green pine trees on mountain under white clouds during daytime

United States · North America · Nature

Olympic National Park

Rainforest, alpine, and wild Pacific beach in one park.

Hoh or Quinault for moss, Hurricane Ridge for mountains, Rialto or Ruby Beach for driftwood and tide. Olympic is three trips. Do not try to do all of them in one day from Port Angeles Washington.

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Location

47.80° N, 123.60° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

July–September

Trip planner

A Olympic National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Olympic National Park is a U.S. National Park in Washington. Rainforest, alpine, and wild Pacific beach in one park.

When to go

July–September is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with hurricane Ridge on a clear morning. Then hoh Rain Forest hall of mosses. If you have a second day, ruby Beach at low tide. Keep one spare hour for lake Crescent if you need a swim.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Driving between districts eats hours. Sleep near the part you care about most.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Chris D.

10/10

Start early in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach at low tide. Lake Crescent if you need a swim. Give Olympic National Park days, not hours, and go in July–September. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Mar 6, 2025

Camila R.

8/10

Olympic National Park is bigger than the postcard

Hoh Rain Forest hall of mosses. Rainforest, alpine, and wild Pacific beach in one park. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. July–September is the window I would book again.

Feb 5, 2025

Elena V.

10/10

Start early in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge on a clear morning. Hoh Rain Forest hall of mosses. Give Olympic National Park days, not hours, and go in July–September. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Jan 4, 2025