Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park which includes general coastal views
Olympic National Park
Rialto Beach featuring a pebble beach, general coastal views and landscape views
Olympic National Park which includes landscape views, mountains and a small town or village


This rainforest-covered peninsula with Mount Olympus at its centre is a glorious side trip from Seattle.

Olympic National Park is on the Olympic Peninsula, surrounded the Puget Sound on three sides, and just a few hours’ drive from Seattle. This lush rainforest is a sparsely inhabited reserve of rivers, waterfalls, mountains, beaches and wildlife. It takes its name from the glacial peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Just one main road, Highway 101, encircles the peninsula, linking the small cities of Port Angeles and Port Townsend with Olympia, Washington State's capital city.

The only way to explore the interior of the park is via the 500-mile (800-kilometre) network of hiking trails. There are plenty of hikes for all levels of walking enthusiasts, including easy strolls for those visiting just a short time. Be careful if you’re visiting in winter, when steep and slippery trails can present challenges during hikes of all levels.

Awe-inspiring Mount Olympus rises 7,965 feet (2,428 metres) in the centre of the park. Only trained climbers should attempt to reach the summit, but there are plenty of easier trails. Follow the Hoh River Trail for great views of the mountain. Venture into the dense, jungle-like Hoh Rain Forest, where some of the trees are up to 500 years old.

Try alpine and Nordic skiing at Hurricane Ridge, where there are two rope tows and a lift as well as a lodge for warming up. In summer, this area offers stunning views from the 1.6-mile (2.2-kilometre) long paved trail where patches of snow may linger well into July.

For a hike with an ocean view, head to the southwest coast. Ruby Beach has some of the most stunning and accessible coastline in the area, including tide pools rich with urchins, starfish and gooey ducks.

Immerse yourself in Olympic National Park’s natural charms and stay at one of the campgrounds, or seek out simple lodgings in one of the small communities such as Forks or Quinault. If you’re looking for luxurious digs, this isn’t the right place. The pampering is strictly for the senses, found in the breath-taking natural surroundings.

Lake Quinault is another popular area on the peninsula. There’s a rustic lodge, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and helpful visitor centres at the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge. Port Angeles, just north of the Olympic National Park, is a nice stop between the peninsula and Seattle.

A fun way to extend your visit to Olympic National Park is to take the ferry from Port Angeles across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria on Vancouver Island, but don't forget your passport or another form of I.D.

The Olympic National Park is two to three hours by car from Seattle, depending on traffic and the wait at the ferry. During the summer, allow for a few hours’ wait at the ferry terminal.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Olympic Inn & Suites

Olympic Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
1510 E Front Street, Port Angeles, WA
Olympic Inn & Suites
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

3 out of 5
221 N Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor
Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park

Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park

2 out of 5
2104 E 1st St, Port Angeles, WA
Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park
Aircrest Motel

Aircrest Motel

2 out of 5
1006 E FRONT ST, Port Angeles, WA
Aircrest Motel
Port Angeles Inn

Port Angeles Inn

2.5 out of 5
111 East 2nd Street, Port Angeles, WA
Port Angeles Inn
Luxurious quiet cottage on 25 acre rescue farm. In the forest above Port Angeles

Luxurious quiet cottage on 25 acre rescue farm. In the forest above Port Angeles

2 out of 5
Port Angeles
Luxurious quiet cottage on 25 acre rescue farm. In the forest above Port Angeles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park boasts a plethora of activities for visitors, including scenic hiking trails, thrilling ferry rides, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore additional recreational options such as kayaking and camping, while adventure seekers can engage in rock climbing and mountain biking. For those requiring accessibility, the park features several accessible trails, ensuring everyone can enjoy the stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes on offer.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, head to the local shops in Port Angeles, where you can find handcrafted items and regional art. If you're up for a drive, check out the Olympic Mountain Marketplace in Sequim, offering a variety of gifts and local produce.

Recreation

At Port Angeles Dream Playground, families can enjoy outdoor activities in a vibrant setting, fostering connections and joy. Peninsula Golf Club offers a perfect blend of sport and nature, while Salt Creek Recreation Area provides a serene environment ideal for wellness and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

At Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area, experience exhilarating skiing and snowboarding with breathtaking mountain views, located 161m from the park. For hiking enthusiasts, Little River Trail and Happy Lake Ridge offer incredible outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, situated 9.7km and 14.5km from the park, respectively.

Nightlife

In Olympic National Park, a delightful evening awaits at Deer Park, an enchanting cinema located 17.7km away. Here, you can immerse yourself in captivating films while enjoying a romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in Washington offers a plethora of attractions for visitors, including visitor centres, hot springs, and breathtaking mountains. This diverse landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you're exploring the rugged terrain or relaxing in natural hot springs, there’s something for every type of traveller to enjoy within and around the park.

  • Olympic National Park Visitor Center: As the gateway to Olympic National Park, this centre offers an engaging introduction to the park's diverse ecosystems. With exhibits showcasing local wildlife and geology, it’s perfect for families and adventure seekers eager to plan their explorations.
  • Hurricane Ridge: Experience breathtaking panoramic views and abundant hiking trails at Hurricane Ridge. This stunning mountain area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting exhilarating adventures and picturesque scenery that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Olympic Hot Springs: Escape to the serene Olympic Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural thermal waters. Surrounded by lush forest, this tranquil spot offers a perfect retreat for wellness and rejuvenation amidst the stunning outdoor beauty.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Olympic National Park

To save money on your trip to Olympic National Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay for a Wednesday, the cheapest day, and avoid Saturday to save further. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable, eco-certified hotels, sorting options from lowest to highest price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Explore the park’s many free activities, and opt for walking or biking to get around, maximising your experience while minimising costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Olympic National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Olympic National Park is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Olympic National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most economical prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Olympic National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.