Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park in WA is a designated World Heritage Site, with spectacular beaches, ancient old-growth rainforest, enchanting waterfalls, sub-alpine lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas.   The main route around the Olympic National Park is Highway 101, and your journey begins at Port Angeles, the gateway to the Olympic National Park.   The best highlights include:

• Hurricane Ridge
• Lake Crescent, Lake Quinault
• Hoh Rainforest
• Kalaloch Beach, Ruby Beach, Second Beach (at La Push)
• Sol Doc Waterfall

Day 1: Starts at Port Angeles

Drive up to Hurricane Ridge, 30 minutes south of Port Angeles, for spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains from the Visitor Center.  Check road conditions before leaving. 

Your next stop is historic Lake Crescent Lodge on Highway 101, just 20 minutes west of Port Angeles, with sweeping views across the lake from the beach, and a lovely restaurant (closed in winter).

Stay overnight at Port Angeles, or Lake Crescent.

Day 2:

The Sol Duc Trailhead parking lot is a 1-hour drive south-west of Port Angeles, off Highway 101.  Once at the Sol Duc Trailhead you have a choice of trails, including an easy 20-minute hike to the spectacular Sol Duc Falls.  Stop at the modest Sol Duc Hot Springs resort shortly before reaching the trailhead, and purchase lunch at the kiosk, or take a dip in the hot springs (closed winter).  

Drive 1-hour from Sol Duc to La Push, a small coastal village home to the Quileute Native American Tribe, featuring the Oceanside Resort.  First Beach at La Push is easily accessible by car, but the true gem is nearby Second Beach, requiring a 20-minute hike through coastal rainforest.   The coastal stacks and natural arch are spectacular, and the sandy beach is perfect for long walks.

Drive 1 hour east from La Push inland to the lush Hoh Rainforest, and take the 0.8 mile “Hall of Moses” trail.  Year round camping is also available at the Hoh Rainforest. 

Stay overnight at La Push or Forks WA.

Day 3: 

On day 3, stop at two famous coastal beaches; Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach, just 10 minutes from each other.  These sandy, log-strewn beaches are truly spectacular.  There is a restaurant and general store at the modest Kalaloch Lodge.

Your final destination is Lake Quinault.  A must-see attraction is historic Lake Quinault Lodge with superb views from the expansive lawns across the lake.  Many visitors stop at the restaurant to enjoy these views, or wander down to the pier and rent a kayak or boat.  If time permits, take the 20-minute “Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop” near the lodge. 

Stay overnight at Lake Quinault or Kalaloch.

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