What to Do in Olympic National Park: A Complete Guide

The waterfall plunges ninety feet from a ledge high above the viewing platform, surrounded by bright green moss as it falls into a small pool below.

Obviously, the number of nights will depend significantly on several external factors, like vacation time for example.

Hike to the Top of Mount Storm King

We have blended views about Mount Storm King. On one hand, it’s undoubtedly a nice panorama. On the other hand, it’s more or less all about the panorama (the rest of the hike is a fairly tedious, steep ascent), and the work to make it up there isn’t truly worthwhile in our humble assessments.

We’d suggest saving your energy to tackle a hike up on Hurricane Ridge, if you have to choose.

For your reference, it’s a 4 mile hike (roundtrip) with 2,050 feet of elevation gained.

From the summit of Mount Storm King, you have a pleasant vista north over Lake Crescent, but the perspectives are somewhat limited.

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1) – Barbados celebrates the start of the new year with a public holiday and, aside from restaurants and hotels, all schools, government organizations, banks, and supermarkets are closed.

To the east is Mount Baker, and to the south are the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Range, such as Mount Olympus.

Not intended for those who are faint of heart, particularly when the trail is wet (which is a lot in this part of the region).

Meander Through the Forest to Sol Duc Falls

We love this short hike – 1.5 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain – and the waterfall at its end.

We’ve never actually done this hike as a solo hike, only as part of the High Divide Trail (more on that excellent hike in a second).

Sol Duc Falls is unique as you view it from the middle of a wood bridge over the Sol Duc River, with the falls dumping into a canyon below and flowing downhill behind.

It necessitates a somewhat lengthy journey from Highway 101 to arrive at the trailhead, but the falls are pleasing to see and walking amid the dense forest offers a taste of the vast expanses of untouched woodlands covering the Olympic Peninsula. Additionally, the hike is relatively uncomplicated.

Experience the Magical High Divide Trail (Backcountry Camping)

Our experience backpacking the High Divide Trail was one of few where we reached the end wanting to repeat it.

For example, after hiking the Enchantments route a few years ago, we were rather certain we wouldn’t do it again in our lifetime.

Now, that doesn’t signify this hike is an easy one – it’s a 19 mile loop with 4,000 feet of altitude gain, such as a stretch along a slim rocky ridge (the High Divide) – but the time spent in the Seven Lakes Basin is worth the price of admission.

As the name Seven Lakes Basin implies, along the way you’ll pass several different alpine lakes in various lovely shades of blue.

Among our favorites were Heart Lake situated on the eastern portion of the High Divide and Lunch Lake located atop the High Divide (both featuring campsites that should definitely be considered spending an evening at if feasible).

Here are some additional photographic examples for your perusal.

We have a separate guide entirely centered on hiking the High Divide Trail (COMING SOON) that you should examine if you`re even a little interested in this incredible backcountry experience.

At minimum, reservations will be necessary for backcountry camping as well as acquisition of a backcountry permit, which can be obtained via this link, along with use of a bear-proof food storage container.

The Central Pacific Coast

We`re referring to the coastline from Kalaloch Beaches at Olympic National Park`s southern edge up to Rialto Beach outside Forks.

It’s the most easily accessible stretch of coast in the park (we’ll discuss the more remote Northern Pacific Coast next), full of amazing sandy beaches to experience.

Walk Along Rialto Beach Out to Hole-in-the-Wall

This is another must-do activity in Olympic National Park in our opinion. We did it at sunset on our first ever visit to Olympic National Park, and it was one of the highlights of our entire year.

This 3 mile outbound and return hike to Hole in the Wall, which is exactly what its name implies, is an excellent late afternoon / early evening activity when the sun washes over the beach in a soft golden glow.

It`s not a difficult hike in terms of elevation gain – it stays completely flat both ways – but you will be walking in sand, so tall, waterproof boots will be helpful to keep sand out of your footwear.

And climbing over sand is continually around 1.5 times more troublesome than some other surface, as per our experience

Keep watch for feathered creatures with bare heads perched in the leafy branches high above the sandy areas – we`ve observed numerous birds of prey poised up there waiting to seize their next meal.

Head Out to the Three La Push Beaches (But Second Beach is the Best)

La Push is located on the coast west of the former logging community of Forks, now most notably recognized as the setting for the Twilight movie series, and is home to three magnificent beaches.

Creatively named First, Second, and Third Beach.

This scenic coast is home to the Quileute Nation, who manage the local beaches. Visitors must respect all posted rules, for instance, avoiding the removal of shells, driftwood or other natural elements from the shoreline.

