Olympic National Park
Washington
An unforgettable adventure awaits at Olympic National Park, where moss-draped rainforests shimmer with lichen, giant conifers stretch 200–250 feet into the mist, and crystal-clear rivers carve through rugged valleys. It’s a world of contrasts—snow-tipped mountains, fern-filled forests, and wild Pacific shores—all within a single park.
Hike beneath ancient trees that feel older than time, listen for the call of Roosevelt elk, or catch a flash of a black-tailed deer darting through the undergrowth. From jagged ridges to ocean-beaten headlands, Olympic feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Main Areas to Explore:
Port Angeles – A working harbor town and gateway to Hurricane Ridge, where alpine meadows meet panoramic mountain views.
Lake Crescent / Fairholme / Sol Duc – A glacial lake of impossible blue, waterfalls, and nearby hot springs to soak in after a long hike.
Hoh Rain Forest – The park’s emerald heart, dripping with moss, ferns, and filtered light.
Mora / Rialto Beach – Coastal forest and sea stacks that make every photo feel cinematic.
Kalaloch & Quinault – Driftwood-strewn beaches and ancient rainforest, with the Quinault Indian Nation preserving deep cultural ties to the land.
Don’t-Miss Trails
Marymere Falls – A short 1.7-mile stroll to a 90-foot ribbon of water cascading through a mossy canyon.
Mount Storm King – Steep, strenuous, and unforgettable (4 miles RT). Bring gloves for the fixed-rope section—the reward is a jaw-dropping overlook of Lake Crescent.
Hoh Rain Forest – Walk the Hall of Mosses (0.8 mi) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 mi) for an immersion in green so deep it feels primeval.
Rialto Beach & La Push – Explore tidepools, sea stacks, and black sand. Stop at The Salty Heifer food truck for a burger between First, Second, and Third Beach adventures.
Ruby Beach & Kalaloch – Famous for its reddish sand, tidepools, and the photogenic “Gorilla Rock.” Don’t miss the Tree of Life, its roots exposed but clinging miraculously to a cliff above the sand. Access it from South Beach Campground Loop A or via the beach below Kalaloch Lodge.
Where to Stay
Camping:
Kalaloch Campground – Right on the beach; ocean waves as your soundtrack.
Hoh Campground – Sleep beneath the rainforest canopy.
Heart O’ the Hills – Near Hurricane Ridge, shaded by evergreens.
Mora Campground – Minutes from Rialto Beach.
Sol Duc Campground – Close to the hot springs.
Lake Crescent Campground – Quiet lakeside beauty.
Hard Rain Café & Campground – Near the Hoh entrance (360-374-9288) with a small café and hot showers.
Lodges:
Kalaloch Lodge – Perched above the Pacific, perfect for sunset views.
Lake Crescent Lodge – Historic charm on turquoise waters.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort – Rustic cabins with a soak under the stars.
Log Cabin Resort – Classic, no-frills lakeside retreat.
Lake Quinault Lodge – Surrounded by rainforest, steeped in 1920s charm.
Bonus Stop: Forks
The small logging town of Forks, on the park’s west side, gained fame as the setting for the Twilight Saga. It’s also the perfect base camp for exploring the beaches or the Hoh Rain Forest. Stop by the Forks Visitor Center and the Miller Tree Inn for memorabilia—or visit in September for the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival.
Plan Your Visit: www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/lodging.htm
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