Olympic National Park: What to See and How to Live an Unforgettable Adventure

Does the wild call of the Pacific North West appeal to you? Then it's time to pack your backpack and head off to Washington. Those who love authentic nature and want to go beyond the beaten track cannot miss Olympic National Park . A park and much more to discover different ecosystems, ranging from the rainforest to the most majestic peaks without excluding some beaches.

Be careful though, unlike other parks, it has many roads that cross it and being so large requires a bit of planning. Find out what to see in Olympic National Park and the best way to organize an itinerary.

Olympic National Park what to see

Between impenetrable forests, wild beaches and majestic mountains, Olympic National Park is one of the uncontaminated jewels of the Pacific North West of the United States . It is the most precious park for its great extension and the fact that it preserves within it so many different ecosystems. If you are planning a trip to this area here are some practical tips on what to see according to your preferences and how to organize an itinerary.

The coastal area

If you are looking for breathtaking views of the ocean, start from these places. The first is Ruby Beach , easy to reach, is among the top settings for sunset lovers. The sea stacks emerging from the waves, the dark sand and the logs have made this one of the most famous images of the park.

Moving north, and not too far from Ruby Beach is Rialto Beach , equally famous for its long beach and the Hole in the Wall rock formation. Be careful of the tides: at certain times of the day the water can completely cover the return path. Also not to be missed is Kalaloch , a cult place for photography lovers. Among the most photographed spots is Tree of Life , a tree suspended between two cliffs that seems to defy gravity and the laws of nature.

The forest area

A must-see stop is the Hoh Rain Forest to immerse yourself in the most forested area of ​​the park. Between trails and excursions you find yourself immersed in forests of ancient trees, giant ferns and a pleasant silence interrupted only by the occasional bird song. There are two main trails: Hall of Mosses Loop and Spruce Nature Trail, perfect even for those who have little time to dedicate to the excursion.

Moving to the southern part of the park, Lake Quinault and its forest offer a quieter but equally evocative experience. From here you can continue on to the Quinault Rain Forest Nature Loop , walking along the Willaby Creek , or reach the Big Spruce Tree , one of the largest trees in the region. Also not to be missed is the Lake Quinault Lodge.

Mountain excursions

The mountain range of the park is one of the must-see places; among the most accessible points to admire it is the Hurricane Ridge that offers views as far as the eye can see especially on the clearest days. Here, the trails known as Cirque Rim Trail and Hurricane Hill Trail are not to be missed, which stand out for their moderate difficulty.

Don't miss Lake Crescent , a glacial lake with deep, clear waters, perfect for a walk or at certain times of the year for a kayak excursion. Equally top is a trail of about 2.5 km known as the Marymere Falls Trail that leads to the 30-meter-high waterfalls of the same name.

Valleys and secret views

Sol Duc Valley is known for its natural hot springs and the powerful Sol Duc Falls , considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. The Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail is easily accessible and perfect for a short hike, while the Deer Lake Trail and Lovers Lane Loop offer longer routes for those who want to explore the forest interior along the Sol Duc River.

In the southeast, I suggest you don’t miss the Staircase Area near Lake Cushman : a little-known gem. The Staircase Rapids Loop , about 3 km long, is appreciated for spectacular views of the Skokomish River and passes over a suggestive wooden bridge while the Shady Lane Trail leads to the shores of the lake where you can relax and organize a picnic.

How to Plan a Trip to Olympic National Park

If you are struggling to plan a visit to Olympic National Park, don't make the mistake of improvising. The first golden rule is organization, so you can best manage your itineraries based on how much time you have available.

If you're starting out from Seattle and plan on taking a day trip, you'll want to focus on one area; for example, Hurricane Ridge with breathtaking views and a 40-minute drive from Port Angeles, or nearby Crescent Lake , a 30-minute drive away. If you'd rather do something more relaxing, don't miss Ruby and Rialto Beaches , or visit the Hoh Rain Forest , one of the world's best-preserved temperate rainforests.

Those who have a full day can instead opt for a circular route starting from Hurricane Ridge to move towards Lake Crescent and reach the Sol Duc Valley. If you do not have a rental car, a good option is to rely on organized tours: there are many that leave from the city and return to the starting point in the evening; it is a comfortable and safe option but with less freedom.

Where is Olympic National Park and how to get there

Hidden in the mists and wild landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula below the district of Washington lies this natural wonder. The best way to get there is from Seattle, just over a 2-hour drive away.

The park is open year-round (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) but the hours of the four Visitor Centers vary depending on the season. The best time to see it? From June to September when the weather is more favorable and precipitation is less.

Admission is $30 per vehicle and the pass (purchasable online) is valid for 7 consecutive days . To save money if you are planning a road trip in the United States, there is the option of the America the Beautiful pass with which you can access all the US national parks in unlimited mode for a year.