If you want to experience the Pacific Northwest in a nutshell, head straight to this heavenly abode called the Olympic National Park, where diverse landscapes meet untamed beauty.
In this blog post, I will share my complete itinerary and the things we did on our first time visiting this national park. Although this isn’t your typical national park—it’s vast and diverse, so I highly recommend spending at least two days to fully experience its beauty. However, if you’re short on time, a quick self-driving day trip or a guided tour from Seattle and nearby areas.
Table of Contents
Why should you visit Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park is a protected area located in the Olympic Peninsula in the northwestern tip of Washington. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtakingly diverse natural wonder featuring towering snowy mountains, lush rainforests, waterfalls, lakes and rugged coastline.
There’s so much you can do here, from relaxing by the lake and soaking in breathtaking views to tide-pooling by the coast to hiking to discover hidden alpine lakes and waterfalls.
This is truly a haven for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The best part? You don’t need a special permit or reservation to visit the park—just your America the Beautiful pass (or a day pass), and you’re all set for adventure.
How much time do you need to see Olympic National Park?
Unlike other national parks in Washington, Olympic National Park is enormous! As the park’s website says, there are three whole national parks within one. So, you can imagine just how vast it is.
While many of my friends opt for a day trip and try to complete the loop in a single day, it can be very hectic. The entire loop takes 12-13 hours of driving, which excludes the wait time and the time to explore the spots. Many popular spots have long queues like the Hoh Rainforest and Sol Duc Falls, so the total travel time can go up to 16-17 hours, which can be very hard on the body.
Hence, I recommend spending 2 to 3 days exploring the entire loop. This way, you can fully experience the park without feeling too rushed or exhausted.
We only covered the north part of the park on our first trip but had ample time to explore each spot and felt nice and relaxed. Keep reading the blog post for our complete park itinerary.
How to reach Olympic National Park using Public Transit?
Olympic National Park is the only national park in Washington accessible by public transit. There are two routes from the East side of Puget Sound connecting to the Olympic Peninsula.
Route 1: Bainbridge Island Ferry + Strait Shot (Bus Route 123)
If you live in Seattle or to the east of Lake Washington, this is the best way to reach Port Angeles, the closest city to Olympic National Park. Start by taking the Washington State Ferry from Seattle Ferry Terminal to Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. From there, hop on Bus route 123, a.k.a, the Strait Shot, which goes straight to Gateway Transit Center in Port Angeles.
The bus service is available all days of the week but timing might vary on Sundays and Holidays.
Route 2: Kingston Ferry + Dungeness Line
If you live north of Seattle like Edmonds, Shoreline, Bothell neighbourhoods, the best way to reach Port Angeles is by taking the Kingston Ferry from Edmonds Ferry Terminal. From there, hop on the Dungeness Line and get down at Gateway Transit Center in Port Angeles.
There are several bus and shuttle services available within the park operated by Clallam Transit. One of the most popular shuttle routes is the Hurricane Ridge Shuttle, operating between May and September. Head to the Clallam Transit website for more information about the routes and their timings.
The only catch is that you need to be very precise with the various timings, as the buses arrive and depart right on schedule, and some have overlapping times.
During our trip, we opted for the shuttle service to visit Hurricane Ridge, while we explored the rest of the area by car. Port Angeles offers a few car rental services; we booked ours from the Avis near downtown.
Olympic National Park 2-Day Itinerary
In this section, I will share my exact itinerary with you all. We planned this keeping in mind two things, one we didn’t want a long tiring drive and two, we wanted to spend more time exploring each spot.
Day 1
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is the closest city to Olympic National Park, nestled between the rugged Olympic Range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This charming coastal city serves as the gateway to both the park and its sister city, Victoria. With a plethora of restaurants and essential stores—from bike rentals to pharmacies and general stores—Port Angeles is the perfect base for anyone visiting Olympic National Park.
On day 1, we reached Port Angeles from downtown Seattle at 12 PM and picked our pre-booked rental car from the nearby Avis in downtown. We stayed at a hotel named Flagstone Motel for a night, which was merely a 6-minute drive to the Visitor Center.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
Our first stop was the Visitor Center, which felt like the perfect starting point of our adventure and, of course, to get our mandatory postcard photo with the national park sign. We also explored the museum showcasing displays about the park’s wildlife and habitat, and picked up a fridge magnet as a souvenir.
