Olympic National Park is situated at the northwest corner of the contiguous United States, and it contains more diversity than any other national park in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, it is quite distant.
Within the protected boundaries, one will find crystal-clear alpine lakes bordered by snow-capped peaks, rugged shorelines being battered by potent Pacific surf, one of North America`s prime examples of a coastal temperate rainforest, and some of Washington State`s most stunning waterfalls.
However, as individuals who have planned trips to Olympic National Park ourselves, we’re intimately acquainted with how perplexing it can be to comprehend the park, which is disseminated over 1,400 square miles that aren’t consistently connected to one another.
Within this guide, we will provide you all pertinent information necessary to establish where to situate yourself while touring Olympic National Park during your forthcoming excursion.
We’ll provide an overview of the park’s geographic regions upfront to help visualize its layout, then we’ll give our high-level guidance on approaching lodging selection before reviewing recommendations in each area.
Our goal is that, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information necessary to decide on the best place to stay in Olympic National Park based on your specific trip, style, and budget.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
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Planning to visit Olympic National Park? We’ve got more detailed travel guides to help explore Olympic National Park and make the most of time in the northwest corner of Washington State.
- A guide presenting an incredible schedule of activities for exploring Olympic National Park
- The Premier Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
- 17 Memorable Activities in Olympic National Park
- The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park: All 4 Seasons (COMING SOON)
Table of Contents
A Quick Olympic National Park Geography Overview
Before delving into the specific places to stay below, we really need to briefly discuss the park’s topography up front.
Because in the case of Olympic National Park – which covers 1,400 square miles in northwest Washington State – location definitely matters. Especially considering parts of the park are divided, with non-park land breaking up the park’s boundaries.
Olympic National Park is a land of contrasts, and while that’s a bit of a commonplace, we think it fits the scenario here.
Within those 1,400 square miles, you have the rocky beaches and towering sea stacks of the Pacific Coast, the alpine regions of the park centered around Hurricane Ridge, some of the best examples of coastal temperate rainforests in the world, and dense evergreen forests as far as the eye can see.
To make it more easily digestible, we’re going to break the park up into regions, and use those to discuss where to stay for your visit to the Olympic Peninsula.
After we cover those regions, we’ll discuss the best approach to planning your trip to ensure you aren’t driving more than needed.
At a high level, we generally divide Olympic National Park into five distinct regions.
They are:
- Hurricane Ridge: An alpine region of the park located at Hurricane Ridge where visitors can gain elevation to heights of around 5,200 feet above sea level. This climb provides incredible views overlooking the surrounding landscape such as the snow-covered peaks of the Olympic Mountains including Mount Baker as well as views across the Canada–United States border to Victoria. There are no lodging options here other than one campground allowing backcountry camping, so those exploring should stay in Port Angeles or around Lake Sutherland.
- Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc Valley: As travelers head west from Port Angeles, they`ll enter the Elwha Valley and quickly reach the shores of Lake Crescent, the most popular lake in the park. This area has lush evergreen forests and waterfalls, offering a contrast to both Hurricane Ridge and the rugged Pacific Coast. Port Angeles or Lake Sutherland once more provide the best lodging for access to this locale.
- One of the central regions along the Pacific Coast stretches from the coastal town of La Push down to Kalaloch, lined with endless beaches. Some of the best, in our view, are Rialto (don`t miss the beach hike out to Hole in the Wall!), Second Beach, and Ruby Beach. The most suitable place to stay while exploring this part of the Pacific Coast would be in and around Forks.
- The remote Pacific Coast: The more rugged and difficult to access section of the Pacific Coast is located in the northwestern corner of Washington State and the adjoining edge of the United States. If you`re up for quite a journey, you can travel all the way to Cape Flattery, which serves as the northwest limit of the country. Shi Shi beach is the highlight here. The best way to reach this more isolated part of the park will inevitably require a lengthy drive no matter how you approach it. We`d do it on the route from Port Angeles to Forks or vice versa.
