Curator’s statement
Olympic National Park is a dreamscape for nature lovers who admire the outdoors for its diverse glory. ONP boasts three different ecosystems: temperate rainforests, a rugged coastline and massive, glaciated mountains. One moment you’re surrounded by prehistoric-sized ferns in the rain forest, and the next your quads are burning while you summit a mountain or you’re in a mist while watching the waves of the ocean crash against jagged sea stacks. My visit with my husband and our two close friends felt like living nine lives in one sprawling park because it is unlike any other. To do it justice, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself!
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Things to do
Rialto Beach photo taken by my friend, Jorge Fis, on our visit to Olympic National Park together
Check out some of my favorite hikes:
For panoramic mountain views: Remember when I said your quads will be burning? Hurricane Ridge is the place! With a few different trails, ranging from moderate to strenuous, the panoramic views will be worth it. It is so rewarding to earn your views at a place like this!
For gorgeous waterfalls: You don’t have to work as hard to “earn your views” when it comes to the cascading waterfalls of Olympic National Park. Marymere Falls and Sol Duc Falls are accessible in about 1.5 miles each, round trip.
Experience the lush rainforest: Hoh Rainforest has many routes you can take to enjoy the lushness. Hall of Mosses is a quick, 1.6-mile round-trip trail that will transport you to another world while leaving energy for more of the park. For those who prefer a less crowded alternative and can appreciate the journey, the Quinalt Rain Forest loop is about four miles roundtrip.
Take a zen stroll: For a peaceful promenade by water, take the less than a mile Moments in Time trail near the Lake Crescent Lodge.
For dramatic coastal scenery: Another low-key walk, you can take the four-mile trail to Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach to see an iconic rock arch. If you visit at low tide, you can see a ton of colorful marine life. If not, you’ll still have an opportunity to see other wildlife such as seals, various birds and whales.
If you need a change of scenery from your treks, there are many quaint nearby towns surrounding the massive park. Port Angeles is where the park’s visitor center is located, making it a hot spot for lodging and dining. Forks is a small, rural town made famous by the Twilight series. Sequim is known for its lavender farms and for being a typically sunnier area. Lastly, La Push is a gorgeous coastal area with memorable beaches and rich Quileute tribal culture.
If hiking isn't your jam, there are plenty of opportunities for water-based activities such as kayaking, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Places to eat & drink
Mixed berry with raspberry sauce and a shark gummy at Welly's Real Fruit Ice Cream. Photo generously provided by Welly's.
Sully’s Drive In - Local fast food with an old-school vibe
Next Door Gastropub - Elevated American bar food and craft beers with dining options indoor or outdoor.
Hama Hama Oyster Company - Dine at the Oyster Saloon for farm-to-table seafood or pop into their Farm Store for local goodies.
Lincoln Park Grocery - Small grocery store featuring local treats, coffee and tea.
Kalaloch Mercantile - A convenient one-stop-shop for souvenirs and snacks with a beautiful view of the coast.
Lake Crescent Lodge - Pacific Northwest farm-to-fork cuisine with local wines and a cocktail menu. Reservations recommended for dinner service.
Little Devil’s Lunchbox - Tex Mex meets Pacific Northwest with smoked meats featured in sandwiches, tacos and burritos.
Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream - Visiting ONP in the summer? Nothing like an ice cream cone to cool you off after a long hike! Welly's has rotating seasonal flavors of New Zealand-style “real fruit ice cream,” classic scoop ice cream, milkshakes and Bedford Soda floats. Dairy-free options are available.
Need to know
There is no wrong way to experience Olympic National Park (ONP). Whether you're making a day trip from one of Washington’s iconic cities or letting me plan a full itinerary for you, this diverse park offers something for everyone.
ONP is vast, covering nearly a million acres! Since the surrounding areas are quite rural, it is my recommendation to rent a car. If you’re visiting from Seattle, taking one of the ferries is a great way to cut down on drive time while also getting to soak in the views of the Puget Sound.
My trip was in July, right at the tip of their most popular season. Even during a heatwave, it was relatively mild. Summer (July-September) creates the best weather circumstances and the most guarantee that your desired trails will be open. Spring and fall have fewer crowds, but this time of year can bring unpredictable weather. Winter can blanket many sections of the park with snow, making it ideal for winter sport enthusiasts. Coastal areas tend to be rainier this time of year.
The Quileute Tribe has a rich history tied to the land and ocean in and around the western edge of Olympic National Park. If you’re visiting their lands (La Push, First Beach, Second Beach and Rialto Beach), be mindful that you are on tribal land. Their tribe is a sovereign nation, with its own laws, regulations and customs to be respected. Follow local guidelines at all times and respect the environment!
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Hanley
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