Learn more about the Native group historically inhabiting this area and details of the Quileute Nation here.

Each of the three beaches requires a short hike to reach (except First Beach, which is at the parking area). Here are the details:

• First Beach: No hike essential

• Second Beach: 0.6 miles away, along the shore (one direction only)

• Third Beach: Approximately 1.2 miles to the beach (one way), 2.5 miles to Taylor Point (a nice viewpoint).

Admire the Sea Stacks and Driftwood at Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is among our favorite beaches in Olympic National Park, seemingly matching the views of many others based on the crowds. It exhibits two typical facets of Pacific Northwest Washington beaches: driftwood and offshore rock columns.

The parking lot tends to fill up here, and it`s a good idea to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to try avoiding the crowds.

Part of the reason is the fact that it’s a very short walk from the parking lot, which means that the barrier to entry is nearly nonexistent.

We’re definitely not implying you shouldn`t visit, we’re stating you likely won’t experience much solitude when you do.

See the Tree of Life at Kalaloch

The beach around the Kalaloch Lodge at the southern end of this section of the coast is technically separated into a few different areas, but it`s one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the park.

Just below the campground at Kalaloch there’s a unique tree that is perched up on a bluff that, over the passage of years, has eroded, leaving the roots exposed. It’s known as the Tree of Life, and it’s worth a brief stop and walk along the beach.

Camp on the Beach

One of the exceptional things about Olympic National Park is that one can spend a night camping on the beach relatively easily. Unlike places like the Lost Coast Trail in northern California, you can camp on the beach with minimal hiking to reach the beach.

In some cases, you can just park at the parking area for the beach, and you’re basically there (though that’s the least enjoyable option, we think).

Something important to note regarding Olympic National Park is that rainfall is high throughout much of the year. Planning for wet weather is advised.

We had permits to camp on the beach last August, but decided to change plans when we arrived and it was pouring heavily sideways, which wouldn’t have been enjoyable at all.

For more secluded beach camping, hike south past Third Beach and follow the South Coast Route, which runs south all the way to the mouth of the Hoh River (just north of Ruby Beach).

There are countless camping sites along the coast, and permits are generally easier to acquire because you have to travel further than, say, Rialto.

While many people visit the region for day trips, .

Some of the most popular places to camp are Rialto Beach (at the end of the beach towards Hole-in-the-Wall, where camping is allowed), Shi Shi Beach, and out near Lake Ozette.

The Rainforests

The high rainfall levels across this region results in an abundantly lush and verdant coastal temperate rainforest environment.

This unique ecological attribute is fundamental to the Pacific Northwest coast, and the Hoh Rainforest particularly is one of the finest illustrations in the world.

Note about the Hoh Rainforest: The parking lot is comparatively tiny to the quantity of visitors wishing to see it. Therefore, during summer mornings, they limit access to the parking area and prevent additional people at the ranger station once full.

After that, it`s one vehicle in, one vehicle out. We ended up stuck in a line of cars for over an hour because we took our time enjoying the sights, so take our recommendation and arrive at the Hoh Rainforest by 9:00 am or so to avoid the wait.

The rainforest offers a calmer atmosphere when fewer humans are present.

Walk Through the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail

The Hoh Rainforest is, perhaps, the most popular region in the entire park.

Now, it’s not a rainforest in the conventional tropical sense, comparable to what you might find in the Amazon. That’s hardly “temperate.”

Instead, upon entering the rainforest, you`ll discover an ecosystem exhibiting every shade of green imaginable across the world`s spectrum, ranging from bright green ferns blanketing the forest floor to deep green mosses and evergreen trees.

Plus an abundance of wildlife, specifically the elusive Roosevelt Elk who sometimes make an appearance here.

Once past the parking situation, there are a couple short trails to tackle that serve as a great introduction to the rainforest – the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail.

Both are worth undertaking, and are accessible for hikers of all ages and experience levels.

Hike Deeper into the Rainforest on a Portion of the Hoh River Trail

The issue we have with the Hoh Rainforest is that those two short hikes we pointed out earlier are completely packed with people, which is not really how the rainforest is meant to be experienced, in our view.

The good news is there is an easy hike that will take you farther out than approximately 99% of people are willing to venture, following the path of the Hoh River.

The Hoh River Trail travels the entire way to Five Mile Island at the base of Mount Olympus, paralleling the river. But for a briefer day hike, proceed around two and a half miles to Mineral Creek Falls where a path leads down to the riverside.

They also have a selection of ready-made sandwiches and wraps. I picked one up for later, knowing I’d be out with friends all day with limited food options (it was okay but probably better warm).

