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Experience the Best of the Olympic National Park
Tucked into the farthest northwest corner of the contiguous United States is one of the country’s most breathtaking and diverse National Parks. Olympic National Park, which stretches from the dramatic ocean beaches along the Pacific Ocean to the rugged Olympic Mountains, is a destination unlike any other. There, you’ll find towering peaks, lush rainforests, and windswept coastal beaches that create an unforgettable backdrop for adventure. Whether hiking through moss-draped trees, spotting wildlife in alpine meadows, or taking in the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks along the shore, there’s no shortage of things to do in Olympic National Park year-round.
Stretching across nearly one million acres, you could spend weeks exploring the vast expanse of the Olympic National Park. The park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks through old-growth forests to challenging backcountry routes leading to alpine lakes and remote peaks. Wildlife thrives here, with the chance to spot everything from black bears and mountain goats to bald eagles soaring overhead.
The coastal section of the park, including Kalaloch and Rialto Beach, is just as striking. Dramatic sea stacks and driftwood-covered shores offer the perfect setting for a long walk or a quiet sunset. If you’re up for an adventure, taking a dip in the natural hot springs at Sol Duc is a must. With so many diverse things to do in the Olympic National Park and ever-changing landscapes that make every visit feel different, you’ll find a destination packed with adventure, unbelievable beauty, and awe-inspiring adventures.
What makes Olympic National Park truly special is how untouched it feels. Unlike more developed national parks, much of its wilderness remains wild and remote, giving visitors a real sense of escape. Spend your time camping under a sky full of stars, hiking to dramatic views, or simply taking a scenic drive through its vast landscapes, and you’ll find an experience that is nothing short of unforgettable. Visiting the Olympic National Park is about more than its scenic beauty, though. It offers the opportunity to disconnect, breathe in the fresh mountain or sea air, and appreciate one of the most spectacular natural spaces in the country.
After a full day enjoying the vast array of things to do in Olympic National Park, retreat to one of our top Olympic Peninsula vacation rentals. Whether it’s a cozy cabin tucked in the woods, a luxury waterfront home, or a charming cottage near town, these stays offer the perfect mix of comfort and privacy. With so much to see and do, this region delivers the ultimate escape for outdoor lovers, road trippers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Hurricane Ridge
Just a short drive from downtown Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring spots in Olympic National Park. The panoramic views stretch across the rugged peaks, with Mt. Olympus standing tall among them. On a clear day, you can even see across the Strait of Juan de Fuca into Canada.
Whether you’re up for a scenic drive, a short walk up Hurricane Hill to a breathtaking overlook, or a longer hike into the alpine wilderness, Hurricane Ridge delivers. By early summer, the meadows explode with wildflowers, creating a striking contrast against the jagged mountain backdrop.
Wildlife sightings are common, too—keep an eye out for deer, marmots, and even the occasional mountain goat. With easy access and unforgettable scenery, it’s no surprise that Hurricane Ridge tops the list of things to do in Olympic National Park year-round.
Lake Crescent
Few places in Olympic National Park are as striking as Lake Crescent, a deep, glacially-carved lake known for its brilliant, crystal-clear blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop. A visit to this area offers plenty of ways to soak in the scenery, from hiking to Marymere Falls, where a short trail winds through old-growth forest to a picture-perfect cascade, to paddling across the crystal-clear lake in a kayak or canoe.
For a commanding view of Lake Crescent, take the challenging hike up to Mt. Storm King – you won’t regret it! On the north shore, the Spruce Railroad Trail provides a scenic route along the lake on an old railroad trail, with sections leading through historic tunnels and over picturesque bridges.
Don’t miss the chance to visit and dine at the Lake Crescent Lodge. Take in the sweeping views from the lodge’s dock and appreciate why this area remains one of the most beloved things to do in Olympic National Park.
Sol Duc Valley
Moss-draped forests, waterfall hikes, and a dip in natural spring-fed hot springs: What’s not to love about that? That, and more, is what you’ll find in the gorgeous Sol Duc Valley, just west of Lake Cresent.
The Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park is one of the Pacific Northwest’s wildest landscapes. Driving into the valley feels like stepping into another world, where the dense forest hums with life, and the sound of rushing water echoes through the trees.
One of the biggest draws here is the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural retreat where visitors can soak in mineral-rich pools surrounded by old-growth forests. If you’re up for a hike, the trail to Sol Duc Falls is a must—an easy yet rewarding walk that leads to a powerful, multi-tiered waterfall cascading through a rocky gorge.
There are also ample trails and picnic spots along the river itself, not to mention plenty of trails leading into the breathtaking mountainous wilderness beyond. It won’t take long to see why this area is one of the top things to do in Olympic National Park.
Hoh Rainforest
If you’re looking for a place where nature takes over in the most spectacular way, Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park is it. This ancient forest is packed with towering trees draped in moss, thick ferns carpeting the ground, and more shades of green than you ever thought existed.
It’s one of the best-preserved temperate rainforests in the world, offering a rare glimpse into an ecosystem that thrives on heavy rainfall year-round. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail for an easy introduction to the area’s almost otherworldly beauty, or venture deeper on the Hoh River Trail for a more immersive experience.
No matter when you visit, expect misty conditions and bring rain gear—even in summer, this forest lives up to its name. Wet adventures aside, this is one of the most spectacular things to do in Olympic National Park.
Coastal Beaches
Leave the mountains and forests behind and head as far west as you can to the wild, rugged beaches of Olympic National Park. They are unlike anywhere else on the West Coast. Towering sea stacks rise from the waves, driftwood the size of trees line the shore, and tide pools reveal a world of marine life at low tide.
Whether watching the surf crash against the rocks at Rialto Beach, hiking through the forest to the remote expanse of Second Beach, or catching a sunset at Ruby Beach, every stretch of coastline offers something unforgettable. Explore tide pools filled with starfish and anemones, search for polished stones and sea glass, or simply take in the raw beauty of the Pacific. For those up for a longer trek, Shi Shi Beach and the Ozette Triangle reward hikers with some of the most stunning coastal views in the park.
No matter which beach you visit, be prepared for changing weather and always keep an eye on the tide—this coastline is as powerful as it is beautiful and ranks at the top of our list of things to do in Olympic National Park.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a year-round destination, but if you want to experience the park at its best, late spring through early fall offers the broadest range of activities. For most visitors, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is in the summer. With its long days and mild temperatures, summer is ideal for hiking through the Hoh Rainforest, exploring tidepools at Ruby Beach, and taking in the sweeping mountain views from Hurricane Ridge. The warm weather also makes it the best time to kayak on Lake Crescent or spot wildlife in the meadows.
However, this is also the busiest season in Olympic National Park. If you prefer fewer crowds, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is late September or early October. Not only can you still enjoy all the top things to do in Olympic National Park, but you’ll be captivated by the park’s fall colors when they start to show. Wildlife remains active during the early fall months, and the trails remain accessible before the heavy rains arrive.
If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and a bit of mist, winter and early spring reveal a different side of the park—one that feels wilder and more dramatic. The coastal areas take on an untamed beauty with crashing waves and moody skies, while the rainforest transforms into an even greener wonderland with rushing waterfalls and moss-covered trees.
For those who love snowsports, winter is, of course, the best time to visit Olympic National Park. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers will find Hurricane Ridge to be a winter playground with some of the most breathtaking alpine views in the Pacific Northwest. No matter when you visit, the diversity of landscapes within Olympic National Park ensures there’s always something spectacular to experience.
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