Want to plan an incredible Olympic National Park itinerary? You’re in the right place! We’re Matt and Alysha, and we live in Portland, Oregon, where we have relatively easy access to Olympic National Park. We’ve been to the park multiple times for 5+ days each over the past several years, and we’re here to help you design an amazing trip to the Olympic Peninsula.
Olympic National Park is among three magnificent national parks in Washington State, and it is undoubtedly the most diverse and fascinating of the three. The park boasts alpine rocky zones, perpetually moist rainforests, rugged coastal beaches, and more.
There are few places globally where one can spend the morning amidst alpine splendor surrounded by craggy peaks and sweeping vistas, and end the day on a seaside beach with feet in the Pacific Ocean.
Olympic National Park is one of them.
That diversity of living things is what makes Olympic National Park unique, and is why a visit is worthwhile, whether for a weekend trip from Seattle or as part of a broader tour around Washington.
Having grown up in Seattle, it might surprise you to learn that the first time I, Matt, explored Olympic National Park was in 2020, in my 30’s.
Olympic is an enormous park – the 13th biggest national park in the US – that merits multiple visits to truly experience everything it offers.
Due to its size, you’ll want to strategically plan how you organize your trip to avoid numerous 2+ hour drives needed to get between areas.
This is exactly why we created this guide – to assist you in planning an amazing trip.
This guide will provide comprehensive details about planning the ideal itinerary for exploring Olympic National Park – recommended activities, lodging options, tips for organizing your time – to help ensure an unforgettable experience.
We’ve structured this guide for 3 days, but we have several suggestions for modifying it if you have more or less time.
Planning a trip to Olympic National Park? Do not overlook our extensive guide to the best activities in Olympic National Park, the finest routes in Olympic National Park, and our guide to selecting where to reside in Olympic National Park.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
How Many Days Do You Need in Olympic National Park?
First of all, we want to stress that Olympic National Park is massive. For that reason, we’d recommend no less than two nights in the park.
3 days in Olympic National Park is even better, because it will give you some time to explore the northwest section of the park – namely Ozette Lake, Cape Flattery, and Shi-Shi Beach.
Here is a rough idea of sights that can be covered in 2-3 days in Olympic National Park.
- With 2 Days in Olympic National Park: Spend one day on the Hurricane Ridge / Lake Crescent area, and one day on the Pacific Coast and the Hoh Rainforest.
- With 3 Days in Olympic National Park: Add the northwest corner of the park (Shi-Shi and Cape Flattery) in between the coast and Lake Crescent, and add more Pacific beaches to the itinerary.
- Jamaica Weather in September: September marks the height of hurricane season but precipitation amounts don’t increase significantly from August. Kingston in the south sees around 11 rainy days while Ocho Rios in the north sees closer to 14 days. The average daily temperature stays hot at 28°C with lows only dropping a few degrees to 24°C. The ocean remains warm and balmy as a bath at 29°C, but with heavy rainfall expected in September, beach days may not be as consistent as other months. September gets around 10 hours of daily sunshine, so warm sunny days are possible but packing an umbrella, a light raincoat, and a waterproof bag is advised. Also bring light summer clothing, swimsuits, and waterproof shoes as well as sun protection as UV rays remain high. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: South – 115mm, North East – 120mm.)
- If you wish to add on the Kalaloch beaches and Lake Quinault, include a half day. You can experience this as your last day, and create this itinerary a loop by returning to the I-5 corridor along the southern border of the park through Aberdeen (where the popular band Nirvana originated!).
- If you wish to camp on the beach overnight, add one additional day.
- For longer all-day hikes, allot half an extra day per hike.
- If you wish to undertake one of the many incredible overnight backpacking excursions in the park, add 2-3 days.
The primary guidance below has been written to help explore the best of Olympic National Park over three days. Below the main schedule, there are ideas on spending more or less time in the park.
Can You Do a Day Trip to Olympic National Park from Seattle?
We don’t believe a day trip here makes practical sense. Even if you ONLY focus on Hurricane Ridge, the closest area to Seattle, it’s still at least a three hour drive EACH WAY that necessitates a ferry crossing. That’s a minimum of three hours in one direction alone.
Limiting your visit solely to that area would cause you to miss out on experiencing the incredible biodiversity that truly sets this park apart. Factoring in both drive time and time spent within the coastal regions themselves, a round trip excursion could total closer to four hours in each direction.
If you’re searching for a day excursion, check out our guide to the best day trips from Seattle, which has numerous great options (such as some good substitutes to Olympic National Park).
Do You Need a Car to Explore Olympic National Park?
You’ll need to ensure the availability of transportation. If you’re traveling from a nearby location – such as somewhere in Oregon or Washington – driving yourself is an option. If coming from farther away, reserving a rental car upon arrival in Seattle is suggested.
