This Is One of The Most Ecologically Diverse Parks in the US! Here’s How To Explore It All In One Day
With three unique ecosystems, this Pacific Northwest national park will have you roaming from mountain ridge to coastline, hot spring to rainforest all in one day!
This jam-packed one day itinerary is designed to help you navigate the sprawling wilderness that stretches across nearly a million acres of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.
While a single day might not be fully enough for this park, I only had a single day here during my six week road trip up and down the entire West Coast. Therefore, I will share the exact route I took, along with a few attractions that unfortunate wildfires prevented us from visiting.
The park is a brilliant mix of diverse ecosystems, from snow-capped mountains to foggy rainforests and pounding coastlines. Its scenery magically changes around every corner.
I had so much fun at this park that I decided to put together this guide, complete with practical information and personal recommendations for how to plan a perfect one day trip.
Sample One Day in Olympic National Park Itinerary
Here, I’ll give you a summarized version of the park so you have it all on one scroll. But below, I’ll go into more detail about each place and what you can do there.
Morning
- Enter through the Elwha Entrance Station.
- Start your day early by heading to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Take on one of the several trails available at Hurricane Ridge, like the Sunrise Point Trail.
Mid-Morning
- Drive to Lake Crescent, maybe even rent a kayak or canoe.
- Take a short hike to Marymere Falls from the Storm King Ranger Station.
Afternoon
- Head to the Sol Duc Valley. Have lunch and then explore the Sol Duc Falls. Maybe you’ll see the salmon run.
- If time allows, take a dip in the Sol Duc Hot Springs.
- Snap a pic in Forks, the rainy town that Twilight is based on.
Late Afternoon
- Head towards the Hoh Rain Forest for the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail.
- Travel to the coastal section of the park and have a sunset walk on Ruby Beach Overlook, known for its sea stacks.
Recommended Places to Stay Overnight Nearby:
- 📍Luxury: Woodland Inns
- 📍Mid-range: Pacific Inn Motel
- 📍Budget: Ocean Star Inn
This suggested itinerary means a lot of driving and can be pretty rushed! Actual travel times may vary depending on road conditions, weather, and how long you choose to spend at each location.
Quick Facts to Visiting Olympic National Park
In the heart of Washington State, Olympic National Park is a spectacular convergence of three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped mountains, over 70 miles of wild coastline, and mossy rainforests that are among the world’s few temperate ones.
Fun fact: the park is home to the quietest spot in the United States, known as ‘One Square Inch of Silence,’ located in the Hoh Rain Forest!
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Entrance Fee | $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours a day, all year round (Some roads may be closed in winter) |
| Visitor Center Names | Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center |
| Park Entrances | Staircase Entrance, Hurricane Ridge Entrance, Elwha Entrance, Ozette Entrance |
| Main Activities | Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping, Fishing, Boating |
| Number of Campgrounds | 15 campgrounds |
| Number of Hotels | More than 10 in-park lodges and hotels or nearby options like: 📍Luxury: Woodland Inns 📍Mid-range: Pacific Inn Motel 📍Budget: Ocean Star Inn |
| Best Time to Visit | May through September |
| Nearest Cities | Port Angeles (2 miles), Seattle (82 miles) |
| Nearest Airports | William R. Fairchild International Airport (5 miles), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (85 miles) |
What to Do in Olympics National Park in One Day
Early Morning: Hurricane Ridge
The crown jewel of Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is the park’s most easily accessible mountain area. It has views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, along with opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. During winter months, the ridge receives up to forty feet of snow!
Warning! In 2023, wildfires have destroyed the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, but hopefully, it’ll be up and running next season. Construction may cause road closures. Also like the year we went, wildfires cause complete whiteouts here.
To get there, enter through Port Angeles and take Hurricane Ridge Road for seventeen miles to reach the visitor center. There are also several trails up here if you want to start your day off in a sweat. But I wouldn’t take on a longer hike since there’s so much else to do in the day, or maybe just go on sections of the trail.
Sunrise Point Trail
For a shorter, less strenuous walk, the Sunrise Point Trail could be a perfect choice. This 0.5-mile one way trail begins at the Sunrise Point parking area and leads to an overlook with stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Hurricane Hill Trail
This 3.4-mile round-trip trail starts near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. It’s fairly easy and takes hikers through subalpine meadows with astonishing views of the Olympic Range. Wildlife sightings are common, so watch for marmots, deer, and even the occasional mountain goat.
