Are you planning a visit to Olympic National Park but can’t decide which places to see? Keep reading for the ultimate guide on the must-see places in Olympic National Park
Located in the northwest corner of Washington in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is a diverse natural wonderland, offering an unparalleled range of ecosystems. From rugged coastline and lush temperate rainforests to alpine mountains and glacial lakes, there are so many must-see places in Olympic National Park.
The park covers nearly a million acres of pristine forest and coastlines, which means that you’ll have endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. You can hike along the hundreds of miles of trails, walk along the beaches admiring the views, kayak or paddle board on crystal clear waters, and explore unique natural landmarks.
The size of the park also means that you’ll need to be prepared to drive long distances between sites—a car is definitely required for any visit here. You can group nearby sites together to visit on the same day, or spread out your accommodations across the park to prevent a long drive back each day. There are several campgrounds (none of which have showers), lodges and AirBnb’s spread throughout the park.
You will need a National Park Pass to visit. You can buy both day ($30 good for 7 days) and annual passes ($80) at an entrance station within any national park, but for Olympic I recommend getting one ahead of time. Entrance stations are only located in a few areas of the park, but you’ll need one to park in or visit several other areas as well.
*Free and Discounted National Park Passes
Many people qualify for a free or discounted National Park Pass. Seniors (62+) can get a lifetime pass for the price of an annual pass. Military, Veterans, 4th Graders, and People with Disabilities all qualify for free lifetime passes.
With so many amazing places to explore, how do you choose which ones to see?
After spending the last two summers exploring the park, I’ve compiled a list of places I think everyone should visit. These destinations (which are not in any particular order, but read till the end for a hidden gem) showcase the best of what this remarkable park has to offer.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is renowned for its brilliantly blue, clear waters making it one of the top must-see places in Olympic National Park. It is located in the northern section of the park on Hwy 101, just 20 miles east of Port Angeles. During the warmer summer months, there’s no shortage of recreational activities. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular as well as swimming near the shore or in popular swimming areas like Devil’s Punchbowl. Surrounded by mountains and lined by forests, the tranquil landscape makes the water as stunning as it is refreshing. You can also explore hiking trails around the lake, like the Marymere Falls Trail and the Spruce Railroad Trail. Though some areas can get very crowded, you can take a drive around the lake and discover a number of smaller beaches where you’re sure to find some peace and solitude.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Just a 25-minute drive off Highway 101 and about an hour from Port Angeles, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features soothing mineral hot spring pools where you can relax and unwind. There are four pools, each with a different temperature to suit your liking. The entrance fee is $18 for adults for a 1.5 hour session. If you forget to bring your own, they offer towel rentals for a small fee.
The pools are clean, well maintained, and very relaxing. Other facilities at the resort include a restaurant, mercantile, gift shop, and locker rooms with hot showers—an excellent option if you’re camping.
Sol Duc Falls
Continue up Sol Duc Road from the resort for a few miles and you’ll find yourself at the parking lot for the Sol Duc Falls trailhead. This easy 1.8-mile out-and-back section of the longer Sol Duc Nature Trail will take you through a stunning temperate forest filled with old-growth trees, babbling brooks, and lush undergrowth. It’s one of the most beautiful walks in the park. At the end of the short section, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Sol Duc Falls, where cascading waters plunge into a mossy gorge.
This is one of the most popular trails in the park so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Parking can also be an issue mid-day when you’ll see cars parked along the shoulder for miles.
Kalaloch Beach and the Tree of Life
Kalaloch Beach is one of the most southern beaches in the park and the only beach that has a campground attached to it. The Campground at Kalaloch offers the unique experience of camping with a view of the Pacific Ocean. These ocean view spots are highly coveted and book months in advance.
The beach is a popular spot for exploring tide pools or catching a sunset—if the fog allows. The most iconic feature is the Tree of Life, also known as the “Kalaloch Tree,” a Sitka spruce that defies the odds by clinging to life despite having most of its roots exposed and suspended in the air due to erosion.
Ruby Beach
Just north of Kalaloch Beach you’ll find the most popular beach in the park—Ruby Beach. Its popularity is well deserved as its dramatic landscapes are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.
As you make the short descent from the parking lot and the beach comes into view, the sea stacks rising from the water—often shrouded in fog and crowned with their own miniature forests and ecosystems—create an ethereal sense of stepping into another world.