- The Coastal Temperate Rainforests: Located in the southwestern corner of the park, the Hoh Rainforest is the most famous example of this natural phenomenon that thrives in the Pacific Northwest thanks to ample moisture and precipitation. Ferns in an intensely green hue not previously seen, mosses that seem suited to Lord of the Rings, and a herd of Roosevelt elk make this a distinctive place. The Quinault Rainforest lies further south, and is another worthwhile stop (though not as impressive in our estimation).
Here is a visual representation to help conceptualize the topic under discussion.
Our Recommended Strategy for Choosing Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
Now that we’ve briefly covered the geography, let’s get into figuring out exactly where to lay your head at night. We need to start with our recommended approach.
The primary consideration is the lengthy travel time between certain areas. For example, the drive between Hurricane Ridge and Forks – the two most popular sections of the park – takes one hour and 45 minutes one way. Therefore, if staying in just one of those places for the whole trip, nearly four hours would be spent commuting to reach the other.
The optimal locale to dwell to scrutinize Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent / the Sol Duc Valley is either Port Angeles (if you prefer a more metropolitan atmosphere) or Lake Sutherland (if you prefer a more natural atmosphere).
The best area to base yourself to explore the Pacific Coast and coastal rainforests is Forks, or nearby.
For that reason, we’d strongly advise splitting your time equally between the Port Angeles / Lake Crescent area, and the Forks area. And we’d split it approximately evenly (if you have an odd number of nights, we’d most likely choose to spend the extra night in Forks over Port Angeles, but it’s almost a coin toss).
Yes, that means you’re going to be moving around a little more than we usually prefer, but we think the time saved is worth the hassle of checking in and out more than once.
Where to Stay in Olympic National Park: A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Stay
Now, let`s explore the best places to stay in Olympic National Park in more detail. We’ll cover three regions – Port Angeles, Lake Sutherland, and Forks – before providing a brief overview of camping options within the park.
One important note: As we covered thoroughly above, Olympic National Park is EXTENSIVELY LARGE. It will greatly help simplify your experience if, rather than remaining in only one area to explore the entire park, you transfer locations periodically. For most visitors, this means lodging inPort Angeles / Lake Crescent for multiple nights to access Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, and then staying in Forks for a night or two to tour the Pacific Beaches and Hoh Rainforest.
Now, we’re well aware that a few of you are currently eager to toss your left shoe at the screen, saying “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!”
Here is a brief summary of the key points covered in this guide in case you have limited time, though exploring the section relevant to your chosen lodging will offer location-specific recommendations and activities.
- The most suitable location to reside for Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge is eitherPort Angeles (for an urban atmosphere with more amenities like eateries and food stores) or around Lake Sutherland (for lakeside living and a more rural atmosphere). In Port Angeles, stay at the Olympic Lodge, which is the best option in town. Around Lake Sutherland, opt for either the Emerald Valley Inn (we’ve camped there, but they have great hotel-style rooms too) or a cabin on the shores of Lake Sutherland. If you’re camping, Heart O’ the Hills Campground (initial come initial served) and Sol Duc Campground (we’ve stayed there, reservations required) are the best choices.
- If you want to be close to the Pacific Coast and Hoh Rainforest, look to stay in or aroundForks. Choose between the Woodland Inns, which is a set of new cabins (which have kitchens) right in the heart of town, or the Misty Valley Inn, which is a bed and breakfast just north of town in a quieter location. I have a trip scheduled to Olympic in 2023, and have booked a couple nights at the Hoh Valley Cabins, which seem like a tranquil place to spend a few nights (though the location is somewhat less convenient for the coast). If you will be camping, Mora Campground is the best option in this area (we have stayed there multiple times now).
Port Angeles: The Best Place to Stay for Hurricane Ridge if You Want to Be in a City
Port Angeles is the largest city on the border of Olympic National Park, which makes it a good base camp if you’re seeking to be near amenities like gas, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Once you depart into the park, the possibilities for those things begin to get sparse and distant (read: nonexistent until you arrive at Forks).
