Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park is known for its ecosystem diversity, from old-growth rainforests, the glacier of M. Olympus, and its extensive Pacific coastline. A visit to Olympic Peninsula National Park is a must-do either as a day trip from Seattle, or as part of any Washington State road trip itinerary. 

Things to See in Olympic National Park

There are many things to see and do at Olympic National Park in Washington state. Indeed, the Olympic National Park in Washington State is a unique and diverse natural area that includes a temperate rainforest, glaciers, and a stunning Pacific coastline. These three distinct ecosystems offer visitors a chance to experience some of the world’s most stunning and important natural wonders.

Olympic National Park Rainforests

The temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park is a truly magical place, with towering trees, lush undergrowth, and a near-constant mist that gives the forest an otherworldly feel. This ecosystem is dominated by towering trees such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir, which can reach heights of up to 330 feet. The forest is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the threatened northern spotted owl, black bears, and elk. This forest receives high amounts of rainfall each year, which helps to create the lush and thriving ecosystem that is found here.

There are two main rain forests in Olympic National Park:

Hoh Rain Forest

This is a unique and peaceful hike that takes you through the world-famous Hoh Rain Forest. This easy 2.5-mile round trip hike is perfect for those who want to experience the ancient rain forest and its towering trees. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the few temperate rainforests in the world and is home to some of the tallest trees on earth, including Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. This trail is a great place to see wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears, as well as an abundance of ferns, mosses, and lichens.

Quinault Rain Forest

Similar to the Hoh Rain Forest, the Quinault Rain Forest offers a different experience for those who want to experience the beauty of a temperate rain forest. The easy 2.6-mile round trip hike to the Rain Forest Nature Trail is a great place to start. This trail takes you through the heart of the Quinault Rain Forest and offers stunning views of the forest and the surrounding mountains.

Visit the Pacific Ocean’s Beaches

Olympic National Park has over 73 miles of coastline, and each beach has its own unique character. Some popular beaches include Rialto Beach, Second Beach, and Ruby Beach.

Rialto Beach

This easy 2-mile round trip hike takes you along the rugged coast of Olympic National Park to the famous Rialto Beach. This hike is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. The Rialto Beach trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the unique sea stacks that dot the shoreline. The beach is also a great place to spot wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, and eagles.

The Olympic Mountains

Sol Duc Falls

This hike is a moderate 3.7-mile round trip that takes you through a lush forest to the stunning Sol Duc Falls. This hike is particularly beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The trail takes you along the Sol Duc River and past several other smaller waterfalls before reaching the main attraction, the Sol Duc Falls. This hike is a great place to see wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer, and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Olympic National Park.

Hurricane Ridge

This is a popular destination for its breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, glaciers, and wildflowers. The hike is a moderate 4.9-mile round trip, leading to the Hurricane Hill summit. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and meadows, making it a popular spot for both hikers and picnickers. This hike is best done in the summer when the weather is warm and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Mount Olympus

This is a difficult hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in Olympic National Park. The hike is a strenuous 17-mile round trip and takes several days to complete. The trail takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including rainforests, alpine meadows, and glaciers, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. This hike is only recommended for experienced hikers who are prepared for a challenging and strenuous trek.

Take a Scenic Drive

The park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One option is the Hurricane Ridge Road, which winds through the mountains and offers views of the park’s alpine meadows.

Wildlife Watching

Olympic National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Keep an eye out for these animals as you explore the park.

Explore Olympic National Park’s Immemorial Diversity: Glacier, Rainforest, and Coastline // Wildlife in the Olympic Mountains

Wildlife in the Olympic Mountains

Kayaking 

The park has several lakes and rivers where you can go kayaking or canoeing. This is a great way to explore the park’s waterways and get a different perspective of the landscape.

Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness area in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, offering a range of scenic hikes to explore its diverse landscapes. Here is a closer look at some of the park’s most popular destinations:

Hiking Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness area and has over 600 miles of trails, making it a great destination for hiking and trekking/backpacking to explore its diverse landscapes. Some popular backpacking routes include the Seven Lakes Basin and the Elwha River.

Here are some of the top hikes:

Hurricane Ridge

This is a popular destination for its breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, glaciers, and wildflowers. The hike is a moderate 4.9-mile round trip, leading to the Hurricane Hill summit.

Sol Duc Falls

This hike is a moderate 3.7-mile round trip that takes you through a lush forest to the stunning Sol Duc Falls. This hike is particularly beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Hoh Rain Forest

This is a unique and peaceful hike that takes you through the world-famous Hoh Rain Forest. This easy 2.5-mile round trip hike is perfect for those who want to experience the ancient rain forest and its towering trees.

