Fall on the Olympic Peninsula is a season of transformation, where vibrant autumn colors meet misty coastlines and rugged mountain peaks. Just like in every other season, there’s an endless list of things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall, but this time, the park offers an experience that somehow feels intimate and expansive. There are fewer crowds in the park during the fall, and a rich palette of golden maples and crimson vine maples lights up the trails, making for a truly breathtaking adventure.Â
Fall really is one of the best times to visit Olympic National Park, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re exploring the Hoh Rain Forest as it comes alive with seasonal rains or soaking in the views from Hurricane Ridge while the Olympic Mountains are dusted with early snow. As you plan your trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park, you’ll find countless ways to embrace the beauty of this quiet season. Hike to Sol Duc Falls surrounded by fall foliage, wander the beaches at Rialto and Ruby where the autumn light feels almost cinematic, and savor the fresh coastal air on scenic drives along Lake Crescent.
Beyond the park, the Olympic Peninsula in the fall is equally enticing. Stroll through charming small towns like Port Townsend, Sequim, and Port Angeles, where you can explore local farms and cideries during harvest season, and watch wildlife as elk herds return to lower valleys and salmon find their way back up stream. Fall on the Olympic Peninsula is mesmerizing and offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. That’s especially true when you stay at one of our top-rated Olympic Peninsula lodging properties.Â
After a day of exploring Olympic National Park hikes and coastal wonders, return to the comfort of our elevated vacation rentals designed for a well-rounded escape. These Olympic National Park vacation rentals are more than just a place to sleep; they offer curated spaces where you can unwind, reconnect, and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re planning a cozy couple’s retreat or a family getaway, our unique properties on the Olympic Peninsula make it easy to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest in style and comfort. Book your getaway today!
Best Things to do in Olympic National Park in Fall
Fall is a wonderful time to experience all the unique things to do in Olympic National Park. As summer crowds fade, this iconic park takes on a slower rhythm, inviting travelers to explore its diverse landscapes with greater intention and to delve deeper into the unique ecosystems that comprise this expansive and rugged wilderness.
As the season progresses, the Olympic Mountains begin to show hints of snow on their peaks while lower elevations come alive with vibrant fall colors. Vine maples and bigleaf maples turn brilliant shades of gold and red, creating a stunning contrast against the deep greens of ancient evergreens. Crisp mornings and cool afternoons make hiking and exploring especially pleasant, and the soft light of autumn transforms beaches and forests into picture-perfect scenes.
This season is also one of the best times to visit Olympic National Park for wildlife viewing. Elk herds migrate down into the valleys, giving you plenty of opportunities to witness their dramatic fall rutting season. Rain showers begin to return, breathing new life into moss-draped rainforests and swelling waterfalls like Sol Duc and Marymere into roaring cascades.
With the park’s diverse ecosystems, from rugged coastline to alpine ridges, fall offers something for every type of adventurer. Below, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall.
Fall in Olympic National Park
- Taking a walk through the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest is always at the top of our list of things to do in Olympic National Park, but it gets even better in the fall. Wander under a canopy of fiery vine maples and moss-draped trees as autumn rains revive this temperate rainforest. It’s a landscape that somehow gets even more lush as the seasons change.Â
- On your way out to the Hoh Rainforest, don’t miss a stop at Sol Duc Falls. It’s one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls, and fall brings this roaring waterfall back to full potential. There are plenty of great hiking trails in this area, in addition to the waterfall. And don’t miss a chance to dip into the soothing pools at Sol Duc Hot Springs before it closes for the winter.Â
- Another thing that tops our list of things to do in Olympic National Park this fall is driving up to Hurricane Ridge. There, you’ll find epic views of Mount Olympic and the wilderness of the park, alight with plenty of fiery hues sprinkled throughout the forest canopies.Â
- Looking for another scenic drive? Head out along the shores of Lake Crescent, where you’ll enjoy brilliant yellows and oranges reflected in the glassy lake. Stop here for a short hike up to Marymere Falls. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, head to the steep peak of Mt. Storm King.Â
- If wildlife viewing appeals to you, you’re in luck. It’s one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall! Witness Roosevelt elk as they bugle and clash antlers during the fall mating season, a dramatic wildlife spectacle unique to autumn, or head to the Elwah River to watch the fall salmon runs.Â
- Birdwatching is a fantastic way to spend a fall afternoon in the Olympic National Park. Fall migration brings a variety of seabirds and shorebirds to the beaches and estuaries, ideal for birding enthusiasts.
- If you’re looking for more relaxed things to do in Olympic National Park, head to Ruby or Rialto Beach and enjoy a bit of beach combing. Fall storms can bring fascinating treasures ashore. Stay for a sunset, because experiencing the golden light of fall reflecting off sea stacks and driftwood, with way fewer crowds on the beach, is transformative.Â
- Hiking is certainly one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall, and there’s no shortage of fantastic hikes to consider in the park. If you crave a little solitude, try the Bogachiel River Trail. It’s a lesser-known rainforest hike that feels even more magical in the misty autumn air and is perfect for spotting mushrooms and wildlife.
- Did you know whale watching is one of the top things to do in Olympic National Park? There are whale watching tours you can take in the area, but you can also head to Kalaloch Beach and witness this seasonal migration from land. The best time to watch whales as they migrate south again is October and November.Â
- Finally, one of the most unique things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall is stormwatching. If you’ve never witnessed the raw power of Mother Nature on a coastal beach during a storm, you’re missing out! The coast gets moody and the scenery gets even more dramatic. The best places to go are Rialto Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall, Second Beach, and Shi Shi Beach. Just make sure to keep a safe distance between you and the waves!
Thoughtful Vacation Rentals on the Olympic Peninsula
There are so many more things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall than we’ve mentioned here. And beyond the park, you’ll find even more seasonal activities to enjoy on the Peninsula, from wine tasting to antique shopping. You can spend a week here and barely scratch the surface of what makes this corner of the Pacific Northwest so special.
Though there are plenty of hotels, cabins, and Airbnb vacation rental properties on the Olympic Peninsula, none match our thoughtful and elevated properties. After days spent hiking through misty rainforests, exploring rugged beaches, or chasing fall colors in the Olympic Mountains, you’ll appreciate having a warm and welcoming retreat to return to. These unique properties are some of the best lodging near Olympic National Park and offer more than just a place to stay.
We’ve designed each of our vacation rentals with thoughtful decor and amenities to enhance your connection to the natural beauty around you. With cozy living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, and stunning locations near the park’s entrances and top attractions, our Olympic National Park lodging provides the perfect launching pad from which you can enjoy the best things to do in Olympic National Park in the fall.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple seeking a quiet escape or bringing the family for an unforgettable fall break, our Olympic National Park vacation rentals allow you to unwind in comfort while staying close to the best things to do in the area. Wake up to crisp coastal air, enjoy your morning coffee as fog rolls off the mountains, and end your day with stargazing under the clear autumn skies. Book your fall getaway to the Olympic Peninsula today!