Planning a day trip to Olympic National Park requires some prep work. Why? Because the park is massive (nearly 1 million acres)!
One day in Olympic National Park is possible but it’ll only give you a little taste of its beauty. And let’s face it, you’ll want to come back for more!
To conquer it in one day, you really need to stay in Port Angeles the night before. Otherwise, you’ll have a ridiculously early morning spending hours driving to the Park.
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Key Takeaways
One Day in Olympic National Park (Sample Itinerary)
Olympic National Park makes for a great day trip from Seattle.
Visiting multiple areas on a day trip to Olympic would be hard. You would end up spending way too much time driving between locations.
That’s why this well-planned trip will help to maximize your time in the park by focusing on Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent areas.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station on Hurricane Ridge Road |
| 9:30 AM | Begin the Hurricane Hill hike (3.4 miles roundtrip, 826 ft elevation gain) |
| 12:30 PM | Drive to Lake Crescent Lodge area (about an hour from Hurricane Ridge) |
| 1:30 PM | Hike the Spruce Nature Trail (1.5 mile loop) or Marymere Falls Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip) |
| 3:00 PM | Relax at Lake Crescent, swimming/fishing/boating permitted |
| 5:30 PM | Begin drive back, stop for dinner in Port Angeles |
Top Things to Do: One Day in Olympic National Park
Stop by the Visitor’s Center to Learn More
When visiting Olympic National Park, you have to stop by one of the visitor centers first. There are a few options located throughout the park.
The main Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has exhibits about the park’s geology, plant and animal life.
Rangers offer guided nature walks in summer. Other visitor centers include Hoh Rain Forest, Mora, and Port Angeles.
p.s.- Don’t forget your Passport Stamp!
Travel Tip! Stop by the visitor center early in your visit to gather park information and advice from rangers. I found learning about the tide pools and grabbing a tide pool map especially helpful!
Best Overall Trails in Olympic for a Day Hike
| Trail | Location | Length | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill | Hurricane Ridge | 3.4 miles RT | Moderate | Panoramic mountain views |
| Marymere Falls | Lake Crescent | 1.5 miles RT | Easy | Waterfall, old-growth forest |
| Spruce Railroad | Northern Coast | 4.0 miles RT | Easy | WWII coastal defenses |
| Sol Duc Falls | Sol Duc Valley | 1.6 miles RT | Easy | Waterfall, old-growth forest |
| Hoh River Trail | Hoh Rainforest | Varies | Easy-Hard | Rainforest, river access |
Did You Know?
Did you know that Olympic National Park received almost 3 million visitors in 2023?
Best Rainforest Hikes
The Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh River valley contains one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
Imagine a lush green canopy of spruce, cedar, hemlock, and Douglas fir rising overhead and covered in thick ferns and mosses.
Yep, it’s like something out of a fairytale!
Trails loop through this magical old-growth forest, including the 0.8 mile Hoh Rainforest Nature Trail. Plan plenty of time to linger among the towering moss-covered trees.
Best Waterfall Hikes
Marymere Falls Hike
The Marymere Falls hike is a popular easy trail in the Lake Crescent area and my personal favorite! It’s even a nice option for winter hiking.
The easy trail winds through the forest, crossing over bridges and streams before reaching the Marymere Falls- a 90-foot gorgeous waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs.
The trail also includes viewpoints of Barnes Creek below.
Best Beach Hikes in Olympic National Park
The La Push Beaches: First, Second and Third Beach
The remote beaches near La Push offer easier access to the iconic rocky sea stacks and tide pools along the Olympic coastline.
- First Beach: 0.6 miles
- Second Beach: 4.0 miles roundtrip
- Third Beach: 2.7 miles roundtrip
- Hole-in-the-Wall: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Second and Third Beaches are more rugged and less crowded than Rialto/First Beach. Access depends on tides. Exploring tide pools is best during negative low tides.
Be sure to pick up a tide pool map at the Visitor Center.
Bonus Hike: Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is about a 1 hour drive from the Rialto Beach and La Push area. It’s one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Olympic National Park.
Named for the ruby-colored crystals contained in rocks, this beach features rugged sea stacks and driftwood against a stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop.
The 0.5 mile trail to Ruby Beach descends from a parking lot until you reach wide sandy stretches of beach.
Explore at low tide for tidepools teeming with marine life and don’t miss the bald eagles soaring overhead.
Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent
The Hurricane Ridge area has some great hiking options with incredible mountain views.
You can even see views of Canada in summer. In winter, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on these trails.
Lake Crescent is a deep glacial lake known for its brilliant blue color.
Relax at Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a prime destination for relaxation and recreation. Over 600 feet deep, the lake’s incredible blue color comes from lack of nitrogen.
Visitors can stay at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge or bring a picnic to one of the day-use areas.
Boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling are popular in summer. There’s also several trailheads from the lakeshore area.