Quinault Rain Forest

Similar to the Hoh Rain Forest, the Quinault Rain Forest offers a different experience for those who want to experience the beauty of a temperate rain forest. The easy 2.6-mile round trip hike to the Rain Forest Nature Trail is a great place to start.

Lake Crescent

This moderate to difficult hike is a 6.2-mile round trip that takes you to the beautiful and serene Lake Crescent. The hike offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Ozette Triangle

This is a 9.5-mile one-way hike that takes you through the beautiful coastal rain forest of Olympic National Park. The trail leads to the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Upper Quinault River

This hike is a moderate 8.4-mile round trip that takes you through the beautiful Quinault River Valley. The hike offers stunning views of the river, the surrounding mountains, and the wildlife that call this area home.

Rialto Beach

This easy 2-mile round trip hike takes you along the rugged coast of Olympic National Park to the famous Rialto Beach. This hike is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline.

Olympic National Park Glacier Hiking

The glaciers in Olympic National Park are another stunning example of the natural beauty that can be found within this park. The park is home to several glaciers, including the Blue Glacier, which is the largest glacier

Explore Olympic National Park’s Immemorial Diversity: Glacier, Rainforest, and Coastline // Olympic Glacier

Olympic Glacier

How to Visit Olympic National Park

Stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and ecosystem. It also has a gift shop and a theater that shows park-related films.

A road trip to Olympic National Park is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. With its rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and towering mountains, Olympic National Park offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty.

Itinerary for a Road Trip to Olympic National Park

Day 1:

  • Seattle to Port Angeles (2.5 hours)
  • Stop at Hurricane Ridge, a popular spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic views of the Olympic Mountains.
  • Arrive in Port Angeles and check into your accommodations.

Day 2:

  • Drive to the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the country and home to some of the tallest trees in the world.
  • Take a guided hike through the forest, where you can see towering Sitka spruces and western hemlocks, and listen to the sound of the rain on the forest canopy.
  • Drive back to Port Angeles and relax for the evening.

Day 3:

  • Drive to the Quinault Rain Forest, another temperate rainforest with towering trees and a lush undergrowth of ferns and mosses.
  • Take a guided hike through the forest, where you can see giant Douglas firs and western red cedars, and learn about the unique ecology of the rainforest.
  • Drive back to Port Angeles and enjoy dinner in the city.

Day 4:

  • Drive to the Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful waterfall in the heart of the Olympic Mountains.
  • Take a hike to the falls, which is surrounded by lush forest and fed by the Sol Duc River.
  • Drive back to Port Angeles and spend the evening exploring the city.

Day 5:

  • Drive to the Rialto Beach, a rugged and beautiful beach on the Olympic coast.
  • Take a hike along the beach, where you can see sea stacks, tidal pools, and the waves crashing on the shore.
  • Drive back to Port Angeles and spend the evening relaxing.

Day 6:

  • Drive to Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in Olympic National Park and one of the most challenging hikes in the region.
  • Take a guided hike to the summit, where you can see stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Drive back to Port Angeles and spend the evening celebrating your achievements.

This road trip itinerary is just one possible way to experience Olympic National Park, but there are many other trails, beaches, and attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply soaking up the beauty of nature, Olympic National Park has something to offer everyone. With its diversity of landscapes and wealth of recreational opportunities, a road trip to Olympic National Park is a must-do for any lover of the great outdoors.

How To Get to Olympic National Park

There are several ways to visit Olympic National Park in Washington state. Here are some options:

Fly to Seattle

The nearest major airport to the park is Sea-Tac International Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive from the park. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.

Drive to Olympic Peninsula

If you’re driving to the park, you can enter the park from several different locations. The park has three main entrances: the Hoh Rainforest entrance on the west side of the park, the Staircase entrance on the east side, and the Hurricane Ridge entrance in the north. There are also several other entrances that offer access to specific areas of the park.

Take the Bus

The Olympic Bus Lines serves the park and offers several routes that can take you to different parts of the park.

Take the Train

The Amtrak Cascades train serves the park and stops at several stations in the surrounding area.

Once you arrive at the park, there are several options for exploring the park. You can drive through the park on the scenic drives, hike the trails, go backpacking, or participate in other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and ecosystem.

Have you been to Olympic National Park and Washington State? What was your experience? Are you planning your WA trips  soon? Share with us your adventures in the Comments section!

If you are looking for other national parks in Washington State, check Cascades National Park and San Juan National Park.

You can also consider expanding your plan to a Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary. If you are looking for more trip ideas in the US, check out our posts on:

Alaska | California | Florida | Montana | Hawaii | New Mexico

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