Olympic National Park: Best Hikes, Itinerary, and Sights
Covering 922,641 acres, the Olympic National Park is so large and diverse! The park has three distinct ecosystems, including glaciated mountains, rainforest, and the coast. There is something for everyone to enjoy here, and there is so much to see.
We recommend staying between two and seven days near the park.
Click below to skip to a section:
Getting to the Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park 1 – 7 day itineraries
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, 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.
Getting to the Olympic National Park
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the nearest major airport, located two and a half hours away from Port Angeles, the heart of the Olympics.
To reach Port Angeles, we recommend ferrying from Seattle to Bremerton. This route gives you a great view of the Seattle skyline from the boat, is a fun way to travel, and helps you skip traffic along I-5. If you’ll be coming from the Portland area, drive along Highway 101 for the best views. Exploring the park with your own vehicle is the best way to experience the Olympic Peninsula.
National park pass
You’ll also need to purchase a parking pass. The America the Beautiful Pass covers all national parks for a year, or you can opt to purchase a seven-day pass to the Olympic National Park.
You can buy passes at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, park entrances at Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, Sol Duc, and Staircase, online, or at REI in Seattle.
Best time to visit
Our favorite thing about the Olympics is that most of it is accessible year-round. When to visit is up to personal preference!
Summer (best for weather and hiking)
July — September
Always a moderate climate, you can expect summer temperatures to get up to the low 70s throughout the summer. By July, you’ll have your choice of high-elevation hikes to choose from, and all roads will be clear of snow. This is the best time to visit the park if you’re hoping to avoid rain during your visit or hike in the mountains.
Ruby Beach on a sunny weekend in September
Fall (best for waterfalls)
October — November
With a bit more rain — averaging 10 days of rain each month — fall is a beautiful time to visit the Olympics. There are fewer tourists, albeit some seasonal roads have closures beginning mid-November.
Winter (best for crowds)
December — March
The fear of rain keeps most tourists away throughout the winter in the Olympics. However, the amount of rain you’ll see varies greatly by region. The town of Forks, near the Hoh Rainforest, is the wettest place in North America. They receive up to ten feet of rain per year (about 20 days of rain each month throughout winter), while places like Port Angeles average 12 days of rain in the winter months.
Temperatures at lower elevations are generally in the 40s throughout the region and the overcast skies create those moody landscapes the Pacific Northwest is famous for.
Here in Washington, we say there is no such thing as bad weather, just poor wardrobe choices, so pack a raincoat (check out our packing list below) and bring waterproof shoes like hiking boots or rain boots. Don’t be afraid to visit during winter!
Spring (best for greenery and waterfalls)
February — June
With the start of the snow melt, the forests look particularly lush, and waterfalls begin to rage in spring. There’s still a chance you could have a few rainy days during your visit, but you can also expect temperatures to be in the 50s to 60s.
Where to stay
The Olympic peninsula is so large, that we suggest moving locations at least once during your visit to maximize your time spent enjoying the park. This blog has the best lodging suggestions and information about each town.
Lake Crescent
Camping
Camping is a great way to experience the Olympics! Many of the sites allow RV’s and accommodate vans or tents. Campgrounds do tend to book up quickly, so we recommend booking your site as soon as it goes on sale. We find it’s easiest to get a campsite between fall and spring.
This blog has all the best campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, in and around the Olympic National Park.
Ruby Beach
Hiking
The Olympic National Park is not lacking iconic hikes! There are over 135 miles of trails, and each region of the park is completely different from the next. We especially love that the hikes in the lowlands are accessible year-round. We’ll make specific hiking recommendations in the itinerary below. Check out this list for the best hikes in Washington — there is a section for the Olympic Peninsula!
Pro tip: Always look at recent trip reports on Washington Trails Association for any of the hikes you’re interested in. They’ll give you up-to-date information on the trail, snow conditions, mosquitoes, and more.
Best activities
Ranger-led programs
Check the park calendar for guided walks throughout the park, art exhibits, and a telescope program from Hurricane Ridge.
Tide pooling
You’ll need to check the tide chart before seeking tide pools. You’ll want to go at low tide — the lower the better. We love using tides.net because they have tide charts and a graph. Aim to start tide pooling an hour before the tide turns. Once the tide starts coming in, the waves stir up the pools making it harder to see animals.
Do wear a good pair of waterproof hiking boots or rainboots to tide pool in (product links below in our packing list). Areas around the tide pools can be rocky and you’re likely to get you’re likely to get your shoes wet. Going barefoot isn’t a great option for this activity.
