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National park in Washington, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Olympic National Park is a national park and in Washington State. The park interior encompasses one of the largest remaining blocks of old-growth forest and temperate rain forest in the lower 48 states, and the park's coastline protects 73 mi of rocky headlands, beaches, and tidepools.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A wilderness gateway to alpine meadows, jeweled lakes and ice-carved peaks. The valley has a scenic loop drive and trails through temperate rain forest in both Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. The Quinault Valley has a number of short hiking trails, including a 1.3 mi loop to the old Kestner homestead, and another that winds through groves of bigleaf maples. More info can be found through the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. The Quinault Valley ends at Lake Quinault.
To preserve nearly an entire glacially carved rain forest river valley from source to sea, President Truman added the narrow Queets corridor to Olympic National Park in 1953. Glaciers and snow on Mount Olympus feed the Queets River on its descent to the Pacific. This quiet area is a popular place to spot wildlife including salmon, deer and elk.
of precipitation each year fosters a lush, green canopy of old-growth trees and a floor blanked with thick mosses and ferns. Watch for herds of elk in the area, roll down the window (even if it is raining) and take in the smell of what seems a recently drained underwater world. Stop by the visitor center, walk the Hall of Moss interpretive trail, or hike further along the Hoh River all the way to Mount Olympus.
Old-growth forest, sub-alpine lakes, and snowy peaks populate the Sol Duc landscape, while the Sol Duc River serves as a key highway for coho salmon, running through the valley and ascending to the lakes and headwaters in the surrounding mountains. The Salmon Cascades overlook is a popular destination during late October/early November. About 5 mi down the Sol Duc Road, visitors come to watch the determined coho salmon leap over the falls on their way to spawn upstream in the Sol Duc River.
Nestled in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, the pristine waters of this deep, glacially carved lake make it an ideal destination for those in search of natural beauty.
A massive landslide isolated Lake Crescent from Lake Sutherland approximately 7,000 years ago. There are two uniquely adapted populations, the Crescenti and Beardslee trout, that resulted from genetic isolation following this event.
There are plenty of picnic areas around the lake. Fairholme, Bovee's Meadow, La Poel, and the North Shore all have tables.
The Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed. Prior to the construction of two dams in the early 1900s, it was known for its impressive salmon returns. Today, the dams are gone, and the Elwha River is now one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park Service history. The Olympic Hot Springs Road and Whiskey Bend Road offer sightseeing opportunities through the valley's lowland and montane forests, as well as access to two picnic areas and a number of hiking trails. Stop to see Madison Creek Falls, a quick walk with superb views of the gushing Elwha River to the falls, with poems in between.
Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of much of the Olympic Range. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. During the winter, snow enthusiasts enjoy the winter scenery. Ranger-guided snowshoe walks are offered on the weekends to explore and learn about the Ridge's winter environment. During the spring, wildflowers cover the ground of the subalpine meadows and blacktail deer are often spotted grazing.
Enormous trunks reach for the sky, lacy limbs stretch to the sun, grooved bark is sanctuary to tiny creatures in the vast cathedral of Douglas-firs that dominate the forests on this side of the Olympic Peninsula. A variety of hiking trails navigate through the Staircase area along the Skokomish River and the nearby forests.
Kalaloch is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park. The southern coast of the Olympic Peninsula provides some amazing sights of the pristine beaches and marine wildlife.
An ideal location if you are seeking solitude while you enjoy nature.
This small community on the south shore of the mouth of the Quillayute River is the main population center of the Quileute Indian Reservation, and all businesses are owned by the tribe.
A quieter beach accessible after a 1.5 mi-hike. No seastacks but wide enough for camping.
Fabulous 1.5 mi walk on a safe easy path through beautiful tall trees to Tealwhit Point. Great beach, tide pools and driftwood.
First Beach is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation.
Rocky beaches, giant drift logs, pounding waves and views of offshore islands known as 'seastacks' are features that define Rialto Beach. The lines of sand has an access to Little James Island and has a view of the La Push Marina. Make sure to see Hole-in-the-Wall which is a sea-carved arch about 1.5 mi north of Rialto Beach.
A diverse landscape of tall seastacks that dot the coast, the crystal waters of Lake Ozette, and the grandeur of the old-growth forests. Lake Ozette is also a place of rich history. Discoveries in the past century have unearthed the presence of a culture dating back at least 2,000 years, as well as a well-preserved 300-year-old village that had been covered by a mudslide. Over 50,000 artifacts were recovered, many of which now reside at the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay. Two 3 mi boardwalk trails lead to the coast, where seals and gray whales can be spotted during migratory months. There is also a trail leading from the coast to Ericson's Bay of Lake Ozette.
(0.8 mi, 100 feet gain). This stroll crosses a small creek and up to an older grove of trees. Western hemlock, Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, western redcedar, red alder, vine maple, black cottonwood, and Sitka play host to a slew of different epiphytes - plants which live on other plants.
(18 mi one-way, 3700 feet gain). Follow the Hoh River through old-growth rain forest, all the way to the terminal moraine of the Blue Glacier, and the climber's approach to Mt. Olympus. Camspites are available every few miles along the trail.
(13 mi one-way, 1700 feet gain). Hike through the rain forest to the Enchanted Valley Chalet.
