Introduction to Olympic National Park
Located in the northwest corner of Washington State, Olympic National Park showcases some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest!
From majestic, snow-capped peaks and pristine mountain lakes to lush, temperate rainforests and rugged coastal shores, this place is dressed to impress.
Ranging in elevation from sea level to nearly 8,000 feet, Olympic is one of the few national parks where you can walk along a beach and through a subalpine meadow on the same day.
The park comprises nearly one million acres and is the 13th largest national park in the United States.
Because of its massive size and the number of incredible things to see and do here, we recommend spending at least three days in the park.
Olympic National Park 3-Day Itinerary
Let Shaka Guide help you get the most out of your Olympic adventure! Our suggested 3-day itinerary includes some of the most popular and scenic sections of the park.
With Shaka Guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy curated stops with driving directions, detailed trail and beach information, and engaging stories that bring the area’s rich history and characters to life.
Our Olympic National Park Tour has two starting point options – Sequim or Lake Quinault–and can be taken in either direction. This sample itinerary starts in Sequim and ends south of Lake Quinault.
DAY 1 - Mountains & Waterfalls - Exploring Olympic’s North Side
*Suggested lodging locations: Sequim, Port Angeles, Sol Duc or Lake Crescent
*Pack your swimsuit and towel if you want to soak in the hot springs.
Stop 1: Olympic National Park Visitor Center
Image by Robin Montgomery
Located in Port Angeles at the foot of Hurricane Ridge, this is the perfect place to begin your Olympic adventure. You’ll find:
- park information,
- a gift shop/bookstore,
- exhibits about Olympic’s natural and cultural history,
- a hands-on Discovery Room for kids,
- a film,
- trails and
- restrooms
Pick up a park map, get current info on roads and trails, chat with a park ranger, and check the tide chart before heading up the hill to Hurricane Ridge.
Stop 2: Heart ‘O the Forest Trail
Image by Robin Montgomery
On the way up to Hurricane Ridge (or on your way back down), you can stop to hike through a pristine old-growth forest on the Heart ‘O the Forest Trail.
This lovely walk winds through towering firs. Keep your eyes open for hidden treasures of the forest–like the iconic banana slug, the rough-skinned newt, or the Pacific tree frog.
NOTE: This trail requires an entrance fee or park pass. Park in the Heart ‘O the Hills campground near Loop E for the trailhead.
Stop 3: Hurricane Ridge
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Located at almost a mile above sea level, this stunning viewpoint showcases the alpine splendor of the Olympic Mountains. Near the visitor center, easy paved trails meander through subalpine meadows.
Hike up Hurricane Hill for sweeping views of the mountain peaks and valleys. Plan for about an hour round-trip drive on Hurricane Ridge Road.
NOTE: Hurricane Ridge requires an entrance fee or park pass. To avoid the crowds and find parking, it’s best to arrive at the entrance station before 10 a.m.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center burned down in 2023 and is currently in the process of being rebuilt. During construction, there will be no food or gift shop at the ridge, but portable restrooms will be available in the parking area.
Stop 4: Madison Falls
Image by Robin Montgomery
A short detour off Hwy 101 takes you to this lovely 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River.
The trail to the falls is short and easy, making it one of the most accessible destinations in the park. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail.
Stop 5: Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls/ Image by Robin Montgomery
Next, we’ll be visiting Lake Crescent. This 12-mile-long sapphire gem is Washington’s second-deepest lake and is known for its incredible beauty and clarity.
Our lakeside stop is at one of the prime resort areas on the lake’s southern shore. This park-like peninsula features picnic tables, nature trails, and a beach.
You can also visit the historic Lake Crescent Lodge which has a nice gift shop and offers lakeside dining at their lodge restaurant. But the highlight of this stop is the hike to Marymere Falls.
This two-mile moderately easy roundtrip features a walk through a beautiful old-growth forest to a stunning 90-foot waterfall.
Stop 6: Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, Salmon Cascades & Ancient Groves Trail
Salmon Cascades/ Image by Robin Montgomery
If you have a few more hours of daylight, we highly recommend taking the scenic drive into the Sol Duc Valley.