The Best Places to Stay in and Around Port Angeles
There is a suitable selection of hotels and vacation rentals located both within and just outside the city center.
If camping is desired, the best option is likely to be Heart O’ the Hills Campground, which is a little ways up the hill to Hurricane Ridge. It’s available on a first-arrived, first-served basis, so don’t expect to get a spot if you show up at 5:00 pm on a Friday night during the summer.
Olympic Lodge
If you’re looking for a pleasant place to rest in Port Angeles, the Olympic Lodge is likely the optimal selection. It represents the premier hotel in town.
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby allow ample amounts of natural light to enter, even on dreary days which are not uncommon in the Pacific Northwest region. Parking at the site as well as the heated outdoor pool and hot tub are covered in the room charge.
The lodge rooms here are not the most contemporary and progressive, but they have everything required for a couple of nights of exploring. They have a few configurations – two queens and one king are the most common – and some rooms have views of the water, while others have a view of the golf course behind the lodge and the Olympic Range beyond.
Some rooms are pet-friendly too, though you should know that pets aren’t permitted in Olympic National Park (except for parking lots, basically).
Hidden Haven Cottages
This small resort located 15 minutes west of Port Angeles provides a superb location for exploring both Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge with its five cozy cottages.
The resort itself is beautiful, with impeccable landscaping dating far back to 1976, when the owners first set out to create an idyllic escape. This will likely be a place where you get more personalized care since there are only five cottages onsite.
It definitely leans towards couples and the romantic aspect of trips, which is something to be aware of before booking.
All five cottages contain one bedroom each, bathtubs with bubbling water jets (one is heart-shaped in form), private porches (or patios), and have fully equipped kitchens.
No pets allowed, unfortunately.
The Sun House at Freshwater Bay
2 bedrooms (+ sofa bed) / 1 bathroom
If you’re searching for a truly lakeside stay, where you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the kitchen, this coastal lodging is a great choice.
It’s a 15 minute drive outside of Port Angeles on the northern coast of Washington, located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Does this place offer all the latest amenities and a newly updated interior? Probably not. But the outstanding beachside location is the main attraction here.
This home has two bedrooms, one with a great view of the water, and a wraparound deck, making it an excellent base for exploring the northeast part of the park.
Pets allowed, there’s a maximum of 50 pounds.
Two Bedroom House with Views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca
2 bedrooms (+ sofa bed) / 2 bathrooms
This standalone house is located just east of Port Angeles, approximately a 15 minute drive from the city center (which adds a little extra travel time to trips to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent).
It also provides pleasing water views, despite not being directly on the waterfront. However, it was constructed more recently in 2015 and includes modern appliances (that gas stove is highly desirable). Imagining relaxing on that deck while watching the sun set over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
In the colder months, there are a couple areas for fires inside, and a gas fire pit outside.
Pets are not permitted, and the maximum number of guests is five.
A Rustic Cabin Getaway On the Strait of Juan de Fuca
1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
Consider residing in a rustic cabin situated straight on the beach in Port Angeles. With ocean scenery visible from the comfort and heat of your cozy bed. This cabin lacks electricity, but it does operate all appliances on propane.
Additionally, those seeking the coziness of a wood-burning fire during chillier evenings will appreciate the cabin`s inclusion of one.
Plus, it’s LITERALLY right on the water.
That place booked? The host has two other listings nearby, which are essentially identical:
A Unique Treehouse in Port Angeles
1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
A tree house retreat? I`m interested! This gorgeous treehouse property features views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the living area, along with a kitchen and a shared firepit overlooking the ocean.
This unique lodging on the Olympic Peninsula makes a great rustic weekend escape from Seattle.
It’s worth noting it’s approximately 45 minutes away from Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge, which is close enough for a day excursion to either location.
Still, this property is worth the trip, we think.
Lake Sutherland: The Best Place to Stay for Hurricane Ridge if You Want to Be Outside the City
Lake Sutherland is directly along Highway 101, between Port Angeles and Lake Crescent. We’re considering this area Lake Sutherland, but we’re actually talking about the whole stretch from Port Angeles into the Sol Duc Valley.