Accommodations: Staying Near Port Angeles
Port Angeles is a gateway city located near the northern entrance of Olympic National Park. It offers many accommodation options near park access points like Hurricane Ridge as well as grocery stores to stock up on hiking snacks.
If you’re not into camping, this is a great spot to make your home base the night before your day trip to Olympic.
Being this close to the park will help to make the most of your day without having to drive too much.
| Type | Property | Description | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Olympic Lodge | High-end resort, pet-friendly, pool & hot tub | $300+ per night |
| Mid-Range | Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles | Comfortable hotel, free breakfast, near restaurants | $150-$250 per night |
| Budget | Olympic View Inn & RV Park (Sequim, WA) | Basic motel, RV sites, kitchenettes available | $70-$130 per night |
| Luxury | Colette’s Bed & Breakfast | Historic B&B in Victorian home, gourmet breakfast | $200+ per night |
| Mid-Range | Quality Inn Uptown | Recently renovated, indoor pool, free breakfast | $120-$200 per night |
| Budget | Dew Drop Inn Motel (Forks, WA) | Simple but clean motel, good for budget travelers | $60-$100 per night |
Camping in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park has 14 campgrounds for tents and RVs. Camping allows you to explore more areas over multiple days.
There are also a few sites located overlooking the beach, perfect for relaxing to the sound of ocean waves.
Popular campgrounds include:
| Campground | Season | Sites | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sol Duc Hot Springs | May-Oct | 82 | First-come, first-served |
| Mora | May-Sept | 94 | Reservations recommended |
| Ozette | May-Sept | 15 | First-come, first-served |
| Hoh | May-Sept | 88 | Reservations recommended |
| Kalaloch | Year-round | 170 | Reservations recommended |
Where to stay in Olympic National Park?
There are several other lodges and resorts located within Olympic National Park itself.
Lodging Options Near Olympic National Park
Port Angeles:
- Olympic Lodge
- Quality Inn Uptown
- Red Lion Hotel
Sequim:
- Holiday Inn Express
- Quality Inn & Suites
- Econo Lodge
Forks:
- Olympic Suites Inn
- Forks Motel
- Miller Tree Inn B&B
Vacation rentals are also available through sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
Vacation Rentals in Forks
Perfect for Twilight fans, the town of Forks provides lodging convenient to beaches and rainforests in the western part of Olympic National Park.
Vacation rentals range from cozy cabins to spacious houses:
- A Haven in the Woods – 3 bedroom cabin
- Rainforest Dream Home – 3 bed, 2 bath house
- Miller Tree Inn B&B – Historic inn with 6 rooms
Rentals allow preparing your own meals and often come with outdoor living spaces. Book early as availability is limited.
Camping Near Forks
Forks is a small community serving as a gateway to the Pacific Coast and Hoh Rainforest areas of Olympic National Park. Camping options in/near Forks:
National Park Service Campgrounds:
- Mora Campground
- Ozette Campground
- Kalaloch Campground
Other Public Campgrounds:
- Bogachiel State Park
- Pacific Beach State Park
Private Campgrounds/RV Parks:
- Forks 101 RV Park
- Forks Recreational Ranch
- Cedar Creek Campground
Travel Tip! Reserve sites for national park campgrounds up to 6 months in advance during peak season.
Backpacking in Olympic National Park
Backpacking allows you to experience Olympic’s rugged wilderness areas. Overnight trips require permits from wilderness information centers.
Popular routes include the Hoh River Trail, Enchanted Valley, Ozette Triangle, and a section of the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Safety is crucial as you may encounter bears, cougars, quickly changing weather, and high river crossings.
Enjoy Views of Canada
On clear days, the summit of Hurricane Ridge provides panoramic views stretching north into Canada.
From the 5,242-foot peak, you can see the peaks of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
This area is part of the Olympic Mountains that create a barrier separating the interior from the Pacific Ocean shorelines.
Be prepared for colder temperatures and windier conditions at higher elevations.
Best Sunset Spots in Olympic National Park
Sunset is a magical time in Olympic National Park. Unfortunately, park roads close at night in some areas so access is limited.
Here are a few good sunset viewing locations:
The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean in the west, casting colorful light on sea stacks, coastal cliffs, lakes, and peaks. But the weather changes rapidly so plan for cloudy skies.
Transportation: Getting to Olympic National Park from Seattle
Olympic National Park is about a 3-hour drive west from Seattle. You can also opt to take a ferry ride from Seattle.
The nearest entrances to the park are the Heart O’ the Hills area near Port Angeles (reached via Highway 101) or the Quinault area near Amanda Park (via Highway 101 and 109).
Traffic can make the drive longer on weekends and holidays. Factor in extra time for winding roads once in the park.
Do You Need a Car to Explore Olympic National Park?
The short answer is, YES. Public transportation options are very limited in Olympic National Park.
A personal vehicle provides the easiest way to get around and see the main sights. Park roads and parking lots can accommodate cars, RVs, and trailers.