This side trip includes a stop at the Salmon Cascades where, in the spring and fall, you might catch steelhead trout and salmon jumping up the falls on their way to spawn.
Next up is an easy half-mile stroll through the Ancient Groves–a lush, old-growth forest with big trees and thick carpets of moss.
This trail is a less busy alternative to the Hoh Rainforest but has the same mossy green rainforest magic.
NOTE: The Sol Duc Hot Springs Road is closed seasonally in the winter due to weather conditions. The Sol Duc Valley requires an entrance fee or park pass. To avoid the crowds and find parking, it’s best to arrive at the entrance station before 10 a.m.
Stop 7: Sol Duc Hot Springs
Sol Duc Hot Springs/ Image by Robin Montgomery
What better way to end your first day in the Olympics than with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort?
You don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy these mineral pools.
Reservations for the 1.5-hour soaking sessions are first-come, first-served and must be made in person.
PRO TRIP! If you’re interested in a soak but also want to do the last hike to Sol Duc Falls, we recommend you stop at the resort first to pay and reserve a soaking session, then return after the hike.
Stop 8: Sol Duc Falls Hike
Image by Robin Montgomery
Our last stop of the day is the hike to Sol Duc Falls. The moderately easy, 1.5-mile trail meanders through a lush forest to a stunning three-cascade waterfall.
It’s one of the most photographed falls in the entire park. After you finish your hike, you can head back to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to soak in the hot springs or enjoy a meal at the Springs Restaurant.
Optional Stargazing at the Ridge: If you’re staying in or near Port Angeles and it’s a clear evening, consider returning to Hurricane Ridge for nighttime stargazing. It’s the perfect place to experience the splendor of the night sky! The park sometimes offers free public astronomy programs during the summer. Click here for details about the Telescope Viewing Program.
RELATED: Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
DAY 2 - La Push/Rialto Beaches & Hoh Rainforest - Exploring Olympic’s West Side
*Suggested lodging locations: Forks or La Push
Stop 1: La Push Second Beach
Image by Robin Montgomery
Second Beach at La Push is one of the must-see beaches in the park! And getting there is part of the adventure. The 2-mile moderately-easy round-trip trail takes you through a beautiful coastal forest down to the shore.
When you reach the end of the trees, you’ll be rewarded with:
- a sweeping view of the Pacific
- dramatic sea stacks jutting out of the water
- long stretches of sand and
- at low tide, glimpses of tiny sea creatures in rocky pools near the shore
Stop 2: Rialto Beach & Hole in the Wall
Image by Robin Montgomery
Rialto Beach is located where the Quillayute River meets the Pacific. This pebbly and sandy shore, lined with giant driftwood logs and dramatic sea stacks, is the place for some epic storm watching.
And if you’re up for an adventure, there’s the moderately challenging 3-mile round trip hike to Hole in the Wall.
To get there, you’ll trek along the rugged shoreline for a mile and a half before reaching the giant rock formation with the iconic hole in the middle.
The spectacular view and colorful tidepools make a hike to Hole in the Wall worth every step.
NOTE: This hike is more challenging than it looks due to the strong winds and pebbly and soft sand that makes walking exhausting.
PRO TIP: For the optimal experience, time your hike so that you arrive at Hole in the Wall just before low tide. Make sure not to get caught on the other side when the tide begins to return…or you may wind up stranded until the tide changes.
Stop 3: Forks Visitor Center & Timber Museum
Image by Robin Montgomery
Stop by the Forks Visitor Center/Chamber of Commerce at the south end of town. There, you can talk with locals, get area information, and grab a list of recommended places to eat.
If you’re a Twilight fan, this is the place where you can pick up the map for the self-guided Twilight driving tour. Next door, you’ll find the Forks Timber Museum.
Forks was once considered the “Logging Capital of the World,” and this little museum includes fascinating relics of its logging past along with stories of its remarkable settlers.
Stop 4: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Image by Robin Montgomery
To get to the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest, we’ll follow the Hoh River for about half an hour until we reach the end of the road.
