Olympic National Park
District

Olympic National Park

Rainforests, mountains and coastlines in one diverse wilderness

Olympic National Park packs three ecosystems into one massive wilderness area on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. You'll find temperate rainforests dripping with moss in the Hoh Valley, alpine peaks in the Olympic Mountains, and 73 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. It's one of the few places where you can hike through old-growth forest in the morning and watch sunset from a driftwood-strewn beach by evening. The park covers nearly a million acres, so planning is essential — you can't see it all in a weekend, and you shouldn't try.

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Start easy with the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest — it's a 0.8-mile loop that shows off the park's famous moss-draped maples. The Marymere Falls Trail near Lake Crescent is another gentle 1.8-mile round trip that families love. For something more challenging, the Sol Duc Falls Trail climbs 1.6 miles through old-growth forest to a spectacular three-tiered waterfall. Intermediate hikers should tackle Hurricane Ridge's Hurricane Hill Trail. It's 3.2 miles round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain, but the panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains are worth every step. The Ozette Triangle combines beach and forest hiking — 9.3 miles total with boardwalks through coastal forest leading to Sand Point and Cape Alava beaches. Advanced hikers have serious options. The Enchanted Valley Trail stretches 13 miles one-way through the Quinault Valley, earning its nickname as the 'Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.' Mount Storm King near Lake Crescent is a brutal 4.2-mile round trip with 2,100 feet of elevation gain, but you'll get Instagram-worthy views of the lake below. The High Divide Loop is a 17.9-mile backpacking route that showcases alpine meadows and mountain vistas — plan for 2-3 days.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) if you're visiting more than one national park this year — it pays for itself after three visits
  • 2.Camp instead of staying in lodges to save $150+ per night — even basic sites put you closer to the trails
  • 3.Pack your own lunch for day hikes — the lodge restaurants charge $15-20 for sandwiches you can make for $5
  • 4.Fill up your gas tank in Port Angeles before entering the park — no gas stations inside and limited options on the peninsula
  • 5.Bring a National Parks Senior Pass if you're 62+ for lifetime free entry and 50% off camping fees
  • 6.Visit in late September for lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds while still getting decent weather

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps before you go — cell service is spotty throughout most of the park
  • •Check road conditions on the NPS website before driving — winter storms can close Hurricane Ridge Road with little notice
  • •Bring cash for entrance fees at some stations — not all accept cards, especially during off-season
  • •Start early for popular trails like Hurricane Ridge — parking lots fill up by 10am during summer weekends
  • •Always check tide tables before hiking coastal sections — some areas are impassable at high tide
  • •Bring layers even in summer — temperatures can drop 30 degrees between sea level and Hurricane Ridge
  • •Stop at visitor centers first for current trail conditions and wildlife activity updates
  • •Book accommodations 6+ months ahead for summer visits — options fill up fast on the Olympic Peninsula

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan at least 3-4 days to see the main highlights: rainforest, mountains, and coast. A week lets you do serious hiking and explore different ecosystems without rushing. You could easily spend two weeks here and not see everything.

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