There are many things to do in Olympic National Park Washington. Unless you spend a month there, exploring every day, you will never fully appreciate everything that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer.
Regardless of that, if you have the chance to visit during a trip to Washington State – it’s easy to reach from Seattle – you should go and enjoy some of the best hiking trails in Olympic National Park, the incredible lodging in Olympic National Park, and soak in the stunning views throughout.
I went to Olympic National Park from Seattle on a road trip during a recent visit to Washington State. My friend and I hiked, walked along the beach, enjoyed a glass of wine overlooking the gorgeous lakes and truly enjoyed our time there.
Olympic National Park is definitely one of the prettiest US National Parks. It encompasses almost a million acres of diverse natural wonderland. Here you can find a variety of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to snow-capped mountains.
With miles upon miles of coastline, jewel-like lakes and wildflower meadows, there’s plenty of natural beauty to marvel at during your trip.
Whether you want to go hiking in Olympic National Park’s ancient woodlands, or you just want to park up at one of the wonderful beaches in Olympic National Park and spend the day admiring the scenery in the great outdoors, there’s are some incredible places to visit in Olympic National Park.
Curious to learn about the best things to do in Olympic National Park Washington? Continue reading, as I have selected those you should not miss – obviously there are many more, but I am solely writing based on my experience. I will also add a few more things to do on the Olympic Peninsula and share some tips to plan your trip.
Where Is Olympic National Park?
The roots of Olympic National Park go back to 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Mount Olympus National Monument. Later in 1938, the area was re-designated as a national park instead.
In the 1970s, UNESCO recognized the national park as an International Biosphere Reserve and later listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1981. In 1988, 95% of the park became protected as Olympic Wilderness – the largest of its kind in the State of Washington.
The park itself is a diverse collection of environments.
Here you’ll find almost a million acres of mountains, glaciers and vast wildernesses, as well as sandy beaches, rock formations, temperate rainforests and old growth forests.
There are many things to do in Olympic National Park, from staying in its lakeside lodges to hiking and visiting glaciers and exploring its 70 miles (112.6 km) of coastline.
Let’s discover the best places to visit in Olympic National Park – once again let me stress this is a selection based on my experience!
Best Things To Do In Olympic National Park
Hike in Olympic National Park
Hiking in Olympic National Park is the perfect way to explore the diverse scenery that it boasts.
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a woodland stroll, a trek to glaciers or a wildlife rich adventure.
Make sure to pick up a map of the best hiking trails in Olympic National Park from the visitors’ center, so that you can pick which trail to follow based on where you are staying. With a map, you will also see that you can easily combine some of the best trails if you wish to walk longer distances.
Here are some of the hikes in Olympic National Park that my friend and I tackled when we visited.
Staircase Rapids Loop
This is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park for anyone that wants something short and easy.
Just over 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers), Staircase Rapids Loop may be short but it’s a rewarding hike. The route follows a fork in the Skokomish River and takes you through an old growth forest, where moss and ferns grow in an almost prehistoric landscape.
You’ll get to admire the beauty of the riverside, as well as rapids, before returning to the parking area. Along the trail you will be able to spot the roots of some massive trees too.
While this is an easy trail, it’s not a very popular one so you really won’t be meeting many people during your hike.
Quinault Loop Trail
Of the many trails my friend and I followed during our visit, to us this is the best trail in Olympic National Park.
The Quinault Loop Trail is around 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) in total. It’s known locally as the Rainforest Nature Trail. It’s the perfect hike for anybody who wants to explore the dense temperate rainforest that characterizes America’s Pacific Northwest.
Beginning at Quinault Lake (the trail is a short walking distance from Lake Quinault Lodge), the hike passes along the south shore of the lake before entering into the Quinault rainforest. Along the way, there’s the chance to see Cascade Falls and Cedar Bog. You can also see the World Largest’ Sitka Spruce and Merriman Falls.
It’s a fairly easy trail with no major ascents, but you will be walking through some thick forest in places, and areas that are very shaded and they will seem a bit dark even during the daytime.
The trail is well marked for the most part, but you will at times come at intersections where it’s best to stop as the signage is not clear, so you will need look at the map.
Gatton Creek Trail
Leave the trailhead on South Shore Road on this 3 mile (5 kilometer) loop that leads you through magnificent parts of the old growth forest. You’ll pass by waterfalls and under Douglas fir trees as you go.
