do in Olympic National Park
Given its size, the Olympic National Park encompasses three completely different ecosystems: the mountains, the forest and the coast. Let’s see what to expect for each of these types. If you are planning to walk some trails inside the various areas of the park, the National Park Service website has a very useful page that provides information about the state of the trails, where you can find recent reports and any problems.
Each marked place has its own ranger station that also serves as a visitor center. These are open for shorter hours than the larger Visitor Centers, however, especially during the low season months.
Coast
One of the main attractions you will find along the beautiful coastline of Washington state is part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. If you want to walk the many paths that run along the coast, make sure you pay particular attention to the tides.
What may seem to be a very wide and spacious beach can in fact become completely immersed in water in a very short time, preventing you from going further (or even trapping you, preventing you from going back), especially if some points are accessible only during low tide. For this reason, our advice is to read the information available on the official website of the park carefully and to follow the information that the rangers on site can give you.
Lake Ozette
This area can be reached via the picturesque Ozette Road, which is immersed in greenery and can be accessed from Highway 112. Once you reach the end of the road, you’ll come to camping areas and the Ozette Ranger Station, where you can get maps and information about the area and the activities to do. The trails in this area of the park are all quite long, and the most beautiful are the ones that take you to the coast. I suggest though, that you take them only if you have enough time and energy.
Two of the best are the Cape Alava Trail (about 3 miles each way) and the Sand Point Trail (about 2.8 miles each way). The more intrepid can also connect them to form a loop called the Ozette Triangle Trail, which is almost 8.7 miles long. Of course, you can also choose to hike only a part of it if you don’t have much time, but it will be worth it.
Kalaloch
This is one of the most famous and popular areas of the park. Here you will find the legendary Tree of Life, a huge tree that continues to grow despite its roots being anchored to two rocky outcrops far apart, giving the impression that it can grow in mid-air.
The Kalaloch Ranger Station is the visitor center for this area. There are a few trails that are worth walking, but for those who want to combine the charm of the coast with that of the forests, our advice is to choose the Kalaloch Nature Trail, a simple loop of about 1.8 miles that heads inland from the beach.
Ruby Beach
Another very popular destination along the coast, from where you can take the trail with the same name and which is one of the most frequently walked routes in the entire park. Accessing it is very easy and convenient, since the trailhead is practically along the US-101. It’s a matter of making a very small detour (well marked along the highway) at the end of which you’ll find a rather large parking lot.
The first part of the trail is inside the forest, after which you will arrive at the well-known beach where you can admire the classic stacks, which we have learned to know along the Oregon coast, emerging from the water in all their grandeur.
Rialto Beach and Mora
This beach is located further north than the previous ones. Again, it is the stacks that create a unique spectacle on this part of the coast. Here the recommended route is the one that will take you to the spectacular Hole in the Wall, an arch in the rock that has formed over the years thanks to the erosive action of water. Bear in mind, however, that from Rialto Beach you’ll have to walk about 1 and a half miles each way to reach the Hole in the Wall.
Forests and Mountains
Unlike the coastal areas where it is the tide that creates possible obstacles to your visit, in this case it is the varying seasonal weather that can put a spoke in your wheels. The roads leading to the most important destinations are not open all year round.
For this reason, before you set off, check the information channels that I suggested earlier. By visiting these areas, you will have the opportunity to observe and discover trees that are hundreds of years old, crystal-clear lakes and spectacular views overlooking the area below.
Hoh Rain Forest
This is one of the most visited places in the park because of its beautiful forest that has managed to preserve itself perfectly over the years. We are in the western part of the park and you can get maps and information from Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. There is also ample parking available here.
There are also major forest trails nearby, including the Hall of Mosses Loop (just over 0.6 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail Loop (1.2 miles), which I recommend if you’re short on time. If the weather is nice, seeing the light filtering through the branches of the tall trees is definitely a sight to behold and a perfect setting for a souvenir photo.
Quinault Lake & Rain Forest
The forest with adjacent lake is located in the southern part of Olympic National Park. It is an area that can be visited by car, thanks to a scenic road (Shore Road) that runs along the shores of the lake.
As we will see later, in the section dedicated to where to sleep near the Olympic National Park, there are also some resorts here (such as the beautiful Lake Quinault Lodge) that make it a great place to stay if you are planning a multi-day itinerary in this area, and you don’t want to stray too far from the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
There are two ranger outposts that double as visitor centers: the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station and the Olympic National Forest and Park Information Station, while there are more than 15 trails you can take in this area. Let’s go over which ones are best to do if you’re short on time.
- Quinault Rain Forest Nature Loop: about a mile of pleasant walks where you can see both the lake and the forest interior along the course of Willaby Creek.
- Big Spruce Trailhead: This very short trail, which starts near the Rain Forest Resort Village, will take you to the world’s largest spruce tree, over 1,000 years old.