If you are planning to hike, be sure to stop by the visitor center for up to date information about the trails and their current conditions. Moreover, you can also find details about various ranger-led programs. We attended a ranger talk by Ranger Josh at Lake Crescent, which was both insightful and fun.
Lake Crescent
Next, we headed to Washington’s second deepest lake, known for its clear blue-green water and breathtaking views. This glacially-carved lake was the first stop on the way to the coast. We paused here to take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the lunch we brought from Seattle (to save time for more exploration).
Initially, we were planning to stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge, as it is one of the best places to stay in Olympic National Park. But no rooms were available for the entire month, so we decided to stop by the lodge to explore the shop and restaurant.
You can enjoy a range of activities at Lake Crescent, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. For hikers, there are several trails to explore, from popular shorter ones like the Marymere Falls Trail and the NatureBridge Trail, to the challenging but highly rewarding Mount Storm King Trail, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake.
Sol Duc Falls
We then headed to one of the most iconic spots in the park, Sol Duc Falls, located in the Sol Duc Valley. The waterfall is reached by a short 0.8-mile hike through a lush, mossy forest and is accessible year-round. During our hike to the waterfall, we spotted an abundance of mushrooms, slugs, berries, and wildflowers.
The waterfall features multiple cascades that converge into a single, powerful stream, plunging into a narrow gorge below. The sound of rushing water and the mist rising from the falls created a magical atmosphere.
If you have time, visit the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to soak in the naturally heated mineral pools—one of the best ways to unwind after a strenuous hike.
Forks
If you’re a Twilight Saga fan, this town is a must-stop to check out all the movie locations and visit the museum displaying Twilight movie collections. We were excited to relive our teenage memories of indulging in the Twilight series.
Our first stop was the signboard that reads “The City of Forks Welcomes You.” From there, we drove to the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection museum, but unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived. Next, we visited Bella’s truck, located at the entrance of the Forks Timber Museum. There were two trucks placed side by side—one featured in the movie and the other described in the books.
Lastly, we took a short detour to see the Swan House, which was featured in the movie. However, it looked slightly different from what we remembered in the films. I believe the original house, along with many other movie locations, is in Oregon. Overall, it was super fun to experience these spots in person, and I highly recommend visiting them if you are (or were) a Twilight fan.
La Push
Our final stop of the day was First Beach in La Push, another spot featured in the Twilight movie. Remember the scene where Bella’s friends asked her to come to La Push—”It’s La Push, baby!” Okay, I need to stop. 😛
La Push is a tiny coastal village on the Quileute Reservation, along the rugged Pacific coast. There are three beaches you can visit, First beach being the most accessible by car and the rest (Second and Third beach) require a short hike. All three beaches are absolutely stunning and offer the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its dramatic seascapes and towering sea stacks.
We spent quite a while here, soaking in the fresh air and watching a breathtaking sunset. James Island and Little James Island, surrounded by brown pelicans, created the perfect spot for photography. We also found a food truck next to the beach with a bonfire, so decided to stop by to snack on some hot fish n chips before heading to our hotel in downtown Port Angeles.
Day 2
Salt Creek Recreational Area
On our second day at Olympic National Park, we started with some tide-pooling at Salt Creek, a hidden gem on the Olympic Peninsula. This scenic park offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, rocky tide pools, sandy beaches, and lush forests. It’s also a popular spot for camping, wildlife watching, and one of the key locations for whale watching.
We headed to Tongue Point, a rocky outcrop accessible only during low tide—and luckily, it was a low tide day. We marveled at the beautiful sea anemones, from the common varieties to the giant green ones, as well as small fish and birds like Harlequin ducks, Black Oystercatchers, and the majestic Great Blue Heron. The view was absolutely gorgeous, with mist rising from the water, creating a magical atmosphere. This is a must-visit spot, especially if you love marine animals.
Hurricane Ridge
Our last stop of the day was the famous Hurricane Ridge, located on Mount Angeles. We took the Hurricane Ridge Shuttle from Gateway Transit Center to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. This seasonal shuttle service operates from May to September. Unfortunately, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center was completely destroyed by fire in May 2023, but you can still visit the ridge and explore the surrounding trails.
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most accessible and popular destinations in Olympic National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with challenging hikes like the Lake Angeles Trail and Hurricane Hill Trail, as well as activities like snowshoeing and skiing in the winter.
We picked up breakfast from a gas station and enjoyed our meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains at Hurricane Ridge. Afterward, we did the short Sunrise Point hike to get a view of the other side. It’s such a tranquil spot that you don’t want to leave, but we had to catch our bus back to Seattle, so we headed back to downtown Port Angeles.
