How to Visit: Olympic National Park
How to Visit: Olympic National Park
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
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This budget-friendly itinerary will walk you through visiting one of the most diverse national parks in the country, Olympic National Park. As always, feel free to pick and choose trails from this itinerary to customize it to your needs.
Total trip time: 4 days (but varies with two optional overnight backpacking trips)
Nearest major city: Seattle
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Olympic National Park
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Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, USA. It was designated as a national park in 1938 and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and unique features. The park covers nearly one million acres, offering a rich tapestry of environments ranging from lush rainforests to rugged mountain peaks.
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Day One
Trails
Hurricane Hill Trailhead
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Hurricane Hills via Hurricane Ridge: 3.4 miles (moderate)
Olympic National Park has alpine meadows at higher elevations, where wildflowers bloom during the summer months. Hurricane Ridge is a popular destination for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail is usually free of snow from July through September. The ridge is open to skiing during the winter months.
Accessibility: Trail goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance along this entire route due to the consistent, slightly uphill route. The most accessible portion of the trail is the first quarter mile.
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Marymere Falls Trailhead
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Marymere Falls Trail: 1.7 miles (easy)
*can be combined with Mount Storm King hike
The Marymere Falls Trail is a short hike through wonderful Pacific Northwest scenery from Lake Crescent, through large, towering trees, and encompassing incredible river views. It is one of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park. The trail begins by the Storm King Ranger Station and features a nice gentle rise in elevation up to the falls.
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Mount Storm King
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Mount Storm King: 4.1 miles (hard)
Mount Storm King is one of the most popular trails at Lake Crescent. Even with its popularity, it does come with some serious considerations before hiking.
The trail climbs STEEPLY the first 2 miles to an "End of Maintained Trail" sign. Olympic National Park does not maintain the trail above this point.
The last 1/4 mile involves a steep rocky trail with a series of ropes. The ropes are not maintained by the park and should be used at your own discretion. I personally witnessed someone break their ankle at this point and park rangers needed to rescue them.
But, if you are able to summit Mount Storm King, you will be rewarded with incredible views that cannot be overstated.
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Things to Do
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
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Situated at Hurricane Ridge, this visitor center offers information about the alpine environment, wildlife, and recreational opportunities in the Hurricane Ridge area.
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Madison Falls Trailhead
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Madison Falls Trail: 0.2 miles (easy)
This short paved trail leads to the falls. The open field nearby is the site of the late 19th-century Sweet family homestead and is now used in summer for the park's horses and mules to pasture.
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Note: there are some great blackberry bushes near this parking area
Lake Crescent
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This pristine glacially-carved lake is known for its clear blue waters and scenic surroundings. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
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Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Aircrest Motel
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Located 1 mile away from Port Angeles ferries, this motel features a 24-hour reception and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. Free guest parking is available.
A flat-screen satellite with HBO film channels and a coffee maker are provided in each guest room at Aircrest Motel. All guest rooms include a work desk with a chair and an private bathroom.
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A Hidden Haven
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A Hidden Haven Cottages offers accommodations in Port Angeles. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.
Each room comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units include a seating area for your convenience. You will find a coffee machine in the room. The rooms include a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Extras include bathrobes and slippers.
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Emerald Valley Inn
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Emerald Valley Inn is located in Port Angeles, 30 miles from Sol Duc Falls. There's a restaurant serving American cuisine, and free private parking is available.
At the inn, rooms come with a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Emerald Valley Inn also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms have a patio. At the accommodation every room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
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Campgrounds
Fairholme Campground
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Sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance (become first-come, first served at 4 days out)
Any unreserved or cancelled sites will be sold in person at the ranger tent in the parking lot at the Fairholme boat dock during posted hours.
Sites and Fees: 88 total sites, $24 per night, dump station is $10 per use.
RVs: Sites for 21 feet, some sites up to 35 feet.
Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, and dump station
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Klahowya Campground
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This National Forest campground is first come, first serve (May to September)
Rate: $17/Night for single unit, $5/Extra vehicle
Vault (3) + Flush Toilets (2), Potable water
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Elwha R.V. Park & Campground
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Electric & water only sites, as well as those with full hookups. Price varies during the season.
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Day Two
Trails
Sol Duc Falls
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Sol Duc Falls Trail: 1.6 miles (easy)
The parking lot for the trailhead is at the very end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. This is a gentle, short hike through old-growth forest to a beautiful three-prong waterfall that comes from the Sol Duc River and captures rainbows in the spray.
