Olympic National Park is a magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful destination that you simply must visit if you ever find yourself in Washington. The park, which was established in 1938, is the largest and most impressive national park I have ever visited. It spans nearly a million acres and was created with the aim of preserving some of Washington's rapidly disappearing primeval forests.
One of the things that makes Olympic National Park so special is its sheer size. It takes an average of 8 hours to drive all the way around the park, which covers 329 miles. Being the 13th largest national park in the U.S., it's important to plan your visit carefully. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want to see, which trails you want to hike, and how much time you have available.
Despite its vast size, the park is remarkably accessible, with plenty of well-maintained trails and roads to explore. Some of the highlights of Olympic National Park include the Hoh Rain Forest, which is home to an incredible array of plant and animal life, as well as some of the most stunning waterfalls you will ever see.
Another must-see attraction in the park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers some of the most breathtaking views you will ever experience. From here, you can see the surrounding mountains, valleys, and even the ocean in the distance.
Overall, Olympic National Park is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and unwind, this park has something for everyone. So why not add it to your bucket list and start planning your visit today?
One-day Itinerary for Olympic National Park
I came up through the northern side of the park since I was staying in Seattle. The park is roughly 2 hours from Seattle if you come from the north on HWY 3. I arrived in Port Angeles at 9 am and started heading west on HWY 101. It was roughly 10 pm by the time I made it back to Seattle, where I was staying. Be sure to stop at the visitor center in Port Angeles to get a park map and stamp your passport book. (I will talk more about this later on)
Hurricane Ridge
This was the first stop of the day, and it was the best way to kick off the morning! Hurricane Ridge is up a 30-minute windy road that takes you to the top of the ridge and on clear days you have a fantastic view. Winds gusting over 75 miles an hour buffet the ridge, lending the name “Hurricane.” The 30-35 feet of snow that falls annually lingers into summer.
Best Trails
Cirque Rim: Easy paved trail with views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 0.5 miles one way.
High Ridge: Partially paved loop climbs to 360° views and a 0.1 mile dead-end spur trail to Sunrise Point.
Hurricane Hill: Paved trail climbs to a panoramic view of mountains and saltwater.
Lake Crescent
This lake is absolutely stunning! As you make your way through the park on HWY 101 you will take a windy road that overlooks Crescent Lake. At night, you can see lights on the other side of the lake where houses and the sun are hitting the lake at sunset is something you can't quite describe.
Boat launches are located at both the east and west ends of the lake. Rowboats are available for rental from Lake Crescent Lodge. Whether it's kayaking, sailing, or simply relaxing on the beaches and shores, Lake Crescent is a great place to visit.
Marymere Falls
To get to the falls, you hike an easy 1.8-mile trail through the beautiful forest. At the end of the trail is Marymere Falls, a 90-ft high waterfall. It is absolutely breathtaking and chilly up close.
Forks, Washington
Forks is located closer to the Pacific Coast, an hour from Port Angeles. A small town with a population of 3,828, but still has a lot to offer. If you are hungry, be sure to stop at In Place, they have amazing food. Don't forget to get a picture with the “Welcome Forks sign” on HWY 101 right before you enter the town.
Caution: The town is crawling with vampires, so be aware!
La Push Beach
La Push Beach is stunning! I arrived a little before sunset and the view was just breathtaking. There are three beaches on the La Push shoreline; First, Second, and Third Beach. Third Beach has a little more to offer, like hiking trails and wildlife. La Push is rich in wildlife including seals, otters, sea lions. It is a great place to spot whales during migration seasons. Bald eagles often spend the summer here.
For all the Twilight fans, here is a list of places to see in the park!
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rain Forest, pronounced “Hoe”, earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River that carves its way from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations. It truly is a beautiful rain forest filled with wildlife like Roosevelt Elk and Deer. Hoh Rain Forest is located less than an hour south of Forks, Washington.
Camping in Hoh Rain Forest is on my list when I return one day. With 72 sites at $24 nightly, there are sites right alongside the Hoh River and deep within the Forest.
Best Trails
The Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles) is an iconic loop that takes you through old growth forest and features a grove of maples trees draped with abundant club moss.
The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.
Know Before You Go
When to visit — The best time to visit for sightseeing in Olympic National Park is spring through fall. However, to avoid the busy tourist season, September and October are the best.
What to Bring — Like I mentioned before, this is a huge park, so bring snacks, water, and a good playlist for the car. There is limited cell service, so be sure to download your music and maps beforehand.
Weather — At Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest, temperatures can drop to the 50s and 60s in September, so be prepared. In the Winter, the park can receive heavy snow.
Wildlife — Wildlife within the park are very active. You might run across Deer, Roosevelt Elk, Black Bears, Olympic Marmots, and on the coast, Whales.
Park Fee — The Park Fee is $30 per vehicle.
Gas Stations — There are gas stations in the park along HWY 101. However, to be sure you don't pay an arm and a leg for gas, fill up in Port Angeles or Forks.
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