Best Day Hikes In Olympic National Park – If you are visiting Washington state, you must visit Olympic National Park. First, the national park is only two hours from Seattle. Second, there are many wonderful things to do in Olympic National Park, and third, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States of America.
We hadn’t planned to visit Olympic National Park, but after TBEX TriCities (a travel blogging conference we’ve been enjoying since 2011) we took a trip down the coast of Washington state. We decided to visit this amazing national park in a whirlwind around the Olympic Peninsula.
Best Day Hikes In Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park covers about one million hectares. The park is a landscape of snowy mountains, glacial meadows, beaches and plenty of hiking trails. When planning your trip to Olympic National Park, you will be spoiled for choice for all kinds of activities. For those looking to escape city life and stay in a cabin, tent or camper for a while, a national park is the perfect adventure.
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking
This guide covers all the best things to do in Olympic National Park. You can soak in hot springs, ski, or see mountain goats and lions along scenic hiking trails. We give you plenty of inspiration.
But first some important things. Here are some quick questions with essential information before you visit Olympia National Park.
If you’re staying in Seattle and want to explore Olympic National Park, this full-size trail offers a great overview of the park’s best area!
The most popular way to get to Olympia National Park is by car or bus. Which one you choose depends mainly on where you want to go, so plan ahead for the activities you want to do while visiting Olympic National Park.
Olympic National Park Elopement
Driving is the easiest way to get to the South from Seattle. If you want to go north, it’s best to take a ferry across Puget Sound from Seattle. The ferries accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians – so you don’t have to leave your car if you’re taking the ferry first.
Booking transportation to Olympic National Park is a good idea if you want to see the dam area. There is also bus service from Seattle to Olympic National Park, so you can use public transportation to get to the parks if you want more freedom but can’t drive.
The easiest way around Olympia National Park is by car. Although there are buses and shuttle services, they do not cover all the sites, attractions and activities in Olympic National Park. With a car you will be able to get anywhere you want. Check the best car rental prices here.
Of course, you want to focus on Olympic National Park. You don’t have to worry much about moving or driving. You’ll sacrifice some freedom, but it’s a great option if you don’t want to rent a car.
Backpacking Summer Camps
It is generally advisable to visit national parks to avoid crowds and peak seasons. But Olympic National Park is spectacular in July and August.
If you visit before the school holidays in June or September, you can avoid the crowds that the park attracts during the height of summer. Plan to visit Olympic National Park as soon as possible in July and August.
These months have warmer weather, and are less likely to close the bait due to weather. Intersections can be frustrating, especially if you travel a long way to see a particular attraction. The best time to visit is during the summer when most are open.
Quinault Lake is a glacial lake at the bottom of the Olympic National Forest. Nestled in a scenic cave in the Quinault Valley, the scenic lake is a venue for water sports and a popular place to stay in Olympic National Park.
I Heart Pacific Northwest
There are two lodges in the Quinault Valley, and Lake Quinault Lodge is looking for luxury accommodations. Of course, you don’t have to stay overnight. Also, visiting Lake Quinault for a few hours is one of the most fun things to do in Olympic National Park. There’s nothing better than a quick swim, fishing or kayaking on a hot day. You can read reviews on TripAdvisor and compare prices on Booking.com
La Push Beaches Three beaches are imaginatively named First Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach. A series of lakes lie on the Pacific Northwest coast of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. For an unforgettable day at the beach, visiting these beaches is one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park.
The first beach is easy to access and is directly in front of the town of La Push. The second and third beaches are accessible via footpaths and the footpaths can be reached by driving on La Push Road.
The beaches of La Push are known for their lively and stunning natural formations. On a lucky day you can see whales and eagles, and all the beaches have fabulous sea and tide pools. The first beach is the most famous one mentioned in the Twilight saga. The first beach has huge trees like driftwood washed by the water, so it’s a great photo spot.
A Trail Guide For Disabled Hikers
The Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway stretches 61 miles along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula. You can drive the length of the back road in less than two hours – with the added bonus of a day trip to Olympic National Park.
Sandwiched between the John de Fuca Strait and Olympic National Park, riders have beautiful views on both sides. The past is great for those who want to make a short trip and you can stop at many points along the way.
Driving along the scenic route is a good idea to visit the beaches of Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, Makah Indian Reservation or La Push. There’s already enough drive to visit the park, so you might as well travel with the players, right?
The Klahhane Trail is the ultimate fitness test. If you want challenging activities in the national park, the Klahane Ridge to Angeles Mountain Trail is on the hiking list.
See A 90 Foot Waterfall On This Under 3 Mile Hike
Clahane’s back is no armor for the trifling; You need a strong stomach and good posture. It is a narrow mountain and requires a strenuous climb. Luckily, you’ve got a magnificent view of Olympic National Park to keep you moving – don’t overlook it. On a clear day you have an even better view from the top of Mount Angels. Even if you’ve visited Olympic National Park before, the 360-degree view is impressive.
Allow eight or ten hours to complete the Klahane climb to the top of Mount Angels. A day in the National Park is packed with activity and requires advance preparation as facilities are very limited once you arrive.
Does the Klahhana track sound a bit too intense? Hike to Marymere Falls instead. Let’s forget all the chatter today; Marymere falls within an hour.
The Marymere Falls Trail is one of the best short trails in the National Park. It also has a magical atmosphere that makes it perfect for families with small children. You pass through ancient forest growth, twisting past trees and fairy tales – a waterfall that comes out with a small splash.
Best Hikes In Olympic National Park
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a luxury hotel option and one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park. The National Park Service developed the first approach, commercializing natural hot springs and turning them into formal pools. Now you can stay at the resort and enjoy the hot springs or swim in the pools without delay.
Really hot sessions last up to ninety minutes and are limited in availability. We advise you to book in advance to avoid coming and searching for free seats. It is worth noting that the sources are only temporarily open. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort closes its pools in the winter and reopens them between spring and fall.
Sol Duck Hot Springs are a safer alternative to Olympic Hot Springs, which, while free to use, are considered a higher risk for dangerous bacteria and can irritate bathers. Commercial hot water is generally best for safe and comfortable washing.
Hoh Rainforest is an incredibly beautiful temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park. It is a major landmark within the national park boundaries and one of the top places to visit in Olympic National Park. The challenging Hoh River Trail is the most scenic way to experience the Hoh Rainforest.
Olympic National Park — The Greatest American Road Trip
The word ‘hoh’ is Native American and comes from the word for living water. The Hoh River lives up to its name and is especially impressive after heavy rains. From the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center the river trail follows the river to the Blue Glacier. The trail is 36 miles long, although you can choose shorter sections to hike if you’re short on time.
Mostly hikers