There is a small natural pool right by the waterfalls – but the water is freezing cold. I felt tempted to try it, but after dipping my toes I decided I did not want to freeze.
This trail can get quite muddy, so make sure you come prepared.
Enchanted Valley Trail
The Enchanted Valley chalet is one of the nicest places to visit in Olympic National Park, and part of its history.
It’s been a refuge for weary travelers since the 1930s. It also had a short life as an aircraft warning station during World War II. So it’s understandable that the chalet is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The hike to get there starts at the Graves Creek Trailhead along the East Fork Quinault River Trail (one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park).
Because of its length – 29 miles (46 kilometers) – you’ll need to stay overnight. With the chalet itself temporarily out of action, you’ll need a backcountry camping permit. Be prepared for this hike: there’s an elevation gain of 3,700 feet (1,127 meters), so it’s quite challenging!
Mount Storm King
The one to Mount Storm King is definitely one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. You can access the trailhead from the area of Lake Crescent.
Let me warn you that this is not an easy hike – there’s a lot of elevation gain, so only decide to tackle this trail if you are prepared for a strenuous workout.
To give you a rough estimate, it’s a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) hike roundtrip, which in and of itself seems easy enough. However, there’s a 2,700 (almost 823 meters) elevation gain, which in such a short distance is a lot!
Once you get to the top, the views of Lake Crescent below are simply stunning.
The trailhead is the same as that of Marymere Falls – you will find it in the parking lot off Highway 101 (Olympic Highway), by the Storm King Ranger Station.
Marymere Falls
If you want an easy hike that’s also extremely rewarding, this is the best trail in Olympic National Park. It’s a 2-mile (3.2 km) roundtrip walk into the forest to see what’s easily the most scenic waterfall in the national park.
Marymere measures 90 feet (27.4 meters). There’s a set of stairs that will take you to the viewpoint – but you will hear the waterfall long before you actually get to see it!
Sol Duc Falls
If chasing waterfalls is what to do in Olympic National Park, then you should make it a point to hike to Sol Duc Falls. It’s again an easy hike – 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip, and through the gorgeous temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park.
You will get a first glimpse of the waterfall from the wooden bridge on which you will cross Sol Duc Creek – it’s a lovely photo spot.
Soak in the views of Lake Crescent
Set in the northern portion of Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is one of the nicest places to visit in Olympic National Park.
You’ll find it around 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the west of Port Angeles, so if you are coming from that direction it will be one of the first places you will pass by – and you will want to stop for sure!
Lake Crescent and the nearby Lake Sutherland were once one body of water. That was until 7,000 years ago when a monumental landslide split them, trapping the trout species that lived in the lake in the two halves.
This natural occurrence led to the development of two separate populations of trout that have adapted to their respective lakes: the Crescenti trout and the Beardslee trout.
Here at the lake, you’ll have hiking trails and picnic areas, while summer brings people to the lake for kayaking and sailing. The water is incredibly clear and inviting for a swim – when we visited, it was quite a chilly morning so we did not opt to go in.
Swim or hike in Lake Quinault
Set in the southwest part of Olympic National Park, Lake Quinault sits in the popular Quinault Valley – a glacier-carved landscape that’s brimming with Alpine meadows, lakes and craggy peaks.
This is where my friend and I based ourselves during our visit, and we found the area incredibly beautiful. The views of the lake are soothing – we spent the evening, after hiking, sipping on a glass of wine while overlooking the lake as the sun set.
There’s a number of hiking trails (we hiked the Quinault Loop that I mentioned above, and the Gatton Creek trail). You can go for a walk along the lake, and you can also follow one of the driving routes and will have opportunities to immerse yourself in the environment here.
You’ll also find the historic Lake Quinault Lodge here, which is over 100 years old (more about that in a bit). That’s where you can also rent kayaks if you want to explore the lake further, and some people also brave the cold waters and go for a swim.
Visit Lake Quinault Museum
Situated in a former post office, close to the storied Lake Quinault Lodge, visiting the Lake Quinault Museum is one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park. This is a great place to come to learn more about the history of Olympic National Park.
Exhibits explain the background of the indigenous communities native Quinault people and also the early pioneers who mapped out the region and contributed to its development.