Exploring the Olympic Peninsula without personal transportation is nearly impossible. We do not recommend options like public buses as the park is too vast and public transit coverage in the area is limited.
If you`re arriving from outside the state, rent a vehicle at SeaTac airport upon your arrival.
Want to experience Olympic National Park in a campervan?
We own a campervan from Peace Vans in Seattle (their “modern” model, constructed on a Mercedes Metris) and highly suggest them.
The Metris has a smaller footprint compared to the larger Sprinter and Dodge Ram Promaster vans, which is what drew us to it. There is still ample space, and the roof-mounted living area creates even more room.
You can hire a van from Peace Vans on Outdoorsy, which would be an excellent way to explore Olympic National Park (trust us, we’ve done it!).
They have an office in Seattle, and from there it’s an easy drive out to Olympic National Park (or you can hop on the Bainbridge Ferry).
Getting to Olympic National Park from Elsewhere
If coming from farther away, such as another state, then flying into SeaTac International Airport is the most convenient choice. This is the main airport serving the Seattle area, located roughly 20 minutes south of the city center without traffic delays.
From SeaTac Airport, plan for a two and a half to three hour drive to your initial destination.
Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
It is worth repeating here: this park is massive. For instance, it takes a full two hours to get from Port Angeles to the Hoh Rainforest.
That means utilizing a single home base to explore the entire park isn`t really very practical, as it would require drives of over two hours in length.
Generally, we’re 100% on board with selecting one base and exploring from there, but doing that would add a ton of extra driving.
For that reason, we would strongly advise utilizing multiple bases from which to embark on your itinerary.
With three full days in the park, we’d spend your initial night near Port Angeles, which acts as the gateway to Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley, and your subsequent two nights near Forks, where you’ll be closer to the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches.
Note: if you want to camp, make sure to read the section on tenting below!
Here are some places to reside in each of those locations.
We have an entire guide on where to reside in Olympic National Park with more detail on this, if you’re interested in getting deeper on each area.
Staying Near Port Angeles
If lodging outdoors is not an option, there are a couple routes one could take here.
If desiring to lodge in Port Angeles itself, which is the largest city near the park, and the town on the northeastern side with the most commodities (like grocery stores and gas stations), stay at the Olympic Lodge. It’s clean, comfortable, and it’s the best hotel in town.
On our last trip, we camped in the rear of the Emerald Valley Inn, a motel just outside of town, which was a lovely home base for exploring the eastern end of the park.
If you want a more rustic experience, stay in accommodations like a rental property outside of town towards Lake Crescent. The best location would probably be a cabin around Lake Sutherland, which is conveniently located between Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
Evaluate these one bedroom lakeside cabin, or this spacious three bedroom home).
In the area surrounding Lake Sutherland, which positions you between Port Angeles and its amenities and Lake Crescent and the wilderness, there are also some quality options. It’s difficult to decline this cozy cabin on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or this beautiful custom studio.
Or, if you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, stay at this remarkable treehouse located directly on the beach, which is on our list of places to experience!
Camping Options: Heart O’ Hills Campground (first come, first served) provides the best option, with Sol Duc Campground as runner up (reserve ahead). We stayed at charming Sol Duc during our initial trip to the park.
Staying Near Forks
We have three reliable choices in and surrounding Forks for you to select from. Yes, that Forks. The one associated with vampires.
If you want to stay within the town of Forks itself, lodge at either the Forks Motel or the Pacific Inn Motel, which are quite literally across the street from each other in the center of town.
If you prefer a rustic lodging away from the towns, opt for either the Hoh Valley Cabins along the road to the Hoh Rainforest which offer charming accommodations, or the Misty Valley Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast just north of Forks.
If choosing to camp, remain at Mora Campground (reservation advised in advance), which potentially was the nicest national recreation area campground we`ve ever resided at. We`ve stayed twice! It`s five minutes from Rialto Beach.
Camping in Olympic National Park
The Oceanfront Samesun is an entertaining choice if you’re on a budget yet still want proximity to the shore. Guests can select dormitories, private rooms with communal bathrooms, as well as rooms with private facilities, offering a suitable variety based on spending and travel style. Accommodations are cozy and visitors will enjoy shared kitchen and laundry amenities. And it`s merely three blocks from Ocean Beach Pier
If you’re planning a summer visit, I strongly advise making lodging reservations several months ahead for the campgrounds requiring bookings. They are usually reserved months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
For campsites that are first-arrived, first-served (I’m going to start using FCFS as an acronym below), the earlier you get there, the wider selection of campsites you will have. If you show up at 4:00 pm on a Friday or Saturday in August, I wouldn’t expect to easily find a site.
Situated at the heart of l’Eixample, the strongly emphasized Praktik Vinoteca is a hotel that focuses singularly on wine!
