Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is a gem of the Pacific Northwest. This diverse park offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from rugged coastline to temperate rainforests and snow-capped mountains. With three days to explore, you can immerse yourself in the park’s diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery. Here’s a guide to making the most of your time in Olympic National Park.

About Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park spans nearly a million acres, showcasing incredible biodiversity. From the lush Hoh Rainforest to the alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also home to 73 miles of wild coastline, pristine lakes, and countless waterfalls.

When to Visit:

• Best Seasons:
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Warm weather, longer daylight hours, and accessible trails
  • Fall (September-October): Cooler weather, colorful foliage, and quieter trails
  • Winter (November-March): Peaceful solitude, but some areas may be snowy or inaccessible
•  Time of Day: Early mornings are ideal for wildlife viewing and avoiding crowds, while sunsets along the coast are unforgettable

How to Get There:

• Nearest Airport:
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Located about 2.5 hours from the park
• Entrances:
  • The park has several entrances depending on which area you’re visiting. The most common route is via U.S. Highway 101, which loops around the park

Park Fees and Passes:

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for unlimited access to all national parks for a year

Where to Stay

• Camping in the Park:
  • Staircase Campground: Located near the southeast corner of the park, perfect for exploring Staircase Rapids
  • Fairholme Campground: Near Lake Crescent, offering easy access to the northern section of the park
  • Hoh Campground: Situated in the heart of the Hoh Rainforest, ideal for rainforest exploration
  • Sol Duc Campground: Close to Sol Duc Falls and hot springs
• Reservations: Some campgrounds are reservable during peak season, which is highly encouraged

Itinerary:

Day 1: Exploring Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Falls

1. Drive to Lake Crescent

• Begin your journey with a visit to the stunning Lake Crescent. Stop at the Storm King Ranger Station to pick up maps and learn about the area.

2. Hike the Mt. Storm King Trail

• Challenge yourself with this steep 4.1-mile hike. The trail features significant elevation gain and is essentially all switchbacks, so be sure to start early and bring lots of water. There is a section beyond the “End of Maintained Trail” sign that requires using ropes that are anchored to trees for assistance. You’ll still get some great views if you don’t go past the sign, but for those that are up for it, climbing all the way to the top is well worth it for the breathtaking views of Lake Crescent. Wear sturdy shoes and proceed with caution.

3. Hike the Marymere Falls Trail

• This is an easy 1.8 mile roundtrip hike, but you actually walk on this trail to get to the beginning of Mt. Storm King, so you’re already almost halfway done with the trail. I recommend going the rest of the way to see the beautiful falls, and don’t worry, this trail is flat.

4. Visit Sol Duc Falls

Head to the Sol Duc area to hike the 1.6 mile roundtrip trail to Sol Duc Falls. The short trail winds through lush forest and offers beautiful views of the cascading falls.

5. Relax at Sol Duc Hot Springs

• After a long day of hiking, unwind in the natural hot springs at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (fees apply)

6. Camp at Sol Duc Campground: Enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, surrounded by towering trees

Day 2: Mountains & Coastline

1. Hike Hurricane Hill

• Drive to Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking alpine views. Hike the 3.4 mile roundtrip Hurricane Nature Trail, which offers panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and, on clear days, views of Canada

2. Visit Rialto Beach

• Head to the coast and hike along Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall. This 3.3 mile roundtrip beach hike should be done at low tide so you can actually walk through the arch, and this gives you the best opportunity to explore tide pools. Although this hike is only 3.3 miles and flat, keep in mind you are going to be walking on sand most of the time, which will significantly slow you down

3. Camp at Fairholme Campground

• Settle in for the night near Lake Crescent. Enjoy stargazing or a peaceful evening by the campfire

Day 3: Rainforests and Beaches

1. Explore the Hoh Rainforest

• Start your day with a visit to the Hoh Rainforest. Hike the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) or the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) to experience the lush, green beauty of this temperate rainforest. This is truly a magical place, and if you’re going during busy season I highly recommend getting there early in the morning. By late morning/early afternoon all parking spaces will be taken and there will be a long line for a spot.

2. Visit Kalaloch Beach

• Stop by Kalaloch Beach to see the iconic Tree of Life and explore more tide pools

3. Explore Ruby Beach

• Just a short drive from Kalaloch, Ruby Beach offers dramatic sea stacks, driftwood-covered shores, and tide pools. Take time to walk along the beach and soak in the coastal beauty

4. Hike to Second Beach

• For more coastal scenery, head to Second Beach near La Push. The 1.4-mile roundtrip trail passes through lush forest before opening up to a stunning beach with seas stacks and tide pools

5. Enjoy Sunset at Cape Flattery

• Drive to Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States. The short 1.5-mile roundtrip trail leads to jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island. This is an unforgettable way to cap off your Olympic adventure

6. Camp at Hoh Campground

• Spend your final night in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by the park’s tranquility