You can see historic photos, rooms set up to offer a window into the past, and other objects like Quinault canoes and woven baskets. The museum is open daily, but you may want to check with Lake Quinault Lodge for the exact opening times as they tend to vary seasonally.
Enjoy the beaches in Olympic National Park
There are many beautiful beaches in Olympic National Park and spending time at the beach surely is one of the top things to do in Olympic National Park.
With 70 miles (112.6 km) of rugged coastline, you will surely find a spot where you can relax for a bit, or go for a walk. As we drove around, we spotted many places that were so beautiful that we had to stop for photos and walks!
While Olympic National Park is a popular place for swimming in the lakes, as an expert swimmer I think that swimming is hardly what to do in Olympic National Park – the currents of the Pacific Ocean are too strong for it to be safe!
Here are a few of the best beaches in Olympic National Park to discover during your trip.
Kalaloch Beach
Together with Ruby Beach, this is one of the most popular beaches in Olympic National Park. It’s easily accessible, being located just off Highway 101. Upon arrival, you’ll find a coastline strewn with interestingly shaped sea stacks, tidepools and driftwood.
There’s a large parking lot and from there you can access an easy trail that will take you down to the beach. At the end, there are some stairs and it looks like the trail has been taken by the elements, but if you are fit it’s easy to cross and you can then get down to the beach and enjoy a walk.
At the right time of year, there’s even the chance to see whales swimming off the coast. You can even find a 1,000-year-old red cedar tree close by (between Fourth Beach and Ruby Beach).
La Push Beach and Forks
Famed for its sea stacks, La Push has several beaches to its name, including the very popular First Beach. Nearby is the town of Forks and its timber houses, made famous by the vampire-and-werewolves franchise, Twilight.
For those who are fans of the series, visiting Forks is one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park. The town describes itself as “Home of the Twilight Saga” and you can explore by yourself or join one of the Twilight tours that take place in the town.
There’s an annual festival that celebrates everything Twilight (this takes place around September 13th each year). There’s also a collection of costumes and props from the five films on display at the Rainforest Arts Center and the Forks Timber Museum which focuses on the history of logging in the area.
The interesting John’s Beachcombing Museum has a collection of items that were washed ashore both in Olympic Peninsula and in other places – it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Olympic National Park!
For La Push Beach, grab a permit from the grocery store and park your car to enjoy your time at the beach. Here you have the time to spot pelicans playing in the water and maybe a few surfers catching the wild waves that crash here.
Check out the tidepools for the chance to see brightly colored anemones and sea stars. Close by is the Hoh Rainforest for trails into dense greenery: the best one is by far the Hall of Mosses trail which is a 0.8 miles – less than 1-3 km – loop trail.
Ruby Beach is also a short distance.
Rialto Beach
For more dramatic rock formations, look no further than the epic Rialto Beach, which is also one of the best sunset spots in the national park.
Stroll along the sand here to glimpse sea stacks jutting out of the Pacific Ocean, and see the “tree graveyard” where giant fallen trees wash up on the sand following storms.
Rialto Beach’s most well known rock formation is The Hole in the Wall, a sea arch that looks especially impressive at sunset and that overlooks right into the ocean.
The hike to The Hole in the Wall is about 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers) roundtrip from the Rialto Beach carpark. It’s important to know that you can only reach the opening of The Hole in the Wall at low tide, but this is a nice hike regardless.
Drive to Hurricane Ridge
For the best views of the Olympic Mountain Range, drive to Hurricane Ridge. Here you will find a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, forests and Mount Olympus.
Hurricane Ridge is just around 18 miles (29 km) from Port Angeles along Hurricane Ridge Road. As you approach it, the road will lead you away from the coast and into the mountains.
You can park your car at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, which is already a perfect place to enjoy the views.
However, you can also hike the High Ridge Trail or the Hurricane Hill Nature Trail, a moderate 3.2 mile (5.1 km) hike with about 700 feet (213 meters) elevation gain.
Once you get to the top, the view opens up even more – 360° views of the Olympic National Park. It’s simply unforgettable!
Spend a night or two in one of the incredible lodges
Olympic National Park is home to some amazing accommodations.
Wooden lodges were built here in the early 20th century, and remain almost unchanged to this day, making for a fantastic, atmospheric place to stay for a night or two when you explore the dramatic national park.
Lodges in Olympic National Park usually have a restaurant where you can enjoy your meals too – but there are some other restaurants around the peninsula.
