Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Washington state, Olympic National Park stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This diverse wilderness sanctuary contains rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, glaciated peaks, and pristine alpine meadows. The park is home to many species, including the Roosevelt elk and the majestic bald eagle, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Visitors can wander through ancient forests draped in moss, hike along cascading waterfalls, or enjoy the solitude of remote beaches. With its rich cultural history, dramatic scenery, and unparalleled biodiversity, Olympic National Park truly embodies the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s natural splendor and is certain to captivate anyone who ventures within its boundaries.
Fun Facts about Olympic National Park
- The park was originally established as Mount Olympus National Monument on March 2, 1909, by President Theodore Roosevelt. Along with Congress, he re-designated the monument as Olympic National Park on June 29, 1938
- The park has three distinct ecosystems, which include rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and glaciated mountains. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can find such varied landscapes this close to each other.
- The park is home to Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the Olympic Mountains. At 7,980 feet, this mountain is a prominent feature of the park’s skyline and a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
- Olympic National Park contains one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, known as the Hoh Rainforest. It receives an average of 12 to 14 feet of rain each year.
- The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain goats, and cougars. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded within the park’s boundaries.
- Visitors to Olympic National Park can relax and rejuvenate at the Sol Duc Hot Springs. These natural hot springs contain mineral-rich waters that are heated by geothermal forces deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
- The park features over 70 miles of rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore tide pools teeming with marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and colorful fish.
- Lake Crescent is a stunning glacially carved lake located in the northern part of the park. Its crystal-clear waters are popular for boating, fishing, and swimming during the warmer months.
- The Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest offers visitors a glimpse into the magical world of a temperate rainforest, with towering trees draped in mosses and ferns covering the forest floor.
A Quick Look at Olympic National Park
- Best time of year to visit. Summer is the best time to visit this park because it is when the weather is the mildest and the time of year with the lowest average rainfall.
- How long to stay. I recommend spending between 3 and 5 days to explore a good amount of what this park has to offer. However, you can easily visit most of the well-known locations in just a couple days.
- How to get there. The closest major airport to the park is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). There are over eight entrances into the park, so you can easily get in from any direction you are heading from.
- Places to Stay. Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Kalaloch Lodge, with the last one being open all year. There are also over ten campgrounds that you could also stay in
Things to Know Before Hiking in Olympic National Park
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits.
- Have offline access to hiking trail maps. I highly recommend that you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you do not have access to a fancy GPS, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Olympic National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
Fourteen Wonderful Hikes in Olympic Nation Park
1. Ruby Beach
- Length: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 49 feet
Ruby Beach beckons nature lovers with its rugged beauty and untamed charm. This destination boasts dramatic sea stacks, towering cliffs, and driftwood-strewn shores. Named for the ruby-like color of its sands, aglow beneath the fiery hues of sunset, Ruby Beach offers visitors a mesmerizing spectacle of nature’s power and grace. This location is also a good place to spot various wildlife. I was able to see tide pools teeming with colorful marine life, many bald eagles, and harbor seals on offshore rocks. Whether strolling along the shoreline, listening to the crashing waves, or capturing the dance of light and mist, Ruby Beach enchants all who venture to its remote and wild shores and leaves an imprint of natural wonder and awe.
2. Hall of Mosses Trail
- Length: 1.1 mile
- Elevation gain: 78 feet
The Hall of Mosses Trail offers an enchanting journey into the mystical rainforest and is one of the park’s most iconic destinations. The trail winds through a lush green world covered with moss and vibrant ferns. The trail meanders alongside streams and beneath colossal Sitka spruces and western hemlocks. Every twist and turn reveals new wonders, from twisty nurse logs to the beauty of wildflowers carpeting the forest floor. With its otherworldly ambiance and serenity, the Hall of Mosses Trail promises to be a seemingly magical nature experience and will captivate all who wander its pathways.
3. Spruce Nature Trail
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 16 feet
This trail offers a peaceful and immersive experience in the heart of one of the park’s diverse ecosystems. The Spruce Nature Trail takes you through the Hoh Rainforest and showcases the rich biodiversity and unique features of this temperate rainforest. Towering Sitka spruces, western hemlocks, and ancient Douglas firs line the path with their moss-draped branches. There are also many interpretive signs along the trail to provide insights into the life that thrives within the rainforest. With its serene ambiance and abundance of natural wonders, the Spruce Nature Trail offers a captivating glimpse into the timeless beauty and ecological significance of Olympic National Park’s ancient forests.
4. Sol Duc Falls Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 226 feet
The trail to Sol Duc Falls is a captivating journey through a pristine wilderness that ends at a breathtaking waterfall and invites explorers to immerse themselves in the magic of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged wilderness. The trail winds through towering old-growth forests with giant ferns and moss-covered trees. As you follow the path alongside the rushing waters of the Sol Duc River, you will be treated to glimpses of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools. The Sol Duc Falls itself captivates with its thunderous roar and ethereal mist, plunging over a rocky cliff into a turquoise pool below. Surrounded by nature, you can bask in the serene beauty of this natural wonder that is a testament to the timeless allure of Olympic National Park.
5. Staircase Rapids Loop
- Length: 2.1 mile
- Elevation gain: 213 feet
The Staircase Rapids Loop is a thrilling adventure through a remote and rugged landscape. This scenic trail winds along the banks of the North Fork Skokomish River, showcasing the raw power and beauty of cascading rapids and serene pools. As you traverse the forested pathway, you are immersed in the sights and sounds of pristine wilderness, with towering Douglas firs and western red cedars that provide shade and sanctuary. Along the way, wooden footbridges span the river, offering vantage points to marvel at the rushing waters below. With its tranquil ambiance and stunning views, the Staircase Rapids Loop calls adventurers to explore the untamed splendor of Olympic National Park’s backcountry, leaving a lasting impression of nature’s grandeur and resilience.
