Indian Nations, Hawaii Pahoehoe King Crater Olympic (Washington) Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this park features three diverse ecosystems — snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines and lush temperate forests. National Park which is like a paradise for adventure lovers and comes in my top favourites! Grab your camera, don those hiking boots, roll down the windows and play some road trip tunes as we take you through an epic 3-day Olympic National Park road trip.
Best Time to Visit
Olympic National Park is open year-round, so it’s the perfect place to visit any time of the year! These are the parts of a large dense forest in addition to some coast and yet snow does not remain for long there. A lot of green, even in January when we visited and it was dark up on the hill. The flip side of summer’s draw is if your plans are to travel from the valley up into the Olympic Mountains, in winter you should plan on snow Make some time to browse through AllTrails and WTA trip reports for updated trail conditions as well.
Packing Essentials
- Parka: My parka from Fjallraven is great for these rainy, cold weather utilities. Combining waterproofness and warmth, it will help you stay snug.
- Insulated Jacket Insulation: For warmer temps layered underneath something else or as a standalone, Patagonia Nano Puff. It is light but keeps the chill off.
- The weather in Olympic NP is fickle, possibly raining but probably sunny (sometimes both with a little hail thrown in for good measure!). Remember to take plenty of layers, a good waterproof coat and decent hiking boots which keep you comfy.
- Rain Jacket: You definitely need a good rain jacket My personal recommendation for a full-on rain jacket is the Arcteryx Rain Jacket which I carry in my bag—it folds down to nothing and works exceptionally well.
- Leggings: I opt for leggings when hiking as they are comfortable, especially if they have pockets. Here is my favorite pair
- Base layers are also crucial, as they provide insulation and breathability during your hikes. Well, they are also perfect for camping and keeping warm at night. These have been my favourite base layers till date, worth the investment folks!
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: A good pair of waterproof and durable boots are key out in the PNW. Danner Adrika Hiking Boots — These are a lightweight and good-looking pair of boots that will keep my feet dry.
- Hiking Socks: Make sure your feet stay warm and dry by choosing durable hiking socks. In our household, we use REI or Darn Tough.
- Camera Gear: Your camera for beautiful landscapes.
- First Aid Kit: Once again, you learned in the cub scouts to always be prepared so pack a first aid kit.
- Day Pack: Carry a day pack to keep all your equipment and snacks dry in the rain.
- Water Bottle: The one thing you should never leave your room without.
- Container for Water: This is a superior method because you can carry more water and drinking from it while hiking.
- Sunnies: Because the PNW occasionally sees sunshine. Bring your shades.
- Headlamp: for early morning or evening hikes I’ve linked my favorite.
- Hat: Protect your head from cold temperatures.
- Sunscreen: This may seem like a no-brainer but you would be shocked at how strong the sun can burn even if it is not that hot.
How to Get There
The fasted way of getting to the Olympic Peninsula is via a White boat run that goes from Edmonds Kingston Ferry. You can hop on the ferry with your car for $17.20 and, even if you get stuck in a bit of fortuitous traffic, it’s usually no more than a quick 20-30 minute drive from Seattle. Grab a coffee, peer out to try and spot orcas or porpoises in the water (keen eyes may be able too), then settle back for your journey round into the peninsula once you park at our boat. This is a great way to begin your adventure, and easily one of the best ways to arrive. But on busy weekends, you might have to wait 2–3 hours in line for the ferry. Of course, thinking they could wait it out longer than human civilization can might suggest a little less optimism in this long run. So that time saving drive around the Sound (Tacoma) becomes more of soem rescue enduring cases. Consider planning ahead by looking up ferry wait times and perhaps booking a ticket in advance if it is the weekend you are traveling!
