Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan
Elisabeth is a writer and editor who specializes in the outdoors, environment, health, food, culture, and science. Her work has appeared in Backpacker, Sunset, Grist, Organic Life, Women's Adventure, 5280 (Denver's city magazine), National Park Journal, and more. When she's not scaling peaks in pursuit of a story, Elisabeth loves cooking, paddling, cross-country skiing, and feeding her addiction to self-serve frozen yogurt.
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.
Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park's Sol Duc Valley
Called the most beautiful falls in Olympic, the hike to the falls is a short and easy one. Walk one mile through old-growth forest to the overlook.
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.
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.
RV Camping at Olympic National Park
Ready to take your home away from home into the park? Olympic NP is an excellent place for RV camping, with options ranging from oceanfront to rainforest.
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.
Roosevelt Elk in Olympic National Park
The largest wild herd of Roosevelt elk in the Pacific Northwest lives in Olympic, so your chances of spotting one are good.
Autumn in Olympic National Park
Elk bugling to show off to their harems. Huge colored maple leaves twice as big as your hand. Eagles, otters, and bobcats feeding on spawning salmon.
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.
A Perfect Day in Olympic National Park
Got 24 hours? Get the most out of them with this guide.
Mount Rainier National Park
Locals call it The Mountain—and once you see it towering, it’s clear the 14,410-footer owns the title.
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.
Rainfall and Tides in Olympic National Park
Olympic has a reputation for rain—and true, parts of the peninsula receive 12 feet of rain every year, but summer brings warm, dry weather.
Bald Eagles in Olympic National Park
These huge birds of prey—they can weigh more than 14 pounds, with a nearly 7-foot wingspan—are most frequently spotted roosting in trees along the Olympic coast.
Sea Otters on the Olympic Coast
These lovable marine mammals can be found on the Pacific coast from Alaska to northern California, including Olympic National Park.
Mountain Lions in Olympic National Park
Count yourself very lucky if you spot one of these elusive big cats—shy and wide-ranging, the park’s mountain lions are rarely seen.
Black Bears in Olympic National Park
Black bears (but not grizzlies) live throughout Olympic, roaming far and wide in search of ripe berries, spawning salmon, tree bark, and insects.
