Staff

The longest natural sand spit in the United States, extending 5 miles into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. It's grown about 15 feet/year for the past 120 years.

Love to take photos in national parks? Whether it’s a landscape, a wildlife pic, or a Milky Way shot, send it our way. You could win a Tamron camera lens!

Parks that usually charge an entrance fee will be free on several days during the year. Check our list of dates for this year.

Washington State's Pacific coast, Puget Sound, and the neighboring San Juan Islands are home to both resident whales and are a route for migrating whales.

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.

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.

With this area's famous rain comes surging rivers that drop as beautiful waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are accessible within a short hike.

The shortest route from the Seattle area to Olympic National Park requires taking a boat from Washington State Ferries. However, it may not be the fastest route.

Use this map to get your bearings on the main national park entrances, park roads, lakes and hiking trailheads.

This map shows the park roads and entrances, along with lakes and major trails. The map also shows general tide warnings of beach areas.

Kick back with a front-porch view of the Pacific at Olympic’s only oceanfront lodge, settled on the bluffs above the beach on the park’s western border.

Every hour at Olympic brings new surprises. Our collection of dawn-'til-dark images reveal an ever-changing, always-stunning landscape.

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.

The Elwha River restoration back to its natural state was the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. It was completed on August 26, 2014.

Watch salmon ascend the Sol Duc River in late summer and fall at this roadside overlook in the Sol Valley.

Beyond the beauty of the Sol Duc River running through old-growth forest, there's a hot springs resort, a three-legged waterfall, and a salmon cascade.

Basecamp to the Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto and Kalaloch beaches, although some visitors may know it from the Twilight book series and films.

Explore pristine beaches and the rainforest on the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, home to the Makah tribe.

The largest city on the Olympic Peninsula and a short scenic drive to Hurricane Ridge mountain trails in the national park.

If you want to feel on top of the world, here are three fantastic spots that offer incredible views.

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.

Hoodsport is the gateway to Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman, and a scenic point for hiking, fishing and kayaking on the north fork of the Skokomish River.

Spend a romantic weekend, celebrate Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, or just spend time together in the Olympic National Park area.

With fewer visitors during the season, you can find peaceful mountains, crashing waves, and dripping lushness in this winter wonderland.

An entire winter's worth of screen shots (141 pictures) from the Hurricane Ridge webcam in Olympic National Park

The park is open 24-hours year round. Some roads, campgrounds and other facilities close during the winter season, but the park itself is always open!

Hoping to take a hike along Hurricane Ridge? Don’t forget the entrance fee to Olympic National Park..

Each year we ask national park travelers to enter their best photos in our annual photo contest. Here are some of the best shots in Olympic National Park.

The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about 2.5 hours from the Hurricane Ridge park entrance at Port Angeles.

Do you enjoy music, science fiction books, or seafood? Then you won't want to miss these happening surrounding Olympic National Park.

Chimani launches an expanded perks benefit for national parks visitors. It Includes all 60 national park guides, offline maps and $2,500 in savings.

The park’s wild coastline features both easy-access beaches and remote wilderness. Camp on the beaches year-round.

Go on an unforgettable hiking vacation. Wildland Trekking has a tour that fits nearly anyone who loves to hike in world-renowned, breathtaking landscapes

Staying at this riverside resort in Olympic’s northern forest provides access to several natural hot mineral pools for soaking your stress away.

A night at this relaxed complex located on the shores of Lake Crescent will bring you back to your summer camp days.

This beautiful resort on the shores of Lake Quinault is on the fancy side, with a stylish lobby featuring a large fireplace and fine dining.

Whether you are planning a trip to the Olympic Peninsula or simply want to stay connected to the national park, our newsletters are a great source of information and are filled with inspiring stories.

Down Sol Duc Road in Olympic National Park, you’ll find healing waters of hot springs. Native American legend tells how the springs were created by dragons.

There are three visitor centers and multiple ranger stations in Olympic National Park. See exhibits and learn about the park.

This park is in the northwest corner of the United States in Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. It contains Pacific Ocean beaches and mountains.

See beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls on your journey up the Pacific Coast, circling Olympic National Park, and ending in Seattle, Washington.

In summer, highs are around 65 to 75°F; weather is often sunny from July through September. In winter, heavy snow accumulates in the mountains.

Join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk that goes less than a mile and is good for all ages. The park even provides snowshoes.

To protect the wildlife and flora, pets are prohibited in most areas in the park. Here we list a few places you CAN take your dog plus pet-friendly lodging.

2016 Grand Prize Winner: Joan Gales. Weekly winners: Teresa Media, Stephanie Henry, John Mckeel, Christina Moore, Susan Ansorge, Don Spiegel, Yael Neubauer

This video is the culmination of a month spent backpacking through Olympic National Park.

This strikingly blue, deep (624 feet) lake sits in the forest 18 miles west of Port Angeles.

Ranger-led programs are available throughout the year at visitor centers. Visitors of all ages learn at ranger-guided walks and evening programs.

The National Park Service's phone-based audio tour highlights nine areas, so you can choose which ones you want to learn more about.

Mountain goats don't have the same flight response to humans as many animals and they crave salt. Be safe with our five guidelines for goat encounters.