Basic Itinerary For Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a breathtaking destination in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, encompassing nearly a million acres of mountains, forests, beaches, and wilderness. This stunning natural wonder is home to diverse ecosystems, rare wildlife, and some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. A well-planned itinerary for Olympic National Park can help you make the most of your trip to this incredible destination.

Day 1: Arrive in Olympic National Park

Start your adventure by arriving at Olympic National Park, which is located in the state of Washington. You can fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then drive to the park, which takes around 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Port Angeles or Forks, which are both located near the park’s entrances.

After arriving, you can explore the nearby town of Port Angeles, which offers restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, where you can get maps, information on hiking trails, and advice on how to explore the park.

Day 2: Explore the Beaches

On your second day in the park, you can head to the beaches, which are some of the most beautiful and unique features of Olympic National Park. Start by visiting Rialto Beach, which is famous for its sea stacks, tide pools, and rugged coastline. You can walk along the beach, explore the tide pools, and watch the waves crash against the rocks.

After visiting Rialto Beach, you can drive to Second Beach, which is another stunning location on the Olympic Peninsula. Here, you can hike through the forest and then descend to the beach, where you can see towering sea stacks and explore the tide pools.

Day 3: Hike in the Rainforest

Olympic National Park is known for its lush rainforests, which are some of the wettest and most beautiful in the world. On your third day in the park, you can hike through the Hoh Rainforest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular destinations in the park.

Here, you can walk along the Hall of Mosses Trail, which is a short, easy hike that takes you through the heart of the rainforest. You can see towering trees covered in moss, ferns, and other plants, as well as a variety of wildlife, such as elk, deer, and birds.

Day 4: Visit Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a stunning glacial lake located in the northern part of Olympic National Park. On your fourth day in the park, you can drive to the lake and spend the day exploring the surrounding area.

You can take a hike along the Marymere Falls Trail, which takes you through a lush forest and leads to a beautiful waterfall. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 5: Discover Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is a mountainous area in the heart of Olympic National Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. On your fifth day in the park, you can drive to Hurricane Ridge and spend the day exploring the area.

Here, you can hike along the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding wilderness. You can also take a guided tour of the area, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Day 6: Explore Sol Duc

Sol Duc is a beautiful area in the western part of Olympic National Park, which is famous for its hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. On your sixth day in the park, you can drive to Sol Duc and spend the day exploring the area.