(16 mi one-way, 3100 feet gain). Follow the North Fork Quinault River through old-growth forest to the Low Divide. Requires river crossings. Loop options available.
(1 mi, 200 feet gain). Walk through old-growth forest to a waterfall overlook.
(6 mi loop, 480 feet gain). Walk from the resort along the opposite side of the Sol Duc River, then cross the bridge at Sol Duc Falls.
(5.2 mi roundtrip, 1450 feet gain). Climb through the forest to a tiny but picturesque lake.
(19 mi loop, 4000 feet gain). A popular 2-3 day hike that passes through Seven Lakes Basin. The views of Mount Olympus are astounding on a clear day.
(1.8 mi, 500 feet gain). The most popular day hike from Lake Crescent, to a 90-foot waterfall.
(4 mi). A trail converted from an old railway running along the north shore of Lake Crescent.
(5 mi, 200 feet gain). Walk along the creek to Olympic Hot Springs, a popular backcountry hot spring bath.
(5 mi, 550 feet gain). Hike along the narrows of the Elwha River to Humes Cabin, occupied until the 1940s.
(3 mi round trip, 700 ft gain). A popular hike on a paved walkway to a high point with panoramic views of mountains and sea.
(11 mi, 3500 feet gain). A steep hike through enormous redcedars and hemlocks to Marmot Pass, with big views of the Olympics.
(1 mi, flat). Walk from Lake Cushman along the Skokomish River to a ranger cabin.
(15 mi, 3050 feet gain). Start along the North Fork Skokomish River, then climb to a pair of circular lakes in the Olympic high country.
(15 mi one-way, 3568 feet gain). Hike along the river to the First Divide and the Duckabush River.
(17 mi one-way, 2000 feet gain).
(30 mi one-way, 200 feet gain).
Ozette Triangle
(9.4 mi loop, 100 feet gain). From Ozette Lake, follow a 3 mi boardwalk through coastal forest to the beach at Cape Alava. The ocean here is punctuated by small islands with steep cliffs protecting a tuft of tall trees. Continuing south, find the petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks. Find the Sand Point Trail to head back into the forest.
Small ski area with 3 lifts (2 rope tows) and 10 trails. One of only three lift-serviced ski areas in the National Park system. There are also opportunities nearby for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Offers cabins, motel and lodge rooms, along with a dining room and grocery store. Kalaloch is a lodge located on a bluff, just above a beach. The lodge has been in existence for many years, but has undergone renovations and become much more tourist friendly. The view from the lodge is still one of the best in the area, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are cabins available for rent, which are quite expensive, but are the only places to sleep indoors in the area. These cabins are very nice, and well maintained. If a large group of people are travelling together, then it may be a fun thing to do to rent one.
Offers a variety of lodging options, along with a camping area for RVs and tents. A dining room, soda fountain, boat rentals, a grocery and gift shop and is on the north shore of Lake Crescent
The lodge has cabins, motel rooms and rooms in the historic lodge building, along with a dining room, lounge and coffee bar, gift shop and boat rentals.
Offers cabins, hot spring pools, a dining room, poolside deli and a grocery store. An RV park with hookups is also available.
14 sites. At 5400 ft in elevation, Deer Park boasts mountain views and starry skies. With a steep and winding gravel access road, Deer Park is not RV accessible.
88 sites. Fairholme includes lakeside campsites and a nearby boat launch on Lake Crescent.
30 sites. Relax near a serene stream in the Quinault Rain Forest.
97 sites. Surrounded by old-growth forest, Heart O'the Hills offers summer ranger programs.
78 sites. Surround yourself with moss and ancient trees in this temperate rain forest. Hoh campground offers summer ranger programs and some riverside campsites along the Hoh River.
170 sites. Oceanside camp with some sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
94 sites. Situated in a coastal forest, some sites offer views of the Quillayute River. Mora is 2 mi from Rialto Beach.
9 sites. Surrounded by temperate rain forest, this small and remote campground is a great spot for campers seeking solitude.
15 sites. This small campground on Lake Ozette is great for those that enjoy lakeside camping and water activities.
20 sites. Relax in this secluded campground near the Queets River.
55 sites. Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access.
49 sites. Camp near the Skokomish River and enjoy old-growth forest at Staircase. Summer ranger programs and riverside campsites available.
Speak with a ranger about your permit, request a walk-up permit, or borrow a bear canister.
formerly Northwest Interpretive Association
operates sales outlets at visitor centers throughout the park. They offer publications, maps, posters, videos, children's literature, and other informational materials. There is an online bookstore available and items can be purchased over the phone with a credit card.
By car
US-101 runs near the east, north, and west edges of the Olympic Mountains, forming an incomplete ring road.
By ferry
A private ferry company runs a route between Victoria, BC and Port Angeles.
By plane
The nearest domestic airport for commercial flights is Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle.
By bus
There's transit options from the major Puget Sound cities to Port Angeles, the hub for infrequent bus routes connecting the towns along the north and west sections of US-101.
By foot
The Pacific Northwest Trail, an east-west long-distance hiking trail that runs from Glacier National Park in Montana to Cape Alava, enters the park in the northeast, near Marmot Pass.
By bus
There is only one destination within the park with easy and frequent mass transit access:
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Victoria · International · YYJ
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