There, you’ll find the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Open seasonally, the visitor center features interactive exhibits, a small gift shop, trail information, and restrooms.
Before heading out on the nearby trails, make sure to stop here first to learn about the plants and animals you’ll encounter on your rainforest adventure.
NOTE: The Hoh Rain Forest & Trails require an entrance fee or park pass. To avoid the crowds and find parking, it’s best to arrive at the entrance station before 10 a.m.
Stop 5: Hall of Mosses & Spruce Nature Trail
Right next to the visitor center, there are two easy trails to explore–the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail. Both will give you a taste of the Olympic’s rainforest magic.
The Hall of Mosses Trail looks just like it sounds. Less than a mile long, this loop features Bigleaf maple trees cloaked in layers of soft, thick moss. In the spring, the mosses paint the forest a vibrant green color.
The Spruce Nature Trail is slightly longer. Just over a mile, this loop meanders through forests of red alder and cottonwood and includes a section along the Hoh River. In the fall, the rich colors are magnificent.
Optional Beach Sunset Watching or Stargazing
If it’s a clear evening, consider heading back to the beach to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and stay until the stars come out. Just remember to bring along a flashlight and a blanket!
RELATED: Know Before You Go, Olympic National Park
DAY 3 - Kalaloch Beaches & Quinault Rainforest - Exploring Olympic’s Southwest Side
*Suggested lodging locations: Forks, Kalaloch or Lake Quinault
Stop 1: Ruby Beach
Image by Robin Montgomery
Ruby Beach at Kalaloch is one of the park’s most popular destinations. And once you visit this spectacular beach with its piles of driftwood logs, stunning sea stacks, and pebbly shore–you’ll see why!
There are restrooms and a paved trail down to the shore, but you’ll still need to climb over and through a maze of giant driftwood logs to reach the beach.
This is one of the few places in the park where leashed dogs are welcome.
PRO TRIP! If parking at Ruby Beach is full or if you’d just like a less-crowded option, skip Ruby Beach and head straight to Kalaloch Beach 4.
Stop 2: Kalaloch Beach 4
Image by Robin Montgomery
Kalaloch has several numbered beaches, but one of the most scenic is Beach 4.
What this beach lacks in a creative name, it makes up for in stunning beauty.
The half-mile trail to Beach 4 winds down through the woods to a really cool driftwood bridge with a sweeping view of the ocean.
After clambering down a big boulder, you can stroll along the sandy shore and check out the tide pools.
Keep your eyes open for seals or sea lions in the surf! Leashed dogs are welcome.
Stop 3: Kalaloch Tree of Life
Image by Robin Montgomery
This unusual Sitka spruce is another iconic symbol of the Olympic coast. The twisted tree looks like it's floating in thin air, or doing the splits, as it hovers above a ditch at the beach.
Over time, water eroded the ground beneath its roots, carving out the cool, cave-like space below. Meanwhile, the roots keep clinging to the cliffs.
NOTE: The tree’s precarious perch makes standing beneath it or hanging from its roots dangerous for both you–and the tree.
Stop 4: Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail
Next up is a scenic loop drive into the Quinault Valley of Rain Forest Giants. The first stop on this loop is a short and sweet interpretive walk on the Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail.
This easy, half-mile loop includes waterfalls, creeks and the classic moss-covered trees that will give you a taste of the rainforest without having to hike too far.
NOTE: This trail requires a National Park pass or National Forest Day Pass displayed on your dashboard. You can purchase one from the kiosk in the parking lot.
Stop 5: Lake Quinault Lodge
Image by Robin Montgomery
Get ready to step back in time at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge. Built-in 1926–in an impressive 53 days!–the lodge has been a popular destination ever since.
One of its notable guests was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who enjoyed lunch at the lodge in 1937.
Today, you can grab a bite to eat in the elegant Roosevelt Dining Room that overlooks the lake or take a stroll through their lovely lakeside back lawn.
Make sure to check out their lobby and gift shop and pick up a map of the Quinault area trails from the front desk.
Stop 6: World’s Largest Sitka Spruce
Image by Robin Montgomery
Next up is the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce tree! It measures over 18 feet in diameter and 58 feet in circumference.