Planning and Trail Research
For finding new trails that fit into your hiking or backpacking tour, I can only recommend the alltrails app. This is great for sorting trails by things like “Waterfall, “Forest” or Lake to locate the perfect Olympic National Park trail. But the Trip Reports from Washington Trails Association (WTA) are also a working and valuable resource that will keep you current on trail conditions at any given time. Read on for some awesome (and hike-worthy) trail recommendations specifically designed with your Olympic National Park vacation in mind!
Wildlife Encounters
Over at the Olympic National Park, wildlife is abundant (though it might take some luck to spot) as am I. Home to large elk herds (you may also spot some), bald eagles, black bears and if you are by the coast whales occasionally. As cool as these animals are, it is important to remember not to approach or feed them.
Where to Stay
Port Angeles and Forks make a great base for your Olympic National Park vacation. Forks is a great jumping off point for Rialto, Second and Ruby Beach while Port Angeles will give you easy access to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. To fit more of the Peninsular sights in, you could stay on Forks for nights 2 and 3 so that after a day of exploring (like going to Ruby Beach) you dont have to drive all but 10 minutes back. The Perch Port Angeles (a little cabin that we strongly recommend) Book your stay here.
Leave No Trace
Leave no trace and help protect the beauty of our National Parks. As with all National Parks, leave no trace, stay on designated trails and protect the wildlife so that generations after you can still enjoy spending time in Olympic.
Day 1 Itinerary
Journey to Port Angeles from Seattle
The Edmonds Kingston Ferry is one of the quickest methods to get you across Puget Sound and into Port Angeles. Seattle is close enough that after just a 15-20 minute drive you will be on the water, where you can embark your ferry for approximately another 25 minutes of crossing time and then take in the beautiful coastal mountain ranges during an hour or more scenic drive from Kingston to Port Angeles.
Lake Crescent
Olympic National Park offers a feast of landscapes from mountain ridges to ancient forest, but Lake Crescent is the star in nearly every image that represents this park. With the clear water and forested mountainous landscape in this area there is a long list of hiking trais, activities to pariticpate in or you can enjoy some stunning vie points. A great spot for your Olympic road trip.
Mount Storm King Ranger Station
the cabin is one of the park’s most recognizable photo opps with a dark, cabin in the woods vibe that pops against towering evergreens. The station offers an ample parking area, restrooms and a dock along the translucent blue green waters of Lake Crescent.
Moments in Time Trail
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 9 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
This lovely little loop near Lake Crescent is a hidden gem. A thick, green forest that seems peaceful and serene. This short hike, near the Mount Storm King Ranger Station (elev. 20 ft.), is well worth it. Some even say this trail is more tranquil than Hoh Rainforest! Bonus: check out nearby trails, such as Marymere Falls and NatureBridge for more exploring!
Madison Falls
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 26 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Madison Falls is a modest waterfall with toe dipping pools, located just off the road and easily accessible for any visitor. While a short trail means it makes for a quick stop, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge is frequently an uncrowded offering that provides some feeling of natural tranquility. We have been here a lot and many times no one else even joins us at this beautiful stop. To top it all off, this is one of the rare dog friendly trails in Olympic National Park so you can bring your FastPass holder with you on this adventure!
Marymere Falls Trail
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 298 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
An easy, well used trail opens at Ample Parking and leads 0.8 miles to a secluded waterfall in Olympic National Park referred as Marymere Falls Trail There is parking at the Mount Storm King Ranger Station and simply use GPS or download through AllTrails to find your way, as this trailhead should be visible. This easy hike has a cosy waterfall hidden deep in the forest, which looks like you should visit if you love nature.
Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 144 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
Little surprises like Devil’s Punchbowl, reached on the Spruce Railroad Trail inside Olympic National Park. A peaceful path to a tumbling gorge and the dramatic bridge that vaults over Lake Crescent, where azure water runs almost 100 feet below. During the summer, it is a refreshing swimming hole which offers peace and quiet in nature’s own splendor.
