Olympic National Park
Rainforests, Mountains, and Wild Pacific Shores
Featured Experiences
Olympic’s size and variety can make it overwhelming, but guides make the park come alive. They know when Roosevelt elk are most active in the Hoh, where sea stacks catch the light on Rialto Beach, and how to read mountain weather at Hurricane Ridge. With a guide, you don’t just walk trails — you learn the stories of ecosystems, geology, and Native cultures that shape them.
Guided experiences range from rainforest hikes and tidepool explorations to mountain photography sessions and sea kayaking. Night tours introduce you to Olympic’s starry skies, while cultural tours highlight the park’s Indigenous heritage. With so much variety, guided trips make Olympic accessible and meaningful for every traveler.
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Olympic National Park Day Tour
Full-day guided Olympic Park tour with coast, forest, and... More
- 12 Hours • Olympic National Park, WA
- Perfect for nature lovers
- Explore beaches & rainforests
- Includes hotel pickup & lunch
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Wildlife Boat Cruise
Explore the Salish Sea’s marine life and Olympic views on a... More
- 3 Hours • Port Townsend, WA
- Ideal for nature lovers
- Spot whales and seabirds
- Guided by expert naturalists
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Summer Steelhead Rivers on Olympic Peninsula Walk and Wade
Experience fly fishing in the wild rivers of Olympic Peninsula... More
- 5–10 Hours • Olympic Peninsula, WA
- Perfect for all anglers
- Fish for trout & steelhead
- Premium gear & guides included
Suggested Itineraries
Olympic rewards visitors who slow down. Even a single day can give you mountains, mossy rainforests, and wild shores, while a week lets you sink into its rhythms. These itineraries help you shape your visit without rushing through its many worlds.
1 Day Itinerary
Spend your first day exploring the alpine world of Hurricane Ridge with short hikes to meadows and viewpoints. On day two, head to the Hoh or Quinault Rain Forests for trails through lush green cathedrals of moss and ferns. On your final day, explore the coast — Rialto or Ruby Beach for tidepooling and photography, or Shi Shi Beach if you’re up for a longer hike.
👉 Balanced mix of mountains, forests, and coastlines.
3 Day Itinerary
Spend your first day exploring the alpine world of Hurricane Ridge with short hikes to meadows and viewpoints. On day two, head to the Hoh or Quinault Rain Forests for trails through lush green cathedrals of moss and ferns. On your final day, explore the coast — Rialto or Ruby Beach for tidepooling and photography, or Shi Shi Beach if you’re up for a longer hike.
👉 Balanced mix of mountains, forests, and coastlines.
Weeklong Adventure
A full week lets you experience Olympic at its fullest. Spend two days hiking alpine trails around Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. Dedicate another two to rainforest immersion — Hoh, Quinault, and Bogachiel. Spend a day or two exploring the coast, camping overnight on Shi Shi or Second Beach for unforgettable sunsets. Use your final day to connect with nearby cultural sites, such as Makah or Quileute heritage programs, before returning to Port Angeles.
👉 Best for travelers wanting the complete “three worlds” experience of Olympic.
From mossy rainforests to wild coasts, Olympic offers endless possibilities. Permits, weather, and long distances between highlights can complicate planning. Tell us your dates and interests, and we’ll build the perfect itinerary for you.
What to Expect Each Season
One Park, Four Distinct Experiences
Olympic is open year-round, but each season feels like a different park. Knowing what to expect helps you pack and plan smart.
Spring (April–June)
Waterfalls thunder with snowmelt, wildflowers brighten meadows, and the beaches are alive with migrating birds. Rain is frequent but the park feels fresh and vibrant.
Best for: Waterfalls, wildflowers, and coastal walks.
Summer (July–September)
Warm, dry days open up high country trails and make the coast more comfortable. It’s also the busiest season, especially on weekends.
Best for: Hiking alpine ridges, camping, and tidepooling.
Fall (October–November)
Rainforests glow with golden maples and red vine maples. Wildlife is active, and crowds drop dramatically.
Best for: Photography, solitude, and elk watching.
Winter (December–March)
Hurricane Ridge becomes a snowy playground for skiing and snowshoeing. The coast and rainforests are quieter, with moody, dramatic weather.
Best for: Winter sports and off-season solitude.
Olympic National Park Tours
View All Olympic Tours & Activities
Olympic isn’t one landscape — it’s many. Guided tours help you navigate its variety, from alpine peaks to rainforest trails and rugged coastlines, making sure you see the best without worrying about logistics.
Boat Tours
Olympic’s coastline and nearby waters teem with life. Guided boat tours reveal sea stacks, seabirds, and marine mammals — from orcas to sea lions — in the Salish Sea and beyond.
Sightseeing Tours
Vehicle-based tours make it easy to see Olympic’s highlights in a single day. With a guide handling navigation, you’ll cover Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, the Hoh Rain Forest, and Rialto Beach with time to explore each.
Hiking Tours
Guided hikes reveal Olympic’s diversity, from mossy rainforest trails to panoramic ridge walks.
Fishing Trips
The Olympic Peninsula is home to legendary rivers and steelhead runs. Guided fishing trips connect you with wild waters in the shadow of the mountains, with expert tips and premium gear included.