For exploring the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches, we’ve camped at Moraand found it to be a great base location for tours of the area (plus, the campground itself is really pleasant).
We`ve stayed there on two occasions, and it has the best campground location for exploring the entire stretch of Pacific coastline. Reserve as far in advance as possible.
Instead, I’d camp at Mora and make the hour-long journey to the rainforest as a morning trip on your way down the coast.
For experiencing Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rainforest, campers have the options of Falls Creek or Willaby Campground.
Both are technically located outside the park in Olympic National Forest, and accept reservations before arrival.
For more details about camping in the park, like current campsite status, head over to the NPS website.
Exactly How to Plan an Amazing 3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
And now, with all the significant logistical elements addressed, onwards to the primary event! We’re going to provide you a detailed 3 day itinerary for Olympic National Park that you can essentially duplicate to plan your own trip.
Please note that we’re expecting you have THREE FULL DAYS in the park .Which means you’re arriving the night before night 1, and leaving the morning after night 3.
With less time available (e.g. arriving from Seattle on the first morning or needing to return to Seattle on the last evening), slight modifications are still perfectly feasible.
If your time in the park is limited to one or two days, we offer suggestions below for how to make the most of that short amount of time before delving into the more detailed main itinerary, which you can use to thoroughly plan your trip!
Lastly, if you have more time in the park, you`re in for a treat! We have recommendations for how to spend additional time, like longer hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, camping on the beach, and more.
Here’s a quick summary of the itinerary below:
- Day 1: Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Falls
- Day 2: Shi-Shi Beach, Cape Flattery, and the beaches at La Push.
- Day 3: The Hoh Rainforest and Our Favorite Coastlines
Here’s a map of where your trip will take you!
Day 1: Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent
On your first day in the park, explore the northeast section, where you`ll find gems like Hurricane Ridge (the most accessible high-altitude region), Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley.
Hurricane Ridge
Start your day out early in the morning with a trip up to Hurricane Ridge, which is the highest accessible point in the park by vehicle.
We advise arriving early because this section of the park becomes extremely crowded, particularly between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
You may need to wait for 30-60 minutes here if you arrive during a peak season weekend for a parking spot.”
Even from the visitor center, the views are spectacular. However, the main attraction here for us is particularly the hiking options.
Plan on arriving before 9:00 am, at the latest.
That path, you’ll have no issue discovering stopping, and you’ll have the option to do the climb up to Stormy Hill with only a couple individuals around. We showed up here at 7:00 am, and were the main individuals on the trail up to Stormy Hill. It was enchanting.
The must-do climb here is the short, paved ascent to Hurricane Hill.
From there, you’ll have incredible views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia to the north (you can see Vancouver’s skyline and the city of Victoria), Mount Baker to the east, and the Olympics to the south, with towering Mount Olympus.
If you’re also looking for a more extensive hike to undertake, here are two good options.
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Klahhane Ridge: An alternative to climbing all the way to Lake Angeles is hiking the 5 mile trail along Klahhane Ridge instead. The hike will provide 1,700 feet of elevation gain mainly through dense forest switchbacks early on, but once reaching the ridge sweeping views open up including sights of Mt. Angeles.
Marymere Falls
Your second stop of the day will be at the Lake Crescent parking lot, which is where you’ll leave your vehicle to access the next two attractions on this list. This is also the location of the historic Storm King Ranger Station.
The initial of those two stops is the relatively brief and easy hike to Marymere Falls.
Taking a stroll through the ferny and wet forest leads you to a magnificent ninety foot tall waterfall with multiple viewpoints accessible by climbing relatively steep wooden stairs.
In total, it’s a 1.8 mile round trip hike with 500 feet of elevation gain. The concluding portion taking you to the two viewpoints is the only significant part involving changes in elevation.
Mount Storm King (OPTIONAL)
If you’re up for a longer, more troublesome hike at sunset, the climb up to Mount Storm King is a good choice.
We did this on our last trip out to the Olympic Peninsula, and it’s basically straight up and straight down. The reward is a nice view out over Lake Crescent from the rocky outcropping at the top.
To be honest, though, the hike itself really isn’t that cool. Or scenic. Or particularly fun.
The views from the top are nice, but the journey to get there is admittedly not very exciting.
We came across it due to numerous gorgeous photos shared online, but found the hike itself fell short of high expectations, all things considered.
We’d opt for one of the two longer hikes near Hurricane Ridge before this one (and it’s not nearby).
Reaching the summit requires a relatively short yet steep climb where you`ll have to scale some cables and do some scrambling that may be too challenging for those afraid of heights.
I only suggest this hike if the weather is nice since conditions can get pretty rough up there when it’s not. This trail is 4 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,065 feet, leaving from the same trailhead as Marymere Falls.
