Few national parks contain as much variety as Olympic, on Washington’s remote peninsula. In a single trip you can stand among moss-draped rainforest trees, gaze at glaciated peaks, and walk a wild, foggy Pacific beach strewn with driftwood and sea stacks.
The Temperate Rainforests
The Hoh and Quinault rainforests receive enormous amounts of rain, producing a lush, green world of towering Sitka spruce and bigleaf maples hung with moss. The Hall of Mosses trail in the Hoh is a short, magical introduction. Expect rain in any season — it is, after all, a rainforest.
Hurricane Ridge and the Mountains
A winding road climbs from the town of Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge, where on a clear day you look across a sea of jagged, snow-streaked peaks. Short trails along the ridge offer wildflowers in summer and big views year-round, though the road can close in winter weather.
The Wild Coast
Olympic’s coastline is among the most dramatic in the Lower 48. Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach and Second Beach feature towering sea stacks, tide pools and bleached driftwood. Check a tide table before exploring — some beach sections are impassable at high tide.
Lake Crescent and Sol Duc
The deep, clear waters of Lake Crescent are perfect for a paddle or a lakeside walk. Nearby, the Sol Duc valley offers a beautiful waterfall and hot springs.
Planning Tips
- Distances are large. The park wraps around the peninsula; driving between regions takes hours.
- Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
- Allow at least 3–4 days to sample all three ecosystems.
- Base in Port Angeles or Forks for access to multiple areas.
Olympic is really three parks in one. Embrace the drizzle, plan for the drives, and you will experience a range of wild landscapes few places on earth can match.