The Basics
Olympic National Park Basics
Olympic is one of those parks that feels like 3 completely different trips packed into one. You've got glacier capped mountains, a rain forest, and Pacific coastline, all inside the same park boundary. What we love most is that you don't need to commit to a multi-day backcountry trip to see some of the best of it. A lot of this park is doable in a day or two if you plan it right.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and covers you for seven consecutive days, so unless you're visiting multiple parks that year, the annual pass probably isn't worth it. Weather here is unpredictable no matter the season. It's completely normal for it to be sunny down at the coast and fogged up in the mountains at the same time. Check conditions before you commit to a summit hike; it can make or break the whole experience. If you're able to, give yourself at least 2 to 3 days so you're not trying to cram the mountains, the rain forest, and the coast into a single exhausting day.
Outdoors
Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
Mount Ellinor via the Upper Trailhead is difficult, and it earns that reputation. It's 3.1 miles round trip with 2,342 feet of elevation gain packed into a short distance. It's intense for how short it is, but beautiful. Check the weather before you go too. We lost most of the view to fog on our visit, which was a bummer. There was a ton of wildlife on the trail though, including a mountain goat, which was such a cool surprise.
Mount Storm King is 5.3 miles round trip with 2,076 feet of gain, and the ending doesn't hold back. You're using ropes to pull yourself up near the top, and it gets strenuous. But it's so worth it once you're up there!. It's one of the most memorable hikes we've ever done.
If you're looking for something easier, the Hoh Rain Forest has 2 great low key options: the Hall of Moss Trail (1.1 miles round trip, barely any elevation) and the Hoh River Trail (3.1 miles round trip, 114 feet of gain). Both are beautiful, and there's nothing else like walking through this rain forest.
Pacific Coast
Beaches & Other Areas
Ruby Beach sits right off Highway 101, close to the Hoh Rain Forest trails, so it's an easy add on if you're already out that way. It's only about a mile of walking, but it's a stunning, reflective beach scattered with huge rocks. It was one of our favorite stops in the entire park.
Base Camp
Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park
Port Angeles is a great home base if you're planning to spend most of your time on the mountain hikes and around Hurricane Ridge. If you're headed more toward the Hoh Rain Forest and the coast, Forks or one of the small towns along Highway 101 will put you a lot closer. If you'd rather stay inside the park itself, the lodges near Lake Crescent or Kalaloch are worth looking into. Both cut your drive to the trailheads down significantly.
Pack Accordingly
Food to Eat Near Olympic National Park
Don't expect much once you're inside the park. Plan on eating in Port Angeles or Forks depending on which side you're exploring that day. Pack snacks and plenty of water regardless, since your options thin out fast once you're off Highway 101.
Spend Smarter
Ways to Save Money at Olympic National Park
If you know you're hitting more than one national park in the same year, the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself quickly and covers Olympic's $30 entrance fee, along with every other federal fee based park. It's also worth keeping an eye out for the NPS's fee free days throughout the year, when entrance is waived across the entire park system.
Local Tip
Check the Weather Before Chasing a View
Don't chase a summit view on a whim here. Check the weather before you commit to something like Mount Ellinor. Fog rolls in fast, and it's the difference between one of the best views in Washington and seeing basically nothing, which we can say from experience.