Lake Crescent Lodge
After your hike or hikes depending on your plans, head to the stunning Lake Crescent Lodge for an afternoon refreshment.
There’s a short nature trail through some woods from the parking area where you left your vehicle, so you can walk and not have to deal with moving the car and finding a new parking spot.
The historic lodge was originally constructed way back in 1915, and has long stood as one of the oldest national park lodges in the country.
This is an excellent place to stay to explore the region, but it’s nearly always fully booked (once you’re there, you’ll likely understand why).
At the Lake Crescent Lodge, predictably perched on the shores of Lake Crescent, you’ll find a bar and a restaurant, perfect for refueling after a busy morning.
You can take drinks and food onto the patio or find adirondack chairs on the beach for stunning views. Note you`ll pay a premium for the location.
They also have boat, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, if you’re looking to get out onto the water.
Taking some extra time to appreciate the lake is worth it after a lively morning and afternoon outside.
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that we stopped by on our way up to backpack the High Divide Trail.
It adds a little extra distance, taking about a half hour drive up Sol Duc Road, but we feel it`s worthwhile to see what could be the finest waterfall in the park.
The hike through the forest will be 1.6 mi (2.6 km) and have an elevation gain of just 200 feet (61 m), so just about everyone can undertake it.
From the viewpoint on the wooden platform, you obtain a nice sight of the waterfall and the river flowing into it.
Where to Stay for the Night
For your first night, stay near Port Angeles. You’ll move to Forks for the subsequent two nights, but remaining near Port Angeles puts you in the ideal position to stop by Cape Flattery and Shi-Shi Beach tomorrow morning on your way out to the coast.
Our recommendation would be to find somewhere amid Port Angeles and Lake Crescent.
There are some great vacation rentals dotting the northern coast right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, good campgrounds available, and some amazing places to stay on the waterfront of Lake Sutherland (just east of Lake Crescent).
If wanting comfort and convenience of a hotel in Port Angeles itself, staying at the Olympic Lodge provides a suitable option, possibly the best choice in Port Angeles, which lays close to the road amid Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, and very rustic and charming.
Below are some lodging options just outside town worth consideration.
Vacation Rentals in Port Angeles / Lake Crescent
If camping is not your preference, vacation rentals provide an excellent alternative option here.
There are plenty of locations that will position you near to the action at Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, but provide you the ease of returning to a warm and snug bed after your day of exploration.
Here are a few options we like in the area.
- Public Transportation:San Juan Transit has a convenient route that takes you to most of the major locations on the island, such as Lime Kiln State Park, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, and others. It departs from Downtown Friday Harbor, and you can purchase an all-day pass that essentially transforms it into a hop-on, hop-off tour of the island.
- Rent bikes: You can hire bicycles to navigate around the island, but you should be aware that some spots are quite distant from Friday Harbor. For instance, reaching Lime Kiln State Park is an 18 mile round trip journey from Friday Harbor. This may not be the best option if that distance seems too far for you to cycle.
- Rent Mopeds: Or those amusing little three-wheel red vehicles. This is the most expensive choice on the list, but would definitely make for a fun day exploring the island! Rent from Susie’s Mopeds in Friday Harbor.
A Unique Treehouse with a Water View (sleeps 2-3): This charming rustic treehouse structure located directly on the water just east of Port Angeles. It is one of the most enjoyable places to stay in the state of Washington. It is cozy but features a fire pit with amazing views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, making it ideal for an unforgettable weekend escape from Seattle.
A Cabin on the Shore of Lake Sutherland
There are multiple options for this one, here are a couple that caught our attention.
Sunny Lake Sutherland Charmer (sleeps 4-8): Situated directly on the lake with a private dock! It contains two bedrooms as well as additional sleeping accommodations like a murphy bed.”
Lakefront Home with All the Amenities (sleeps 6-8): Stunning wrap-around deck perfect for groups and families hoping to explore Olympic National Park, with plenty of space.
Camping
Heart o’ Hills Campground is merely 15 minutes from downtown Port Angeles, and exists as a first-arrived, first-served campground surrounded by a towering old-growth forest.
Sol Duc Campgroundlies along the Sol Duc River and even features hot spring pools! Campers can make reservations online. This is where we ended up camping, as we were tackling the High Divide Trail, whose trailhead is nearby.
The campground where we stayed at Sol Duc Campground was nicer than others we saw
Day 2: Shi-Shi Beach and the La Push Beaches
For your second morning, head northwest in Washington State to some of the park`s least visited areas. End the day driving to Forks and short beach hikes near La Push.
The initial portion of your day today will be spent on the lands belonging to the Makah tribe – you can learn about the Makah here, and it is worth taking some time to acknowledge that you are on their territory while enjoying this astonishing region.
On the return trip to the rest of the park, pausing at the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay is worthwhile to browse the museum, allowing time to gain further understanding about the tribe’s history and the traditions and past of the area being explored.