One thing you should be aware of is that lodging in Olympic National Park is very expensive – for this reason many people opt to stay in one of the campsites in Olympic National Park, which however for the most part don’t take reservations.
Lodging in Olympic National Park is available throughout the year, but if you have a specific place in mind you want to stay at, you should book well advance – when we looked to book a place to stay at the end of August for a trip 4 weeks later, it seemed that many places had no availability at all, even during the week.
To book your room, you’ll have to visit the National Park Reservations site – it’s not the best site really, but it’s the only one. You can also make reservations by phone.
Lake Quinault Lodge
My favorite lodge in Olympic National Park is Lake Quinault. It first opened in 1926 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. The resort hotel, which boasts 92 rooms, has even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was designed by Robert Reamer, a notable architect who designed dozens of other rustic wilderness lodgings, such as The Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. Staying here means immersing yourself not only in nature but a slice of American history itself.
The lodge has a restaurants where you can have your meals for an additional price, a bar where you can also grab some quick eats, and offers services such as kayak rental and bus tours around the area. There’s an indoor pool with a small spa and even a games room.
Lake Crescent Lodge
First built in 1915, this turn-of-the-century resort provides an attractive base for seeing all the highlights of the park. Rooms here look out onto giant fir trees, while the shared guest lounge is an airy space that boasts incredible views out over Crescent Lake itself.
Lochaerie Resort
Set on the North Shore of Lake Quinault, this rustic resort opened its doors back in 1926 and it is one of the best options for lodging in Olympic National Park.
The picturesque cabins in this retreat are down to earth, and perfect for those who want to be surrounded by the nature of the park. There are 6 to choose from, all of them featuring cosy kitchens, open fires and porches to soak up those lakeside views.
Other Things To Do In Olympic Peninsula
While the Olympic National Park is a pure adventure to explore, there are even more things to do in Olympic Peninsula for you to discover.
Visit Nirvana places in Aberdeen
If you are a fan of Nirvana as much as I am, this is one of the unmissable things to do in Olympic Peninsula!
Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain was born in the town of Aberdeen. As such there are a handful of memorials to the influential grunge musician, which naturally draws visitors from across the world.
Firstly there’s the Kurt Cobain Memorial Park. As you enter, a sign welcomes visitors with some of Cobain’s lyrics: “Come as you are”. There’s a memorial to him in the park, with quotes from the musician himself adorning the granite.
You can see various graffiti and tributes left by Nirvana fans all over the park.
There’s also Kurt Cobain Childhood Home. This unassuming house in suburban Aberdeen is where Cobain lived between the ages of 1 and 16. Now added to Washington state’s heritage register, the house is currently not open to visits as it is being renovated by the current co-owner to appear as it did when Cobain lived there.
Learn about Billy Gohl the gangster and Billy’s in Aberdeen
For those interested in a darker side to history in Aberdeen, there’s the infamous Billy Gohl to learn about. My friend and I literally stumbled across his legend as we looked for a place to have lunch before heading back to Seattle.
The German-American lived between 1873 and 1927, and was accused of a number of murders in the area and sentenced to life in prison.
In recent years, it’s believed that Billy Gohl – a gambler and lead figure in the local labor movement – was wrongly accused by influential businessmen, who wanted to put a stop to any union action at the docks.
Billy’s, a bar and restaurant in town, is named after him and follows his “seven rules of gambling”. One rule is “Operate a lively but orderly establishment”. It’s a nice place to have lunch and pint of beer.
Have the best breakfast at Chestnut Cottage in Port Angeles
This was probably my favorite meal during our road trip in the Olympic Peninsula.
Open since 1976, Chestnut Cottage is a family-friendly eatery that’s perfect for breakfast. The menu features dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, while there are also delicious desserts and drinks available.
We had the pancakes with a side of bacon, and the oatmeal which is probably the best I have ever had. Portions are huge so consider sharing!
There’s a little gift shop onsite in case you want to remember your epic breakfast!
Enjoy an all American dining experience at Blondie’s in Shelton
If you’re feeling hungry, there’s no better place to sate your appetite than at an old-school American diner.
Situated in the town of Shelton, Blondie’s is a decidedly retro diner complete with booths and counter seating, serving up everything from homemade pies to enormous breakfasts (served all day). Comes lunch, you can have one of their salads or the sandwiches.