It’s more rural – there are no restaurants, grocery stores, or gas stations here – but you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty while you stay here.
Choose between a cabin on the shores of Lake Sutherland, which offer a good blend of modern amenities and beautiful setting, or a more rustic stay nearby.
The Best Places to Stay in and Around Lake Sutherland
There are essentially two options here – living space on Lake Sutherland (Lake Crescent’s smaller cousin, about five minutes east), or one of the inns or cabins in the area to the north and east of Lake Crescent.
If camping is your desire, the best option here is Fairholme Campground, which is on the western shore of Lake Crescent and reservations can be made in advance for the summer season here.
There’s also Sol Duc Campground, which requires advance reservations here. We`ve stayed there and it`s adequate, but it`s a 15-20 minute drive which adds travel time.
Lakefront Home with All the Amenities
3 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms (sleeps 8)
I mean, a brief examination of the visuals of this scenic lakeside lodging will provide you all required knowledge.
The living space is quite roomy and flooded with natural daylight from the large windows and doors. It is located right on the lake, and the back deck and attached dock provide an amazing view and access to the water. We especially appreciate the high ceilings in the main living area and the warm wooden accents found throughout the interior.
The property also provides kayaks, a rowboat, and some paddleboards to take out on the lake, which is a great feature for summer. In winter, you`ll appreciate the wood burning stove.
If your group is larger – there are three bedrooms here – this would be a great home base for exploring the northern and eastern parts of Olympic National Park.
Gateway to Olympic National Park on the Shore of Lake Sutherland
2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom (sleeps 4-6)
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Be certain you have the proper tools for consuming your deliciously cooked camp supper. The budget-friendly utensil set from Sea to Summit fulfills the requirement.
The house possesses an outdoor deck area, a device for barbecuing meals, a modern kitchen stocked with all the necessities for cooking meals independently, and a superb vista of the lake.
There are two complete bedrooms, plus a murphy bed that extends out to raise the capacity up to 4-6 guests.
The Emerald Valley Inn
The Emerald Valley Innis a few minutes east of Lake Sutherland, between Lake Crescent (~10 minute drive) and Port Angeles (~15 minute drive). It’s also right on Highway 101, the primary route through the park, which is convenient.
We know of it because, in the summertime, they unveil the field in the back to campers, and we spent a couple of nights back there with friends. It’s… just a field, so we’d recommend camping elsewhere if you have the choice. The inn itself is nice and, crucially, affordable.
Accommodations include both basic hotel-style rooms as well as larger suites featuring extra space, a fridge and microwave.
It’s a good value for the location, and the restaurant out front – Granny’s Cafe – is fun (particularly for the soft serve in the summer).
Sol Duc Serenity
1 bedroom / 1 bathroom (sleeps 2-4)
This comfortable cabin – which is lovely, incidentally – is located on the opposing shore of Lake Crescent, roughly a 20 minute drive west of the lake. Which is definitely further removed from Hurricane Ridge, but in actuality provides a better staging area for trips to places such as Sol Duc Falls and Lake Crescent when contrasted with Port Angeles.
It lies alongside the Sol Duc River, and there is a riverside hot tub out back that would be perfect for soaking after exploring the day away.
It has a very stylish and modern design, with a nice fully equipped kitchen, a living room with large windows, and a contemporary bathroom. There are two decks (one with the aforementioned riverside hot tub), plus a fire pit in the backyard.
It claims to sleep four, with a fold-out bed in the living area, but it seems to us that it would be extremely cramped. Better suited for couples or groups of two, in our opinion.
A modern accommodation along the riverfront in an excellent location – what could be better?
Forks: The Best Place to Stay for the Pacific Coast and Coastal Rainforests (Yes, THAT Forks)
Forks is the main city on the stretch of Washington coast that runs through Olympic National Park. This is one of the odd parts about the park – the city of Forks is technically not inside the park, but the coastline nearby is part of the park.
