Explore Olympic National Park with GoTravelDaily

Green is the overwhelming color on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. From dazzling emerald to muted pine, you’ll detect countless shades in the wet, mossy confines of the Lower 48’s most north-westerly national park. Here, 1000-year-old trees guard the finest tract of old-growth rainforest in the US. The park is also home to majestic Roosevelt elk, regular deluges of precipitation, and a sylvan environment that has inspired numerous tales of adventure.

In addition to its breathtaking rainforests, Olympic National Park boasts heavily glaciated mountains, beautiful lodges, and rustic hot springs. The park features the wildest slice of US coastline outside Alaska, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Visit to engage in rock-hopping on stormy beaches, paddling across windy lakes, and hiking beneath towering trees, often accompanied only by bears and rutting elk.

When Should You Visit Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is known to be one of the wettest places in the US, making rain avoidance a key consideration for visitors. The Hoh Rainforest receives nearly 130 inches of precipitation annually. The summer season, particularly between May and September, is the driest time to visit; July averages only nine rainy days. This period also sees the opening of most park facilities, including campgrounds and ranger-led hikes.

If you’re inclined to avoid crowds, consider visiting in January, the quietest (and wettest) month, while August is typically the busiest with over half a million visitors. Accommodation prices in the park remain relatively stable, with slight decreases during winter and the spring/fall shoulder seasons in the surrounding communities.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Olympic National Park?

You could easily allocate four to five days exploring Hwy 101, Olympic National Park’s unofficial ring road, with overnight stops in Port Angeles, Lake Crescent, Forks, and Lake Quinault. If you plan to venture into the park’s extensive backcountry for longer hikes along the coast or in the roadless interior, consider setting aside a week or even two.

Is It Easy to Get Around Olympic National Park?

Accessing the park is quite straightforward, thanks to its proximity to Seattle. It takes just over two hours by car from downtown Seattle to the eastern park entrance at Staircase and 2.5 hours to Port Angeles in the north. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located 15 miles south of downtown Seattle, is the nearest airport.

Traveling to Port Angeles is also simple from Victoria on Vancouver Island in Canada. The Black Ball ferry operates four times daily in summer and twice in winter, with a journey time of 1.5 hours.

Hwy 101 encircles the park and is a designated scenic highway, with several paved roads leading to popular destinations such as Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Lake Quinault, and Sol Duc hot springs. While public transportation exists, it is not optimal, requiring multiple transfers between different counties.

Top Activities in Olympic National Park

Explore Ancient Trees in Hoh Rainforest

Immerse yourself in the oldest temperate rainforest in North America. The Hoh Rainforest, characterized by its moss-draped giant trees, offers an unparalleled park experience. The area features a visitor center and several short interpretative trails, including the 1.25-mile Hall of Moss trail, with ranger-led nature walks available during summer.

Witness Nature’s Forces on Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach, with its dramatic scenery of eroded sea stacks and washed-up tree logs, exemplifies the wild coastline of Olympic National Park. Conveniently accessible from Hwy 101, it promises an incredible experience for those eager to witness the power of nature.

Conquer the Rugged Path Up Mt. Storm King

The 4.1-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mt. Storm King offers some of the best views in the park. The challenging trail starts from a lakeside ranger station and requires a scramble over rough terrain. The rewarding panoramic vistas make the effort worthwhile.

Enjoy the Breeze at Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is the most-visited area of the park and boasts fantastic views, wildflower meadows, and opportunities to see mountain goats. Its accessibility makes it an ideal spot for families and avid hikers looking to enjoy shorter or longer trails.

Relax in Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sol Duc is the most developed hot spring area in the park, featuring tiled outdoor pools and massage services. The surrounding area also offers trails that lead to bubbling creeks, picturesque lakes, and waterfalls, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

The Quinault Valley is a splendid place to spend a day or two, nestled around a beautiful lake and offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities. This area serves as an excellent base for hiking, kayaking, or simply unwinding in a cozy setting by the lodge’s fireplace.

Budget for Olympic National Park

While prices for food and lodging within the park may be slightly elevated compared to surrounding areas, many outdoor activities, such as hiking and wildlife watching, are free or minimal cost. Here’s a guide to expected daily expenses:

A Guide to Daily Costs

• Park entrance fee: $15–30

• Campground per night: $15–24

• Basic room for two: $150–250

• Kayak rental (4 hours): $45

• Hot springs entrance fee: $18

• Public transport ticket: free–$10 (70-mile journey)

• Coffee: $3–4

• Dinner entrée at Lake Quinault Lodge: $26–48

Frequently Asked Questions

How Unpredictable Is the Weather?

The weather in Olympic National Park can be quite unpredictable. Dressing in layers, especially in the mountainous areas, and carrying a waterproof jacket is advisable.

Are There Rainy-Day Activities in the Area?

Just outside the park, the Makah Museum in Neah Bay is an excellent option for a rainy day, offering insights into one of the oldest Native American archaeological sites in the US.

Does the Park Have a Visitor Center?

The main visitor center is located on the southern edge of Port Angeles and is open year-round. There are also visitor centers at Hoh Rainforest with limited off-season hours.

Where Is the Main Park Entrance?

Olympic National Park has multiple entry points, the most convenient being the “Heart O’ the Hills” entrance, located 5 miles south of the Port Angeles visitor center.

What’s the Camping Situation?

There are 14 front-country campgrounds in the park. Half are reservation-based, while the other half are first-come-first-served. If you’re heading to the backcountry, you’ll need to secure a permit for $6 and can expect a fee of $8 per person per night.