Olympic National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Olympic National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Hoh Rain Forest
South of Forks, an 18-mile spur road links Highway 101 with this unique temperate rain forest, where spruce and hemlock trees soar to heights of more than 200 feet. Alders and big-leaf maples are so densely covered with mosses they look more like shaggy prehistoric animals than trees, and elk browse in shaded glens. Be prepared for precipitation: the region receives 140 inches or more each year.
Upper Hoh Rd., Olympic National Park, Washington, 98363, USA360-565–3000 -
2. Hurricane Ridge
The panoramic view from this 5,200-foot-high ridge encompasses the Olympic range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. Guided tours from the visitor center are given in summer along the many paved and unpaved trails, where wildflowers and wildlife such as deer and marmots flourish. In winter, the area is usually open Friday–Sunday for recreational pursuits, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. All vehicles must carry chains November–March.
Hurricane Ridge Rd., Olympic National Park, Washington, 98362, USA360-565–3130Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs. in winter and when road conditions are hazardous -
3. Port Angeles Visitor Center to Hurricane Ridge
The premier scenic drive in Olympic National Park is a steep ribbon of curves that climbs from thickly forested foothills and subalpine meadows into the upper stretches of pine-swathed peaks. At the top, the visitor center at Hurricane Ridge has some spectacular views over the heart of the peninsula and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A mile past the visitor center, there are picnic tables in open meadows with photo-worthy views of the mountains to the east. Hurricane Ridge also has an uncommonly fine display of wildflowers in spring and summer. In winter, vehicles must carry chains, and the road is usually open Friday to Sunday only (call first to check conditions).
Olympic National Park, Washington, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Usually closed Mon.--Thurs in winter -
4. Ruby Beach
The northernmost and arguably the most breathtaking of Olympic National Park's Kalaloch area beaches, this wild and windswept swath of shoreline is named for the rosy fragments of garnet that color its sands. From an evergreen-shaded bluff, a short trail winds down to the wave-beaten sands where Cedar Creek meets the ocean, and you may spy sea otters along with bald eagles, oystercatchers, cormorants, and other birdlife. Driftwood separates the woods from the sand—it's a good spot to set up a picnic blanket and watch the sun fall over the pounding surf. Up and down the coast, dramatic sea stacks and rock cairns frame the beach, which is a favorite place for beachcombers, artists, and photographers. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: sunset; walking.
U.S. 101, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98331, USASight Details
Rate Includes: $30 (admission is for Olympic National Park) -
5. Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Pick up park maps and pamphlets, permits, and activities lists in this busy, woodsy chalet, which also has a shop and exhibits on natural history. Several short interpretive trails and longer wilderness treks start from here.
18113 Upper Hoh Rd., Forks, Washington, 98363, USA360-565--3000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Jan. and Feb., and Mon.--Thurs. off-season -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
The upper level of this visitor center has exhibits and nice views; the lower level has a gift shop and snack bar. Guided walks and programs start in late June. In winter, find details on the surrounding ski and sledding slopes and take guided snowshoe walks. You can rent snowshoes and ski equipment here December through March. There's also a small restaurant, an interpretive center, and restrooms. Note that from April 2023 to May 2024, the building will close for renovations; temporary visitor services will be available.
Hurricane Ridge Rd., Olympic National Park, Washington, 98362, USA360-565–3131-for road conditionsSight Details
Rate Includes: Operating hrs/days vary off-season -
7. Junior Ranger Program
Tour–SightAnyone can pick up the booklet at visitor centers and ranger stations and follow this fun program, which includes assignments to discover park flora and fauna, ocean life, and Native American lore. Kids get a badge when they turn in the finished work.
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8. Kalaloch
With a lodge and restaurant, a huge campground, miles of coastline, and easy access from the highway, this beach area is a popular spot. Keen-eyed beachcombers may spot sea otters just offshore.
Hwy. 101, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98331, USA360-565–3130-visitor center -
9. La Push
At the mouth of Quileute River, La Push is the tribal center of the Quileute people. In fact, the town's name is a variation on the French la bouche, which means "the mouth." Offshore rock spires known as sea stacks dot the coast here, and you may catch a glimpse of bald eagles nesting in the nearby cliffs.