This area is also home to scenic waterfalls that are worth photographing, such as the Merriman Falls. They are easily accessible thanks to their convenient location on the side of S Shore Road.
Lake Crescent
This beautiful lake with its very deep blue waters is definitely one of the places where it is worth stopping and taking a walk (and, if the season permits, taking a swim).
Storm King Ranger Station is the local visitor center, while if you want to rent a boat, you’ll have to go to the Fairholme Store where you can also find souvenirs and everything you need to make a snack. On the shores of the lake, there is also the popular Lake Crescent Lodge which is definitely a recommended stop both to stay overnight and to eat, as it has a good restaurant.
One of the paths we recommend is definitely the Marymere Falls Trail (about 1 and a half miles round trip) that from the Ranger Station travels into the forest until you reach the picturesque waterfalls that are almost 100 feet high.
The more intrepid and fitter among you could consider covering the long (but not difficult) Spruce Railroad Trail (5.5 miles each way from Crescent to Ovington), which will allow you to skirt the entire northern shore of the lake. It has the advantage of also being a cycling track. This trail runs where a railroad used to be, which was built to supply lumber to the war industry during World War II.
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is one of the highest (so be sure to bring appropriate clothing even during the summer months) and most easily accessible points in the entire park. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why it’s called Hurricane Ridge – the area is known for being very windy.
Those who want more information about this part of the park, in addition to the ever-present maps and brochures, can head over to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, where you can also buy what you need for an outdoor lunch at their snack bar.
The Visitor Center is also the starting point of the main trails. Of these, I would like to point out the Cirque Rim Trail (about 1.2 miles round trip), a very simple but beautiful walk along the mountain ridge, stretching from the area near the Visitor Center to Sunrise Point, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the mountains and the surrounding area.
After the Visitor Center, you can drive (but not if you have a camper van) along the Hurricane Hill Road to a parking area from where you can start the Hurricane Hill Trail (3 miles round trip). Once you get to the end of the trail, weather permitting, you will be able to see Puget Sound and part of Vancouver Island in the distance.
Sol Duc Valley
This area of the park is characterized by the Sol Duc River, which flows through an ancient forest, hot springs and a picturesque waterfall that many consider the most beautiful in the park.
Along the course of the river, one of the most photographed “attractions” (if we can call it that) is the salmon swimming upstream. A superb observation point has been created so that visitors can observe them from close up: the Salmon Cascades Overlook. The best time of year to see this the salmon is from late summer to autumn.
Here are some recommended routes to explore the area:
- Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail (one and a half miles round trip) is the shortest trail for those who want to see the falls without too much effort, or who have little time to spare.
- Deer Lake Trail (5 miles round trip): a moderately difficult trail that will take you inland until you reach the shores of the small but lovely Deer Lake.
- Lovers Lane Loop (about 6 miles) definitely the most fascinating and scenic route. Starting from the parking lot at Hot Spring Resort, it will take you through the forest following the course of the Sol Duc River until you reach the falls.
If you want to find lodging in the area, you can opt for the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where the hot springs (which can be accessed even if you don’t stay overnight upon payment of $15 per adult) are its main selling point.
Staircase – Lake Cushman
For this area, we move to the southern part of the park. Here, Staircase Ranger Station serves as a visitor’s center. It is located beyond the northern tip of Lake Cushman, from where many trails lead into the forests along the Skokomish River. The lake is a beautiful deep blue/turquoise body of water nestled among the mountains.
Of the trails, I recommend the Staircase Rapids Loop, which is also suitable for those with limited time available. It’s a little more than 1.8 miles, but you can still get a taste of what this area has to offer. The most spectacular part of the loop is the wooden bridge that takes you over the river. The Shady Lane Trail (about 2.5 miles round trip) will take you to the shores of the lake from the Ranger Station.
How to plan an itinerary
The best way to plan an itinerary in Olympic National Park is to bear in mind where you will be staying overnight. Once this decision is made, you can organize your visit and optimize your travel time as best you can. One thing, for example, is if you plan to leave from and return to Seattle, as in this case you will have to consider the four-hour total travelling time just to go and come back, which would make a complete tour of the park in just one day impossible.
Here are some tips (some suggested directly by the rangers who manage the park) on how best to visit the park depending on the time you have available and your starting position.
A few hours in Olympic National Park
If you are in the Port Angeles area you can consider these two options:
- Visit Hurricane Ridge: a 40-minute drive each way plus the stop.
- Visit Lake Crescent: a 30-minute drive plus stop.
If you are along the coast, the advice is to explore Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach and then take a detour inland to visit the beautiful Hoh Rain Forest.
One day in Olympic National Park
Again, the starting point is Port Angeles.
- Head directly to Hurricane Ridge (40-minute drive) and the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Once there, you can decide whether to visit the exhibits and gather a little more information, or head straight for one of the trails available nearby.