Beware that there can be more than one low tide in a day. If this is the case, the second low tide is usually not very low and won’t be conducive to good tide pooling.
Important: keep in mind when the tide will begin rising — it’s easy to get preoccupied spotting animals, and you don’t want to get stranded on a high section of beach. Pay attention to the time and know when the tide will begin rising. Keep an eye out for sneaker waves as well!
Rialto Beach near the Hole in the Wall
Paddling
It’s possible to kayak and paddle board on most lakes in the Olympic National Park. You’ll find seasonal rentals available at Lake Cushman at the Skokomish Park, Lake Quinault at the Lake Quinault Lodge, Lake Crescent at the Lake Crescent Lodge, and in Hoodsport from Hoodsport Wellness and Kayak Rentals.
If you want a different paddling experience, reserve a tour for a bioluminescent kayaking tour between spring and fall!
Lavender Farms
Sequim (near Port Angeles) is full of Lavender Farms. They’re generally open between May and October, offering things like you-pick lavender, lavender products, and even lavender-flavored ice cream. Check out this list to find the perfect farm to visit during your trip.
Crab Fest
Crab Fest takes place over one weekend in October in Port Angeles every year. Buy tickets for a Dungeness crab dinner or enjoy the free festival.
Farmer’s Market
Port Angeles has a year-round farmers market full of great food and all kinds of crafts. Find it at the Gateway Transit Center Pavillion downtown. Stop by Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream (New Zealand style) while you’re nearby!
Hurricane Ridge
Summer
Located an hour from Port Angeles, this is where you’ll see iconic mountain views. With panoramic views from the parking lot, it’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Although you don’t need to hike to appreciate the views here, hiking will give you extra time to soak in the sights. Check out Sunrise Point for a quick hike, Hurricane Hill and Klahhane Ridge for longer ventures, or Mount Angeles if you’re up for a class 3 scramble.
Pro tip: Check the Hurricane Ridge webcam to see up-to-date weather conditions before making the hour long drive up the mountain.
Hurricane Ridge Shuttle
Traffic backs up at the entrance to Hurricane Ridge and there is usually a wait to enter the park at Hurricane Ridge. Consider taking the shuttle instead of driving to bypass the wait. It costs $1 each way, or $2 round trip.
The bus picks you up from the Port Angeles Gateway Transit Center, where there is free parking, and makes stops at the Lake Angeles Trailhead, Switchback Trailhead, and Hurricane Ridge. You can see the bus schedule here.
Meghann scrambling up Mount Angeles
Winter
In the winter months, Hurricane Ridge is only open Friday through Sunday between late November and late March (depending on snow levels). The road opens on these days when plows have cleared the roads, which can be as early as 8 am or as late as noon depending on conditions. Check here for road conditions and weather forecasts.
Hurricane Hill
Having chains in or on your vehicle is required throughout these months. We recommend purchasing chains at Les Schwab Tire Centers because they’ll allow you to return them if they go unused.
Since parking is limited at the top, the lot fills up early. Once that happens, cars are let in one by one as others leave. Arrive at 7 am to get an early spot in line, otherwise you may have a one-to-three-hour wait.
Once you’ve arrived, enjoy a small sledding hill (bring your own sleds), ranger-led snowshoes, or snowshoe the Hurricane Hill trail on your own. Beware, this trail does have avalanche dangers. On days with low avalanche dangers, you can snowshoe along the ridge to Hurricane Hill. Stay away from the edge of the ridge — it often has cornices that you can fall through. On days with moderate to high avalanche danger, wander through the lower meadows.
Check here for avalanche forecasts and ask the rangers present for up-to-date conditions and recommendations.
Hurricane Hill snowshoe
Olympic National Park 1 – 7 Day Itineraries
This itinerary is very active — full of long drives, hiking suggestions, and beautiful sights. Follow it in the suggested order to see as much of the park as possible or extend your stay in one of the towns to explore more in one area.
If you’ll have less than seven days to explore, you’ll have to choose where it makes sense for you to cut this itinerary short based on the activities you’d like to prioritize and the amount of drive time back to Seattle you’re comfortable with.
Itinerary breakdown
Day 1: Ferry to the Olympic Peninsula
Day 2: Port Angeles to Forks
Day 3: Rainforests and beaches
Day 4: Neah Bay
Day 5: Beaches and Lake Quinault
Day 6: Lake Cushman
Day 7: Port Townsend
Day 1: Ferry to the Olympic Peninsula
We’re starting this itinerary from Seattle because the journey to the Olympic Peninsula is half the fun. You’ll end your day with a scenic sunset!
