Must-SeeHoh Rain Forest
One of the finest temperate rain forests in the world, with giant moss-draped maples on the short Hall of Mosses loop.
Olympic National Park
Three parks in one: glacier-capped mountains, the mossy Hoh Rain Forest and wild Pacific beaches with sea stacks.
A World Heritage Site on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, with over 900,000 acres of wilderness. Hurricane Ridge has panoramic mountain views.
Rialto and Ruby Beaches have driftwood and tide pools, and it's one of the rainiest places in the Lower 48.
- Best Time
- June to September
- Time Needed
- 3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours from Seattle, by ferry and car.
The Short List
10 sights, 0 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Olympic National Park.
Your Olympic National Park list0 of 10 visited
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Must-See
Must-See
Must-SeeHurricane Ridge
A road to a mile-high meadow with deer and marmots, and a close-up view of snow-capped Mount Olympus, with winter skiing too.
Must-SeeLake Crescent and Marymere Falls
A deep glacial lake with stunning blue water and an old lodge, plus a short forest walk to a 90-foot waterfall.
Must-SeeRuby Beach and Kalaloch
The classic wild Pacific beach, with huge driftwood logs and sea stacks. The Tree of Life clings to its roots just south at Kalaloch.
Must-SeeRialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
A wild beach of huge driftwood, with a 1.5-mile walk at low tide to a natural sea arch and tide pools.
Worth a Detour
Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs
A three-pronged waterfall in old-growth forest and an old resort with soaking pools.
Worth a DetourLake Quinault
A quieter rain forest on the southwest side, with a 1926 lodge, giant trees and a loop road by the river.
Worth a DetourCape Flattery and Neah Bay
The most northwesterly point of the lower 48, on Makah land, with a cedar boardwalk and sea caves. The Makah Museum is a must.
If You're Nearby
If You're NearbyElwha Valley
Where two dams were removed from 2011 to 2014, the largest project of its kind, and the salmon came back.
If You're NearbyStaircase
A wooded river valley in the park's southeast, closest to Seattle, with a 2-mile loop and giant trees.
Getting Around
You need a car. No road crosses the middle of the park, so US 101 loops around it for about 300 miles. Treat this as a loop of several stops, and allow at least three days. Storms often cut the roads in winter, so check nps.gov/olym, or the road hotline, every day. Base yourself in Port Angeles and Forks.
Plan Your Visit
- Loop around the peninsula on US 101 in three days from Seattle.
Know Before You Go
- Roads to some areas close after storms, so check the conditions.
- Bring rain gear.
- Reservations are needed for Hoh at peak times.
- Storms often wash out park roads. Check nps.gov/olym before each drive, especially for the Hoh.
Where to Stay
Stay in Port Angeles, Forks or Lake Quinault.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
Must-See
Worth a DetourMount Rainier National Park
Washington
A glacier-covered volcano with wildflower meadows in late summer, a day trip from Seattle.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyPortland
Oregon
Food carts, Powell's City of Books and rose gardens, with the Columbia River Gorge an hour away.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Pacific Northwest list.