It is important to note that: To park at most attractions in the northwest corner of the state, you need a recreation permit from the Makah tribe. You can obtain one at several different locations in the area for $20. The permit is valid for the entire calendar year. You must display it on your dashboard while in this area.
Cape Flattery
Begin your day with the drive up to Cape Flattery, which is the northwestern corner of the mainland continental United States (technically the San Juan Islands are located farther north).
There is a 1.5 mile hike (roundtrip) out to a viewpoint, where travelers will have a nice perspective of the area where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. There is a lighthouse just offshore.
Traveling along an elevated pathway made of boards for most of the route proves easy, and towering sitka spruce trees come into view, epitomizing the coastal Pacific Northwest environment.
As it’s a brief hike, it will be busy. However, not in the early morning! That’s why this activity is scheduled first.
Shi-Shi Beach and the Point of Arches
The reportedly elongated walk to Shi-Shi beach may dissuade some, but understanding it as a comfortable two mile stroll to the shore itself helps. The remainder involves a casual amble along the beachfront heading southward to the beach`s southern terminus where rocky arches can be found.
Point of Arches is a collection of offshore rock formations – probably the best in the park – that require a bit more effort to reach, but are certainly worth the journey. Getting out there takes a full 8.5 miles (approximately). Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and rain gear.
Point of Arches is best at low tide, when the tide pools are visible. Check tides here.
You can camp overnight on Shi-Shi beach, which is one of the most exciting activities in the park. You’ll need both a Makah permit and a park wilderness permit, along with a bear-proof container to store your food. More information is available here.
The La Push Beaches: First, Second, and Third Beaches
Devote the remainder of your day enjoying the beaches near La Push! These explorations will be casual and calm. Actually, they involve more strolling and lengthy walks along the shoreline, activities I have been accustomed to cherishing.
Before you Search it online, yes, the names are actually First, Second, and Third Beach. Second is the best of the group, but they’re all worth visiting.
Initial Beach: The tiny coastal village of La Push is your entrance to Initial Beach. Stroll along a mile-long sandy coastline that has sights onto sea stack outcrops and massive waves. There is ample driftwood to examine and potentially uncover a souvenir.
Second Beach offers an underrated coastal gem. There’s over two miles of sprawling sandy shoreline here, as well as a lagoon, rock formations in the water, tide pools, driftwood supplies, and abundant marine life. As not many visitors frequent this beach, it creates a very relaxing atmosphere. The short hike from the parking lot presents no difficulties for families with young children.
Third Beach: Third Beach visits fewer individuals as it necessitates a round-trip hike of approximately 5.6 kilometers to access the beach. Hikers traverse towering trees until reaching a creek flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Sunsets at this beach and others showcase picturesque scenes.
Where to Stay for Nights 2 & 3
As a reminder, we’d highly recommend remaining in Forks for your second and third nights in the park. The best place to stay around this area is Forks. Yes, that Forks. You know, the one with all the vampires and surprisingly muscular and tanned werewolves.
It will put you in an ideal position to explore the Pacific beaches, and the ever-enchanting (and wet) Hoh Rainforest.
Plan to spend two nights to make the most of Forks as your gateway to the surrounding areas including the Hoh Rain Forest.
In and around Forks, there are a couple of good options.
Hotels & Lodges in Forks
The text contained few hotels in Forks to consider. And honestly, there were only a couple establishments that would really be worth evaluating
Those preferring a more conventional hotel or motel may opt for the Forks Motel or the Pacific Inn Motel, situated directly across the street from each other in the town center.
Further away, there is the Misty Valley Inn, a cute B&B just outside of town to the north with an excellent made-to-order breakfast, and the Hoh Valley Cabins to the south, which are along the road that leads out to the Hoh Rainforest (which is a somewhat less convenient location, made up for by the solitude you`ll find in the rainforest).
Vacation Rentals in Forks
Some truly amazing tiny homes, cottages and cabins in the area would make an ideal base for exploring the Pacific Beaches and Hoh Rainforest.
Small Residence in Forks (sleeps 2): If you prefer a more natural setting, check out these two tiny living spaces in Forks ( Cabin 1 / Cabin 2). It’s an excellent pick for couples, especially if you`re watching your budget. You should know that they offer limited indoor area, so don`t expect a lot of room to spread out inside. A nice outdoor firepit provides a pleasant place to enjoy one of those gorgeous long summer evenings in the temperate Pacific Northwest when sunset occurs around 10:00 pm.
Hotel bh Parque 93 (Parque 93)– while sitting at the highly rated Azahar Coffee shop across the street, we viewed this location and it appeared extremely pleasant so I conducted an online search. It was confirmed – the facility is exceptionally nice. Additionally, it is literally across from Azahar, some of the best coffee in Bogotá, and just one block away from Parque 93 along with the outstanding nearby dining and shopping options.
