Where to Stay in the Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park is so large that we recommend taking at least three to seven days to explore it. You can check out our full itinerary here, where you’ll notice the most efficient way to see all the best sights in the park is to change lodging every couple of days. This blog covers where to stay for every budget near each town we’ve recommended visiting. If camping is more your style, check out the best campgrounds here.
Know the area you want to stay? Click below to jump to a section.
North — From Sequim to Sol Duc
Southeast — Hoodsport and Lake Cushman
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended lodging recommendations in this post. If you click through and reserve lodging, we’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and we haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all our genuine preferences.
Northeast
Port Townsend
If you’ll be ferrying to or from the North Cascades National Park, Port Townsend will be where you’ll be ferrying to. The town is adorable — it’s full of Victorian homes and buildings, all on the waterfront. You’ll find great restaurants and art downtown, but a walk through the trails at Fort Worden is well worth your time, too.
Luxury:
These listed under luxury accommodations because they come with a hefty price tag and great location within Fort Worden State Park, but they are simple park housing. You’ll find rental options for one to six bedrooms.
Mid-range:
We love that this hotel feels modern, yet still Victorian. It has a great location in the middle of downtown, plus they have rooms that sleep up to six.
Every room is furnished with different antiques here. The only downside is that there is no elevator, but the location is perfect! It’s two blocks away from the ferry terminal in downtown.
Budget:
Located on the marina downtown, this hotel has a great location with options to choose from cabins or hotel rooms.
North
Sequim
Sequim is just over a two-hour drive from Seattle, and a half hour east of Port Angeles and the entrance to Hurricane Ridge. It’s known for lavender farms, the Dungeness Spit, and the Olympic Discovery Bike Trail. Unlike most of the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim has great weather since it’s in Washington’s rain shadow.
Want to sound like a local? Check out this video to hear how you pronounce Sequim.
Mid-range:
Stay here for stunning views! The cottages are located on the bluffs above the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of the Olympic Mountains in the backyard.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Guests rave about the friendly staff, complimentary breakfast, the rooftop garden, and indoor pool.
Budget:
Reviews rave about this inn’s complimentary breakfast, clean rooms, and friendly staff. However, there isn’t an elevator in this building.
Port Angeles
Port Angele is just over three hours from Seattle. It’s home to Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic National Park’s largest visitor center, and a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia.
Hurricane Ridge in winter
Luxury:
Maitland Manor Bed and Breakfast
Choose between rooms with a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca or Hurricane Ridge and enjoy private entrances, decks, and soaking tubs. Guests say that breakfast here is amazing, but we love that they occasionally partner with local businesses for activity and lodging packages.
Mid-range:
Rooms here overlook the Strait of Juan de Fuca or have peek-a-boo views of Hurricane Ridge over a golf course and trees.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is Meghann’s favorite lake in Washington. It has crystal clear water that turns bright blue on sunny days. The lake is surrounded by mountains and looks incredibly beautiful, no matter the weather. Stay here to enjoy kayaking and hiking nearby, but know that there aren’t many restaurants or other amenities nearby.
The dock at the Lake Crescent Lodge
Within the park:
The Lake Crescent Lodge is the most well-known lodging in the Olympic National Park. It has a beautiful dining room overlooking the shore, a dock, and cabins nearby. Canoe rentals are available during the summer months.
Located on the northern side of Lake Crescent, this resort is near the Spruce Railroad — famous for the Devil’s Punchbowl. They’re open for reservations between mid-May and late September, and they have kayak rentals available, too!
Lake Sutherland
Located east of Lake Crescent is the smaller Lake Sutherland. This lake is more populated, so it’s easier to find vacation rentals here.
Luxury:
We love that this property feels more private and comes with paddle boards, a canoe, paddle boats, and a private dock. The home has three bedrooms, although it can sleep up to ten.
You cannot get more lakefront than this! This one-bedroom home sits on the edge of the lake with a great dock and deck. There is a large set of stairs from the parking area to the home, so it is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Sol Duc
Sol Duc is in the heart of the Olympics. Stay here to be surrounded by lush rainforests, beautiful rivers, and visit the famous Sol Duc Falls.
Luxury:
Located between Forks and Sol Duc, is this modern, yet rustic cabin that sleeps four. You’ll love enjoying the hot tub and solo stove fire pit amongst the rainforest here. If your aim is to have a peaceful stay, this is your spot.
Within the park:
Open between early March and early November, you’ll have access to the Sol Duc Hot Spring’s four pools included with your stay. Find hot spring pool details here.
