Olympic National Park Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Iconic Hikes & Planning Tips

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Olympic National Park completely surprised me.

I’ll admit it, I didn’t love Olympic National Park the first time I visited.

After spending so much time hiking in Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, Olympic felt…different. I missed the dramatic glaciers, towering volcanoes, and immediate “wow” factor that Washington’s other mountain landscapes are famous for.

But every time I’ve gone back, Olympic has grown on me a little more.

Now, it’s become one of my favorite weekend escapes from the Seattle area.

I’ve come to appreciate that Olympic National Park isn’t trying to compete with Mount Rainier. Instead, it offers something completely different. In just a few days, you can hike above the clouds at Hurricane Ridge, wander beneath moss-covered old-growth trees in one of the world’s few temperate rainforests, swim in the unbelievably blue waters of Lake Crescent, and end the day watching waves crash against sea stacks along the Pacific Coast.

It’s unlike anywhere else in Washington.

If you’re visiting for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know about Olympic National Park, from the best hikes and beaches to where to stay, when to visit, and the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make.

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Why Visit Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park protects nearly one million acres across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, making it one of the most diverse national parks in the United States.

Unlike many parks that revolve around one iconic attraction, Olympic offers three completely different landscapes: mountains, temperate rainforests, and the Pacific coast.

Because these landscapes are so different, every day inside Olympic National Park feels like visiting a new destination.

Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park

Explore Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is the park’s most famous mountain destination and one of the easiest alpine areas to access in Washington. Even if you don’t hike, the views from the visitor area are incredible.

Note: unfortunately, the lodge here burned down a few years ago; there is a Visitor Center at the entrance in Port Angeles.

If you do want to hike, Hurricane Hill and Klahhane Ridge are excellent options.

Swim in Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is one of the most beautiful destinations in Washington state. The water is so blue and beautiful. It’s also fairly chilly – like most lakes in Washington! But, on warm summer afternoons, the water is surprisingly refreshing.

You can swim at a few access points. Popular spots are near Marymere Falls or at Devil’s Bridge.

Visit the Hoh Rain Forest

This is probably the most iconic place in Olympic National Park, and for good reason. There are a few hikes in this area, with the Hall of Mosses being the most popular. It honestly feels like stepping into another world!

I recommend arriving very early, because you will wait in line (even on weekdays) to get into the park.

Walk through Iconic Beaches

Another thing that sets Olympic National Park apart is its iconic beaches. Whether you’re standing among the sea stacks at Ruby Beach or watching waves roll into Rialto Beach, the beaches are unlike other areas of Washington – or even much of the United States.

Also, don’t miss your chance at viewing the tide pools! You’ll often find colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, mussels, and other marine life hiding among the rocks. I’ve always wanted to find a Giant Pacific Octopus – but, I haven’t been that lucky yet.

Always check tide charts before visiting; low tide is when the tide pools are visible.

Note: be careful not to step on starfish and other sea critters!

Visit Forks

Forks is iconic for being the fictional base for the teen series Twilight, and the town sells itself on this theme. Even if you’re not obsessed with Twilight, Forks makes an excellent base for exploring the western side of Olympic National Park.

You’ll find restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and quick access to the Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, and Ruby Beach.

If you are a Twilight fan, there are plenty of themed stops around town worth checking out!

Optional: Cape Flattery

Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is probably the best national park in Washington for non-hikers because there are many viewpoints. There’s truly something for every fitness level.

Easy Hikes

Hall of Mosses

Probably the park’s most iconic rainforest trail. Take your time and walk slowly to appreciate the trail. Massive maples draped in green moss, towering Sitka spruce, and lush ferns create one of the most unique ecosystems in North America.

And while this trail is family-friendly, please remember to respect the trails. Don’t step off the trail, and don’t let kids climb on trees. It helps preserve the rainforest for future generations!

Distance: 0.8 miles

Bonus: add on the nearby Spruce Nature Trail, which is a 1.2-mile loop.

Marymere Falls

A fairly flat, beautiful forest walk ending at a picturesque waterfall near Lake Crescent. From this trail, you can also climb to Mount Storm King (more on this if you keep reading!).

