Olympic National Park is consistently lauded as one of the premier national parks in the United States, characterized by its tranquil environment, minimal air traffic, and serene natural surroundings. This makes it an idyllic destination for those seeking an authentic escape into nature. When planning your visit to this remarkably diverse park, there are numerous factors to consider, from exploring ancient forests to enjoying the majestic Pacific Ocean. This comprehensive guide will assist in organizing your journey to one of Washington state’s remarkable national parks.

Accessing Olympic National Park

The nearest airport to the Olympic Peninsula is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Upon arrival, visitors can rent a car and embark on a 2-3 hour drive to the park entrance. Multiple entrances await, depending on your intended destination within the park, which spans a coastal strip and a central area situated amid national forests and tribal lands. Alternatively, ferries are available from Vancouver Island to Port Angeles, or from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula, including the Edmonds to Kingston ferry, a favored route. During peak season, wait times for the Edmonds-Kingston ferry can stretch for hours; therefore, it is wise to prepare for potential delays or consider the drive around. The duration for driving to Seattle from Olympic National Park is similar to that of taking the ferry, contingent on timely departures.

Weather and Tide Considerations

The weather on the Olympic Peninsula is known for its high levels of rainfall, making summer months the optimal time to visit, despite increased foot traffic from tourists seeking the pleasant conditions. The park operates year-round, but winter brings heightened precipitation and snow at higher altitudes. It is advisable to consult the National Park Service website prior to your visit to check on road conditions, trail accessibility, and potential camping area closures due to inclement weather. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of early spring or fall. These periods often yield fewer visitors, allowing for a more solitary appreciation of the park’s beauty, even in the event of rain, which enhances its enchanting character as a temperate rainforest. If you intend to hike along the coast, check tide tables to ensure low tide visits. Awareness of tide conditions is crucial, as certain areas pose access challenges in emergencies. Additionally, off-season visitors may find staff availability limited, and mobile service sporadic, complicating rescue efforts if necessary.

Accommodation Options

Within the park, you will find a variety of campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites, in addition to campgrounds located on tribal lands along the coast, which require permits obtainable at area stores upon entry.

For those who prefer not to camp, the town of Forks conveniently lies between the coastal and interior sections of the park, with Port Angeles and Sequim situated along the park’s northern borders, offering several hotel, motel, and B&B options.

Permits and Passes

Entry to the park necessitates the purchase of a park pass or possession of an America the Beautiful pass. Although current regulations do not require reservations, this may change in forthcoming years as a measure to safeguard these natural areas against the impacts of heavy visitation, as observed in other parks nationwide. Visitors planning to backcountry camp must acquire a wilderness permit, which is easily obtainable during the off-season but becomes considerably more difficult during peak summer months. All permits must be acquired through recreation.gov and should be printed for display while camping. Please be aware that certain regions necessitate bear canisters, an important consideration in areas frequented by black bears. Other areas recommend either hanging food bags or provide bear wires for secure storage.

Popular Destinations

Olympic National Park boasts innumerable beautiful sights, and it is advisable to plan ahead for your visit, focusing on specific areas to maximize your experience. For instance, during our visit, my husband and I spent a long weekend hiking the Hoh Rainforest along the Hoh River trail to Lewis Meadow, after which we camped and then returned. We then proceeded to Forks for the night before visiting Ozette the following morning for a day hike on the Ozette triangle, offering us a glimpse of both the temperate rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.

Shi Shi Beach

This beach is a favored destination for campsite enthusiasts. It features a spacious sandy area suitable for tents, unlike the Ozette triangle, where camping typically occurs in forest-clear alcoves. Access to Shi Shi beach requires a wilderness permit, and visitors should note that a river crossing may present challenges during winter due to elevated water levels.

Cape Flattery

Situated on Makah tribal lands at Neah Bay, Cape Flattery represents the northwesternmost tip of the contiguous United States. The Cape Flattery trail, extending just 0.75 miles to an overlook, requires a recreation permit for entry. Pets are permitted on this trail but must remain leashed at all times.

Hurricane Ridge

This location offers a scenic opportunity to drive and take in panoramic mountain vistas. The 17-mile route from Port Angeles is accessible daily during summer and operates on weekends during winter, conditions permitting. Visitors should stop by the Hurricane Ridge visitor center for the latest updates on road conditions.

Rialto Beach

As a popular public beach near the Hole-in-the-Wall attraction, Rialto Beach shares many of the features found in the previously mentioned coastal destinations. For those starting their journey from the south and heading towards Cape Flattery, this beach represents an excellent stopping point, conveniently located next to Mora Campground.

Tree of Life

Located in the Kalaloch campground on the beach, the Tree of Life is a natural wonder not to be missed. Notably one of the most photographed sites in Olympic National Park, it serves as a beautiful and quick stop along the scenic coastal drive.

Hall of Mosses

Located at the beginning of the Hoh River trail in Hoh Rainforest, the Hall of Mosses is a renowned short loop trail measuring 0.8 miles that showcases the temperate rainforest’s enchanting greens. It is highly recommended, particularly during the less crowded off-season when the rain contributes to the trail’s mystique.

Premier Hiking Trails

Choosing the right hiking trail can pose a challenge. It is essential to evaluate whether you prefer coastal paths rich in marine life or if you seek breathtaking vistas from the elevations of Mount Olympus and the other peaks of the Olympic Mountains. It is important to note that dogs are not permitted on trails within Olympic National Park. For those who wish to hike with their dogs, the surrounding Olympic National Forest welcomes them, with equally spectacular hiking options. A notable recommendation is the Marmot Pass trail. Below are two of the most recommended and notable hikes to initiate your adventure.

Hoh River Trail

The Hoh River Trail is considered one of the premier hiking experiences. You can trek as far as you desire, up to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier at the edge of Mount Olympus, or anywhere in between. We hiked 10.5 miles to Lewis Meadow and found the experience truly rewarding. Beyond this point, the trail steepens and becomes more challenging, while the initial segments are relatively flat with several stream crossings. For more information, see my trail guide on the Hoh River trail.

Ozette Triangle Loop Trail

The Ozette Triangle Loop presents a distinct hiking experience, comprising three segments: the first and third pass through serene forests and wetlands, primarily utilizing boardwalks and flat trails, while the central section meanders along the beach. The beach portion, known for its stunning sea stacks and tide pool exploration, is particularly popular among hikers. This accessible trail spans a total of 9.4 miles and offers the chance to observe various marine and terrestrial wildlife. For additional details, refer to my trail guide on the Ozette Triangle Loop Trail.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on foot during the shoulder season is the ideal way to explore this remarkable region. It provides an opportunity to relish the surroundings without the distractions of heavy foot traffic. It is highly advisable to plan your itinerary to include both the coastal and interior segments of the park to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes it offers.