First-Timers Can’t Miss These 12 Photogenic Things to Do in Olympic National Park

Stretching nearly a million acres of Washington Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park mixes three unique ecosystems: glacier-topped mountains, mossy rainforests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. If getting away is what you’re looking for, it even has the quietest spot in the US, called ‘One Square Inch of Silence.’

After two trips to this park and hours of driving later, here are my top things to do in Olympic National Park. Try to squeeze all that into a weekend trip.

1. Drive to Hurricane Ridge

As one of the most easily accessible places in Olympic National Park, drive up to Hurricane Ridge for beautiful views over Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Canada. 

Expect to come across many deer grazing by the road as you make your way up. On top, you can take the short Sunrise Point Trail for some epic sunrise and sunset shots or go for the more popular 3.4-mile round-trip trail from the Visitor Center.

Up to forty feet of snow falls on the ridge during winter, so the roads are not always open.

2. Hang at Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is an amazingly deep, clear lake with the Olympic Mountains as its backdrop. In summer, you can rent kayaks or canoes and then pop in for a refreshing swim.

There’s a nice trail around the lake called the Lake Crescent Lodge Nature Trail, which is an easy 1.8-mile round trip to Marymere Falls. I may have been unlucky in catching the wildfires during my visit, but the mist from the wildfires gave it a mystical vibe.

3. Trek to Sol Duc Falls

Located in the southwest portion of the park, the Sol Duc Valley has one of the park’s prettiest waterfalls: Sol Duc Falls. A short, 0.8-mile one-way hike from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort parking lot takes you through lush old-growth forests. You’ll hear the powerful roar of the multi-tiered falls before you even see them.

As you approach, you’ll be greeted by four separate falls tumbling into a narrow canyon below.

4. Have a Soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs

In the same area, sit back and relax in the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural warm pool right in the rainforest. This is a developed resort, which means there’s a locker room and three hot pools. However, you can also hike further to find some quieter springs, like the one at Olympic National Forest.

5. Cruise Through the Hoh Rainforest

Home to some of the world’s most spectacular old-growth forests, the Hoh Rainforest has mossy trees taller than buildings and fern-covered forest floors.

Two popular trails here are the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail. The Hall of Mosses is a short 0.8-mile loop that takes you through some of the biggest and oldest trees around. The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.4-mile loop with views of the Hoh River and Taft Creek.

Wear something waterproof because the trails can get muddy! This place lives up to its name, with over 14 feet of rain every year.

6. Catch the Sunset at Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is famous for its reddish glow at sunset and cool rock formations. It’s a super quick 0.25-mile walk from the parking lot to the beach.

The path winds through a forest and opens up to piles of driftwood and the stunning coast. You’ll see tide pools filled with starfish and crabs!

This beach is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the park and a highlight of an Olympic itinerary, so try to time your visit for sunset.

7. Check Out the Quinault Rain Forest

The Quinault Rain Forest might not get as much love as the Hoh, but it’s just as amazing! This temperate rainforest is dripping with lush greenery and peaceful trails.

You can hike around Lake Quinault or take a scenic drive through the valley. The Quinault Loop Trail is a popular 4-mile hike to see everything from moss-draped trees to serene lakes.

8. Experience Forks If You’re Into Twilight

Forks is famous for being the setting of the Twilight series! Even if you’re not a fan, the town has some fun stops like life-size cutouts of characters and filming locations.

Fun fact, it’s the wettest town in the contiguous United States, which is probably why they based the Cullen family here! The local shops and cafes have really embraced their Twilight fame.

9. Tidepool at Rialto Beach and Second Beach

Rialto Beach is another coastal gem with striking sea stacks and driftwood, while Second Beach features a beautiful waterfall spilling onto the sand.

They look close together on the map but don’t connect. To reach both beaches, you’ll need to take short hikes.

10. Wander Around Lake Ozette

Up in the northwest corner of the park, Lake Ozette is a different experience from Lake Crescent. The 9-mile Ozette Loop trail takes you past the wild coastline and dense forests, or you can drop down a kayak and glide across the surface. This area is comparatively much less visited.

11. Explore the Elwha Valley

The Elwha Valley once had two large dams, which were removed to restore the ecosystem. Today, you can explore the recovering landscape and hike several trails that wind through the valley. You can also visit the former dam sites and learn about the restoration.

12. The Culture of the Makah People

Technically out of the park all the way out near Neah Bay, an area of Washington is dedicated to the Makah Tribe, who have lived on the coast for thousands of years.

The Makah Museum there features cultural exhibits of the Makah people. You can see their traditional whale hunting gear and artifacts dating back 500 years and learn about the nearby Ozette archaeological site.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.