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Hole-In-The-Wall
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Hole-in-the-Wall from Rialto Beach: 3.3 miles (moderate)
This hike begins at Rialto Beach and goes north 1.5 miles to Split Rock and Hole-in-the-Wall. There is no trail, since you will be hiking on the beach itself.
The most important thing to consider is the tide level. Tides change every day and typically have 2 high tides and 2 low tides per day. Ideally, you are doing this hike at low tide.
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Optional backpacking side-quest:
High Divide Seven Lakes Basin
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High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop: 19.1 miles (hard)
High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop is a popular multi-day backpacking trip. With Sol Duc Falls, Heart Lake and views of Mount Olympus, Blue Glacier, Hoh River and the Seven Lakes Basin— this hike is truly awe inspiring.
Permit required for overnight campers.
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Things to Do
Forks
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Forks gained international attention due to its association with the "Twilight" series, a popular vampire-themed book and movie franchise by author Stephenie Meyer. The series is set in the town, and many fans visit Forks to see locations mentioned in the books.
It is a small, quiet town, but if you are into Twilight, it is a necessary stop during this trip.
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Third Beach
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1.2 mile hike to/from the beach
Quiet beach tucked away from the main road. Great secluded spot to enjoy pristine sand and the clear, blue water.
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Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Woodland Inns
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Located 30 mi from Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, Woodland Inns offers air-conditioned accommodations with a balcony.
Each unit features a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a fireplace, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings.
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Campground
Mora Campground
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Season: Year round
Reservations: Check recreation.gov for campsite reservation options.
Any unreserved or cancelled sites will be sold at the Mora Ranger Station on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sites and Fees: 94 total sites, $24 per night, dump station is $10 per use.
RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet.
Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, and dump station.
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Dispersed Camping off Upper Hoh Road
GPS: 47.812, -124.121
Nice gateway to the national park and Hoh Rainforest. This is national forest land and legal to camp.Â
Gravel road about 1000 ft. off Upper Hoh Road. There is one semi-circle good for medium-sized rigs, then the road continues with a few spots for cars closer to the river. This section gets a little rocky/bumpy and would be difficult to pass if there had been a lot of rain.
Day Three
Trails
Hall of Mosses Trailhead
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Hall of Mosses Trail: 1.1 miles (easy)
combined with Spruce Nature Trail: 2.1 miles (easy)
A busy trail through lush Washington temperate rainforest that's great for the whole family. Truly amazing flora including huge old trees (western hemlock, sitka spruce), mosses, lichens, and ferns that are home to species such as Roosevelt elk. Look for young Coho salmon as you cross Taft Creek, then wander through a wonderland of moss, trees, and ferns - including an iconic moss-draped archway. This short and sweet loop is the definitive rain forest experience.
Recommend getting to the trail early, since this is a very popular spot in the National Park.
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Spruce Nature Trail
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Spruce Nature Trail: 1.0 miles (easy)
combined with Hall of Mosses Loop: 2.1 miles (easy)
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Hoh River Trailhead
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Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls: 5.5 miles (easy)
If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some solitude in nature, then this is the trail for you. This is considered the quietest place in the continental US!
The Hoh River Trail is a starting point for backpackers headed toward Mount Olympus, but there's no rule that says you have to go that far! If you do want to, contact the Wilderness Information Center to make a backpacking plan.
For a peaceful out-and-back day hike, the first section of the Hoh River Trail is mostly level and often much quieter than other, more bustling areas of the park, the only sounds coming from bird songs and rushing water. Look for the beautiful, 60-foot (18 meter) cascade of Mineral Creek falls 2.8 miles (4.5 km) in!
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Things to Do
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
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Located in the heart of the Hoh Rain Forest, this visitor center provides information about the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem, as well as trail information for exploring the area.
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Ruby Beach
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Olympic National Park boasts a rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean, featuring sea stacks, tidal pools, and picturesque beaches. Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach are popular spots for exploring the coastal beauty.
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Kalaloch Ranger Station
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This station is located in the coastal area of the park, providing information about the beaches, tide pools, and other coastal features.
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Kalaloch Beach 4
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Kalaloch Beaches are a series of pristine and rugged coastal areas located along the Pacific Ocean within Olympic National Park. The beaches are known for their natural beauty, sea stacks, tide pools, and scenic vistas.
The beaches are popular for beachcombing, and visitors can find unique shells, driftwood, and other marine treasures along the shoreline.
Kalaloch Beaches are part of the larger coastal trail system within Olympic National Park. Hiking along the coastline provides opportunities to explore tide pools, sea caves, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
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Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Lake Quinault Lodge
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Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access.
Offering free WiFi and a terrace, Lake Quinault Lodge is located in Quinault. Free private parking is available on site.