Mid-Morning: Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls
On your way to the Olympic Peninsula, stop at Lake Crescent, a deep and crystal-clear lake at the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. During the summer months, you can rent kayaks and canoes or just go for a swim in this glacier-carved lake with Pyramid Peak in the background.
There’s a trail around the lake, known as the Lake Crescent Lodge Nature Trail. Otherwise, an easy 1.8-mile round-trip trail to Marymere Falls takes you through old-growth forests to the 90-foot falls.
On our trip, the wildfires may have obstructed our view of the lake, but the misty haze actually had a mystical beauty of its own. I loved photographing here!
Afternoon: Sol Duc Valley
Sol Duc Valley and Falls
The Sol Duc Valley is another must-visit destination in Olympic National Park. This lush, emerald valley is home to one of the most scenic waterfalls in the park: the Sol Duc Falls. This roaring, multi-tiered waterfall is just a short hike from the Sol Duc Valley trailhead.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see any the day we went, but this river is one of the few places in the world where salmon runs throughout the year!
To reach the falls, park your car at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort parking lot and follow the well-marked trail for approximately 0.8 miles through the beautiful old-growth forest.
As you approach the falls, you’ll likely hear the powerful roar of the waterfall echoing through the forest before you see it. Once you arrive, four separate falls tumble down into the narrow, rocky canyon below.
While at Sol Duc Valley, consider taking a dip in the Sol Duc Hot Springs, an undeveloped, warm pool amidst the temperate rainforest. This trail is accessible via a 2.5 mile trail at the end of the closed Olympic Hot Springs Road, which will take a lot of time in your day.
Forks, Washington
Forks, the wettest town in the contiguous United States, is also known for being the setting of the popular book and movie series Twilight. I can’t say I am a fan, but I also can’t deny that I stopped to look at the lifesize cut-outs of Jacob and Edward at one of the local shops or visited some of the filming locations around town here.
Late Afternoon: Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach
Hoh Rain Forest
One of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rain Forest. This temperate rainforest receives over 14 feet of rain annually, creating a green canopy of moss-draped trees and fern-coated floor.
Two popular trails in Hoh Rain Forest are the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail. Both are short and easy hikes.
Travel Tip! The rainforest lives up to its name in wetness, so bring waterproof clothing and prepare for muddy trails.
Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses is a short 0.8-mile loop trail through the rainforest. Walking this trail, you’ll marvel at the enormous Sitka spruces and western hemlocks, some of which are more than 300 years old. The trail is relatively flat and easy, just a bit wet.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.4-mile loop through slightly more varied scenery, including glimpses of the Hoh River and Taft Creek. You might spot more animals like, Roosevelt elk, Pacific tree frogs, or even a black bear.
Ruby Beach
One of the most visited and photographed beaches in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach has a scenery of sea, sand, and towering rock formations. It’s known for the reddish hue the beach takes on at sunset, giving it its name.
To get there, it’s a short, 0.25-mile trail from the parking lot to the beach itself. The path takes you through a forest before opening up to piles of driftwood, then the majestic coast.
Upon reaching the beach, the first thing to catch your eye will likely be the monolithic sea stacks rising from the ocean. These geological wonders are shaped by millennia of erosion and a great backdrop for photographs.
Tide pools, filled with aquatic life like starfish, anemones, and crabs, are a common sight. Check the tide tables as these pools are best during low tide.
Other Places to Visit with More Time
Well, that’s quite the whirlwind trip around Olympic National Park. If you have more than one day, I would recommend spending more time in each place, maybe going on more hikes or just having more time to chill. Here are some other places you may want to add:
Quinault Rain Forest
The Quinault Rain Forest is another stunning temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park. It’s less visited than the Hoh Rain Forest, but equally as beautiful.
Lake Ozette
Located in the northwest corner of the park, Lake Ozette offers a different experience from Lake Crescent. This lake is known for its rugged coastline and sea stacks, as well as the 9-mile Ozette Loop trail.