Mileage: 80 miles
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Start: Seattle
End: Port Angeles
Ferry
Take a ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island. You’ll want to get to the ferry dock about 20 minutes early to get in line. You’ll drive on, and once you’ve boarded, hop out of your car, and explore the boat! You’ll have great views of the Seattle skyline at the beginning of the ride. Don’t stress about time — the captain will let you know when it’s time to head back to your vehicle and begin deboarding.
Port Gamble
Stop in, or just drive through this is a historic logging town. Over the years, it’s kept its charm and the town’s main street is so charming. If you’re hungry, stop at the Café in the general store.
Hurricane Ridge
Once you reach Port Angeles, if the forecast is clear, head to Hurricane Ridge. If the mountains are hiding in clouds, save visiting here for another day, or take a chance on it and see if the clouds will clear by the time you arrive. Conditions vary greatly by season, so read the section on Hurricane Ridge before visiting.
From Port Angeles, reaching the top of Hurricane Ridge takes an hour. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, and you’ll have views of the Bailey mountain range to the south and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada to the north.
Tongue Point
If the weather at Hurricane Ridge isn’t in your favor, check out Tongue Point at Salt Creek Recreation Area. From the parking area, follow the path to the water and you’ll find a steep set of stairs leading down to the rocky beach. At low tide, you can go down the stairs onto a rocky beach full of tide pools. At high tide, you’ll be able to watch the water swirling around the stairs. It’s one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset.
Day 2: Port Angeles to Forks
We recommend heading to Forks for your second day in the Olympics since there is so much to see on the way there. If you’ll be in the area for a shorter amount of time, consider making Port Angeles your home base and making longer day trips to Forks and Neah Bay from there.
Mileage: 80 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Start: Port Angeles
End: Forks
Madison Falls
Your first stop should be at Madison Falls. It’s just a slight detour from the main road, and the 0.2 mile trail is paved, flat and the waterfall flows year-round.
Lake Crescent
Next you’ll stop at Lake Crescent. The lake is a bright blue and surrounded by mountains. It looks gorgeous no matter the weather.
If you’re interested in hiking here, stop at the Storm King Ranger Station. Hike to Marymere Falls or Mount Storm King if you’re up for a workout. There’s more to know about this hike, so read about it here if you’re interested in it.
View of Lake Crescent from Mount Storm King at sunset
If you’d rather have a leisurely view of the lake, go the Lake Crescent Lodge. There you’ll find one of the national park’s lodges, an idyllic dock, and quieter trails to wander through the forest.
If you have extra time to explore in this area, we recommend visiting the Devil’s Punchbowl via the Spruce Railroad Trail. The trail is paved, and you’ll find the Devil’s Punchbowl, an especially scenic swimming hole, a mile into the trail.
Sol Duc
Head to the Sol Duc Resort next. The road here is open seasonally between late March and October. It’s home to another national park lodge, commercial hot springs, rainforests, and waterfalls. While you’re here, swim and hike to Sol Duc Falls.
Forks
You’ll end your day in Forks with so much so see here the following day!
Day 3: Rainforests and beaches
Your third day in the Olympics will be full of iconic rainforests and beaches. Start with the rainforest and end your day on the beach at sunset.
Mileage: 90 miles
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Start: Forks
End: Forks
Hoh Rainforest
We recommend starting your day with the Hoh Rainforest. The line to enter often backs up on weekends, so arrive before 10 am or after 4 pm to get in without a 60 to 90 slowdown. Hike the famous Hall of Mosses trail and/or the less popular Spruce Nature Trail. It’s not only less travelled, but part of it follows the Hoh River, where you’ll have a chance to spot deer and elk!
Forks
Head back to Forks for lunch. We love Sully’s Drive-in and D&K BBQ. While you’re in town, check out the Forks Timber Museum and Forks Chamber of Commerce, the latter which is filled with Olympic National Park and Twilight paraphernalia.
Beach
Finally, end your day with a sunset on the beach. Visit James Island View Point at La Push for easy beach access, or if you’re interested in tide pooling, hike to Second Beach or the Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach.
Research when low tide is before you go to either location. The area around Teahwhit Head on Second Beach and the area near the Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach have the best tide pools, but they’re known as tide traps. Be vigilant in watching the incoming tide or you’ll get stuck!