Some units include a dining area and/or balcony. Some units also have a kitchenette, equipped with a microwave. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower in every unit. Towels are provided.
Relax in the heated indoor pool or dry sauna at Lake Quinault Lodge. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. The property also offers packed lunches.
Guests can play table tennis at the property, and the area is popular for fishing. Enjoy a quiet ride or guided tour across the lake in a kayak or canoe, or take a scenic hike among the world's tallest tree.
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Campgrounds
South Beach Campground
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Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access. Very exposed sites, not a lot of cover.
First-come, first-served national park campground
Sites and Fees: 55 total sites, $20 per a night.
RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet.
Facilities: No potable water. Flush toilets available.
Great blackberry spot, if they are in season!
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Graves Creek Campground
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Located in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.
Year round, first-come, first-served national park campground. (no campground host)
Sites and Fees: 30 total sites, $20 per night.
RVs: Due to road conditions, RVs and trailers not allowed.
Facilities: Pit toilets and no running water.
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Day Four
Trails
Quinault Rainforest
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Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail: 0.9 miles (easy)
This is a short and beautiful trail through the rain forest to the shore. There are lots of informational boards to read about the trees and forest itself.
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Optional: overnight backpacking trip
Enchanted Valley
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Enchanted Valley Chalet via East Fork Quinault River Trail: 25.5 miles (hard)
PERMIT INFORMATION: Staying overnight in Olympic National Park's backcountry requires a Wilderness Permit. There are rangers stationed in the valley and they do check your permit.
The first section of the hike to Pony Bridge is covered by thick trees without a lot of views. As soon as you climb out of Pony Bridge, the trail exposure opens up to the Quinault River Valley. The trail is in great condition.
Arriving at Enchanted Valley is truly a magical and awe-inspiring experience. This is a great backpacking trip that would be well-suited to beginners who are ready to put in some miles!
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Things to Do
Merriman Falls
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Falls are right off the road (just a small pull-off) and are a beautiful addition to the already spectacular Quinault Rainforest.
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Depending if you did either backpacking trip, the number of days you spend in Olympic National Park will change, but your trip is likely coming to a close by the time you reach Quinault. If you are flying out the next day, I recommend finding a place to stay near Seattle, since there can be quite a bit of traffic coming on/off the peninsula. Here are some options:
Coast Gateway Hotel
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Located next to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, this hotel features free airport shuttles, an on-site restaurant and gym. Its soundproof rooms have cable TV with HBO.
A microwave, fridge and coffee maker are included in each room at Coast Gateway Hotel. Decorated with red accents and warm colors, the contemporary rooms also have an iPod docking station and desk.
Sharps Roaster & Ale House, open daily for lunch and dinner, serves steaks, salads and homemade desserts. The hotel also serves a continental breakfast that includes waffles and fresh fruit.
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Seattle Airport Marriott
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This Seattle hotel is one mile from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The hotel offers rooms with coffee makers.
Seattle Airport Marriott rooms include bathrooms and seating areas. The rooms are equipped with pay-per-view movies.
The Seattle Marriott Airport features 1 restaurants. The Aqua Terra restaurant serves Pacific Northwest cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guests at the Marriott Airport Seattle can work out in the gym or work in the business center.
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Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport, an IHG Hotel
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Across from Sea-Tac International Airport, this hotel is adjacent to Link Light Rail, which provides access to Central Seattle. It offers a free 24-hour airport transfer service, fitness center and business center.
Free WiFi is featured in all guest rooms at Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport. The air-conditioned guest rooms include a cable TV, a refrigerator, a work desk and ironing facilities.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Reflections Grill is located at Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport. The restaurant also provides room service if guests prefer to dine in.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
Available for hire
Welcome to my (and hopefully our) adventures! I have lived all over the United States, and I have a passion for the outdoors and budget-travel. My style of travel is easy-going, yet filled with adventure and excitement. I focus on connecting with people and community, as well as immersing myself in the outdoors as much as possible. Finding a balance between these two have led to some amazing memories, and I cannot wait to share them with you.
Most recently, I lived in my car for over seven months, while I visited every National Park in the lower 48. I hiked, camped, met amazing people, and hiked some more. I got to experience the parks like a local, because I had no timetable, no flights to catch, no rental car to return, etc. Some parks I stayed only for a few hours, and others for over a week. I chatted with park rangers, stayed with people that lived nearby, and camped with others at some amazing campsites. The travel guides I share give you an "insider" look at the national park, with tips for the best hikes, tricks for finding campsites (but I always include hotel options too), as well as information about the various aspects of the parks. I hope that you will use these guides as tools to fuel your next national park adventure!
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