Rialto Beach & Second Beach
Rialto Beach and Second Beach are two other stunning beaches in Olympic National Park. Rialto Beach is known for its sea stacks and driftwood, while Second Beach has a beautiful waterfall cascading onto the beach. Both require short hikes to access.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay overnight in Olympic National Park, there are a few options available. The Lake Crescent Lodge offers cozy cabins and rooms with lake views. There are also many campgrounds throughout the park.
Best Hotels near Olympic National Park
| Hotel Name | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| Luxury: Woodland Inns | – Amazing cabins with everything you need – Hiking trails nearby |
| Mid-range: Pacific Inn Motel | – Great location in town and comfortable room – Close to hiking spots and the ocean |
| Budget: Ocean Star Inn | – Near the park, close to local restaurants -Comfortable suites with kitchens |
Camping in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a camper’s paradise with an impressive range of campgrounds. The park has around 15 developed campgrounds, offering approximately 900 campsites.
Here are some of the most popular:
| Campground Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Deer Park Campground | – High-altitude camping – Views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. – Perfect for star-gazing due to its remote location |
| Hoh Rainforest Campground | – Inside the temperate rainforest – Easy access to the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature trails |
| Fairholme Campground | – Camp near the clear, blue waters of Lake Crescent – Great fishing and boating opportunities – Close to the popular Storm King and Marymere Falls trails. |
| Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground | – Relax in the resort’s hot springs – Perfect base for the Sol Duc Valley – Nearby access to the Sol Duc River for fishing |
| Kalaloch Campground | – Beach camping on the Pacific Coast – Sunset views over the ocean – Easy access to the Kalaloch and Ruby Beaches |
Is 1 Day Enough for Olympic National Park?
While it’s possible to visit Olympic National Park in a single day, ideally, you’ll want to have two days to fully explore this diverse and expansive park. A one-day visit will only allow for a brief taste of the park’s highlights, and you’ll likely be on a very tight schedule. Start your day early and be prepared to pick and choose where you want to focus your time.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Olympic National Park. The weather starts to warm up, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, and the park begins to bloom with wildflowers. The lower visitor numbers during this season mean less crowded trails and more peaceful encounters with nature. Don’t forget your rain gear, though, as showers are quite common.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, with the best weather and longest days. Temperatures sit comfortably between 60°F to 80°F, ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the beaches. However, expect larger crowds and make sure to book accommodation well in advance.
Fall (September – November)
Fall presents a spectacular display of changing foliage in the park, particularly in the lowland forest areas. Temperatures can vary widely, anywhere between 30°F to 70°F, and the likelihood of rain increases as winter approaches. This is a great time to spot wildlife as they prepare for winter.
Winter (December – February)
Winter in Olympic National Park is cold and rainy, with snowfall common in the higher elevations. Many areas of the park become inaccessible, but you can go explore winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitor numbers are at their lowest at this time.
How to Get There
Olympic National Park is located in the northwest corner of Washington State, on the Olympic Peninsula. There are several ways to get there:
By Air: The nearest major airport to the park is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 140 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to the park, a journey of about 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into smaller airports like William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles, which is closer but serviced by fewer airlines.
By Ferry: From downtown Seattle, you can take the Bainbridge Island ferry, which is a scenic 35-minute crossing. Once you reach Bainbridge Island, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the park. This way, you can avoid driving through the busy Tacoma area.
By Car: If you’re driving from Portland, Oregon, expect a drive of about 4-5 hours. From Vancouver, British Columbia, the drive is around 5 hours. The park has various entrances, but the most used are those near Port Angeles and Forks.
By Public Transport: Clallam Transit operates a summer shuttle from Port Angeles to popular spots in the park. From Seattle, you can take a combination of buses and ferries to reach the park, but this will take significantly longer than driving.
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Olympic National Park
I hope this Olympic National Park itinerary has inspired you with ideas on how to spend a perfect day in the diverse ecosystems of this incredible destination. From lush rainforests and sunset beaches to hot springs and mountain peaks, I know I tried to fit everything I could into one day.
If you found this guide helpful and happen to be going to other parts of Washington, be sure to check out these additional itineraries for more amazing destinations.
Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Washington?
I’ve vanlifed through Washington on two extensive road trips, once just up and down the coast and another from the east to west. If you happen to be traveling anywhere in Washington, check out these other destination itineraries.
- The Best Way To Spend One Day In North Cascades for First-Timers
- Perfect One Day in Olympic National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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