10 Best Things to Do on an Olympic National Park Vacation
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.
Olympic National Park
Explore Tide Pools at Olympic National Park's Coast
During low tides, the Pacific Ocean retreats from the beaches and exposes pools of water in rocky crevices that team with sea life.
Olympic National Park Ecosystem Zones
Olympic National Park contains four distinct and remarkable ecosystems—and even better, it’s possible to see all four in one day.
What to Pack for an Olympic National Park Vacation
How do you pack a place where you can experience so many ecosystems in one day? Here are the top 15 items to bring to the park.
5 Best Road Trips
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.
A Perfect Day in Olympic National Park
Got 24 hours? Get the most out of them with this guide.
48 Hours in Olympic National Park
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.
9 Things to Do with Kids in Olympic National Park
With four distinct ecosystems, there are tons of activities to keep the whole family happy. Here are our top family-friendly things to do in the park.
Which Trail Should I Hike 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.
How should I get to Olympic National Park?
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.
5 Best Road Trips
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.
Airports Near Olympic National Park
The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about 2 hours from the park’s southeastern corner and 2.5 hours from Port Angeles.
Guided Tours
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.
Where should I stay on my Olympic vacation?
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.
Camping and RV Parks
Campgrounds, backcountry camping, and RV parks in Olympic National Park in Washington
Hotels and Cabins
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.
Gateway Towns
Where to setup base camp while visiting the park, the Olympic Peninsula, and surrounding areas.
What is there to see in Olympic National Park?
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.
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.
Natural Wonders
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.
4 Rainforests of 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.
Pacific Coast in Olympic National Park
The park’s wild coastline features both easy-access beaches and remote wilderness. Camp on the beaches year-round.
Wildlife
Popular wildlife in Olympic include Roosevelt Elk, black bears, mountain lions, sea otters, gray whales, and bald eagles.
What is there to do in Olympic National Park?
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.
Outdoor Recreation
Go kayaking, rafting, fishing, and hiking in a park with four different environments. It's waiting for you to explore.
Things to Do in the Water at 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.
Whale Watching at Olympic National Park
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.
10 Best Things to Do on an Olympic National Park Vacation
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.
What's New
What to Pack for an Olympic National Park Vacation
How do you pack a place where you can experience so many ecosystems in one day? Here are the top 15 items to bring to the park.
3 Places Not to Take Selfies in Olympic National Park
The park is a fantastic place to explore, but don’t get so carried away with the magnificent views that you leave your common sense behind.
Explore Tide Pools at Olympic National Park's Coast
During low tides, the Pacific Ocean retreats from the beaches and exposes pools of water in rocky crevices that team with sea life.
Winter Storm Watching on Olympic Coast
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.
Things to Do in the Water at 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.
Hike Shi Shi Beach to Point of Arches on Olympic Coast
This 8-mile round trip out-and-back trail travels along the northern Olympic Coast among tide pools and sea stacks, down to Point of Arches.
Sea Stacks on Olympic National Park's Coast
Iconic rock posts and arches jutting up from the sand along the Washington coast are what define the national park's beaches. Here's where to see them.
