Three-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
Olympic National Park is known for its number of different landscapes all in close proximity. You can easily get from the mountains, to the beach, and then to the rain forest all in less than four hours. This park is highly trafficked, especially because of its ease of access to our northern neighbors. Olympic National Park gets lots of happy Canadian visitors! It’s one of the most visited parks in the country and can get busy during the summer. However, in the right spot or during the right time, it’s a great place to have a quiet moment with nature. Even in the park’s busy times, the views and experiences are well worth the trip.
Disclaimers: This article contains affiliate links that help support me and allow me to continue to make content for you! If you click on one and buy something, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please use my links to help support me so that I can start bringing bigger and better projects your way!
All images and videos on this website are owned by Caryn Wells and Zack Blake unless otherwise stated.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature responsibly. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage other people to create a connection with nature and the earth. With this connection, people are more likely to care for and stand up to protect our remaining green spaces. We all can easily reduce our impact on the environment and still fully enjoy what nature has to offer. Anyone can help by following the seven ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to the best of their ability and educating their family and friends about it.
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion” – Paul Coelho
Click here to learn more about the 7 ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles
Here’s How You Can Help!
Keep educating yourself about environmental impact. These principles are a great starting point, but we can always do more
Be mindful of possibly harmful content you post on social media. Look at your photos and captions and ask yourself if it promotes behavior that is damaging to the environment. Even if it only APPEARS that you’re damaging the environment, this can be negatively impacting the positive ‘LNT’ message
Post on social media about your best example of what you’re doing to practice ‘LNT’ principles. For example if you pick up trash, post it to #trashtag to spread awareness and encourage others to pick up trash when they see it
Speaking of: Bring a trash bag when you go on your adventures to pick up whatever trash you find along the way
Don’t feed wild animals or leave food scraps even if it’s biodegradable
Donate to your local state or national parks
Hold others accountable for their treatment of our little blue planet
Related Posts:
When Should You Visit Olympic National Park?
You can visit Olympic National Park at any time of year. It’s open 24 hours a day year-round, with the exceptions of some areas closing due to weather or other factors (like wildfires). Maybe you’re worried about the weather, crowding, black bear sightings, or Visitor Centers being open. Everyone has their own preference for ideal conditions so I’m going to cover a lot of stats based on months to visit. This area of Washington State has unpredictable weather patterns and it can vary wildly throughout the park, so always keep that in mind. This itinerary brings you through three different types of climate zones so you should be prepared for all weather conditions (think sun, snow, and rain all in the same day) regardless of the season. There are also lots of ranger-led activities, park updates, trail condition reports, and campgrounds so if you want to see more information on that, click here to get a good look at the park’s newspaper the Olympic Bugler. There’s also access to their park alerts and calendar there.
May-June
A great option for most park goers as this time typically has warmer weather usually in the 60-70° F range (15-21° Celsius). There is still a high probability of unpredictable weather and even snow at higher elevations, so keep that in mind. Spring is the best time to visit waterfalls in the park due to snowmelt. They’ll be bursting into early summer. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, especially black bears!
July-August
This is usually when the weather is the best with the least amount of rain. However, there are higher chances of thunderstorms so hikers should be wary. The temperatures are typically around 65-80° F (18-27° Celsius) but it can still get rainy and foggy, especially in the mornings. This is the most popular time to visit Olympic National Park so it may be a bit crowded in certain parts. There are lots of ranger-led activities and campgrounds open this time of year. If you like the beach, this is the best time to see the tide pools. You’re much more likely to see large green anemones and multiple varieties of starfish! If you must visit the park in the summer but want to beat the crowds, visit the more popular areas before 10 am and after 5 pm.
September-October
The weather gets a little colder and rainier (especially in October) and the park empties out. Typically autumn sees fewer visitors than spring or summer. This makes it one of my favorite times to visit since there are fewer people, lots of animals, color-changing leaves, and mild weather. Expect a deluge of rain starting early to mid-October though. You can still camp in most spots, but I would check the National Park website just to be sure they’re still open. You might see some snow at higher elevations so don’t be surprised! Lots of locals say that late summer and autumn is the best time to view the elk in the park since this is the breeding season and you can see them among leafy, colorful trees.
November-April
This is the time when there are the least visitors in the park and also the most rain, especially in the rain forests. The rain forests near the park often average over 100 inches of rain each year. Hurricane Ridge is closed a lot during this time regardless of skiing and snowshoe activities. If the weather is too bad, they close the area. You can check if the road is open by calling 360-565-3131. They usually update the information around 8 am. You should also be wary of avalanches so be careful and check the risks first, it could save your life. Toward the end of the season is typically when you’ll start to see wildlife returning to the park.