- Next go to Lake Crescent (1-hour drive) and don’t miss the opportunity to photograph Marymere Falls. Once on site you will have two options:
- if you are adventurous enough, and the day allows it, you can consider renting kayaks and navigate the calm waters of the lake, or learn more about the area.
- if you’re already looking for a change of scenery, head to the Sol Duc Valley (40-minute drive) and relax at the local Resort or explore the forest to Sol Duc Falls.
- The next recommended stop is the Hoh Rain Forest (1 hour and 40 minutes from Sol Duc Valley and 1 and a half hours from Lake Crescent), depending on the time you have available you can decide whether to stop near the Visitor Center, or take some of the trails that starts here (there are also very short and easy ones as we explained in the article)
- To end the evening on a high note, we suggest you watch the sunset on the Ocean at Rialto Beach (1 hour and 10 minutes), or at Ruby Beach (50 minutes)
Olympic National Park Itinerary from Seattle
Since Seattle will most likely be the base for most of those who want to organize an Olympic National Park itinerary, here are some tips to help you get started.
If you only have one day
Can you visit Olympic National Park from Seattle in one day? This is a question we are often asked and it is not easy to answer. As mentioned, in fact, the round trip will take you a long time, but considering an early morning wake up call, you will have basically three choices:
- Visit Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent (about 3 hours each way for both): to reach this area of the park you will have to take the Bainbridge Island Ferry (visit the official website for the updated timetable) which is the only way to visit the northern area of the park near Port Angeles and return to Seattle the same day.
- Visit Lake Cushman and the Staircase area: it will take you about 2 hours and 20 minutes each way.
- Visiting the Quinault Lake area: consider 2 hours 45 – 3 hours each way.
If you have more than one day available
In this case you will only have to decide whether to go around the Olympic peninsula clockwise or counterclockwise. In my opinion, you’ll need at least three days to visit the park with complete peace of mind.
In this way you can devote an entire day to each area of the park including a visit to the coastal areas overlooking the ocean. By doing so, you will also have the opportunity to stay in quaint hotels surrounded by nature (see my advice on accommodation at the end of the article) and definitely add something extra to your itinerary.
Guided tours
If you prefer to rely on an organized tour to see the best of Olympic National Park, then check if one of these options might be right for you.
Departing from Seattle, the full-day Luxury Day Tour is available in an eight-passenger van. You will be taken to the Hurricane Ridge and then to visit the Lake Crescent area. During the itinerary, you will use the Bainbridge Island Ferry where you can also view the city skyline. Pick-up and drop-off is provided at Seattle’s major hotels.
More about Luxury Day Tour from Seattle
If your base is not Seattle, here is a selection of the main tours departing from Port Angeles:
Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
If you are planning an itinerary around the Olympic National Park, here are some tips on finding your ideal place to sleep and to discover the natural wonders of the area.
Finding Accomodations in Towns Outside the Park
As you might have guessed, one of the gateways to exploring the northern part of the park is definitely Port Angeles, which will allow you to be very close to both Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge. Here are some tips if you choose this area:
- Olympic Lodge: this is a solution recommended for those who want to treat themselves to a little luxury. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and spacious and well-maintained rooms, and a lobby with a fascinating fireplace.
- Quality Inn Uptown: a classic American motel for those who do not want to spend too much but still get good value for money.
Search an accommodation in Port Angeles
In the northern area of the Olympic peninsula, you will also find the lovely town of Port Townsend midway between Port Angeles and Seattle. Here you could choose one of the following:
- The Swan Hotel: a well maintained structure with large rooms. If you can book on the third and top floor you will also get a great view of the sea.
- Ravenscroft Inn: another very nice bed & breakfast on two floors, in a favorable position from where you can reach all the main points of interest in the city. Spacious rooms with a small balcony.
Find accommodation in Port Townsend
Another strategic town for visiting the park is Forks, located in the western area which is a good base for visiting both coastal and inland areas such as Sol Duc Valley and Hoh Rain Forest.
- Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast: located on what was once a farm built in the early 20th century. Today it offers well-maintained rooms in a large green space just a short walk from the city center.
- Dew Drop Inn: a classic motel in a pleasant environment that has the advantage of having larger than standard rooms. Good value for money.
Search an accommodation in Forks
Places to Stay inside the Park
For those who do not want to move away from the main areas of the park to enjoy an experience in close contact with nature, here are some options to consider:
- Lake Quinault Lodge and Rain Forest Resort Village are the recommended solutions if you want to stay on the shores of Lake Quinault and the forest that surrounds it.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is the well-known hotel with an adjoining spa that is located inside the Sol Duc Valley. A great solution if you are also looking for a place to relax after days of walking.
- Lake Crescent Lodge: standing along the shores of the lake of the same name is the perfect solution if you haven’t found a place in Port Angeles, or if you want to wake up to the beautiful views that the place has to offer.