6. Marymere Falls Trail
- Length: 1.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 298 feet
The Marymere Falls Trail provides a picturesque journey through lush old-growth forest, a canopy of towering moss-covered trees, and fern-lined paths. As you follow the gentle incline, the sound of rushing water grows louder and you will be treated to the breathtaking sight of Marymere Falls cascading gracefully down a sheer cliff face. Surrounded by ferns and mosses, the falls create a scene of timeless beauty and tranquility that showcases the natural splendor of Olympic National Park and captivates anyone who ventures along its path.
7. Second Beach
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 278 feet
The trail at Second Beach is a coastal gem renowned for its rugged beauty and dramatic vistas. After going through a short trail of lush coastal forest, Second Beach unveils a breathtaking panorama of sea stacks rising from the misty waters of the Pacific Ocean. Towering sea cliffs frame the sandy shore and driftwood-covered sands invite leisurely strolls. At low tide, expansive tide pools teem with marine life, offering glimpses of colorful starfish, anemones, and shorebirds. Second Beach captures the essence of Olympic National Park’s coastal splendor, captivating visitors with its natural wonders.
8. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
- Length: 3.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 826 feet
Taking the Hurricane Ridge to Hurricane Hill in Olympic National Park is a breathtaking trek that offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. This trail winds its way through alpine meadows and treats you to ever-expanding vistas of snow-capped peaks. It also offers exciting views Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the park. Upon reaching the summit of Hurricane Hill, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama that stretches as far as the eye can see and showcases the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park. The journey to Hurricane Hill along the Hurricane Ridge is a memorable experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s wilderness.
9. Third Beach to Taylor Point
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 905 feet
Walking along Third Beach to Taylor Point offers an exhilarating coastal hike along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic trail winds through a dense coastal forest of towering Sitka spruces and western red cedars to a rugged coastline. Once at the beach, you will experience breathtaking views of sea stacks and expansive views of the open ocean. Along the way, you can see more tidal pools filled with marine life, as well as some secluded coves. Upon reaching Taylor Point, you will be rewarded with a secluded and serene beach, where you can relax, soak in the beauty of their surroundings, and maybe catch a glimpse of passing whales or playful sea otters. Taking Third Beach to Taylor Point exemplifies the wild and unspoiled beauty of the park’s coastal landscapes, offering an unforgettable adventure for everyone.
10. Shi Shi Beach Trail
- Length: 8.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 561 feet
The Shi Shi Beach Trail in Olympic National Park offers an extraordinary adventure through rugged coastal terrain to reach one of the most pristine and secluded beaches on the Pacific Northwest coast. This picturesque trail winds through lush coastal forest and across marshy wetlands. Emerging from the forest onto the sandy shore, you are greeted by towering sea stacks, tide pools with marine life, and shores covered with driftwood. With its dramatic cliffs, pristine sands, andclear waters, Shi Shi Beach really shows off the rugged beauty and remote wilderness of Olympic National Park’s coastline. The Shi Shi Beach Trail offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers seeking to connect with the raw and untamed beauty of nature.
11. Mount Storm King
- Length: 4.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,106 feet
With its towering peaks and rugged terrain, Mount Storm King offers a challenging yet rewarding hike for adventurers seeking breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. The trail to Mount Storm King ascends steeply through dense forest, where you must navigate switchbacks and rocky outcroppings. At the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Lake Crescent shimmering below, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The beauty and grandeur of Mount Storm King serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature in Olympic National Park and the journey promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the splendor of the Pacific Northwest.
12. Ozette Triangle Trail
- Length: 9.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 538 feet
The Ozette Triangle Trail offers a captivating journey through a pristine coastal wilderness, showcasing the rugged beauty and rich biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest. The trail winds through ancient forests, wetlands, and coastlines, providing a diverse and immersive experience. Along the way, wooden boardwalks traverse marshy terrain, and towering Sitka spruces and western red cedars create a canopy overhead. As the trail emerges onto the rugged coastline, you are treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether marveling at the dramatic vistas, listening to the symphony of waves crashing against the shore, or simply savoring the tranquility of the wilderness, the Ozette Triangle Trail embodies the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park’s various landscapes.
13. Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent
- Length: 11.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 410 feet
This trail showcases a scenic adventure through the lush forests and pristine shores of one of the park’s most famous lakes. This historic trail follows the path of the former Spruce Railroad, once used for logging operations during World War I. Now a peaceful hiking and biking route, the trail winds along the sparkling waters of Lake Crescent and its towering old-growth trees. As you meander along the lakeshore, you will see stunning views of the clear waters that are surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the area’s rich history and diverse ecosystem, while benches and picnic spots provide opportunities for rest. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or simply soaking in the beauty of Lake Crescent, the Spruce Railroad Trail offers a memorable outdoor experience amidst the natural splendor of this park.
14. Rialto Beach Trail
- Length: 13.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 498 feet
The Rialto Beach Trail beckons adventurers to explore its rugged and pristine coastline, offering an unforgettable journey through one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic landscapes. The trail winds its way along a stretch of shore, where towering sea stacks rise from the driftwood-strewn sands. As you traverse the rocky shoreline, you are treated to dramatic vistas of the open ocean, tide pools, towering sea cliffs, and hidden sea caves. Whether admiring the fiery hues of a Pacific sunset, listening to the cries of seabirds overhead, or simply reveling in the solitude of this untouched wilderness, the Rialto Beach Trail offers a captivating glimpse into the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park’s coastal landscapes.