There are a few limited shuttle services that operate seasonally:
- Clallam Transit shuttle runs between Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge.
- Quinault Rainforest village has a shuttle for local hikes.
- Some lodges offer transportation from Seattle airports.
Without a car, you are confined to areas immediately around where you stay.
Alternative Options: What to Do with More Time in Olympic
With more time in Olympic National Park, you can explore many additional areas across the park’s diverse landscape of mountains, coastline, and rainforests. Here are a few options to consider:
Hurricane Ridge Area:
- Hike Hurricane Hill (3.2 miles round trip, 700 ft elevation gain) for panoramic views
- In winter, go snowshoeing or cross-country
- skiing on trails
- Attend a ranger program at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Lake Crescent:
- Stay at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge on the lakeshore
- Rent a boat or kayak to paddle on the brilliant blue lake
- Hike the Spruce Nature Trail or Marymere Falls Trail
Pacific Coastline:
- Visit multiple beaches – Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, First Beach
- Explore tide pools at low tide, look for sea stacks and driftwood
- Watch for whales offshore from viewing areas
- Hike a section of the rugged Pacific Northwest Trail
Rainforests:
- Spend a full day hiking the Hoh River Trail
- Walk the Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop (0.5 miles)
- View towering moss-covered trees, elk, and waterfalls
- Pack rain gear for the wet, temperate rainforest
Sol Duc Valley:
- Enjoy the mineral hot springs pools at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
- Hike to Sol Duc Falls (1.6 miles round trip)
- Fish for salmon in the Sol Duc River
The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Summer offers peak operating season. Spring and fall have fewer people but unpredictable weather.
The best time to visit Olympic National Park depends on your interests.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Fewer crowds, Wildflowers | Risk of rain or snow |
| Summer (June-Sept) | Warmest/driest, Most services available | More crowds |
| Fall (Sept-Nov) | Lighter crowds, Fall foliage | Risk of snow |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Fewer visitors | Some facilities closed |
Fun Facts about Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a massive park, spanning nearly 1 million acres across several different ecosystems in Washington state.
This immense size is a key reason Olympic National Park is considered an iconic American wilderness.
Here are some key facts about its size:
- Total area of 922,651 acres (1,442 sq miles), making it the 6th largest national park in the contiguous United States.
- The park extends across 73 miles east-to-west and 60 miles north-to-south.
- 95% of the park’s area (nearly 877,000 acres) is designated wilderness.
- There are over 600 miles of trails within the park boundaries.
- Encompasses 60 glaciers covering 23 square miles.
- Protects entire major river systems like the Elwha, Sol Duc, Hoh, and Quinault.
- At its widest point, Olympic National Park is over 30 miles across.
- Its enormous scale allows it to preserve incredibly diverse ecosystems ranging from glacial mountains to rainforests to Pacific coastline.
- The park’s acreage is larger than the total area of the state of Rhode Island.
Final Thoughts: Taking a Day Trip to Olympic National Park
Only having one day limits how much of Olympic National Park you can experience. However, a well-planned day trip allows you to sample the stunning scenery and iconic locations.
Be sure to arrive early, plan transportation wisely, and dress for changeable weather conditions.
The park’s diverse landscapes make any trip worthwhile. Even just one day showcases the natural beauty of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and will have you falling in love with the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Olympic National Park?
While Olympic is relatively far south, the park’s remote location and low light pollution mean the northern lights (aurora borealis) may be visible during strong geomagnetic storms, particularly in the spring and fall. However, sightings are infrequent this far south. Your best chance is from a high-elevation viewpoint like Hurricane Ridge on a clear night.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Olympic National Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed on most trails in Olympic National Park, but with some restrictions. Leashed dogs can go on front-country hiking trails, campgrounds, roads, and parking areas, but not in wilderness areas or any areas signed as prohibiting pets. Owners must follow regulations to prevent impacts on the park’s resources and other visitors. Service animals assisting people with disabilities are an exception to some rules.
Are vehicle reservations or permits required to enter the park?
No advance reservations or permits are required for personal vehicles to enter Olympic National Park. However, a fee of $30 per private vehicle is charged, valid for 7 consecutive days. There are also options for annual and interagency passes.
Is bear spray recommended when hiking in the park?
While black bears are present in Olympic, the probability of an encounter is low. Bear spray is permitted but not required. More effective deterrents are making noise while hiking and properly storing food. However, some hikers choose to carry bear spray for peace of mind on remote trails.
How difficult is the Hoh Rainforest hike? Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Hoh Rainforest has an easy 0.8-mile loop nature trail that is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. However, the trail has exposed tree roots so caution is required. Longer hikes like the Hoh River Trail are unpaved and more strenuous.
Are bikes allowed on trails in the park?
Bicycles are permitted only on park roads and parking areas, not on any trails in Olympic National Park. This helps protect hikers and the park’s natural resources. Several trails used to allow bikes but these have all been restricted to hikers only.