It’s one of the Quinault Valley’s designated champion trees. A short walk leads to this record-breaking giant.
Stop 7: Kestner Homestead & Maple Glade Trail
Image by Robin Montgomery
After looping around to the north shore of the lake, we’ll visit the Kestner Homestead where one of Quinault’s early pioneers, Anton Kestner, succeeded in taming the wilderness and building a new life for himself and his family.
Wander through the historic buildings of the Kester family homestead and imagine what life was like on this wild frontier at the turn of the twentieth century.
Park at the Ranger Station where you can access two loop trails–the 1.5 Kestner Homestead Trail and the half-mile Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail. There are restrooms at the ranger station.
Optional Beach Sunset Watching or Stargazing:
If it’s a clear evening, consider heading back to one of the Kalaloch beaches to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and stay until the stars come out. Just remember to bring along a flashlight and a blanket!
When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?
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Olympic National Park is open 24/7, but some of the roads and facilities are closed during the winter months. That’s one reason why summer is a great time to visit the park.
Most of the roads and facilities are open and offer the full range of programs. And between late June and early September, you can usually count on pleasant weather – with mild to warm temperatures and less rain.
It’s also the best time to see summer wildflowers in the subalpine meadows and to visit tidepools on the coast. On the downside, summer is also when the park is the most crowded.
If you plan to visit Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc, or the Hoh Rain Forest on a weekend or holiday, get there early in the day or late in the afternoon to minimize wait times at the entrance stations.
Spring and fall are also great options. While you may run into chilly or rainy weather, there are plenty of nice days, and the bonus is fewer people.
The shoulder season also is a great time to watch for spawning salmon and migrating whales. Another perk is that lodging is typically less expensive this time of year than during the popular summer months.
Some of the park lodges even run BOGO offers during the off-season, making it a more affordable time to travel.
How to get to Olympic National Park?
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Keep in mind that Olympic National Park is huge! So before you figure out the best route to get there, you’ll need to decide where you want to explore first.
If you’d like to begin the tour on the north side of the park with its mountains and waterfalls, then you’ll want to get directions to Sequim and drive around the park counterclockwise.
If you’d like to start your adventure with the rainforests and beaches on the west side of the park, then you’ll want to get directions to Lake Quinault and drive around the park clockwise.
There are multiple routes to get to these starting points, depending on where you are coming from and how you want to travel.
If you are coming from Seattle or anywhere north of Seattle, consider taking one of the Washington State ferries.
This requires a bit of pre-planning, but the experience of traveling by water makes it worth the extra effort! Click here for ferry information and reservations.
To begin the tour in Sequim (this sample itinerary’s suggested starting point)
- From Seattle via ferry to Bainbridge Island: Take State Route 305 to SR 3 to SR 104 to Hwy 101. (Note: The Hood Canal Bridge on SR 104 closes periodically for boat traffic. Click here to check for bridge closures.)
- From Seattle via ferry to Bremerton: Take State Route 3 to SR 104 to Hwy 101. (Note: The Hood Canal Bridge on SR 104 closes periodically for boat traffic. Click here to check for bridge closures.)
- From Edmonds via ferry to Kingston: Take State Route 104 to Hwy 101. (Note: The Hood Canal Bridge on SR 104 closes periodically for boat traffic. Click here to check for bridge closures for Hood Canal Bridge.)
- From Whidbey Island via ferry to Port Townsend: Take State Route 20 to Hwy 101.
- From Seattle via car: Drive south to Tacoma and follow directions from Tacoma.
- From Tacoma via car: Take State Route 16 across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Bremerton. Then take State Route 3 north to State Route 104 via the Hood Canal Bridge.
- From Olympia via car: Take 1-5 to Hwy 101 and head north to Sequim.
To begin the tour at Lake Quinault
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From Seattle/Tacoma via car: Take I-5 south to Olympia and follow directions from Olympia.
- Olympia via car: Take Hwy 101 to State Route 8 to Hwy 12 to Aberdeen. Then from Aberdeen, take Hwy 101 north to Lake Quinault.
