The Ultimate Guide to Olympic National Park

*Cue Twilight soundtrack*- I hope you know what I am talking about and this is not a moment of awkward silence… Anywhoooo! Are you planning a trip to Olympic National Park to explore the gorgeous rainforests, mountainous views, and beautiful coasts? Then you are definitely in the right place!

This guide will tell you where to stay, what to do, and other tips to make this the best trip ever!

My husband and I visited Olympic National Park during our month- long road trip from Montana to Tennessee. If you are interested in roadtripping to Olympic National Park, I would highly suggest starting in Canada following this route: Whistler, Vancouver, San Juan Islands, North Cascades National Park, to Olympic!

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WAIT! Before you stress anymore about planning the details of your trip, click below for your FREE resource to keep yourself organized! Use this as a planner, checklist, and itinerary for your next trip. Instant access and download for FREE!!

What Is Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, located in the northwest corner of Washington State, is a diverse and stunning natural haven known for its breathtaking beauty and ecological variety. Encompassing nearly one million acres, the park features a remarkable range of landscapes, from rugged Pacific coastline and temperate rainforests to glaciated mountain peaks. It is home to unique ecosystems, including the Hoh Rainforest, one of the wettest places in the U.S., and Mount Olympus, a towering glacier-capped peak. Established in 1938, Olympic National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its natural significance. The park is cherished for its abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and serene beauty, making it a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Olympic National Park is separated in 4 sections. Keep this in mind when planning where you will be starting and staying while visiting the park. The four sections include:

Hurricane Ridge
Lake Crescent adn Sol Duc Falls
Pacific Coast
Rainforest

We will be visiting each of these four sections in the itinerary below!

How to Get to Olympic National Park

There are many ways you can arrive to Olympic! The easiest is definitely flying if you do not live close to this area. But you can choose to fly into specific airports to make a scenic roadtrip out of arriving to Olympic. Here are some options:

Here are the best ways to get to Olympic National Park via plane:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA):
- This is the nearest major airport and the most convenient option for reaching Olympic National Park. Located about 100 miles from the park, it offers numerous flight options and car rental services. From Seattle, you can drive or take a ferry across Puget Sound to access the park.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI):
- Bellingham, located north of Seattle, is a smaller airport but offers a quieter alternative. It’s about 110 miles from the park. This option is ideal for those coming from regional destinations or looking to avoid the busyness of Seattle.
William R. Fairchild International Airport (Port Angeles):
- Situated in Port Angeles, close to the northern entrance of the park, this regional airport offers limited commercial flights. It’s a great option for those flying in from nearby areas or charter flights.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Canada:
- Located on Vancouver Island, Canada, this airport is an option if you’re combining a trip to British Columbia with Olympic National Park. From Victoria, you can take a ferry to Port Angeles, which is directly adjacent to the park.

Once at your chosen airport, renting a car is the most efficient way to explore the park, as public transportation to and within the park is limited!

When to Visit Olympic National Park

Although there is no wrong time to visit this national park, there are times that are better than others!

When we were visiting Olympic, it was in the fall. I thought it was the perfect weather! It is known that Olympic is going to be wet and rainy no matter what time of the year you are visiting. So keep that in mind when you are planning your trip!

It was chilly, but with the correct clothing, it was definitely enjoyable! We were able to experience the park with low crowds to take advantage of all the beauty and scenery. However, we were unable to visit Hurricane Ridge (see more about this below) due to snow conditions.

Winter may not be the best time to visit due to the cold weather with the rain causing closures in the park.

Summer would be a great time to visit to get warmer weather with the rain. Also, this would be your best chance to visit with getting to experience everything. The warm weather should avoid any closures of trails and sections of the park.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Olympic National Park

One of the best parts about Olympic National Park is you can spend as much time as you want there! If you are wanting to extend your trip to be longer, there are so many things to do surrounding the area- more on this below!

If you are planning to only spend your time in the park, you can easily complete everything you want in a weekend.

If you want to see more of Washington and surrounding areas, I would plan for a week!

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

There are many options to stay in the Olympic National Park area to meet your lodging needs! Keep in mind that the park is large and has the four sections that were mentioned above. You will want to keep this in mind when planning where to stay.

Camping In / Near Olympic National Park

My husband and I love to car camp! If there is a campground with an open site near where we are visiting, this is our first option!