Before catching our bus, Route 123 (the Strait Shot), we stopped by a Japanese restaurant called Songoku Hibachi & Sushi for lunch, where we enjoyed some delicious Japanese and Indonesian food.
Other Must-visit Spots
Top Beaches in Olympic National Park
- Kalaloch Beach – Located near the Quinault Reservation, is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and the famous Tree of Life—a tree that defies gravity by hanging from the cliffs despite the erosion beneath it. This makes a great spot for stargazing, tide-pooling, and observing the mesmerizing bioluminescence.
- Rialto Beach – Located near La Push, this beach is best known for its towering sea stacks, driftwood-strewn beach, and high tides crashing the rocky shores. It is quite a hit among photographers and hikers. Hole-in-the-Wall trail is one of the most-popular spots in the area, a natural rock arch offering dramatic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Ruby Beach – Another picturesque beach located a few miles north of Kalaloch beach. The beach features reddish-colored sand, giving the beach its name. Ruby Beach is a great spot for tide pooling and wildlife watching.
- Shi-Shi Beach – This beach is one of the most remote beaches in the national park, offering an opportunity to explore the dramatic sea stacks up close. The Point of Arches, is a popular spot in the region, a series of rock formations that jut out into the ocean. Getting to Shi-Shi Beach is moderately challenging, as you’ll have to hike through coastal forests and wetlands. So be prepared to pack snacks, wear proper hiking shoes, waterproof gears and warm clothings.
Top Short Hikes in Olympic National Park
- Hall of the Mosses, Hoh Rainforest – This 1.1-mile loop trail takes you through a lush, moss-covered forest in the Hoh Rainforest. It’s a popular spot, open year-round, and typically takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. Due to its popularity, expect a wait time of 30-60 minutes.
- Marymere Falls, Lake Crescent – A 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Crescent, this hike takes about an hour to complete and is open year-round. The trail leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall, making it a rewarding experience.
- Big Spruce Trail, Lake Quinault – This short 0.4-mile out-and-back trail takes about 10 minutes to complete and leads you to the world’s largest Sitka Spruce. It’s a quick but impressive hike.
- Merriman Falls, Lake Quinault – A 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that takes only a few minutes to complete and offers a breathtaking view of the Merriman Falls.
Please Note: Dogs aren’t allowed on Hall of the Mosses and Marymere Falls trail.
Where to stay in Olympic National Park
We stayed at the Flagstone Motel in Port Angeles, which was a few minutes drive from the visitor center and in our budget. We made a last-minute booking just 3 days before our trip, so we paid $210.52 for a night (for a $60 a night motel). Other hotels that we recommend in the Olympic National Park:
Hotels in Port Angeles
The hotels in Port Angeles are mainly motels and you might have to pay way higher than their actual price if you book last minute like we did. But, here are two hotels that had 4+ star ratings on Google and fairly decent reviews that we were considering for our trip.
- Port Angeles Inn – A value-for-money 2-star hotel with a great location, just a short walk from the Gateway Transit Center and the shuttle stop. The hotel offers all the basic amenities and complimentary breakfast, making it a good option for budget travelers.
- Aircrest Motel – Another value-for-money 2-star hotel slightly far from the Gateway Transit Center but can be easily reached by bus route 20 or 30. The hotel offers large rooms and all the basic amenities.
Hotels in the Olympic National Park
If you’re traveling during summer time, you can stay at one of the historic lodges like the Lake Crescent Lodge, Hoh Valley Cabins or Lake Quinault Lodge. However, both get booked quite early as the season begins, and can be expensive, especially the lake facing rooms. Alternatively, you can also camp but again, the sites get booked quite fast, so do keep an eye out once the booking window opens up.
Conclusion
Olympic National Park is a complete package and an ideal spot for a weekend getaway to the mountains. It allows you to travel at a relaxed pace and truly connect with nature. Plus, I appreciate how well-connected it is to the mainland. Overall, it’s a must-visit for everyone, especially if you’re visiting Washington and want to experience the Pacific Northwest lifestyle to the fullest.
this article helps you plan your ultimate getaway to Olympic National Park. If you’re looking for more Washington national park itineraries, be sure to check out my guides to Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park. And if you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment—I’ll be happy to provide more information. 🙂
Total Trip Cost (for two): $423
