Visiting Olympic National Park
Located on the Olympic Peninsula in northwest Washington, Olympic National Park spans nearly one million acres and offers year-round opportunities for exploration. Home to mountain peaks, temperate rain forests, alpine lakes, and more than 70 miles of coastline, the park’s diverse landscapes draw millions of visitors each year. It’s easy to see why the park was designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Hike among moss-covered trees, take in sweeping views at Hurricane Ridge, dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, and more.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, read on to learn more about visiting Olympic National Park.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is open year-round, but conditions can vary widely depending on season, elevation, and location.
- Spring (April–May): During this time, waterfalls are at their peak and wildflowers begin to bloom. You’ll likely experience fewer crowds. Some roads, campgrounds, and other facilities may still be closed or have reduced hours.
- Fall (October-November): Fall typically means cooler weather and quieter trails. Some roads, campgrounds, and other facilities may be closed or have reduced hours.
- Summer (June–September): This is the busiest season, especially at popular spots like Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rain Forest. If visiting during this time, plan to arrive early and pack your patience, as traffic and parking can be challenging. If possible, time your trip for mid-week.
- Winter (December–March): You’ll find snow at higher elevations and rougher seas and rain along the coast. This is a more peaceful time in the park. Some roads, campgrounds, and other facilities may be closed or have reduced hours.
Getting to Olympic National Park
Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this massive national park is best explored by car. Visitors can reach Olympic National Park via the Interstate 5 corridor and state highways. The Washington State Ferries system provides access to the Olympic Peninsula via Puget Sound, where you can use state highways to connect to Highway 101 from Port Townsend, Kingston, and Bainbridge Island.
While no roads cross the park, Highway 101 runs along most of the park’s perimeter. Also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, a road trip along this route will take you through multiple ecosystems over the course of multiple days. Since no roads cross the park, be sure to plan your itinerary with distance in mind. Check the park’s mileage chart for distances between key destinations.
Visitors from British Columbia can also reach Olympic National Park via the Black Ball Ferry Line from Victoria, B.C. to Port Angeles on the northern side of the park.
Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Thanks to its size, Olympic National Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re looking to wander rugged beaches or enjoy prime stargazing, you’ll find it in Olympic National Park.
Hiking & Waterfalls
Plan an exciting day hike or walk on one of Olympic National Park’s many trails. Explore forested trails, alpine routes, and accessible walks of every length. Popular options include Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Falls, and trails through the Hoh Rain Forest. For a more peaceful outing, consider one of these trails.
Beaches & Coastal Exploration
The park’s coastline is home to driftwood-strewn beaches and towering sea stacks. Observe marine life in tide pools or watch the crashing waves at beaches like Kalaloch, Second Beach, or Ruby Beach. Find the best times to visit and brush up on tidepool etiquette before your trip.
Stargazing
On clear nights during the summer, visitors can join a Master Observer at Hurricane Ridge for an evening of astronomy and stargazing. With 95% of the park designated as wilderness and an absence of human-caused light, Olympic National Park is the perfect place to experience the wonders of the night sky. Discover other stargazing locations in Washington.
Water Sports & Fishing
With rivers, lakes, and miles of coastline, Olympic National Park is a dream for paddlers, boaters, and anglers. The Elwha, Hoh, Queets, Quinault, and Sol Duc rivers offer rapids to suit multiple skill levels, while Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette, and Lake Quinault provide calm waters and scenic views. Water skiing and towing by motorized boats are permitted on Lake Crescent and Lake Ozette. Those looking to drop a line can fish certain areas seasonally with the necessary permits. Find fishing regulations.
Wildlife Viewing
Olympic National Park is home to a multitude of wildlife, including more than 300 bird species. Spot bald eagles, northern pygmy owls, Roosevelt elk, whales, and more. While rare, black bears can sometimes be spotted in the backcountry. Be sure to brush up on wildlife safety before heading out.
Where to Stay
Park Lodges
Lodging accommodations inside the park provide a range of accommodations. Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are available seasonally, while Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round. As the name suggests, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort boasts mineral soaking pools in a serene setting. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as rooms book up fast for summer travel.
Just outside the park’s boundaries but situated within the Olympic National Forest is Lake Quinault Lodge. Open year-round, this rustic lodge built in 1926 boasts lake views, water activities, and scenic trails within easy reach.
Campgrounds
Visitors can choose from multiple campgrounds spread throughout the park. The summer months of June through September are the busiest time of year. During that time, reservations can be made for Fairholme, Hoh, Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc campgrounds and popular wilderness camping areas. Due to the park’s popularity, it is highly recommended to make your reservations months in advance. Campgrounds are also available outside park boundaries.
Nearby Communities
Many communities surround Olympic National Park and make great bases for exploring different regions of the park. Lodging can be grouped into three primary regions around the park: north, west, and east.
The largest communities on the northern peninsula are Port Angeles, Sequim, and Port Townsend. The coastal west side of the park offers lodging spread out across small communities. Accommodations can be found in Forks, which is the largest town, as well as La Push and Lake Quinault.
On the east side, lodging is available in communities located along the Hood Canal, including Hoodsport and Quilcene. Larger cities of Olympia and Shelton are located farther south on Highway 101.
Additional Resources
For trip ideas, camping reservations, visitor centers, weather conditions, and alerts, visit the NPS website.