Camping Near Forks
Mora Campground is the location I would propose if you are searching for a camping spot. We’ve stayed there twice, and we’re rather certain it’s one of the best national park campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at.
There are 94 campgrounds to choose from. It was perfect for a sunset trip to Rialto Beach because it’s roughly six minutes away.
Be sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time (reservations open exactly six months in advance).
Day 3: The Hoh Rainforest and Ruby + Rialto Beaches
Experiencing the rainforests and beaches located on the western side of the park is considered the highest moment to spend in Olympic National Park, meaning the third day will be highlighted along your trip.
The bountiful arrangement of mosses covering antiquated old-development trees medium a captivating scene of normal excellence is something that charmed us from the earliest starting point we initially ventured foot in the rainforest.
Combined with the reality that, just an hour away, you’ll discover towering ocean rock formations emerging from the crashing waves, this is the day when you`ll understand exactly how surprising the landscape is on the Olympic Peninsula. It’s genuinely amazing.
On your last day in the park, explore the Pacific Coast in the morning, visiting the lush Hoh Rainforest first to beat the crowds and experience some solitude, and then visit the top two beaches on the coast in the afternoon.
Be sure to pack a picnic meal (or snacks) to enjoy on the sand!
The Hoh Rainforest
Head IMMEDIATELY to the magical Hoh Rainforest. I recommend arriving as early as humanly possible.
That way, you will gain the experience of the sun`s rays brightly passing through the dense woodland canopy overhead. You may even spot some Roosevelt elk!
The parking situation at the Hoh Rainforest is exceptionally limited, which means they`ve started restricting capacity at the entrance station during peak times with a one vehicle in, one vehicle out policy.
Between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on a summer weekend, there will be a line to park. We learned this from accidentally starting late previously and enduring a one-hour wait.
Do yourself a favor and arrive by 9:00 am at the latest, both for the best experience in the rainforest, and so you don`t have to wait for parking.
Did you know? One factor leading to Olympic National Park`s establishment was safeguarding the calving grounds of elk at the base of Mount Olympus.
Teddy Roosevelt designated it a National Monument in 1909, and it became a National Park in 1938 thanks to FDR.
Also, the early morning hours provide the best time to visit because there won’t be many people around, allowing a more solitary experience with the rainforest.
The environment is much more pleasant without hundreds of talking people and screaming kids. We can assure you.
Once midday arrives, there are tons of people around, given how readily accessible it is to explore. Keep that in mind so you can fully appreciate it.
There are a couple of brief hikes to do here, and a more extended option that is customizable to what you’re capable of.
Alcove of Moss: The Alcove of Moss is a quick 0.8 mi (1.3 km) loop through lush rainforests where you will see moss-covered trees, banana slugs, elk, and more. There’s also plenty of signage with helpful information about everything you’ll be seeing.
Spruce Nature Trail: The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2 mi roundtrip walk through the Hoh Rain Forest that takes visitors through ancient groves and relaxing areas of this exceptional rainforest.
When returning, we could opt for this spacious Airbnb listing, with a full kitchen, or choose a more rustic stay at Pyramid Lake Resort or Overlander Mountain Lodge.
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is a little bit of a detour from the Hoh Rainforest, but we think it’s worth it. From the turnoff to the Hoh Rainforest, you’ll take a left and head south on 101 for 15 minutes to reach the parking lot.
Ruby Beach is likely our second favorite of the Pacific Coast beaches (after Rialto, which you’ll reach later in the evening). The driftwood on the shore and the rock columns just offshore are gorgeous, impressing us every time we’re here.
If you’re up for another coastal walk, at least part of the 6 mile (9.7 km) roundtrip hiking beautiful sea stacks and Abbey Island is worthwhile.
When tide levels are low, you may catch glimpses of starfish and other sea creatures among your surroundings as well.
Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall at Sunset
The evening is the perfect time to catch that glorious Pacific Ocean sunset that you have to see in person to truly believe.
The sunset at Rialto Beach remains one of the highlights from our two year road trip across the US. The picturesque sea stacks emerging from the ocean complement the breathtaking backdrop of the daily sunset. We also noticed multiple bald eagles perched among the trees.
You should know coastal fog or clouds enshroud this area for much of the year, significantly limiting sunset visibility potential.
However, on clear days the views are certainly worth the effort.
If you want to have the best chance of seeing a sunset here, you should come during the summer months. However, it will stay rather chilly year-round, so bring something warm to wear.
You certainly shouldn`t miss the walk down Rialto Beach to an incredibly scenic location called the Hole-in-the-Wall. Which quite literally depicts what it suggests, but even more beautifully so.