While Forks has always been on the guide for people to Olympic National Park, it really got well known in the 2000’s when it was the primary setting for the movie Twilight. Today, there’s a little Twilight Museum, but that’s the only thing that stays from all the hype it got a decade ago.
Forks is a great base for exploring the Pacific Coast and the Hoh Rainforest, both of which are within 30-45 minutes. There’s a grocery store, a gas station, a couple of restaurants, and a handful of hotels in town, but not much else.
The Best Places to Stay near Forks
There are two options here – staying in the town of Forks itself, which has a couple of good hotel options, or residing outside of town in a more rustic setting.
The Woodland Inns
A more recent option in Forks is this collection of roomy cabins in the heart of the city.
They’re relatively spacious compared to a standard hotel room, and crucially have full kitchens. We’re not saying that the restaurant options in Forks are terrible (Matt has Celiac Disease, and there are exactly zero gluten free options here), but they’re not the most suitable.
They feature a collection of nine standard cabins, all of which include a full kitchen and fireplace. They are all studio-style, meaning it`s one open space, but configurations include two queen beds or one queen bed.
They also have deluxe cabins, which are a one bedroom layout with a separate sleeping space from the living room and kitchen.
Pets are not permitted here. Again, animals are prohibited from the national park itself as well.
Want to ski Copper Mountain for free? Check out the East Village cross-country trails and Golf Course Loops, totaling over 12 miles. These routes feature beautiful views of the mountains and snowy evergreen forests.
The Pacific Inn Motel
A recommendation for the The Pacific Inn Motel located right on Highway 101 running through Forks. While lacking some amenities of other inns, it provides affordable lodging.
Rooms are basic yet comfortable, available in a couple configurations: one king bed, one queen, or two queens.
No breakfast, no amenities, but the price and spot are good. Remember – staying here means you`ll be eating out in Forks since the rooms don`t have kitchen facilities.
The Misty Valley Inn
This unique lodging is a special stay just outside of Forks.
And it is a bed and breakfast, which to us means that you get a nice breakfast included with your stay. Here, you’ll get a range of freshly made breakfast options from pancakes to biscuits and gravy to fuel you up before a day of exploring.
Accommodations will provide compact quarters – essentially a bed and washroom – but the tranquil environment allows for a restful night`s sleep. Shared spaces like outdoor decks and the indoor breakfast nook offer amenities, though personal space to unwind is scant.
If you select this accommodation, expect good service, a filling breakfast, and a quiet place to rest just outside of Forks.
Hoh Valley Cabins
The whereabouts of these cozy cabins are not quite as ideal as other spots on this list in the manner that it is a bit further from the shorelines and the coastal region (around 20-30 minutes distant).
However, I’m planning a spring trip to Olympic National Park right now, and I’m going to book a couple of nights here because I love the location in the rainforest.
While farther from the coast, you`ll be nearer the beautiful Hoh Rainforest, benefiting from less crowded parking and a 30 minute head start to beat the crowds since you are halfway there already.
The four cabins themselves are relatively new, and have modern appliances as well as a one bedroom layout. All include queen beds, full kitchens, and pleasant fireplaces.
The Historic National Park Lodges: Good Locations, Bad Value
You can’t truly cover the best places to reside in Olympic National Park without discussing the historic national park lodges. They’re rustic and charming, and are certainly worth a visit if you find yourself nearby.
However, as we’ve covered in other national park posts, they’re typically not a good place to reside. While the setting inside the park is sure to be spectacular, the cost and amenities are nearly always going to lack something.
And, when you think about it more, it somewhat makes sense.
These lodges are at full ability for most of the year – that’s why they’re so difficult to book – which means there’s not a huge amount of time for renovations. Then, consider who’s doing the renovating, and where that money is originating from. There are more pressing issues in national parks than whether the carpet or tile necessities to be replaced in one of the lodges.
