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Washington State Olympic National Park is northwest of the contiguous United States. It is a green paradise and perfect for spring and summer trips. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from lush jungles to rocky shores and soaring mountains, offer stunning views. There is something fun to do every season, whether you want to hike, watch wildlife, or just take in the view. Olympic National Park offers year-round outdoor adventures for nature lovers, thanks to its diverse ecosystems.
Location Of Olympic National Park Washington
Photo: Davis Doherty / Wikimedia Commons
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, bordering the Pacific Ocean on the west. Olympic National Park is famous for temperate rainforests, rocky coastlines, and snow-capped mountain peaks. The park covers almost 1 million acres and is easy to get to from nearby towns like Port Angeles.
How To Reach Washington State Olympic National Park
Photo: DiscoA340 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA), about 100 miles away is the closest airport to the park. You can rent a car and drive to the park. There are also flights from smaller regional airports like Port Angeles Airport (CLM), but there are fewer choices.
By Road: There are several ways to get to Olympic National Park by car. Most people take these routes.
- From Seattle, take I-5 south to Highway 101, which goes around the park.
- From Port Angeles, Highway 101 takes you straight into the park at the northern opening.
- Driving from Seattle to the park takes about 2–2.5 hours.
By Train: Amtrak goes to Seattle from several places. Olympic National Park is not easy to reach from Seattle. You will need to take a bus or rent a car, and the park can’t be reached By Train.
Places To Visit In And Around Washington State Olympic National Park
Here is the list of places that you can visit near the Washington State Olympic National Park during your trip.
1. Hurricane Ridge
Photo: Cody Logan / Wikimedia Commons
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most famous and easy to get to places in the park. It’s only a few minutes from downtown Port Angeles. There are many hiking spots and breathtaking vistas, including mountains such as Mt Olympus. Also, you can enjoy views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca clearly across the water into Canada.
Timing: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
2. Hoh Rainforest
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons
Go to the Hoh Rain Forest if you want to see huge trees covered in grass and more shades of green than you ever thought possible. Besides, a walk through this untouched old-growth forest will make you fall in love with nature. The Hoh jungle is one of the best examples of a temperate jungle in the United States. No matter what time of year you are visiting this place don’t forget to carry a raincoat and extra clothes as the weather is quite unpredictable here
Timing: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
3. Lake Crescent Lodge
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Crescent is the most beautiful lake in the foothills of Olympic National Park. It’s easy to see why going to the Lake Crescent Lodge and visiting the area around it is one of the most popular things to do in Olympic National Park. There are great places to hike in the area, and Marymere Falls is a famous place to go kayaking. The Spruce Railroad Trail is on the other side of the lake.
Timing: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
4. Sol Duc Falls
Photo: Sea Cow / Wikimedia Commons
People love how peaceful and quiet the Sol Duc Valley is. As soon as you get off the highway and enter this part of Olympic National Park, you’ll understand why these lush, green lands are so appealing. There are many hiking trails in the famous hot springs and a resort where you should spend some time.
Timing: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
5. Coastal Beaches
Photo: Ron Clausen / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the beaches along the coast and feeling the force of the waves is one of the most amazing things to do near the Washington State Olympic National Park. Exploring all the beaches requires ample time, as each offers its unique beauty and charm. Visitors can enjoy the surf, discover hidden treasures along the shoreline, and explore the captivating tide pools. You can also just sit back, enjoy the view and take it easy.
Timing: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
Where To Stay
Photo: John Manard / Wikimedia Commons
Port Angeles is the biggest town on the peninsula, so it’s an excellent place to start your trip to Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rainforest. Hotels, inns, and vacation homes are all places to stay. It’s about an hour east of Port Angeles and not as close to the Olympic Peninsula, but Port Townsend has a lot of hotels and beautiful places to visit. The park also has several sites, such as Heart O’ the Hills Campground (near Hurricane Ridge), Hoh Campground (near the Hoh Rainforest), and Mora Campground (near Rialto Beach). During the busy season, you should make a booking earlier.
Where To Eat
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons
When you go to Washington State Olympic National Park, there are many places to eat in the towns that are close by. Try The Hurricane Coffee Shop or The Blue Mountain Grill to eat somewhere relaxed in Port Angeles. The entrance to Olympic National Park is only 20 miles away from Lake Crescent Lodge. Along the shore of Lake Crescent, the house is tucked away among big fir and hemlock trees.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to explore Olympic National Park on mostly sunny days, the best time to go is between summer and early autumn. That is when you can experience warm days and cool nights, making it a great time to camp and hike. In the summer season, the weather remains pleasant so most people like to visit at this time; so if you must book your ticket in advance.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Doug Kerr / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of A Trip
How you plan to travel and what you want to do can change how much a trip to Washington State Olympic National Park costs. A cheap trip might cost about $180 (INR15,189.13) for three days to drive, camp, and cook meals. This includes petrol, park fees, and camping fees. A trip with hotels, guided tours, and fine eating could cost around $700 (INR 59,068.87) for a middle-class traveller. A trip with a resort, guided tours, and fine dining could cost over $900 (INR 75,945.69). Some extra costs might include getting there, renting boats or going on trips with a guide, and buying souvenirs.
Tips For Travellers
- Before you walk to the beach, check the tide times.
- Get to popular spots early.
- Plan your park activities with time, distance, and elevation in mind.
- If you want to camp, make a reservation.
- Bring a topo map and tide chart if you want to hike along the coast.
The Washington State Olympic National Park has many beautiful natural areas, such as mossy rainforests, misty coastlines, mountain views, and calm lakes. With its wide range of environments and endless outdoor activities, it can offer both excitement and peace. If you follow this plan, you’ll be ready to make the most of your first trip to one of the most beautiful parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Cover Photo: Robert Schrader / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