Northwest
Neah Bay
Neah Bay is the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, owned by the Makah Tribe. The beaches and cliffs are incredibly beautiful here. If you’re in the area, hiking to Cape Flattery is a must – it’s worth the drive even if you aren’t staying in the area.
Luxury:
Located at the Sekiu Marina, this home is a half hour away from Neah Bay. It has four bedrooms, and sleeps up to ten. Stay here to enjoy the sunset views from the deck and hot tub.
Mid-range:
Hobuck Beach Resort
Choose between the South Cabins, with great views of the Pacific Ocean, or the North Cabins, which have more protection from the wind.
East
Forks
Along with Port Angeles, Forks is one of the more popular locations to stay near the Olympic National Park. Staying here puts you within an hour’s drive to the Hoh Rainforest, the park’s best beaches, and Neah Bay.
The town still has remnants of the Twilight series, and yes, Forks does get an average of ten FEET of rain each year. Pack a raincoat regardless of when you’re visiting.
Luxury:
This woodsy home is located just outside town, featuring beautiful views of the Bogachiel River, a great deck, ping pong table, and laundry. It has four bedrooms and sleeps up to ten.
Mid-range:
This two-bedroom home features a hot tub, fire pit, BBQ, and laundry. It’s tiny, but spacious — sleeping up to five.
Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Miller Tree Inn is a well-loved, family-run business. You can expect great breakfasts, time spent chatting with other guests, and the option to book a one or two room suite.
Budget:
With limited lodging options, the Dew Drop Inn is a go-to place to stay. They offer dog friendly rooms, as well as a BBQ and picnic area outside.
Kalaloch
Stay here to get a sense of the dramatic Washington coast. Nearby you’ll find the Tree of Life, great spots to tide pool, and enjoy old-growth coastal forests. Our beaches aren’t usually warm, so if you stay here, bring warm layers – you’ll find packing suggestions here.
Within the park:
This is one of the three of the Olympic National Park lodges. Located right on the edge of the beach, staying here puts you in the perfect position to relax, wander up the coast, or head inland to explore Lake Quinault. There is a restaurant onsite – the only one in the area. Choose between staying in the main lodge, private cabins, or a room in the Seacrest House.
Southwest
Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault is in the heart of the Olympic National Park’s rainforest. The trees are huge, mossy, and everything is a bit damp. This area feels more tranquil than the more famous Hoh Rainforest with similar scenery. If you visit, be sure to do our waterfall tour around the lake!
Luxury:
Located on seven acres, you can have a piece of Lake Quinault all to yourself. This three-bedroom home sleeps up to eight and includes kayaks for use between May and September.
Mid-range:
Choose between a range of rustic lakefront cabins accommodating between two and eight people.
Within the park:
The Lake Quinault Lodge offers rustic accommodations, with great views of Lake Quinault and the surrounding mountains. Lounge on the lawn or walk the nearby trails in your free time.
Southeast
Hoodsport
Located along the Hood Canal, Hoodsport is a tiny town near the Staircase entrance to the Olympic National Park. The town is known for having a few great cafes and oysters. We recommend making the drive up to the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon (reservations required during the summer) or enjoying a meal at the fancier feeling, but still casual, Fjord Oyster Bank in town.
Luxury:
This home is perfect for a couple’s getaway. Enjoy the Hood Canal views from the wall-to-wall windows, or the covered deck with steps leading into the water.
Mid-range:
We love this bright octagonal home with two bedrooms, sleeping up to five. The deck overlooks the Hood Canal with stairs leading into the water — perfect for launching your own kayaks from.
Bigfoot Bungalow
Located within walking distance to Hoodsport, we love that this home provides with an inflatable kayak and bikes! It has two bedrooms and sleeps up to six.
Lake Cushman
You’ll find Lake Cushman just outside of Hoodsport. It’s a local gem with crystal clear waters and beautiful mountains surrounding the lake. You’ll find spots to paddle board or hike along the northern side of the lake. Mount Ellinor is our favorite hike work out here.
Luxury:
Enjoy games, hot tubbing, a fire pit, and being surrounded by the forest in this four-bedroom home that sleeps up to ten.
You’ll have 104 feet of waterfront on Lake Cushman to yourself in this three-bedroom home that sleeps six. Enjoy launching kayaks from the private dock or watching the sunset on the beautiful deck.
Mid-range:
This one-bedroom cabin sleeps up to four. It’s surrounded by the forest and Lake Cushman is just a short walk away.
Budget:
This two-bedroom A-frame sleeps up to five in a cozy forest setting. It’s five minutes away from the lake, and ten from Hoodsport.
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