Here are some options for camping in/ near Olympic National Park:

Olympic National Park Camping
- The national park has many different campgrounds. Check for seasonal closures to ensure the one you are wanting to stay at is open. Majority of the campgrounds require a reservations so plan accordingly!
Elwha RV Park
- This is where we originally were going to stay when entering the park. This is located in Port Angeles which is the town located at the entrance of Olympic National Park if you are coming from Seattle.
Kalaloch Beach Campground
- Want to camp with amazing views of the ocean and coast? The Kalaloch beach campground is such a beautiful campground with the greatest views! This is where we stayed once we finished the coast section of Olympic. I would suggest getting there as early as possible to get the best spot right on the edge for the best views.

Hotels In/ Near Olympic National Park

If you do not want to fight the rain for lodging, then a hotel might be the better option for your visit to Olympic! Here are some options for hotels near Olympic.

Super 8 at Olympic National Park
- This is the hotel we stayed at the night before entering the park! It is located in Port Angeles making it a quick drive to the park.
Olympic Lodge
- This is another option in Port Angeles!
Lodging Inside the Park
- There are many different options of lodges right inside of Olympic Park! Click the link to be directed to a full list.

Airbnb/ VRBO In/ Near Olympic National Park

Looking for something more unique to fit your needs/ style while visiting the park? Airbnb and VRBO has something for you! Click the links to be guided to a list of options.

Airbnb
VRBO

What to Pack for Olympic National Park

This does depend on the time of year you are visiting, but here is a basic list of things that will be beneficial! The most important thing is layers- clothing you can pack to bundle and take off easily!

Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips. AND they are waterproof- important for your trip to the rainiest state!
Jacket: You will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!

What to Do in Olympic National Park

Now to the fun stuff!! Here is a list of activities to do while in Olympic National Park. To keep it simple and organized, I have split them up within the four sections of the park. This is easiest to follow if you are coming from Seattle. The flow and route of following the sections listed will be traveling counter clock wise throughout the park starting at the visitor’s center in at Hurricane Ridge.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge Road
- This scenic 17-mile road starts near Port Angeles and winds its way up to Hurricane Ridge, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. The drive is filled with photo-worthy pullouts and is especially breathtaking on clear days.
- While here, take time for Wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal activities like snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
- Make sure to check road conditions, especially in winter, as the road may be closed due to snow. Unfortunately this was the case for us.
Hurricane Hill/ Ridge
- Hurricane Ridge is one of the most accessible areas in the park, offering panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
- Hurricane Hill is a 3.4-mile roundtrip trail that provides even more breathtaking vistas.
- While here enjoy hiking, picnicking, and snow sports in winter.
- Arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly during peak season.
High Ridge Trail
- A short, 0.5-mile loop trail located at Hurricane Ridge. It offers incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- The trail is steep but worth it for the views. Wear sturdy shoes.

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent
- This lake is glacially carved with deep blue waters surrounded by lush forested mountains. It’s located off Highway 101 and is a tranquil spot for relaxation.
- Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and swimming while here.

Marymere Falls
- A 90-foot waterfall near Lake Crescent. The 1.8-mile roundtrip trail to the falls meanders through old-growth forest with moss-draped trees.
- This is a very family friendly hike!

Madison Falls
- A short, paved 0.2-mile trail leads to this small but beautiful waterfall near the Elwha River. It’s one of the easiest trails in the park.
- This is a very accessible trail!

Sol Duc Falls
- A stunning triple waterfall located along the Sol Duc River. The 1.6-mile roundtrip trail passes through lush rainforest and leads to an observation bridge over the falls.
- This is a popular hike so get there early to beat the crowds!

Forks
- A small town near the western edge of the park, known for its proximity to the Hoh Rainforest and beaches. It’s famous as the setting for the Twilight series.
- Explore local shops, learn about timber heritage at the Forks Timber Museum, and use it as a base for exploring nearby attractions. Fuel up if needed before hitting the road again!

Rainforest

Hoh rainforest
- One of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., filled with towering trees, moss-draped branches, and lush greenery.
- The Hoh River runs through it, adding to the serene beauty.
Hall of Mosses
- A 0.8-mile loop trail within the Hoh Rainforest that highlights old-growth trees covered in moss. It’s one of the park’s most iconic trails.

Coasts

Ruby beach
- A picturesque beach known for its sea stacks, driftwood, and tide pools. It’s one of the most photographed beaches in Washington.
- This is the first beach we visited in Washington, and it was so beautiful. The sea stacks make the perfect scenery for soaking in nature and photography moments. Sit on some driftwood and enjoy the views.
- Make sure to check the tide schedule to explore the tide pools safely.

Kalaloch beach
- Another serene beach with wide sandy shores and unique features like the “Tree of Life.” It’s perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- This beach is known more for the tide pools. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and only step on bare rocks and sand.