Rialto Beach near the Hole in the Wall
Day 4: Neah Bay
Your fourth day will be spent exploring Neah Bay – the northwesternmost part of the contiguous United States. Getting there is rather inconvenient wherever you’ll be coming from, but Forks is the closest town and it’s worth the small journey. It’s possible to stay near Neah Bay as well, but lodging is sparse.
Mileage: 80 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Start: Forks
End: Forks
Neah Bay
Home to the Makah Tribe, we are grateful they welcome tourists on their beautiful lands. To hike here, you’ll need to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass. They’re sold at most stores in town, but if you have the time, we recommend stopping by the Makah Marina for the chance to spot sea lions or the Makah Museum to see 300-500 year old artifacts while purchasing your Makah Pass.
Cape Flattery
If you do one hike in the area, make it this one. Looking over the viewpoints at Cape Flattery feels like you’re on the edge of the world. The hike features boardwalks through coastal forests, multiple viewpoints, and great opportunities to spot wildlife. Look for whale spouts in the distance, sea otters below the viewpoints, and nesting seabirds. Bring a monocular like this one to get the most out of this hike!
Hobuck Beach
Check out Hobuck Beach if you have the time. It’s the nearest place to hang out on a sandy beach since Cape Flattery doesn’t have beach access. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, swim, or surf (just bring a wetsuit!).
Extra time here?
Shi Shi Beach
Hike to the Point of Arches at Shi Shi Beach. Time your hike with low tide to tide pool at the Point of Arches, or bring along some snacks to roast over a fire on the beach. Only burn driftwood, not wood from the forests (it’s part of the ecosystem) if there are no fire restrictions in the area.
Ozette Triangle
The Ozette Triangle is an especially unique hike. If you can, time your hike with low tide. If the tide is five feet or lower, you’ll be able to walk around the Wedding Rocks and view over 40 petroglyphs! They are 300-500 years old and made by the inhabitants of the Ozette Village at Cape Alva. Artifacts from this village can be found at the Makah Museum.
Day 5: Beaches and Lake Quinault
This day is going to be packed full of sights along the coast and at Lake Quinault. Start early to enjoy a relaxed pace.
Mileage: 70 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Start: Forks
End: Lake Quinault
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is a great stop. You’ll walk down a short, but steeper hill to reach the beach. Visit at low tide to see tide pools around Abbey Island.
High tide at Ruby Beach
Kalaloch
As you make your way south, stop at the Kalaloch Big Cedar Nature Trail to view a massive 1,000-year-old tree. From there, head to Kalaloch Campground to find the Tree of Life. Park at the day-use area of the campground and head to the right, north on the beach. You’ll find the Tree of Life a short walk away.
Northside Lake Quinault
You’ll end your day at Lake Quinault. Head to the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station first to wander the Maple Glade Rainforest trail. It’s very similar to the Hoh Rainforest, but without the crowds. Make the hike longer by exploring the Kestner Homestead as well.
After that, you can continue to drive on the Quinault Rainforest Loop Drive, or turn around and head back to the main road the way you came. If you do the loop drive, it’s a scenic forest road with gravel and some potholes, although it’s usually well maintained. This drive takes about 1.5 hours, and you’ll see the same sights mentioned below, in reverse order. Although it’s open year round, do check the road conditions before driving it.
South side of Lake Quinault
Here you’ll want to check out our waterfall tour. Stop at the Lake Quinault Lodge and the world’s largest sitka spruce tree before seeing Merriman and Bunch Falls. On your way there, keep an eye out for elk — they like to graze next to the Elkhorn Ranch.
Day 6: Lake Cushman
The drive between Lake Quinault and Lake Cushman is rather plain in comparison to what you’ll have driven through by this point. However, it is the most direct route from Lake Quinault to the east side of the Olympic National Park.
Do note that the forest road that leads to the Olympic National Park at Lake Cushman is closed between November and May. You can check the road status here. There isn’t much to do in this area throughout winter, so if you’ll be visiting during this time, consider skipping this spot, or using it as a stopover on your way to another location.
Mileage: 100 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Start: Lake Quinault
End: Lake Cushman
Hoodsport
You’ll head from Lake Quinault to Hoodsport, a tiny town on the shores of the Puget Sound. You’ll see locals digging for clams, mussels, and oysters year round and can eat your share of them at the Hamma Hamma Oyster Saloon (great for groups, but make reservations in advance) or our favorite spot — The Fjord Oyster Bank.