Spend a Night in the Enchanted Valley

Another fantastic backpacking trail located deep within Olympic National Park`s wilderness area is the Enchanted Valley.

The natural scenery of the valley itself is indeed breathtaking, warranting an overnight stay or two to fully appreciate the solitude found throughout. The hike itself follows along the east fork of the Quinault River through lush rainforest, an journey well worth undertaking.

But the most renowned section of the trail is the now-closed Enchanted Valley Chalet, which was formerly a park building but now stands empty, serving as a picturesque backdrop for visitors who make the journey to the valley.

We embarked on the Enchanted Valley trail the summer following the High Divide, and it’s difficult to say which one we delighted in more.

This one was somewhat easier, at 27 miles roundtrip (in and out, with no loop here) and only a gradual 3,200 feet of altitude gain along the way. You required a wilderness permit and a bear-safe container, just like any other backpacking trail in the park.

The Northern Pacific Coast

As a result, it’s a main thoroughfare of travel, and it’s one of the only national parks that does not require a fee to enter.

It’s worth the minimal work to arrive there, and is a good supplemental to the hike up to Storm King if you have the time.

This section of the world is home to the Makah Tribe, and to park at some of the trailheads for these beach hikes, one needs to get a recreation permit from the tribe, information about which can be found here.

It costs $20 for one year, you need to obtain it in person, and you display it in your vehicle at the trailheads for Cape Flattery, Shi Shi Beach, and the Ozette Triangle (among others).

Make the Trek Out to Shi Shi Beach

If you’re planning a trip out to Olympic National Park and you’re looking to hit the park’s best beaches, you really shouldn’t skip Shi Shi Beach.

It`ll take an hour and a half to arrive there from Forks or Lake Crescent, but we think the experience is well worth the time required to get there.

Additionally, the fact that it is that far out of the way means that there is a small fraction of the number of guests as compared to places like Rialto, Ruby, and Kalaloch.

However, it is also important to note that reaching the beach from the trailhead requires a round-trip hike of approximately four miles, with some elevation changes along the route.

Then, once reaching the northern tip of the beach, it`s another 2.5 miles to the southern end of the beach and Point of Arches, which is the most scenic section of the beach with towering sea stacks just offshore and tidepools at low tide.

While not difficult in terms of elevation, it is a lengthy hike. Still, the long journey by car and on foot is worthwhile.

Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to savor perched upon a piece of driftwood while listening to the crashing surf of the Pacific and the squawking seagulls circling overhead (doubtless plotting how best to pilfer your sandwich).

Also keep an eye out for bald eagles here!

Go Out to the Northwest Corner of the Contiguous United States

The northwest corner of the contiguous United States features an easy 1.5 mile hike (roundtrip) along a wooden boardwalk, and from the viewing platforms at the end one will have a fantastic view over the Pacific Ocean.

It’s somewhat of a lengthy journey all the way out there (here’s the parking area on Google Maps, which is about an hour and a half from Forks), and there are better coastal tracks to traverse within the park.

However, if you want to reach the outermost parts of the country, you can do it here.

Since the trailhead is near here if you’re heading to Shi Shi, adding this route makes sense if that area is your destination anyway.

Things to Know Before You Visit Olympic National Park

Before we delve into our perspective on exactly what to do in Olympic National Park, let’s cover a few logistical items that will help ensure your trip is as smooth as possible.

Here are some things to know before you visit Olympic National Park.

Entrance Fees for Olympic National Park

It costs $30 per vehicle to enter Olympic National Park (good for 7 days), and visitors can either pay online in advance (be aware that the receipt must be printed and brought along), or at one of the park’s visitor centers.

There are visitor centers located in Port Angeles, at Hurricane Ridge, and at the Hoh Rainforest.

If national park visits are planned for three or more locations in the next year, a strongly recommended option is an America the Beautiful Pass, providing entry to all national parks, national forest trailheads, national monuments, and additional areas for a year.

It costs $80, which means it pays for itself with three national park visits (or some combination of national parks, forests, and monuments).

Olympic National Park is a BIG Park

Covering over 1,400 square miles, Olympic National Park is immense. Moreover, the separate parts of the park aren`t even all connected. It has an odd design, leading to it requiring a long time to drive between one area of the park and another.

To demonstrate that point, consider two of the most popular areas of the park: Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest.

It takes two and a half hours (105 miles) to drive from one end to the other. Granted, those are probably the farthest locations you could pick, but you get the idea.

Consider grouping different areas of the park together so that you can avoid driving hours on end back and forth.

