Olympic National Park

Located in northwestern Washington in the region of the state known as the Olympic Peninsula, 922,000-acre Olympic National Park features a wonderful diversity of terrains that are a delight to explore. With more than 73 miles of coastline, the picturesque Olympic Mountains (including 8,000-foot Mount Olympus), and plenty of temperate rainforest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive national park.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympic National Park was granted national park status in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt. It became an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976, and by 1988, the boundaries of the park had been extended to cover almost all of the Olympic Peninsula.

Because the park is so expansive, it’s difficult to decide which part to visit first. Your choice may depend on your penchant for particular activities. 

If you’re a hiker, the possibilities are endless. Day hikes of varying lengths and difficulties can be found in all regions of the park. In the rainforest, you might choose the 1.2 mile Spruce Nature Trail – a fairly easy trip – or the slightly more difficult Quinalt Big Cedar Trail. The mountains, including popular Hurricane Ridge, bring more vigorous hikes, including 1.6 mile Hurricane Hill, which climbs about 700 feet in elevation. At the coast, try the 9 mile loop at Ozette, offering great views of the ocean. In the forest, consider the Marymere Falls trail at beautiful Lake Crescent.

After a vigorous hike, relax at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, where mineral bath waters have been channeled into pools and provide a relaxing soak, especially on chilly days. There’s also a “cool” pool for those who prefer a refreshing swim. Olympic Hot Springs, a bit more primitive, also offers mineral baths.

Sea kayaking is also popular along the Olympic National Park coast, though the abundance of rocks and the sometimes unpredictable tides make this area best for experienced kayakers. Others who enjoy water sports can head to the Hoh, Quinalt, North Fork, Soleduck, or Elwha Rivers and do a bit of fishing. The Elwha also offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, suitable for novices.

There are a number of options for lodging within Olympic National Park. Pretty Lake Crescent Lodge offers cabins as well as motel rooms, a restaurant, gift shop, coffee bar, and boat rentals. The Log Cabin Resort, on the north shore of Lake Crescent, also offers rooms as well as campsites. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort includes cabins and easy access to the pools. On the coast, accommodations at Kalaloch Lodge also feature cabins and standard rooms.

Summer and early fall are the best times to visit Olympic National Park. While July and August can be warm, it’s rarely unbearably hot. July, August, and September are also the driest months of the year. Winters are mild at lower elevations but large amounts of snow can accumulate in the mountains.

Directions

To reach Olympic National Park, travel along U.S. Highway 101, which circumnavigates the park. 

Contact

Olympic National Park

600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
(360) 565-3130