Lake Cushman
Spend the day exploring the shores of Lake Cushman by heading to Staircase Campground. You’ll find picnic spots and kayak put ins along the drive. Once there, hike Staircase Rapids, a relatively flat and easy, but beautiful, trail that follows the Skokomish River. If you’re up for a challenge and visiting between June and October, add summiting Mt. Ellinor to your list (or hike to Lena Lake any time of year).
Spend an extra day here to kayak the Puget Sound or Lake Kokanee with rentals from Hoodsport Wellness
Staircase Rapids
Day 7: Port Townsend
On this segment of your trip, you’ll north on Highway 101, driving along the shores of the Puget Sound and stopping at waterfalls along the way. You’ll end your trip in Port Townsend where you can catch a ferry back to the mainland.
Mileage: 70 miles
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Start: Lake Cushman
End: Port Townsend
Waterfalls
You’ll pass by four waterfalls on this drive. Read this blog to get the details on each, starting at Murhut Falls, and ending your day with Falls View Canyon.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport and one of our favorite towns to visit in Washington. Enjoy seafood from Doc’s Marina Grill, a walk through Fort Worden to view World War II fort remnants, or a soak and sauna experience.
Leave the Olympic Peninsula the same way you came — by ferry. Ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville and you’ll find yourself on the last leg of the Cascade Loop. If you’re heading back to Seattle, enjoy driving through Whidbey Island before catching another ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo.
Fort remnants
Leave no trace
The Olympic National Park has a highly sensitive ecosystem. It’s important to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. One of the easiest ways to do this is by staying on trails, out of the wildflower meadows, and by not climbing on fallen trees (they are part of the ecosystem).
What to pack
You never know what kind of weather to expect on the Olympic Peninsula so bring a bit of everything. You’ll want to be prepared for rain, sunshine, and colder weather, especially if you plan on spending time in the mountains or on the beaches — weather can change very quickly here! Our rule of thumb here is to bring one more layer than you think you’ll need for outings in the Olympics.
Want to know what we pack on our hikes? Check out this gear list!
Spring to Fall:
Moisture-wicking T-shirt (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking pants (men’s/women’s) or shorts (men’s/women’s)
Any shirt, pants, or shorts will do, but these are comfortable for long road trips and spontaneous hikes
These double as windbreakers
Any sweatshirt or warmer jacket will do
Hiking boots (men’s/women’s) and socks (men’s/women’s)
If you’re considering hiking, even shorter trails, bring hiking boots or at the very least a pair of closed toed shoes with good tread. Trails tend to be muddy and rocky.
There aren’t any places to stop for food or groceries along the scenic byway. Take snacks and sandwich supplies with you so you can stop anywhere you like for a meal.
Winter
The following items are great to have if you’re visiting between fall and spring, or want to explore at sunrise or sunset when temperatures can dip dramatically.
Base layer tops (men’s/women’s)
Base layer bottoms (men’s/women’s)
Packable puffy coat (men’s/women’s)
Other useful items:
Rainboots are great for going tide pooling, but hiking boots work as well.
Great for drying off if you get wet walking on the beach.
Park tips
Gas stations
You’ll find gas stations in each town surrounding the Olympic National Park. Do plan your stops in advance since these towns are spread out. There are minimal electric car chargers near the Olympic National Park, so we’d advise using a gas-powered vehicle.
Restaurants
You’ll find restaurants at the park’s lodges, and towns surrounding the park. Since towns are small, things usually close early — plan your lunch and dinner stops in advance. Do bring snacks and water to munch on between towns.
Cell service
Cell service goes in and out throughout the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll have service near towns, but do not count on it between them. Load your GPS directions for the day from your lodging while you have WIFI before leaving for the day.
Wildlife
Watch for deer and elk on or near the road while you’re driving, especially at dawn and dusk. They tend to blend into the surrounding landscape and are often found standing in or running across the road. If you see one on the side of the road, slow down as they can make sudden moves and there may be others nearby.
Where to go next?
Not done exploring Washington? Head to another of Washington’s national parks while you’re here! Your route will vary depending on your destination.
North Cascades
Take the ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville, then head north on Whidbey Island and follow our guide to the Cascade Loop from there.
Mount Rainier
Take off from the Olympic Peninsula from Lake Quinault or Hoodsport to head to Mount Rainier. Check out our 1 to 5-day itinerary to get the most out of your trip there.
Seattle
Due to traffic, we recommend avoiding driving on I-5 near Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and Everett if possible. Taking a ferry to Seattle is the best (and most fun) way to do this.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “beach”, “hiking”, or “North Cascades National park”.