Therefore, while they can be enjoyable to visit, we would not advise staying in one of them. You`ll pay more than what it`s worth, you`ll likely struggle to get a reservation, and the facilities will most likely disappoint (for example, having to pay for internet access – what era is this thought from, the late 1990s?).
With all of that said, the rustic appeal and convenient location of one of these lodges may appeal to your preferences.
Presented below are the national park lodgings within Olympic National Park.
- Lake Crescent Lodge: The best option here due to the superb location on the shores of Lake Crescent, this is the only one we’d genuinely consider staying at. They have a combination of historic lodge rooms and rustic cabins (that are on the lakeshore). Importantly, none have kitchens, so you’ll be eating at the (expensive) onsite eatery because there are no other choices within 30 minutes. Open from the end of April through the end of the year. More knowledge here.
- Lake Quinault Lodge: Again, a very cool place to visit if you find yourself down south exploring the Quinault Rainforest. But we probably wouldn’t choose to stay here. It was built in 1926, and there are a variety of rooms here to select from, like rooms in the boathouse annex. They’re open year round. More data here.
- Log Cabin Resort: Unlike Lake Crescent Lodge, located along Highway 101 on the lake’s southern shore, this place is situated farther up the north shore of the lake, which sees fewer visitors. One aspect I will note is that they have cabins here with full kitchens, which is helpful as there are essentially no dining options nearby. Open late May through November. More information can be found here.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: Situated up Sol Duc Road towards the trail for Sol Duc Falls, this resort incorporates some historic lodge aspects along with natural hot springs. They have various cabin configurations – some including kitchens – nearby the Sol Duc River. There are hot springs pools here, though they are basically a naturally heated hot tub owing to underground geological activity. Plus, they tend to be quite crowded. More data here.
- Kalaloch Lodge: Probably the nicest accommodation here, Kalaloch Lodge is least ideally located at the park`s southwestern corner. It`s not especially close to most major attractions, excepting the Kalaloch beaches and Ruby Beach. We actually prefer the cabins with kitchens (necessitating bringing own utensils and cookware). Several pet-friendly cabins available too. Book here.
Camping in Olympic National Park
If you’re visiting in the summer or fall and want information on camping in Olympic National Park, we’re going to provide a quick overview here.
Rather than provide an in-depth look at camping options, we’ll keep it high-level here and recommend the best campsites. For all the particulars, we recommend going straight to the National Park Service site, which offers the most updated info on opening dates and reservation procedures (which have altered a couple times in recent years).
At a high level, there are two types of campgrounds in the park – sites that can be reserved online in advance, and sites that are first-come, first-served.
Olympic National Park Campgrounds You Can Reserve in Advance
The campgrounds that you can reserve in advance are:
- Mora Campground (out near Forks and Rialto Beach)
- Sol Duc Campground (near Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort)
- Kalaloch Campground (near the Kalaloch Beaches)
- Fairholme Campground (at Lake Crescent)
- Hoh Campground (in the Hoh Rainforest)
While we just stated you can reserve those campgrounds in advance, that’s only true during the peak summer season from late May through the month of September. During those months, you’ll need to book in advance.
Availability is released in a somewhat obscure way. Here’s the data directly from the NPS site (as of early 2023) about Mora Campground.
“Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Mora Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance.
- Campsites A, B, and E will be available for reservation 6 months in advance.
- Campsite reservations at loop C will be accepted two weeks in advance.
- Campsites in the D loop will be available to reserve 4 days in advance.”
A similar situation exists for all the campgrounds that allow advance reservations.
First Come, First Served Campgrounds
All other campgrounds, like Heart O’ the Hills Campground (near Hurricane Ridge) and Ozette Campground (on the northern Pacific Coast) operate on a first-arrive, first-served basis. That means you`ll need to arrive, locate an open site, and pay upon checking in.
These campsites are popular, definitely filling up in the summer months. We do not recommend showing up at 5:00 pm on a Friday in summer expecting availability. All first-come, first-served campgrounds in the park cost $25 nightly, paid upon arrival.
You can find more information on camping in the park on the NPS site. You can also check campground availability here.
