Olympic National Park is the Pacific Northwest’s big backyard. Covering nearly one million acres, you’ll find countless ecosystems and landscapes, from verdant rainforests to glacier-studded mountains. Drive Highway 101, which encircles the park, or pick and choose from the highlights below. Here are the best things to do in Olympic National Park.
Hoh Rainforest
The lush emerald jewel of Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest averages an annual rainfall of 140 to 170 inches. It’s one of the best examples of a temperate rainforest still standing in the United States. Get your bearings at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, chat with the rangers and pick up trail maps. Then set off on the short nature trails departing from the center: the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail. The Hall of Mosses is particularly resplendent in its greenery-covered spruces, maples and ancient Douglas firs. Looking for a multi-day backpacking hike? Take the 17-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows on Mount Olympus.
Hurricane Ridge
Want a “Sound of Music” moment? You know, the one when Maria is spinning and twirling in a meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains? Come to Hurricane Ridge on the peninsula. Just a 19-mile drive from Port Angeles, this is the most easily accessed mountain area of the park and then weather is clear, the views are sublime. There are a number of trails to hike on, from easy traverses to steeper descents to subalpine lakes and valleys. The paved Big Meadow trail is a half-mile roundtrip, offering views of the Olympic Mountains; the mile-long roundtrip Cirque Rim offers views of Port Angeles and the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. Or, opt for 1.6-mile (one way) Hurricane Hill trail, which starts out paved, then turns to dirt before reaching its peak.
Kalaloch and Ruby Beach
Lake Crescent
This beautiful glacially carved lake has depths of up to 624 feet in places! It’s a Olympic National Park favorite for hiking, boating and camping – even swimming for those who don’t mind the brisk water temperature. There’s great hiking close by, including the hike to Marymere Falls, a 90-foot waterfall, and the more strenuous Mount Storm King Trail. Pyramid Peak trail leads to a World War II tower. Want to linger? Book a room at the beautiful and historic Lake Crescent Lodge – Franklin Roosevelt once stayed here and designated Olympic a national park the very next year.
Mora and Rialto Beach
Head 40 miles southwest of Lake Crescent and find Rialto Beach, known for its epic coastal scenery, sea lions, seals, otters, whales, seabirds and eagles. Go inland and you’ll reach the Mora area, with plentiful hiking options. Easy trails include the .3-mile loop James Pond Trail, the 1.8-mile (roundtrip) Slough Trail, and Rialto Beach itself, accessible via a 200-foot-long path. Take the North Coast Trail for about a mile and a half, you’ll get to the sea arch called the Hole-in-the-Wall and pristine tide pools.
Sol Duc Valley
Staircase
In the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, Staircase is defined by its towering Douglas fir trees. Take the easy Staircase Rapid Loop Trail through old-growth forest and over the rushing North Fork Skokomish River. Or, walk to Lake Cushman via the flat Shady Lane Trail. If you want to break a real sweat, consider hiking 7.5 miles to Flapjack Lakes at 3,000 feet of elevations. Many of the trails feature great swimming spots.
Night Sky Programs
With 95 percent of Olympic National Park designated as protected wilderness, there’s virtually no light pollution to speak of. When the warm summer months lead to drier weather, this means the night sky views are fabulous. Whether you’re camping, backpacking or attending a ranger-led night sky program, you’ll want to check it out. At Hurricane Ridge, you can join a Master Observer to learn about astronomy and star-gazing. Telescopes are available for use to get close-up views of stars, galaxies, constellations, nebulae and planets.
Boating & Paddling
There are a variety of spots for nonmotorized boating and paddling throughout Olympic National Park. Boat launches can be found for Lake Crescent at the Storm King Ranger Station and Fairholme. Or, rent a kayak or canoe at Log Cabin Resort or Lake Crescent Lodge. At secluded Lake Ozette, launch boast at the ranger station or campground, or access a backcountry campsite by kayak or canoe.
Many of the rivers within Olympic National Park can be paddled any time of year. The best season for the Elwha River is spring or early summer. Put in at Glines Canyon or Altair Campground. Paddle through quiet rainforest along the Hoh River and Queets River. Expert kayakers can take on challenging water in the Quinault River and Sol Duc River.