Mount Storm King
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
The summit of Mount Storm King offers outstanding views that look out onto Lake Crescent. But this trek isn’t for the light-hearted, and you need to be in pretty good shape as well as know how to use ropes all through the final ascent. For the more ambitious, this is one of those must-do-the-hard-way hikes at sunrise or sunset after a good day in Arches.
Day 2 Itinerary
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 226 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
One of my favourite areas in all the park is Hurricane Ridge which affords an impressive view of the majestic Olympic Mountains. Of course you can drive to a lookout without hiking, but taoute conditions may apply. The Hurricane Hill trail, while longer and more difficult than the Perrysburg Ledges Loop Trail offers such great views as well. It is a good location to catch the sunrise or sunset of the park with more colors offering over mountain.
Hall of Mosses
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 78 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
In the Hoh Rainforest, take an easy destination through a surreal mossy land to attain Hall of Mosses. You feel as if you are about to enter a fantasy world of some sort with canopy high trees, green all around and that serene vibe in the air making it almost mystical. For those just after a light jaunt that offers the full spectrum of rainforest splendour, this is your easy hike.
Sol Duc Falls
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 226 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
The Sol Duc Falls trail showcases a striking waterfall in Olympic National Park, and it accessible with little effort. Sol Duc Hot Springs is another nearby spot for relaxation, but reservations are recommended as they do book up! One of the most relaxing and easy hikes to carry out where you can find some truly underrated things in nature.
Rialto Beach
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
Rialto Beach, One of the must see stops in Olympic National Park. This stretch has something for everyone — whether you want to catch a sunrise or sunset over the craggy coastline, are looking for a quiet spot to picnic and people watch, or make the 3-mile round trip hike on sand beach (only possible during low tide) out to Hole in the Wall. The historic drama from the incredible backdrop of crashing waves and cooling breeze creates an ideal space for relaxation or exploration.
Day 3 Itinerary
Cape Flattery
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 229 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Cape Flattery marks the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, offering breathtaking views and a striking coastal landscape. Despite the dramatic scenery, the hike is relatively simple and accessible, making it an ideal stop for those seeking adventure without too much effort. The stunning backdrop will leave you in awe as you take in the sweeping vistas over the rugged cliffs and expansive ocean.
Second Beach
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 278 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: No
It is situated on the south side of the mouth of La Push Creek, near Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park. This picturesque stretch of coast is a simple hike to get to and open shore line popular for its sea stacks, tide pools, beautiful views against the ocean. This is a great place for those looking to get away from it all while still being able to experience the raw outdoor beauty of Denali Park.
Ruby Beach
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Ruby Beach, known for the red sand and huge sea stacks is definitely one of the top spots on that long coastline. We even did the Seattle to a day trip, which had so much driving but was well worth it. Whether you’re discovering tide pools or just taking in the shoreline, this beach brings serenity and natural beauty.
If You Have Extra Time
Murhut Falls
- Location: Olympic National Forest
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 390 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Murhut Falls is another enchanting waterfall walk on the Olympic Peninsula. Cascading behind Soap Lake’s drawing card is unique Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and its brief, yet rewarding trail to one of Washington state’s best waterfalls. For something low-effort and enjoyable, this is a great one if you just want to take a nice walk but are not interested in making the full day investment of going for an actual hike.
Lower Lena Lake
- Location: Olympic National Forest
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,630 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Most of the Olympic Peninsula is a great place to go for early season, snow-free hikes as many trails are green and alive year-round. Lower Lena LakeOne of the lushest, greenest trails I have hiked on, Lower Lena Lake hike is a lovely walk through dense woods. A bit of a scrambley trail but you get awarded with lovely views and lake on your rest day.
Mount Townsend
- Location: Olympic National Forest
- Distance: 8.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,090 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
For early-summer adventurers chasing a sturdy challenge, Mount Townsend is great. While the climb can be challenging, it is well worth it for the sweeping vistas at the top. One of the most memorable hikes we have done as a result was this trail across sweeping lands and dramatic views.
