A traveler's guide to Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a U.S. National Park in Washington. 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.
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.
If you only remember this
- 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.