Rte. 110, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98350, USA -
10. Lake Crescent
Visitors see Lake Crescent as Highway 101 winds along its southern shore, giving way to gorgeous views of teal waters rippling in a basin formed by Tuscan-like hills. In the evening, low bands of clouds caught between the surrounding mountains often linger over its reflective surface.
View Tours and ActivitiesHwy. 101, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98363, USA360-565–3130-visitor center -
11. Lake Ozette
The third-largest glacial impoundment in Washington anchors the coastal strip of Olympic National Park at its north end. The small town of Ozette, home to a coastal tribe, is the trailhead for two of the park's better one-day hikes. Both 3-mile trails lead over boardwalks through swampy wetland and coastal old-growth forest to the ocean shore and uncrowded beaches.
Olympic National Park, Washington, 98326, USA360-565–3100 -
12. Lake Quinault
This glimmering lake, 4½ miles long and 300 feet deep, is the first landmark you'll reach when driving the west-side loop of U.S. 101. The rain forest is thickest here, with moss-draped maples and alders, and towering spruce, fir, and hemlock. Enchanted Valley, high up near the Quinault River's source, is a deeply glaciated valley that's closer to the Hood Canal than to the Pacific Ocean. A scenic loop drive circles the lake and travels around a section of the Quinault River.
Hwy. 101, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98575, USA360-288--2525-Quinault Rain Forest ranger station -
13. Mt. Olympus
The highest peak in the Olympic Mountain range, Mt. Olympus towers over the park at 7,980 feet. It gets 50--70 feet of snow every year, supporting several glaciers including Blue Glacier, which has been one of the most-studied glaciers in the world. That glacier and others in the mountain range have been retreating rapidly in recent decades due to climate change. Because of its location in the park, the best view of Mt. Olympus is from Hurricane Ridge. Unlike other major mountains in Washington state, it can't be seen from major cities or even nearby towns.
Olympic National Park, Washington, USA -
14. NatureBridge
Educational InstitutionThis rustic educational facility offers talks and excursions focusing on park ecology and history. Trips range from canoe trips to camping excursions, with a strong emphasis on family programs.
111 Barnes Point Rd., Port Angeles, Washington, 98363, USA360-928–3720 -
15. Olympic National Park Visitor Center
This modern, well-organized facility, staffed by park rangers, provides everything: maps, trail brochures, campground advice, weather forecasts, listings of wildlife sightings, educational programs and exhibits, information on road and trail closures, and a gift shop.
3002 Mount Angeles Rd., Port Angeles, Washington, 98362, USA360-565–3130 -
16. Second and Third Beaches
During low tide these flat, driftwood-strewn expanses are perfect for long afternoon strolls. Second Beach, accessed via an easy forest trail through Quileute lands, opens to a vista of the Pacific Ocean and sea stacks. Third Beach offers a 1¼-mile forest hike for a warm-up before reaching the sands.
Hwy. 101, Olympic National Park, Washington, 98575, USA360-565–3130-visitor center -
17. Sol Duc Valley
Sol Duc Valley is one of those magical places where all the Northwest's virtues seem at hand: lush lowland forests, sparkling river scenes, salmon runs, and serene hiking trails. Here, the popular Sol Duc Hot Springs area includes three attractive sulfuric pools ranging in temperature from 98°F to 104°F.
Sol Duc Rd., Olympic National Park, Washington, 98363, USA360-565–3130-visitor centerSight Details
Rate Includes: Sulfuric pools $20 -
18. South Shore Quinault Ranger Station
The National Forest Service's ranger station near the Lake Quinault Lodge has maps, campground information, and program listings.
353 S. Shore Rd., Quinault, Washington, 98575, USA360-288–2525Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends after Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend -
19. Staircase
Unlike the forests of the park's south and west sides, Douglas fir is the dominant tree in this area on the east slope of the Olympic Mountains. Fire has played an important role in creating the majestic forest here, as the Staircase Ranger Station explains in interpretive exhibits. There are trails and camping, too.
Washington, 98548, USA360-565–3130-visitor center -
20. Wilderness Information Center (WIC)
Located behind Olympic National Park Visitor Center, this facility provides all the information you'll need for a trip in the park, including trail conditions, safety tips, and weather bulletins. The office also issues camping permits, takes campground reservations, and loans bear-proof food canisters.
3002 Mount Angeles Rd., Port Angeles, Washington, 98362, USA360-565–3100Sight Details
Rate Includes: Hrs vary during off-season
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