Home to four of the world’s few remaining temperate rainforests, a breathtaking coastline and craggy mountain peaks, Washington state’s Olympic is unique among national park sites. Elevations range from sea level to 7,983 feet at Mt. Olympus. Its wild Pacific coast is speckled with tide pools and sea stacks where you can watch whales from the shore. And in the misty valleys, walk among giant trees including the nation’s largest Sitka spruce at 191 feet tall.
In light of the spread of COVID-19, trying to find out what is open and closed in our national parks is a moving target these days. Here are updates.
During low tides, the Pacific Ocean retreats from the beaches and exposes pools of water in rocky crevices that team with sea life.
You don’t have to visit Olympic National Park in person to experience its spectacular mountains, rain forests and beaches.
How do you pack a place where you can experience so many ecosystems in one day? Here are the top 16 items to bring to the park.
Getting there can be as fun as the park itself. Enjoy these scenic drives and road trips to Olympic National Park and other spots in Washington State.
Got 24 hours? Get the most out of them with this guide.
Olympic National Park is unique in that it is home to four of the world’s few remaining intact temperate rainforests, a breathtaking coastline and incredible alpine peaks.
Here are exceptional ways to have fun and be present, even if you can't be at Olympic National Park in person.
Our personalized guide gives you a sense of what to expect on the trails from a relaxing stroll down a striking beach to a strenuous hike to a waterfall.
The park is in the Pacfic Northwest area of the United States in the state of Washington. The park is in two sections, the mainland section and the Pacific coast section, separated by a strip of Native Nation land.
Most people drive to the park. Check out our road trip ideas. The nearest major airport to the park is Seattle/Tacoma. Once you get to the park, you will need a car or tour transportation to get around because there are no shuttles.
Getting there can be as fun as the park itself. Enjoy these scenic drives and road trips to Olympic National Park and other spots in Washington State.
The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about 2.5 hours from the Hurricane Ridge park entrance at Port Angeles.
Get the most from your vacation by taking a guided tour of the Olympic area. Take an audio tour, a ranger-led hike, or ride along with a park concessionaire.
There are several campgrounds, cabins, and lodges inside the park. There are also many lodging options near Olympic entrances in the gateway towns of Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles, Neah Bay, Forks, and Hoodsport.
Campgrounds, backcountry camping, and RV parks in Olympic National Park in Washington
Whether you’re looking for an elegant resort or a rustic getaway, you’ll find it among the lodges located inside and adjacent to Olympic National Park.
Where to setup base camp while visiting the park, the Olympic Peninsula, and surrounding areas.
The park's four ecosystems include alpine mountains (Hurricane Ridge), lowland forest lakes and rivers (Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault), temperate rain forests and the Olympic coast on the Pacific Ocean. Watch wildlife in the park such as Roosevelt elk, deer, black bear, birds, and mountain goats.
Located at 5,242 feet in the park’s northeast corner, Hurricane Ridge is accessible by car and the quickest way to reach Olympic’s alpine zone.
See giant trees in a rainforest and tide pools on the Pacific coast, hike to views of the Olympic mountains, and play in the water in cool mountain lakes.
The west-side area of this national park is one of the best places in the world to see a temperate rainforest ecosystem.
The park’s wild coastline features both easy-access beaches and remote wilderness. Camp on the beaches year-round.
Popular wildlife in Olympic include Roosevelt Elk, black bears, mountain lions, sea otters, gray whales, and bald eagles.
The most popular activities are hiking the trails, visiting waterfalls, water sports on the lakes and rivers, soaking in hot springs, and exploring tide pools and sea stacks along the beaches. See our list of the top ten things to do on the Olympic Peninsula.
Go kayaking, rafting, fishing, and hiking in a park with four different environments. It's waiting for you to explore.
With crystal-clear lakes, cobalt rivers, and the Pacific Ocean all within a few miles of each other, Olympic NP offers plenty of opportunities for water fun.
Whale watching cruises are one way to spot large marine mammals, but there are also many locations near the park where you can watch right from the shore.
Olympic National Park and the surrounding areas are a Things to Do Mecca! You’ll be hard-pressed to fit it all in a single vacation.