Visitor Centers At The Park
Olympic’s visitor centers are spread across its vast expanse, each highlighting a different ecosystem. They’re essential for orientation, maps, and learning about current conditions.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center (Port Angeles)
The main hub with exhibits on all the park’s ecosystems, plus maps, rangers, and a short nature trail.
Tip: Start here for trip planning and trail updates before heading to Hurricane Ridge.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Perched high in the Olympics, it offers exhibits on alpine life and trail access to meadows and ridges.
Tip: Check weather forecasts here — mountain conditions change quickly.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Gateway to the famous Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trails, with rangers on hand to interpret the rainforest.
Tip: Arrive early — parking fills by mid-morning in summer.
Kalaloch Ranger Station
Covers the southern coast, with info on beaches, tidepooling, and camping.
Tip: Stop here to learn tide schedules before exploring the intertidal zones.
Visiting On Your Own
Olympic is vast — the size of a small country — and driving between its regions takes hours. Most visitors base in Port Angeles for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, then branch out to Forks for rainforest and beach access. A personal vehicle is essential; public transport is limited, though seasonal shuttles connect some areas.
Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 for an annual America the Beautiful pass. Backcountry camping requires permits, and overnight coastal camping has strict tide and safety rules.
Tips:
Plan your days around regions (Mountains, Rainforests, Coast) rather than trying to see it all at once.
Check tide charts before heading to beaches.
Bring layers — you can experience rain, sun, and snow in the same day.
Download maps offline; cell service is unreliable.
Winter In The Park
Driving To Hurricane Ridge
Park Information & Details
Food & Drink
Dining in the park is limited to lodge restaurants at Lake Crescent, Kalaloch, and Sol Duc. Most visitors pack picnics. Nearby towns like Port Angeles and Forks have a wider range of restaurants, from seafood to cafés.
Tip: Always bring snacks and water — distances between services are long.
What to Bring
Waterproof layers are essential, as is sturdy footwear for muddy trails. Bring bear spray, binoculars, and a camera for wildlife and scenery.
Tip: A tide chart is as important as a map if you’re exploring the coast.
Safety Tips
Weather changes fast. Stay back from logs and waves on beaches — sneaker waves are deadly. In forests, stay on boardwalks to protect delicate ecosystems.
Tip: Start early to avoid crowds at Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest.
Shuttle / Transport Info
There’s no comprehensive shuttle system, but seasonal services connect some destinations. A car is the most flexible way to explore.
Tip: Gas stations are limited — fuel up before entering remote areas.
Accessibility For All
Olympic offers accessible experiences in each ecosystem. At Hurricane Ridge, paved trails provide sweeping mountain views. The Hoh Rain Forest has an accessible section of the Hall of Mosses. Many beaches, including Kalaloch, have accessible overlooks, though sandy trails limit wheelchair access.
Tip: Ask rangers about accessibility conditions — rain and erosion can change trail surfaces quickly.
Learn About The Access Pass
Video For The Hearing Disabled
Requesting An AS Interpreter
Video For The Hearing Disabled
Maps Of The Park & Region
Olympic’s regions are separated by long drives, so maps are critical. Use them to cluster your activities by area and avoid hours on the road. Download maps offline and keep a paper copy — cell service is patchy across the peninsula.
Park Area Overview Map
Park Map
Wilderness Hiking Map
Park Gateway Towns
Where you stay shapes how you experience Olympic National Park. The park has no central hub, and its three main ecosystems — mountains, rainforests, and coast — are spread across the vast Olympic Peninsula. That means gateway towns aren’t just bases, they’re part of the adventure. From Port Angeles with its waterfront and visitor center, to Forks with its rainforest access, to Port Townsend’s historic streets and the lavender fields of Sequim, each community offers a different way into Olympic. Whether you prefer rustic cabins, seaside inns, or small-town cafés, the gateway towns make exploring this wild corner of Washington easier and more rewarding.
Port Angeles, WA
The main base for Olympic, Port Angeles is home to the park’s largest visitor center and ferry access across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hotels, restaurants, and outfitters make it the most convenient hub for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
Forks, WA
Best known for its rainforest access and Twilight fame, Forks is the gateway to the Hoh Rain Forest and wild Pacific beaches like Rialto and Second Beach. Lodging ranges from rustic cabins to family motels.
Sequim, WA
Sequim sits in the rain shadow of the Olympics, offering more sunshine than most of the peninsula. It’s famous for lavender farms and is a great base for the northeast corner of the park.
Seattle, WA
Not a gateway town but the starting point for most visitors. From Sea-Tac airport, it’s about 2.5 hours to Port Angeles, with ferries and scenic routes making the journey part of the adventure.
Port Townsend, WA
A Victorian seaport turned arts hub, Port Townsend blends historic charm with cultural energy. It’s a jumping-off point for whale-watching cruises, kayaking, and exploring the northeastern Olympic Peninsula.
Olympic Peninsula
Beyond individual towns, the broader Olympic Peninsula offers endless adventure — scenic drives along US-101, fishing on wild rivers, and quiet lodges tucked into forests or along the coast. Staying anywhere on the peninsula puts you within reach of Olympic’s diverse worlds.
What Visitors Say About The Park
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
