Located in Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center features park information, a NPS gift/book shop, park film and exhibits about Olympic's natural and cultural history. There is also a hands-on Discovery Room for kids. Outside, there are two short nature trails and restroom buildings. Rangers and volunteers can answer questions about hiking trails, road conditions and tide charts. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome on the Peabody Creek Trail at the visitor center.

Hurricane Ridge features spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the most popular destinations at the park. Gaze at majestic snow-capped peaks, walk through sub-alpine meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, hike one of the popular trails and spot wildlife like the endemic Olympic marmot. Meadow Loop Trails: You can access these easy paved trails from the visitor center parking lot. Hurricane Hill Trail: The trailhead for this moderate 3-mile hike is about 1.5 miles past the visitor center. There is parking at the trailhead with overflow parking below in the picnic areas.

Madison Falls is a lovely 45-foot cascade. This hidden gem is only a short distance from the highway and a short walk from the parking area. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful setting. Then before heading back to your car, check out the beautiful Elwha River nearby. This river is slowly returning to its natural state after the removal of two dams. Also nearby is the Sweet Family Homestead where the National Park grazes its pack animals. These horses and donkeys help pack supplies for trail maintenance. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome.

Lake Crescent is Washington's second deepest lake and one of the most pristine. Because the water is so clear, you can see as far down as 70 feet! And when the light hits it just right, Lake Crescent glows like a saffire. The Log Cabin Resort on the east shore and the Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore offer lodging, boating, hiking and swimming. The Fairholme Campground on the west shore features a store and popular campground and beach. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome on the Spruce Railroad Trail.

The trailhead for the popular Marymere Falls hike is located near the shore of Lake Crescent. Less than two miles roundtrip, this moderately-easy trail meanders through a lush, old-growth forest. Park near Lake Crescent Lodge where you can pick up a trail map before heading out. From the lodge, the trail follows Barnes Creek, crosses Highway 101, then continues upstream through a canopy of towering evergreens and maples. You'll cross several picturesque log bridges on your way to this beautiful 90-foot cascade. There are two viewing platforms. Note: Dogs are not allowed.

The Sol Duc River is a busy highway for different fish species including Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead trout. The lookout at Salmon Cascades is the perfect place to watch migrating salmon leap up the cascades on their way upriver to spawn. Even if the salmon aren't jumping, the view of the river is lovely and just a short walk from the parking area. Interpretive signs tell the dramatic and inspiring story of the life of the salmon.

Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park! The moderately easy 1.6-mile trail begins at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds through a lovely old-growth forest, past creeks and over wooden bridges. The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Sol Duc Falls! This stunning waterfall features three separate cascades that plunge dramatically over the cliff. There are viewing platforms across from and above the waterfall offering spectacular photo opportunities. Note: Dogs are not allowed.

Second Beach at La Push features tide pools, dramatic sea stacks and a flat, sandy beach. The 2-mile round-trip trail to this stunning coastal beach meanders through a lovely forest with plenty of ferns, moss and nurse logs--fallen and decaying logs which support new life. The hike is relatively easy on the way down but does require a bit of a climb coming back. If the main parking lot is full, there is overflow parking in a gravel lot just up the hill. Note: Dogs are not allowed. *This trailhead is on the Quileute Indian Reservation.

Rialto Beach offers easy access, parking and vault toilets. With stunning views of James Island, Rialto's rugged shoreline is known for its giant piles of driftwood logs and rough surf. One of Rialto Beach's highlights is the dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall. Located at the north end of the beach, Hole in the Wall requires a moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike along the pebbly shore. There, you'll find numerous tide pools and stunning sea stacks. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome between the parking lot and Ellen Creek (1/2 mile).

Welcome to Forks, Washington--the Rainiest Town in the Contiguous United States! Every year, Forks gets about 10 feet or 120 inches of rain, so its title is well-deserved. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, Forks was one of America's last frontiers. The large prairie was once home to the Quileute people. Settlers began arriving here in the late 1870s. Eventually, the area became a booming logging town. Today, Forks is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Olympic National Park and fans of the Twilight book and movie series which was set in this rainy town.

From ancient trees draped with moss to thick carpets of fern that blanket the ground, the Hoh Rain Forest is simply magical. Here in this primeval forest, watch for majestic Roosevelt elk, iconic banana slugs and the elusive Bigfoot! The Hoh Visitor Center offers trail information, restrooms, interactive displays and two easy trails. The Trail of Mosses features bigleaf maple trees cloaked in layers of soft, thick moss. This relatively easy trail is less than a mile long. The slightly longer Spruce Nature Trail loops through forests of red alder and cottonwood and passes by the Hoh River.

Ruby Beach features a spectacular shoreline complete with dramatic sea stacks, tidepools, piles of driftwood logs, a pretty creek and a large, pebbly beach. This popular beach can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays. A short quarter-mile trail leads from the parking area down to the beach. At the end of the trail, you'll need to walk through or climb over large driftwood logs to reach the shore. Ruby Beach was named after the tiny crystals of red garnet that occasionally washed onto the shore and gave the beach a pinkish hue. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome.

If you're looking for a less-crowded beach with amazing tidepools and a large sandy shore, then Kalaloch Beach 4 is for you! There is a short, steep trail down to the beach with interpretive signs and a cool driftwood bridge. At the end, there is a short rock scramble down a rope--which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Less than a mile round trip, the hike takes about 20 minutes to complete. Beach 4 is popular for birding, hiking and walking. Harbor seals can often be seen playing in the surf. Note: Leashed dogs are welcome.

The Kalaloch Tree of Life is another iconic symbol of the Olympic coast. Stretched precariously between two cliffs, this unusual Sitka spruce looks like it's floating in thin air as it hovers above the ground. Over time, water eroded the ground beneath its roots, carving out the cool, cave-like space beneath. How long the tree will be able to hold on is hard to say. Weather, erosion and human carelessness (like climbing or hanging onto the tree's roots) are quickening its demise. Admire this icon from a distance--and do your part to help keep the Tree of Life alive.

The historic Lake Quinault Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Lake Quinault. Enjoy a meal in the famous Roosevelt Dining Room overlooking the lake. You can also wander to the back lawn that overlooks the lake and take a stroll along the shore. The two-story rustic lodge was built in the summer of 1926--in a record 53 days! Crews lit bonfires and worked around the clock to complete the building before the rains began. Note: There is a free parking area to the right (east) of the lodge near the ranger station.

An easy quarter-mile walk leads to the world's largest Sitka spruce tree. Measuring over 18 feet in diameter and reaching a height of 191 feet, this impressive giant is one of many champion trees in the lush Quinault Rainforest--also known as the Valley of Rainforest Giants.

The Kestner Homestead sits on the north shore of the Quinault River in the middle of a rugged wilderness. Built around the turn of the 20th century, this historic site is a testimony to the perseverance and dedication of Anton Kestner–one of the valley’s early pioneers. The homestead can be accessed two ways. You can park at the homestead gate and walk a short distance to the buildings or take the scenic trail from the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. Nearby, the half-mile Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail meanders through the enchanting rain forest for a magical experience.