To minimize driving, attractions like Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Valley could be clustered together in one outing, and destinations such as the Pacific Coast and Hoh Rainforest visited jointly on another expedition.

Gas Stations Around the Park

This one somewhat relates to the previous section. Because it’s a large park, you’ll want to keep an eye on your gas supply. There are gas stations in Port Angeles and Forks, but none in between.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of gasoline in Forks is higher than in Port Angeles, so fill up your vehicle before heading out towards Forks if possible.

Crowds in Olympic National Park

If visiting Olympic National Park during summer (or weekends in spring or fall), you will encounter sizable crowds.

There are a few things we would point out about crowds and how to potentially avoid them whenever possible.

First, get an early start, and plan to spend extended time there. The prime hours are roughly from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, making the time span from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm some of the best periods to explore the park. Plus, the ascending/setting sun signifies the lighting will be better for visual records!

Secondly, be aware of where crowds tend to concentrate, and visit those areas early (or late).

The Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge are the two primary locations you’ll want to visit before 9:00 am (even earlier if possible).

Rialto Beach is another popular spot with restricted parking, and it’s a great place to see the sunset so we’d visit it in the late afternoon / early evening.

Download Offline Maps in Advance

There are parts of the park where cellular reception is unavailable, like in the Hoh Rainforest. We like to download offline Google Maps data of places we intend to visit because it gives you the ability to navigate even without a signal.

Here’s a guide on how to download offline maps.

Where to Stay for Your Trip to Olympic National Park

Firstly, we have an entire guide focused on deciding where to stay in Olympic National Park. We’re going to give you a brief summary here, but if you want a more comprehensive look, you should definitely read that guide.

Here’s the short version. 

We believe splitting your trip in half would be a wise choice, spending part of the time staying in either the northern region around Port Angeles (or near Lake Sutherland), and the other half in the region surrounding Forks.

That approach will make it so you don’t spend your entire time driving back and forth. Port Angeles / Lake Sutherland is a good base for exploring Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, and Forks is a great base for the Pacific Coast and Hoh Rainforest.

What is the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park?

Unlike the other two national parks in Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park (which are situated deep inside the Cascades and are basically closed for approximately six months each year), Olympic National Park is in fact relatively accessible throughout the year.

Summer is the best time to experience the park in terms of weather, but you’re making a compromise with the crowds as they are, by far, the heaviest during this season.

You`ll get pleasantly long days filled with warmth, but you`ll want to start your activities as early as humanly possible to secure parking at some of the more popular trailheads and parking areas.

We enjoy early autumn – September and the start of October – as a nice balance of favorable weather and smaller crowds.

As one delves deeper into October, the weather will become less predictable (read: a higher probability of rain), but you`ll also see a corresponding decrease in the number of visitors over that period.

During the colder months, sections of the park like the shoreline, Lake Crescent, and rainforests largely remain open to visitors, while the higher elevations tend to go into a period of reduced activity.

Higher elevation spots such as Hurricane Ridge and Sol Duc Road close occasionally, but the road to Hurricane Ridge is usually open on weekends even in winter.

Be sure to check the latest details before your visit here.

There’s no avoiding it – the weather in the winter is going to be dull, with plenty of gray and rain.

The Hoh Rainforest receives approximately 60 inches of rain between November and January. This huge amount of rain.

Obviously, that’s an extreme scenario, but expect to get wet if you visit in winter.

The benefits of the winter are twofold. There are significantly fewer individuals in the park, and lodging options are relatively inexpensive.

Spring is another popular period to visit, with blooming wildflowers and roaring waterways. The park is emerging from its extensive, damp winter hibernation, and the wildlife is starting to stir.

The number of people visiting San Francisco at this time of year would be intermediate between autumn and winter – there will be some individuals around, but nowhere near as busy as the height of summer.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Olympic National Park?

At this point, we`ve repeatedly mentioned the park`s vast size. This prompts the question, how many days should one devote to visiting Olympic National Park?

If you want to see the entire park, we’d recommend no fewer than three days.

Spend one night in Port Angeles and two nights in Forks, and make your way around Olympic National Park in a counterclockwise direction starting from the northeast corner down to Kalaloch.

With less available time, some attractions may need to be postponed for a future visit.

With two days, we’d spend one day exploring Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent scenic areas, and one day experiencing the Hoh Rainforest (be there early!), Pacific Coast regions including Rialto Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall, Ruby Beach, and Second Beach).

For what it’s worth, we remained here (at the outstanding apartments at Come to Sevilla Casa de las Especias), and found it to be a pleasant home base for exploring Seville.

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