February 26, 2024
Olympic National Park is home to endless sights of untouched beauty in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. It’s visitable year-round and contains a plethora of different biodiverse communities all within one national park. Where else can you go see a glacier lake, a rainforest, and the beach all in the same day?!
You can’t go wrong with anywhere you choose to stop in Olympic. It would take you about 8 hours to do the entire scenic loop, so listing out everything that you could see would take more time that you’d care to read for. We chose a few of our favorite spots to see when we visit and what to do at each spot. Each spot is really different than the next, so there’s sure to be something for everyone to love!
We’ve gone to 33 National Parks and Olympic has always remained one of our favorite national parks.
We hope this inspires you to take a stroll on the mossy, fern covered-wild side and see why Olympic National Park is so special!
Stop #1: Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a glacier-carved lake filled with crystal clear water. It’s about a 45 minute drive east of Forks, and a 30 minute drive west of Port Angeles. The gorgeous drive takes you right alongside the water and gives you breathtaking views. The water is low in nitrogen levels, which makes it difficult for algae to grow — voila, crystal clear water.
There is plenty to do here at Lake Crescent. If you visit in the summer time, there are plenty of lakeside activities like kayaking, swimming, and catch-and-release fishing. Lake Crescent Lodge is a great spot to stay on the north side of the Park. We like to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds (a general rule we like to follow on vacation, no sleeping in here!),grab a cup of coffee or tea at the Lake Crescent Lodge, and walk along the shoreline after we’re done hiking.
There are plenty of hiking options in the area. The most popular is Marymere Falls, an easy hike that leads you through some mossy, green forests up to the falls. Another option for the more adventurous vacationer is Mount Storm King — a steep, steep climb that does lead to a trail that isn’t maintained by the park, so you are using it at your own risk. The views at the top show you Lake Crescent and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Definitely hard work, but well worth it.
Alternative to Lake Crescent further South: Lake Quinault
Stop #2: Ruby Beach
If you’re wanting to see a prime example of what Pacific Northwest beaches looks like, Ruby Beach is your answer. This rocky beach covered in driftwood and red sand is the perfect place to practice your photography skills.
There’s tide pools to explore during the low tide if you time your visit right. Ruby Beach is also a great place to watch the sun set over the water if you hit the right weather window. But even when the skyline is scattered with clouds, the scenery is definitely still gorgeous. Vault toilets are available in the parking lot if you need a restroom break before heading down to the beach. And just like the rest of the park, there’s no cell service here. So if you’re traveling with a group, make sure to coordinate beforehand.
If you’re wanting to keep traveling south afterwards, you can stop at the Kalaloch Lodge for dinner after Ruby Beach. Heads up, they are NOT open for lunch; don’t learn the hard way like we did and take a hangry drive 45 minutes back north to Forks for food!
Alternative to Ruby Beach further north: Rialto Beach
Stop #3: Hoh Rainforest
Hoh Rainforest is probably one of the most popular spots in Olympic, and we definitely know why. The canopy of trees above you and the fern-covered grounds transports you to another world. The most popular place in Hoh is the Hall of Mosses trail, a flat and family-friendly trail that encompasses all the qualities one wants to see in a rainforest. The Hoh River Trail is also available for people wanting to hike longer distances and see more of the rainforest.
The drive in is a little long, but there’s a good chance you’ll see Roosevelt elk on the way in. There are places to picnic as well, so pack a lunch and enjoy the sights surrounding you before heading back out!
Alternative to Hoh Rainforest: Sol Duc Falls
We know there’s tons of other spots to visit here and wish we could list them all! Olympic National Park is a place that never fails to leave people in awe of its beauty. We hope this inspired you to start planning your trip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
Let us know what you think and where you plan to visit next! Safe travels!