To get there, you’d walk for about an hour down the beach, passing by a couple of incredible rocky columns that towered above you. Eventually, you’d reach a point where natural erosion had formed an arch in the wall thanks to countless years of weathering.
There are some pretty intriguing tidepools on either side of Hole in the wall worth exploring – just be sure not to handle or disturb the sea life residing there!
Top Travel Recommendation: Be sure to verify the tides – you must do this walk during low tide, otherwise you’ll either not be able to arrive, or you’ll get stuck out there and have to do some rock climbing to return. We used this site to check tides.
What to Do with More Time in Olympic National Park
Here are some excellent additions to this itinerary if you`re fortunate enough to have over 3 days in Olympic National Park.
With an extra full day, you can very easily include Lake Quinault and Kalaloch (it’s also feasible to create this itinerary as a large loop and do those two spots on the return to Seattle / Portland, looping around the southern end of the park to get back to I-5).
Lake Quinault & the Quinault Rainforest
Continuing south along the Pacific shoreline brings you to another freshwater lake surrounded by fern-filled rainforest scenery awaiting discovery.
Just like the Hoh Rain Forest, the Quinault Rainforest gets very crowded. I`d actually recommend going later in the day when the crowds start to thin out.
The Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop is a brief 0.5 mi (0.8 km) trail that takes you through an incredibly mossy forest with a dizzying array of fungi and animals.
Lake Quinault is a massive glacier-fed lake that is surrounded by mossy old-growth rainforest. It is around this lake that you will find some of the tallest Sitka Spruce trees in the entire area! It’s no wonder it’s called the Valley of the Giants.
There is a 49.9 km loop road encircling the entire lake that offers a nice opportunity to spot wildlife. Head out around sunset and you may see elk, black-tailed deer, cougars, bald eagles, bobcats, or black bears.
Kalaloch
Just south of Ruby Beach is Kalaloch Lodge and the various sandy coastlines surrounding it. There’s a pleasant campground here, and it’s also where you’ll find the Tree of Life, a tree whose roots have been revealed after many years of erosion.
There are four extensive beaches to explore here. More data can be found here.
Guests can stay at the Kalaloch Lodge in lodge rooms (hotel-style accommodations), or one of the oceanfront cabins.
For the price paid, the facilities are a little outdated (as they tend to be in national park lodges, which are almost always at full capacity), but the location and atmosphere can’t be surpassed. Book well in advance – it’s completely full during the summer season.
Like mentioned, combining this area with Lake Quinault allows a fourth day, plus following 101 south loops back to Seattle or Portland.
Backpacking in Olympic National Park
Over the past two summers, we’ve had the privilege of tackling two amazing backpacking routes in Olympic National Park, and loved them both.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a bear canister for any overnight camping – including on the beach – in Olympic National Park.
We have this one, and highly advise it. Other acquaintances own one of the clear, screw top versions, and prefer using ours.
If overnight backpacking is part of your plans, be sure to stop by the ranger station in Port Angeles to acquire backcountry permits, bear canisters (available for rental if needed), and information regarding the park.
If you’re 16 years or older, it will cost you $8 per night. Any overnight stay in the wilderness will carry this fee, so make sure to get your wilderness permit in advance. You can also print them at home beforehand.
More information on backpacking in the park can be found here.
The High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin
The initial we undertook was the High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin, which is close to as magnificent a backpacking trip as we’ve ever accomplished.
You’ll begin from the Sol Duc Falls parking area, and embark on a sizable 19 mile loop that takes you up to the High Divide, a rocky ridge offering spectacular views of the Olympics and the Seven Lakes Basin below.
Wild boar – or “cinghiale” in Italian – is a specialty of the Tuscan hills and a must-sample when in San Gimignano.
Be sure to acquire permits as soon as possible – they regularly sell out, especially recently. You can check availability on recreation.gov.
Spend it in three days/two nights, staying one night up on the High Divide (at Lunch Lake!), and one night at Deer Lake or Sol Duc Park (depending on which direction you want to hike).
We preferred doing it in a clockwise rotation, which involves a more gradual climb upwards and an easier descent, but you could easily travel in the opposing direction.
The Enchanted Valley
The second backpacking trip we embarked on was the Enchanted Valley, which we tackled midweek last summer.
This one focuses less on the spectacular mountain views, and more on hiking into a beautiful, secluded valley only accessible to those willing to hike the 13 miles in.
We spent three days and two nights here, but extending our time by an additional night would have been preferable as hiking the entire 13 mile route in a single outing proved rather taxing. It is better to break up the long days by resting overnight somewhere along the trail in each direction.
Definitely make sure to spend a night in the valley itself, which is where you’ll find the picturesque chalet that’s in all the images (it’s not actually being used at the moment).
We enjoyed this hike, though the valley isn’t so secluded these days (there are routinely 100 people camping in the valley on summer weekends).