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip

Sol Duc Falls

One of Washington’s prettiest waterfalls! It connects to the High Divide Trail, an iconic loop through the national park. Unfortunately, there have been quite a few people who have fallen into the falls trying to take photos, so please be careful and stay on the trail.

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

Moderate Hikes

Hurricane Hill Trail

• Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 850 feet

If you’re only planning to do one hike from Hurricane Ridge, make it Hurricane Hill. This paved trail climbs gradually to a panoramic summit with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island on a clear day. It’s one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park for first-time visitors thanks to its accessibility and incredible scenery.

Klahhane Ridge Trail

• Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet

For hikers looking to venture beyond Hurricane Hill, Klahhane Ridge offers a quieter alpine experience with expansive mountain views, wildflowers in summer, and excellent opportunities to spot deer and marmots. It’s a bit more strenuous but rewards you with some of the best ridge walking in the park.

Challenging Hikes

Mount Storm King

Mount Storm King is one of Washington’s most iconic hikes, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. The final climb includes unofficial fixed ropes, steep drop-offs, loose terrain, and significant exposure. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or scrambling, I’d skip this one.

If you’re confident with exposure, however, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Washington, overlooking the brilliant blue waters of Lake Crescent from high above.

High Divide Loop

• Distance: 18–19 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet

The High Divide Loop is widely considered one of the best day hikes in Washington State. Beginning near Sol Duc, the trail climbs into alpine meadows, passes crystal-clear lakes, and follows an unforgettable ridgeline with panoramic views of Mount Olympus and the surrounding peaks.

It’s also one of Olympic’s premier backpacking routes, allowing you to slow down and experience sunrise and sunset in the alpine if you secure a wilderness permit.

When I camped out here, it rained the entire time – so I’m dying to do this hike again! On a different note – I saw about 12 bears on this hike (it was blueberry season and most were from a far distance), so bring your bear spray!

Enchanted Valley

• Distance: 26 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet

Enchanted Valley is one of my favorite backpacking trips in Washington and one that I think every backpacker should experience at least once. The trail follows the Quinault River through towering old-growth forest, crossing countless waterfalls before arriving in the famous valley.

The historic Enchanted Valley Chalet, dramatic cliffs lined with waterfalls, roaming elk, and the sheer scale of the valley make it feel like something straight out of a storybook. While the mileage is approachable over two or three days, the scenery is what truly makes this trip special. If you’re looking for a classic Olympic National Park backpacking adventure, this is one of the very best

Best Beaches in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach is probably the park’s most photographed beach thanks to its dramatic sea stacks and easy access.

Rialto Beach is extremely popular, and it’s recommended you show up early! It’s best known for massive driftwood, crashing waves, and the hike to Hole-in-the-Wall. You can walk through the Hole-in-the-Wall during low tide, but make sure you’re watching the tides, because you will be stranded at the Hole-in-the-Wall if high tide comes in!

First, Second & Third Beach are right around the corner from Rialto Beach and Forks. You can drive right up to First Beach, but you need to hike short distances to reach Second (0.8 miles) and Third Beach (1.3 miles). Also, parking can fill up quickly here!

Kalaloch Beach is one of my favorite spots. It’s another location you can pretty much drive up to. On the beach, you can find the famous Tree of Life. Unfortunately, due to erosion, the tree is falling. Please don’t climb on it.

Shi Shi Beach is another one of Washington’s most spectacular coastal hikes. It’s a bit of a drive from the other beaches and about a 2-mile hike to get to the shoreline. But it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

While Olympic National Park is beautiful year-round, late spring through early fall is generally the best time to visit.

One of the things I love most about Olympic is that its season starts earlier than Mount Rainier or North Cascades National Park. Because much of the park sits at lower elevations, you don’t have to wait for alpine snow to melt before enjoying many of its highlights. Trails through the Hoh Rain Forest, the beaches, and Lake Crescent are often accessible months before Washington’s higher mountain destinations fully open.

If your goal is to experience the rainforest at its most vibrant, I recommend May or June. The forests are lush from the wetter season, waterfalls are flowing, and everything feels incredibly green.

