Olympic National Park is an incredible expanse of nearly 1,400 square miles, covering much of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Due to its vast size and the layout of the park, traveling between destinations can take considerable time. Ideally, we recommend spending several days or up to a week exploring Olympic National Park. However, we understand that time can be limited. If you’re short on time, we’ve crafted a guide to help you visit some of the park’s highlights in just one day.
Here’s our suggested itinerary for a one-day visit to Olympic National Park. Keep in mind that it’s impossible to see everything in one day, so you’ll need to prioritize which attractions to explore.
Olympic National Park Itinerary
Where to Stay
Maximize your time by staying close to Olympic National Park. We recommend Port Angeles, offering convenient access to Hurricane Ridge. Here are a few options:
– Red Lion Hotel: A lovely waterside option with nearby activities and restaurants.
– Quality Inn: Affordable and close to main spots, with the bonus of onsite laundry.
– Port Angeles Inn: Another good choice, with some rooms offering views over the town and harbor.
Morning
Start your day with an early breakfast in Port Angeles:
– Taylor Restaurant: Classic diner fare, opens at 6 a.m.
– Priscilla’s Cruise In Cafe: Great breakfast and lunch, opens at 5 a.m. (closed Sunday and Monday)
– NW Coffee Company: Coffee and breakfast to-go, opens at 5:30 a.m.
Next, head to Hurricane Ridge, a 40-minute drive from Port Angeles. It’s the most accessible mountain area in the park, offering breathtaking views and several hiking trails. Note that only 345 vehicles are currently allowed per day. Arrive early or take the bus if necessary.
Hiking at Hurricane Ridge:
– High Ridge: A short, 0.5-mile hike to Sunrise Point.
– Hurricane Hill: A 3.3-mile hike with sweeping views, taking roughly 2 hours.
From Hurricane Ridge, drive about an hour to Marymere Falls. This 90-foot waterfall is situated along a 1.6-mile round-trip trail, offering a beautiful hike through old-growth forest. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this stop.
Afternoon
Choose one beach to explore, as travel time between beaches can be lengthy. You’ll want to reach the Hoh Rainforest at least an hour before sunset.
Beaches to Consider:
– First Beach: Easily accessible by road and close to La Push.
– Second Beach: A 2.1-mile round-trip hike, less crowded than First Beach.
– Cape Alava: Requires a 6.5-mile hike, but offers a remote and wild experience.
For lunch, stop in Forks, Washington. Options include:
– Where’s the Frybread: Tasty local frybread.
– Sully’s Drive-In: Burgers and fried food.
– D&K BBQ: A hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint.
Early Evening
Spend your early evening at the Hoh Rainforest, an awe-inspiring area known for its lush greenery and moss-covered trees. Arrive late to avoid midday crowds.
Hikes in Hoh Rainforest:
– Hall of Mosses Trail: A 0.8-mile trail that’s a must-see.
– Spruce Nature Trail: A 1.2-mile loop through both new and old-growth forests.
– Hoh River Trail: Up to 37 miles, but you can turn back at any point. Try the 5.4-mile round-trip to Mineral Creek Falls.
Additional Time?
If you have more time, consider slowing down the pace to fully enjoy each destination. Explore more beaches or rainforests, or even visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Visitor Centers
– Olympic National Park Visitor Center: Located in Port Angeles.
– Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center: The main hub for the Hoh Rainforest area.
Getting to Olympic National Park
– By Air: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about a 2-hour drive to Port Angeles.
– By Car: Driving distances from major cities range from 2 to 4 hours.
– By Ferry: Washington State Ferries offer routes to shorten the distance between Seattle and the park.
Other Tips
– Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks.
– Pay attention to sunrise and sunset times.
– Avoid mid-day at Hoh Rainforest to skip the crowds.
– Be mindful of fuel and weather conditions.
– Display your park pass to avoid tickets.
Enjoy your visit to Olympic National Park, and don’t forget to take in the incredible night skies if you’re staying nearby!