Olympic National Park Essentials: 11 Basic Things You Need to Know
Read this before you plan your visit to the park.
Author
Mikaela Ruland
Mikaela is the associate content director for National Park Trips. She lives in her beautiful home state of Colorado with her husband and loves writing about the outdoors, travel and the environment. Her passion is to introduce people to the outdoors so that they fall in love and help protect the wild places she loves to play in.
She spends most of her free time outside hiking, skiing, mountain biking, doing yoga – you name it. When she’s not outside, you can find her researching cheap flights, exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.
Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park might just be Mikaela’s favorite place in the world. Don’t miss an early morning canoe on the lake when the waters are like glass.
My Stories
What is the Best Season to Visit Olympic National Park?
Summer is the most popular season to visit the park, but spring, fall and winter all have their own charm.
How to Camp on Olympic National Park’s Beaches
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Whale Watching Tours with Puget Sound Express
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Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor RV Resort Near Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks
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This maritime destination is a must-visit an hour from Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge entrance.
Basecamp in Sequim, Washington
Find sunny weather, lavender farms and a cute downtown in Sequim.
Camp Cooking Fails and How to Do It Right
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Beautiful, Modern 7 Cedars Hotel & Casino Near Olympic National Park
Lodging, dining and golf in Sequim, Wash.
5 Active Adventures in Olympic National Park
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Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.
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Circle the national park on this Olympic Peninsula road trip with a stop at Cape Flattery, the northwest-most point in the continental US.
Watch the Waves at Quileute Oceanside Resort
Stay in a cozy cabin, motel room or RV site just steps from Olympic National Park on the Pacific Ocean
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Get away from it all at the serene inn, waterfront restaurant, marina and golf course at the The Resort at Port Ludlow.
Hoodsport on Hood Canal near Olympic’s Staircase Entrance
Hoodsport is the gateway to the Staircase Entrance of Olympic National Park and Lake Cushman.
Learn About Salmon Habitat at a Farm Tour and Riverside Overlook
Get to know salmon, one of Olympic National Park’s most important residents, during your next trip to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
3-Day Eco-Friendly Vacation Itinerary for Olympic National Park
Eat oysters, hike through a rainforest, watch whales and more on this fun and sustainable-travel itinerary.
Electric Vehicle Charging in Olympic National Park and Beyond
Plan an eco-friendly road trip in your electric vehicle with our guide to EV charging locations in and around Olympic National Park.
Salmon & Sovereignty
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Giving back to parks with thoughtful products.