What to Do with Less Time in Olympic National Park
If you have one or two days in the park, you`ll need to be a bit more strategic with your time. Here is how we would spend either one or two days in the park.
Olympic National Park in 2 Days
If you have two days in Olympic National Park, we’d dedicate one day to each area (the two areas being Hurricane Ridge/Lake Crescent and Pacific Beaches/Hoh Rainforest).
Spend your first morning at Lake Crescent, doing the hike to Marymere Falls and adding the climb up to Mount Storm King if you’re feeling ambitious before heading to the Lake Crescent Lodge afterwards.
Then, take a brief detour to admire Sol Doc Falls, and head up to Hurricane Ridge for the afternoon and sunset. Hike Hurricane Hill around sunset for an unforgettable encounter.
On your second day, head out towards Forks and make a straight path for the Hoh Rainforest. Try to arrive as soon as possible to avoid the masses and the lineup at the entrance. Hike the Hall of Mosses and part of the Hoh River Trail to see the thick, damp rainforest in all its grandeur.
From there head down to Ruby Beach for a picnic lunch and to admire the offshore sea stacks. End with a walk on Rialto Beach out to Hole in the Wall for an unforgettable sunset.
Olympic National Park in One Day
Like we discussed above, Olympic National Park really isn’t a great day outing destination (if you’re looking for a day outing, make certain to read our guide to the best day trips from Seattle!).
However, if you only have one day and night in the park, we’d focus on the northeast corner around Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley. Which means you can follow the first day of this itinerary as written!
How to Get to Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is genuinely not that near to Seattle, meaning it’s a long journey to go for a day trip (we wouldn’t suggest it).
However, with a few days and a car, it’s a fairly accessible slice of wilderness that is easily reached from the Seattle area and from Portland, Oregon.
Getting to Olympic National Park from Seattle
There are a few straightforward options if you’re traveling from Seattle – drive around, or take the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Both take roughly the same amount of time, but the ferry ride provides a spectacular view of the journey out to the park (though it isn’t free).
The crossing will take you about 35 minutes, and it’s going to cost you $16.40 (includes the driver) for the car, plus the walk-on fare for everyone else in the car ($9.25 per adult, and $4.60 for kids).
The fee details are here if wanting to examine costs. Schedules are available here – they run roughly every 60-90 minutes, and advise arriving 20-30 minutes in advance because filling up is common, especially on summer weekends.
The alternative is to drive around through Tacoma, cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and head north along the Hood Canal.
Eventually, you’ll connect with Highway 101, which stretches from the northeast edge of the park all the way down the coast to the southwest boundary of the park, and even farther down to California.
Getting to Olympic National Park from Portland
Even though it`s in Washington State, Olympic National Park makes for a nice weekend trip from Portland.
If traveling from Portland, the southern region of the park is most proximate. Take Interstate 5 north out of Portland, connecting to US Route 101 at Olympia via US Route 12 for direct access to the southern perimeter.
From Portland to Forks, it’s a five hour drive. From Portland to Port Angeles, which is where we have this itinerary starting, it’s around four hours.
A note if you’re coming from Portland: The best way to do this route from Portland is to make it a large loop, and you can do it in either direction. Which implies you’re going to have a lengthy drive on either end.
The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Unlike other places in Washington State (namely the Cascades), Olympic National Park is fairly accessible year round thanks to most of the park being at relatively low elevation.
Access to the coastal areas is possible throughout the year, and Hurricane Ridge can generally be reached except during major winter storms. Outside of summer, be prepared for rain!
Summer: Based on our experience, the summer months provide the best time to visit.
Yes, there are many people, but the weather is warm, dry, and generally pleasant. Overall, most people prefer visiting the park in July and August.
This period will feature the warmest climate and most comfortable conditions. Essentially all roads and amenities will also be accessible.
Early to mid-fall: The period between Labor Day and mid-October is also a pleasant time to visit the park. Crowds will be much more manageable with all the children back in school, and the weather remains fairly good.
However, we must note that conditions become more unpredictable, and rain becomes more likely, the deeper into October you travel.
Additionally, spotting active elk (rutting season!) and splashes of autumn color make fall a lovely time to be in the Olympic Peninsula.
Winter: During the winter months, cooler atmospheric conditions, coastal fogginess, and even snowfall in select elevated areas can be anticipated. Most importantly, far fewer crowds will be encountered.
Some roads are closed, meaning certain areas within the park can`t be accessed (see road closure information below).
Spring: In March and April, the park emerges from a long, damp winter slumber, and snow begins to thaw at higher elevations as you get into May. Still, it’s definitely going to be wet, so pack a rain jacket and some water-resistant boots.
Periodic Closures: Relying on what time of the year it is that you’re going to visit this beautiful park, there may be some seasonal and short-term closures. You can check road closures and the status of different areas of the park here.
