Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, United States. It covers an area of nearly 1 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the country.

The park was established on June 29, 1938, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aiming to protect the diverse ecosystems and natural beauty found in the area. Olympic National Park is recognized as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site, highlighting its ecological significance.

The park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains and ancient forests to pristine coastline. The Olympic Mountains dominate the central part of the park, with Mount Olympus standing as the highest peak at 7,980 feet. These mountains offer numerous opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and backpacking, attracting adventurers from around the world.

The Hoh Rainforest, located on the western side of the park, is one of the most popular attractions. It is a temperate rainforest, receiving abundant rainfall throughout the year, supporting a rich and diverse array of plant and animal species. The rainforest features moss-covered ancient trees, waterfalls, and vibrant green foliage, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.

Olympic National Park is also home to numerous pristine rivers, lakes, and coastline. The park boasts over 70 miles of wild coastline, including the popular Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach. These coastal areas offer stunning vistas, tide pools teeming with marine life, and the opportunity to spot seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.

Apart from its natural wonders, the park also holds great cultural and historical significance. Several Native American tribes, including the Quileute, Hoh, Makah, and Quinault, have ancestral connections to the area. Their rich cultural heritage and traditions are celebrated through various events, exhibits, and interpretive programs within the park.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Olympic National Park offers an extensive trail system, from easy nature walks to challenging multi-day hikes. Popular trails include Hurricane Hill, Sol Duc Falls, and the iconic Hoh River Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.

In the vicinity of Olympic National Park, visitors can explore other attractions such as Lake Quinault, known for its scenic beauty and historic Lake Quinault Lodge. The charming coastal town of Port Angeles serves as a gateway to the park and provides access to various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and accommodation options.

Overall, Olympic National Park in Washington offers a diverse range of natural wonders, including mountain peaks, rainforests, and pristine coastlines, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its historical and cultural significance further adds to the park's allure.

Olympic National Park is nestled within the state of Washington in the United States. Located in the Olympic Peninsula, the park spans across nearly one million acres of diverse landscapes and rugged terrains. To the west, the park is surrounded by the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, with its pristine coastal beaches stretching for miles. Towards the east, the park is bordered by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains, with Mount Olympus reaching breathtaking heights. Within this vast expanse, visitors can explore everything from lush temperate rainforests filled with towering trees to glacier-carved valleys, pristine alpine meadows, and picturesque lakes. It is truly a unique and awe-inspiring location that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest.

Address & Contact

Olympic National Park Visitor Center
3002 Mount Angeles Road
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Driving Directions
Phone: 3605653130
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Olympic National Park would be during the months of June, July, and August. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 63°F to 70°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is low, ranging from 0.2 in to 0.5 in, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their time without significant rainfall. These months are also the peak visitor season, indicated by the high average visitor counts, but the park can still be enjoyed without feeling overly crowded.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Olympic National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Horse Trekking Tubing Snow Tubing Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Dining Arts and Crafts Volunteer Vacation Citizen Science Mountain Climbing Saltwater Fishing Horse Camping (see also camping) Freshwater Swimming Saltwater Swimming Downhill Skiing Surfing Pool Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Olympic National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Fire River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Deciduous Forests Elk Coniferous Forests Geothermal Hot Springs Rare Endangered Coasts, Islands and Atolls Homesteading Dams Maritime Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks Coastal Defenses Lighthouses Rainforest Whales

Visitor Centers

Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station

Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station is open Thursdays-Mondays during the summer and closed during the rest of the year. Educational exhibits and informational brochures available.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.