At the end of the path, you’ll find a natural archway that welcomes you to this marvel. You’ll need to scramble over several hundred yards of large driftwood—some creatively fashioned into forts, chairs, and other intriguing structures—before reaching the sandy shores. There, you can stroll along the beach, explore tide pools, climb the sea stacks, and enjoy views of the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Hurricane Ridge
The scenic 17-mile drive up Hurricane Ridge Road culminates in one of the most epic vistas you’ll ever see without the effort of a hike. Panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Olympic Mountain range on one side and the misty waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the other will leave your jaw agape.
The .25-mile Meadow Ridge Trail connects the two viewpoints from the parking lot, and during the summer is filled with wildflowers. Along the trail you may also catch glimpses of deer or marmots.
For 360 degree views you can hike the short (0.5 mile loop) but steep High Ridge Nature Trail to Sunrise Point. Or, if you want more of a challenge, you can tackle one of the longer trails which begin from the parking lot.
The visitors center was lost in a wildfire in 2023, but there are restrooms and information boards with trail maps are available.
Second Beach
With a picturesque blend of dramatic coastline dotted with sea stacks and tide pools teeming with marine life, there is so much to love about Second Beach. To reach this secluded spot, you’ll need to traverse a 0.8-mile trail through a lush temperate forest—the hike is almost as enjoyable as the beach, in my opinion.
As you step onto the beach, you’re likely to encounter a dense blanket of fog, which is typical for this part of the coast. The hazy shroud makes the sea stacks look like ghostly ships floating near the shoreline. Rather than detracting from the scene, the fog enhances the experience. Perhaps it’s because I’m a native Pacific Northwesterner, but the fog felt comforting, and I could almost hear the ‘hoa, hoa, hoa’ (yes, I had to include at least one Twilight reference) coming from behind the mist.
If you wait around a while, the fog will lift, at least a little, and you’ll be able to enjoy the epic views and wondrous tidepools in a whole new light.
Rialto Beach
A little further north, you’ll discover Rialto Beach. Although close in proximity to Second Beach, Rialto Beach feels like a different world. The beach is primarily covered with smooth pebbles, stones, and piles of driftwood, and during high tide, the sand may be completely submerged.
During low tide, when the flatter sand provides an easier walking surface, the main attraction is a 1.3-mile hike along the sand to Hole in the Wall—a striking natural arch carved into a rugged rock formation. When the tide is out, the archway is surrounded by tide pools brimming with sea stars and anemones, and it offers a dramatic frame for viewing the raw natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rainforest offers a glimpse into an ancient forest filled with towering Sitka spruces and bigleaf maples, many of which are centuries old. The Instagram-famous 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses Loop Trail winds through these senescent groves, cloaked in a thick, vibrant green tapestry of willowy mosses. Giant verdant ferns and lush vegetation carpet the forest floor, creating a sense of timelessness and tranquility.
The trail’s popularity can lead to long wait times at the entrance station as well as large crowds along the trail. On my last visit, I arrived at the entrance at 8:30 a.m. and had to wait 45 minutes. Once the parking lot is full the park operates on a one car in, one car out entrance system. To avoid long wait times and enjoy a more serene experience, try to arrive before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Quinault Rainforest
Last but definitely not least, this hidden gem offers all the magic and awe of the Hoh Rainforest without the crowds. Even though you may have never heard of it before, I think this spot tops the list of must-see places in Olympic National Park. The Quinault Rainforest is located in the lesser-visited southern section of the park along the Quinault Lake Loop drive. Just a few miles off Hwy 101, you’ll find a nearly empty parking lot with a visitor center and the Maple Glade Rainforest Trailhead.
This easy 0.5-mile loop trail meanders through one of the most beautiful sections of the Quinault Rainforest accessible to hikers. Complete with giant Sitka spruces draped in velvety blankets of willowy moss and ferns so large they seem Jurassic, this trail will take your breath away. And the best part? You’ll likely have it all to yourself! Sit in silence on one of the many benches and listen to the wind rustle through the leaves or watch the moss sway in the breeze—it’s pure tranquil bliss.
Hopefully this guide has helped you decide at least a few of the must-see places in Olympic National Park you should visit. I hope that you enjoy your visit and remember to always practice leave no trace when in any natural area.
Happy travels!
xoxo – Brenda
