24 Hours in Olympic National Park Photo Story
Photographer's dreamland.
Every hour at Olympic brings new surprises. Our collection of dawn-’til-dark Olympic National Park photos reveal an ever-changing, always-stunning landscape.
6:13 a.m., July 5 Quinault Rainforest
Quinault Rain Forest is home to the world’s largest Sitka spruce tree that is more than 1,000 years old. It’s 191-feet-high with a 96-foot spread. Quinault also has several waterfalls and beautiful hikes.
6:50 a.m., August 29
Sol Duc Falls Trail
This trail is an easy loop down the road from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in the north region of the park. The destination is a bridge overlooking the triple waterfall plunging 50-feet into the Sol Duc River.
9:52 a.m., October 23
Lake Cushman
Venture out to the southeast gateway town of Hoodsport. You’ll travel along the shores of sports-friendly Lake Cushman before you enter the park at the Staircase Entrance. The lake is a popular retreat for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
10:25 a.m., June 13
Merriman Falls
Merriman Falls is the most accessible waterfall in the southwest region of the park near Lake Quinault. It can be seen from a scenic overlook on the South Shore Road four miles east from the Lake Quinault Lodge. It’s just 30-feet from the road.
1:16 p.m., August 16
Wildflowers in the Olympic Mountains
Hiking on Hurricane Ridge gives you views of glaciers, wildlife, and wildflowers all summer long.
2:04 p.m., August 30
Deer in the Mist
Wildlife in the high elevation parts of Olympic National Park include deer, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, and eagles.
3:19 p.m., August 5
Lake Crescent
Named for it’s “C” shape, Lake Crescent is sits in the park forest 18 miles west of Port Angeles. This strikingly blue lake is very deep – 624 feet.
7:37 p.m., August 31
Seastack Silhouettes
The magic hour before the sun sets is the best time to capture golden hues and deeply-colored reflections on the water from the Pacific beaches at Olympic National Park.
8:40 p.m., August 31
Second Beach
Pickup your wilderness permit and camp right on the beach at Second Beach in the southwest region of Olympic National Park. There are excellent opportunities to view bald eagle, seals, whales, and Roosevelt elk.
Late evening, October 25
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is known as a gathering spot to watch the sunset because of its proximity to Forks, Washington. But stay later into the evening and you’ll see dark skies light up with the stars.