For hiking, July through early September offers the most reliable weather and gives you access to higher-elevation trails like Hurricane Hill and the High Divide Loop.

If swimming in Lake Crescent is high on your bucket list, plan your visit for late July or August, when the lake is at its warmest. Even then, it’s still a glacier-fed lake, so expect refreshing—not tropical—water temperatures.

Personally, my favorite time to visit is late July through August, when I can combine hiking at Hurricane Ridge, relaxing on the beaches, and cooling off with a swim in Lake Crescent all in the same trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Olympic National Park?

While you can see some of Olympic National Park’s highlights in a day or two, I’d recommend spending at least 3–4 days if your schedule allows. The park is much larger than most first-time visitors expect, and you’ll spend a fair amount of time driving between the mountains, rainforest, and coastline.

Three to four days gives you enough time to experience what makes Olympic so special. You can hike at Hurricane Ridge, cool off with a swim in Lake Crescent, wander through the Hoh Rain Forest, explore Forks, and watch the sunset from one of the park’s incredible beaches. If you’re an avid hiker or backpacker, you’ll even have time to add a longer trail like the High Divide Loop or spend a night in the backcountry—provided you’re able to secure a wilderness permit.

Could you spend a week here? Absolutely. But for most first-time visitors, 3–4 days in Olympic National Park strikes the perfect balance between seeing the park’s iconic sights and enjoying its slower pace without feeling rushed.

My Tips for Visiting Olympic National Park

After multiple trips, here are a few things I wish I’d known sooner.

Olympic is much bigger than it looks. Attractions that seem close together can easily be an hour or more apart.

There isn’t a road through the center of the park. You’ll drive around the peninsula using Highway 101, so plan your route carefully.

Pack layers. You may experience sunshine at Lake Crescent, fog on the coast, and chilly temperatures at Hurricane Ridge—all in the same day.

Check tide charts. Some beaches and attractions, including Hole-in-the-Wall, are safest and most enjoyable at low tide.

Download offline maps. You’re often in and out of cell service as you drive through the peninsula.

The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

The biggest mistake I see people make is trying to squeeze everything into one day.

Olympic isn’t like Mount Rainier, where most attractions are concentrated around Paradise or Sunrise. Here, you’ll spend a surprising amount of time driving between destinations. Slow down, pick one or two regions to explore each day, and enjoy the journey.

Another common mistake is underestimating how different each part of the park feels. Don’t skip the beaches because you’re focused on hiking, and don’t overlook the rainforest because you’re chasing mountain views. Olympic’s greatest strength is its diversity.

Finally, if you’re visiting the coast, don’t ignore the tide schedule. Some of the park’s best experiences—like exploring tide pools or hiking to Hole-in-the-Wall – depend on low tide.

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

You could stay near Port Angeles or Forks, but you’ll have likely have more options in Port Angeles area. I’d recommend this home right outside of Port Angeles; it comes with a hot tub, which is so nice to have after a long travel day or on cool nights.

Browse more in Port Angeles or browse vacation stays in Forks.

Final Thoughts on Olympic National Park

Each time I return to Olympic National Park, I appreciate it a little more.

It may not have the immediate drama of Mount Rainier or the rugged alpine scenery of the North Cascades, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Olympic isn’t defined by one iconic viewpoint-it’s defined by its incredible variety.

Few places allow you to spend the morning hiking above alpine meadows, the afternoon swimming in a glacier-fed lake, and the evening watching the sun disappear behind sea stacks along the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore another corner of the peninsula, Olympic National Park offers something for every type of traveler. Families will find easy walks, scenic beaches, and accessible viewpoints, while experienced hikers and backpackers can tackle challenging trails that rank among the best in Washington.

It’s a place that rewards slowing down, embracing the diversity of the landscape, and returning again and again. For me, that’s exactly why Olympic National Park has become one of my favorite destinations in Washington—and I have a feeling it might become one of yours too.

Want more US National Parks? You can’t come to Washington without visiting Mount Rainier National Park or the North Cascades National Park!