The atmosphere is very informal, like in any proper American diner.
Check out the Historic Church of Allyn
Constructed in 1909, Allyn Church is the earliest building that’s still standing in the town of Allyn. This charming wooden structure is well loved by the local community, ever since it was built by early settlers in the area.
It’s a nice spot to understand the human history of the Olympic Peninsula – and to snap a few pictures of the pretty church. Once you are done visiting the church (it won’t take more than a few moments) you can enjoy a walk along the shore.
Olympic National Park Practical Guide
How much time should you spend in Olympic National Park?
This national park is enormous, so I recommend spending a minimum of three full days to enjoy the many places to visit in Olympic National Park.
Even if you’re not going hiking, there are so many scenic drives and beaches to explore that you’re going to be entertained for days.
Plan to spend a week there if you can – I appreciate that it may get very expensive if you stay at a lodge, so you could consider a mix of camping and lodging.
If you don’t have so much time, and you don’t have a car, you will be happy to know that there are guided day trips to Olympic National Park departing from Seattle and that include transportation.
For example, you could consider this Olympic National Park small group tour that has several stops including one at Salt Creek and one at Lake Crescent, where you’ll have the opportunity to go on a short hike.
Best time to visit Olympic National Park
The summer season is the best time to visit Olympic National Park. This is when the weather is warm, and when almost all of the roads, accommodation and ranger stations are open.
Even in the summertime, however, the weather can be unpredictable, so making sure to check weather conditions before you head out on a hike (and packing appropriately) is important.
That said, summer is also the busiest time of year. There can be actual lines of people waiting to get into Hoh Rain Forest, for example. Even parking at Rialto Beach can also be tricky during the summer. The trick is to arrive as early as possible.
In spring and autumn, the weather is still mild, but it can rain – and even snow – quite heavily, even into the start of June. This is still a popular time for visitors, as you can see lots of wildlife and witness the changing of the seasons.
My friend and I visited in mid-September, when fall was just starting to roll in. The lodges were very busy (in fact, we had a hard time finding a place to stay!) but the trails were nice and empty and the landscape stunning. We were blessed with pleasant days and very little rain.
Winter offers a quiet time to visit Olympic National Park. Fewer visitors mean peaceful trails and empty car parks. The downside of this, however, is dealing with the harsh winter climate – and the fact that many of the amenities around the national park are also shut.
Olympic National Park opening hours
Olympic National Park is open all day, every day, all year round. However, I recommend checking the official website of the national park for occasional road closures.
Olympic National Park fees
The standard Olympic National Park fee is $15 per person – this is the fee applied to “walk-ins” or people traveling there by bus or bike.
If you are traveling to Olympic National Park by car, you’ll have to pay $30 to enter the park (to share between the passenger of the car), while a motorcycle is $25.
Children aged 15 years or younger enter the park for free.
All of the passes, whether it’s for a vehicle or not, allow you to spend 7 days in the park.
An annual pass will cost you $55.
Oftentimes, you won’t find anywhere to pay the fee directly at the park – but you need to have a ticket so that you can park your car without getting fined. At times you will find a ranger walking around that has permits and will hand you one.
Otherwise, it’s easier to buy your pass online on the official website of Olympic National Park.
If you want to camp, you’ll have to secure yourself either a space at one of the campgrounds or grab a backcountry camping permit. Campgrounds cost between $15 to $24 depending on the time of year and the location of the campsite.
Wilderness or backcountry camping costs $8 per person per night, while the permit itself costs $6.
Additional tips for visiting Olympic National Park
Here are some final tips to help you make the most of Olympic National Park.
PACK SMARTLY – Hiking is one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park, and for that you will need appropriate gear. A good pair of sturdy and waterproof hiking boots is essential. Wear layers as you will get warm as you hike around, and by all means bring a rain jacket as chances or rain are high especially in the fall, winter and spring months.
TAKE SOME FOOD AND WATER ON YOUR HIKES – While the lodges in the national park are great places to have a meal and a drink, there is nothing in the way of services on the trails. Bring a refillable bottle with you and make sure to fill it up before your leave, and pack some snacks in case you get hungry as you hike.
FILL UP YOUR TANK – Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing more than a gas station in the Olympic National Park. You will be driving a lot, so make sure to fill up your tank when you can!
DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS – There are various stretches in the national park where there is no reception at all so it’s better to have a back up plan.
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