- From Portland via car (fastest): The fastest route is to take I-5 north to Rochester, WA, then head west on Hwy 12 to Aberdeen. Then from Aberdeen, take Hwy 101 north to Lake Quinault.
- From Portland via car (most scenic): For a longer but more scenic route, head to the coast via Hwy 26 or Hwy 30. Then take Hwy 101 north to Lake Quinault.
Before You Hit the Road…
Looking for lodging? Click here for a comprehensive list of accommodations–from tent camping and cabins to bed and breakfasts and hotels. Remember, places tend to book up quickly during the summer, so make your reservations early.
Before you hit the road, click here for the current road conditions in the park. We also recommend checking the Washington State Department of Transportation’s list of Olympic Peninsula road construction and maintenance projects that could affect your travel time.
As mentioned before, Olympic is a huge park, and it takes a long time to drive between destinations. Before filling up your itinerary or booking lodging, double-check the times and distances in this mileage chart to help plan your adventures wisely.
Before you hit the beach, check the tide chart. If you plan to explore the tidepools or hike to Hole in the Wall, you’ll want to reach your destination just before the lowest tide. (The best times to visit are when the tide is around 1.5 feet or lower.)
Not familiar with reading tide charts? No problem. Just ask a ranger at one of the visitor centers or ranger stations for help. Tide charts are also posted at most beach trailheads.
If you are traveling with pets, click to learn which places are pet-friendly and which are not.
RELATED: Check our Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park article for more travel and safety tips.
What should you bring to Olympic National Park?
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The following is a suggested list of things to bring on your Olympic National Park adventure:
- National Park Pass (or Forest Service Pass for trails on the south shore of Lake Quinault). You will need to show your pass at the entrance stations to Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc, and Hoh Rain Forest. At the beaches or trailheads, just display your pass on your dashboard.
- Cell phone with the tour downloaded (Shaka Guide works without cell service as long as the tour is downloaded before you begin.)
- Car charger (Shaka Guide tours use GPS which can really drain your phone battery.)
- Phone mount for car
- Ziploc bag or waterproof cover for phone/camera
- Flashlight - for sunrise or sunset hikes to the beach
- Park map & tide chart - available online or at the visitor center
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent *Tip: Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing (light blue, pink, red, orange) or perfumed scents on day hikes in the forests. These attract wasps, especially during the fall.
- Water bottles - plenty! (Do not drink from any streams/rivers to avoid giardia.)
- Snacks and/or picnic food (Remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs or trash) *Restaurants are few and far between. Make sure you plan ahead for meal times.
- First aid kit/medications
- Emergency roadside assistance kit
What to wear
- Waterproof rain jacket or coat
- Non-cotton/waterproof or quick-dry pants
- Clothing layers - NON-cotton fabric like fleece/wool–for cooler weather or synthetic materials like nylon–for warmer weather. (The key is to stay warm and dry!)
- Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes with non-slip soles (Leave your flip flops at the campground. You’ll want hiking shoes to explore the forests or the coastal beaches and rocky shorelines.)
- Wool or non-cotton socks
- Trekking poles - recommended if hiking in the mountains
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimsuit and towel - if interested in visiting Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort or swimming at Lake Crescent.
Final Thoughts
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While this 3-day itinerary enables you to see many of the park’s highlights, ideally you need several days (or a return trip!) to appreciate all that Olympic National Park has to offer.
If you have the time to explore other areas of the peninsula, we highly recommend planning a half-day trip out to Neah Bay where you can visit the Makah Museum and hike to the most northwest point in the contiguous United States–Cape Flattery.
Staircase on the east side, Deer Park on the north side, and Lake Ozette on the west side are three other off-the-beaten-path destinations worth exploring.
You can also book a whale-watching tour out of Port Angeles or a white water rafting trip down the Hoh River.
And for the truly adventurous, you can venture into the spectacular backcountry on one of the epic Olympic hikes–such as the one to Enchanted Valley.
No matter how long you’re able to stay, we hope you’ll find “recreation for the body and refreshment for the soul” at Olympic National Park.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Olympic National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Olympic National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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