Campsites within or near Olympic National Park

Deer Park Campground

At 5,400 feet in elevation, Deer Park boasts mountain views and starry skies. With a steep and winding gravel access road, Deer Park is not RV accessible.
Fees (US$): 15.00 (Campsite)
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Dosewallips Campground (Walk-In Only)

Perfect for secluded tent camping. The access road is washed out 6.5 miles from the campground and it is not vehicle accessible.
Fees (US$): 15.00 (Dosewallips Campground (Walk-In Only))
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Fairholme Campground

(10/2/2023) CLOSED for the winter, Reopening for summer 2024. Neighboring Lake Crescent, Fairholme includes lakeside campsites and a nearby boat launch.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Fairholme Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 88
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Graves Creek Campground

Located in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Graves Creek Campground)
Total Campsites: 30
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Heart O' the Hills Campground

Surrounded by old growth forest, Heart O' the Hills offers summer ranger programs and great family fun
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Heart O' the Hills Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 97
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hoh Campground

Surround yourself with moss and ancient trees in this temperate rain forest. Hoh campground offers summer ranger programs and some riverside campsites along the Hoh River. Reservations in summer, first come first served the rest of the year.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Hoh Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 78
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Kalaloch Campround

Oceanside camp at Kalaloch with some sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Online reservations accepted for peak season. Check recreation.gov for current season dates. All sites are first-come, first-served in off season.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Kalaloch Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 170
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Mora Campground

Situated in a coastal forest, some sites offer views views of the Quillayute River. Mora is located two miles from Rialto Beach.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Mora Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 94
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

North Fork Campground

Surrounded by temperate rain forest, this small and remote campground is a great spot for campers seeking solitude.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (North Fork Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Ozette Campground

Adjacent to Lake Ozette, this small campground is great for those that enjoy lakeside camping and water activities
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Ozette Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Queets Campground

Relax in this secluded campground near the Queets River. This campground is only accessible from the Upper Queets River Road due to a past mudslide
Fees (US$): 15.00 (Queets Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 20
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

South Beach Campground

Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access.
Fees (US$): 15.00 (South Beach Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 55
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Staircase Campground

Camp near the Skokomish River and enjoy old-growth forest at Staircase. Summer ranger programs and riverside campsites available.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Staircase Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 49
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Olympic National Park

Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park

A stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park places you in the heart of Port Angeles, within a 5-minute drive of Peninsula Golf Club and Museum at the Carnegie. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Port Angeles? This motel has facilities measuring 446 square feet (41 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2104 E 1st St, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Olympic Inn & Suites

With a stay at Olympic Inn & Suites in Port Angeles, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Feiro Marine Life Center and Port Angeles Ferry Terminal. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1510 E Front Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

A Hidden Haven & Water Garden Cottages

With a stay at A Hidden Haven & Water Garden Cottages in Port Angeles, you'll be 10.3 mi (16.6 km) from Crescent Beach and 14.9 mi (24 km) from Lake Crescent. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1428 Dan Kelly Road, Port Angeles, Washington 98363
Web: Link

All View Motel

Located in Port Angeles, All View Motel is within a 5-minute drive of Museum at the Carnegie and Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Featured amenities include express check-out and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 214 E Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Royal Victorian

Located in Port Angeles, Royal Victorian is in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Port Angeles Ferry Terminal and Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Featured amenities include express check-in and coffee/tea in a common area. A ferry terminal shuttle is provided at no charge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 521 E 1st Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Uptown Inn

With a stay at Uptown Inn in Port Angeles, you'll be near the beach, just a 2-minute walk from Museum at the Carnegie and 5 minutes by foot from Port Angeles Ferry Terminal. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 112 East 2nd Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Holiday Lodge

Located in Port Angeles, Holiday Lodge is in the business district, within a 15-minute walk of Olympic Medical Center and Port Angeles Dream Playground. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1414 E 1st St, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Flagstone Motel

Located in Port Angeles, Flagstone Motel is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Port Angeles Ferry Terminal and Port of Port Angeles. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 415 E 1st St, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Aircrest Motel

Located in Port Angeles, Aircrest Motel is within a 5-minute drive of Port Angeles Ferry Terminal and Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1006 E FRONT ST, Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Web: Link

Emerald Valley Inn

When you stay at Emerald Valley Inn in Port Angeles, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Lake Sutherland and Lake Crescent. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 235471 Hwy 101, Port Angeles, Washington 98363
Web: Link