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Explore the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic National Park

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.

National park ranger wearing a face mask and gloves to protect from COVID-19

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.

Cascade in the forest of Olympic National Park

You don’t have to visit Olympic National Park in person to experience its spectacular mountains, rain forests and beaches.

Hikers at Hole-in-the-Wall on Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park

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.

Kayaking on lake in Olympic National Park.

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.

The "Hole-in-the-Wall" north of Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park

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.

Where is Olympic National Park?

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.

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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.

Aircraft with the Morning Sun Illuminating Their Tails at Sea-Tac Airport

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.

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.

Port Angeles, Washington from the pier tower, early morning.

Where to setup base camp while visiting the park, the Olympic Peninsula, and surrounding areas.

Hiking to Sunrise Point on the High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

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 Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park

The west-side area of this national park is one of the best places in the world to see a temperate rainforest ecosystem.

Sea stacks on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

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.

Woman hiking a forest trail in Olympic National Park

Go kayaking, rafting, fishing, and hiking in a park with four different environments. It's waiting for you to explore.

Kayaking on Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park

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.

Humpback whale breaking the water at sunset

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 Coast Sea Stacks. Photo by Justin Bailie

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.

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Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park

It can be difficult to decide whether to stay beachside, lakeside, or next to a hot springs. Find your match.

Storm waves on the Pacific Ocean at the beach

73 miles of coastline turn into a wave crashing show in the winter. From Nov through Feb, storms coming in from the Pacific have wind gusts up to 60 mph.

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.

Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park

The park has a northern and a southern district or unit, separated by Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Go for a wilderness hike or boat on Diablo Lake.