National Park Guide

Olympic National Park

Washington, US

Glacier-capped peaks, temperate rainforests, and rugged Pacific coastline all within a single extraordinary park.

922,650

Acres

611

Trails

1938

Established

3.28 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round (some roads close in winter)

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 2 hours 30 minutes (to Port Angeles)

Best Months

June, July, August, September

Highlights

Hiking through the Hoh Rain Forest among moss-draped old growth
Sunset at Rialto Beach with sea stacks and tide pools
Hurricane Ridge alpine meadows and mountain panoramas
Sol Duc Hot Springs soaking in old-growth forest
Marymere Falls trail to a 90-foot waterfall near Lake Crescent
Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches sea stack formations

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Trail

Moderate

3.2 miles round trip

650 ft gain

Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses

Easy

0.8 miles loop

60 ft gain

Sol Duc Falls Trail

Easy

1.6 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Royal Basin Trail

Strenuous

14.0 miles round trip

2,700 ft gain

Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall

Moderate

4.0 miles round trip

100 ft gain

About Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park encompasses nearly a million acres of the Olympic Peninsula, protecting three distinct ecosystems: glacier-clad mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests receiving up to 12 feet of rain per year, and 73 miles of wild Pacific coastline. The park's isolation on a peninsula has created unique species found nowhere else on Earth, including the Olympic marmot and Olympic torrent salamander. From the summit of Mount Olympus to the tide pools of Rialto Beach, the park's diversity is unmatched.

In-Depth Guide

Olympic National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Olympic National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Washington.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

4 options near Olympic National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Lake Crescent Lodge

A 1916 lodge on the shores of the crystalline glacial lake, surrounded by old-growth forest. Roosevelt cabins and lodge rooms offer a peaceful retreat with rowing, kayaking, and hiking from the doorstep.

Inside park$200-340/night

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Kalaloch Lodge

A bluff-top lodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Kalaloch Beach, offering lodge rooms and rustic cabins with ocean views. The park's only coastal lodging, with direct beach access and stunning sunsets.

Inside park$210-360/night

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Lake Quinault Lodge

A historic 1926 lakeside lodge on the shores of Lake Quinault in the Olympic rainforest. Cozy rooms, a fireplace lobby, and easy access to rainforest trails.

30 min drive$180-280/night

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Compare Olympic National Park

See how Olympic National Park stacks up against other national parks

Olympic National Park vs Mount Rainier National Park

Choose Olympic for ecosystem diversity including temperate rainforests and wild coastline. Choose Mount Rainier for wildflower meadows, glaciers, and the awe of a 14,411-foot volcano.

See full comparison

Olympic National Park vs North Cascades National Park

Choose North Cascades for dramatic alpine scenery, challenging mountain hikes, and deep solitude. Choose Olympic for ecosystem diversity with rainforest, coast, and mountains all in one park.

See full comparison