Day One:
Sunrise at Hurricane Ridge:
This whole drive is incredible but it’s even more eye-catching in the early hours of the morning when the sky lights up with gorgeous colors. You’ll also see a lot more deer! It’s well worth the early wake-up call if you can avoid hitting the snooze button. You can drive right up to the viewpoint, no hike required, but you can add to the experience by hiking one of the beautiful trails at the top by the Visitor Center. The most popular trails to explore up there are the Hurricane Hill trail and the Klahhane Ridge trail. Remember that if you’re visiting during the winter months, you should call ahead to check and make sure Hurricane Ridge is open since it can be very unpredictable and vary with the weather. You can call 360-565-3131 to confirm it’s open and you can check the Hurricane Ridge webcam to see for yourself what it looks like up there. They typically update the status around 8 am. Also be sure to check the possibility of an avalanche if you’re planning on participating in any winter activities or events.
Note: Please keep your distance from the deer and other wildlife. We saw multiple people completely ignore the numerous signs and walk into the delicate meadows and trample the wildflowers to take close up pictures of deer. Please don’t do this! There are plenty of deer all over the area, you don’t have to walk into the meadows to see them. Walking in the meadows can quickly destroy the plant life as it is a very delicate ecosystem.
Afternoon at Lake Crescent and Lake Crescent Lodge:
Lake Crescent is one of the greatest sights in all of Olympic National Park. The water can be so incredibly blue that you wonder if it’s even real, and the fog that rolls over the lake is otherworldly. Also, I’m a total sucker for the gorgeous lodges and cabins out on the Olympic Peninsula. They all have this perfect pacific northwest vibe to them that makes them feel so homey and beautiful. Even if you’re not staying at the lodge, it’s worth taking the time to look around inside. You can enjoy the lake at any time of year, not just the summertime. It’s always beautiful and accessible. The spots that claim most people’s attention at the lake include Lake Crescent Lodge, Marymere Falls, Storm King Dock, and the surrounding cabins that look like they came out of a storybook. There are also numerous hiking trails worth checking out in the area.
Sunset hike:
After spending your time down at the lake, it’s worth checking out a trail or two if you haven’t already. There are quite a few but my favorites are Mount Storm King, Spruce Railroad Trail (the possibly haunted trail at Lake Crescent), Pyramid Mountain, and Marymere Falls.
Marymere Falls is considered an easy trail and is only 1.8 miles round trip once you get to the trail head (500ft gain). It’s a really nice walk that will be fun for anyone and serve you with a great waterfall view. There’s also a beautiful and informative nature trail connected to it next to the main parking lots.
Mount Storm King is perfect for more seasoned hikers to get a challenge. Zack and I passed a lot of people on the trail that didn’t make it to the top, so be prepared if you’re going to attempt this hike. There are no flat parts all the way up, and it gets steeper the higher you go. When you get to the first part of the trail (which you can see on your way to Marymere Falls) you can see just how steep it will be right away. The trail doesn’t get easier at any point forward. Mount Storm King is a 5.0-mile round trip hike with a strenuous rating so it’s not for the faint of heart (2065 ft gain in 2.5 miles). It can also be treacherous on a rainy or wet day, and I don’t recommend it in these conditions. The final stretch involves using ropes to climb up to the top and it can be very slippery even when it’s not wet due to the loose dirt and rocks. I slid around a lot even when it was dry. I’ve also heard some people mention that they’ve hiked up there only to find the ropes at the top are missing, so be wary of that. If you decide you want to try this one, the view from the top is well worth the extra effort. It is truly unforgettable.
All the hikes mentioned above:
Marymere Falls: Length 1.7 miles, 298 ft Elevation Gain, Rated Easy
Madison Falls: Length 0.2 miles, 26 ft Elevation Gain, Rated Easy
Pyramid Mountain (or Pyramid Peak): Length 6.3 miles, 2519 ft Elevation Gain, Rated Difficult
Spruce Railroad Trail: Length 11.2 miles, 433 ft Elevation Gain, Rated Easy
Mount Storm King: Length 5.0 miles, 2076ft Elevation Gain, Rated Strenuous
Pyramid Peak was affected by a landslide but is considered open so hike at your own risk, but be extremely careful since the trail is more treacherous now than before.
Day Two:
Hoh Rainforest:
1.1 miles, 78ft elevation gain
The Hoh Rainforest is a well-known landmark of Olympic National Park. There are a few trails from the guest center worth treading and the surrounding forest is absolutely incredible. Moss drips down off the trees like old candle wax and the large, looming old growth is mysterious and makes you feel like you walked into the fire swamp from the Princess Bride. I highly recommend the Hall of Mosses trail, which is which is fairly short and accessible to all skill levels.
If you want to learn more about the Hall of Mosses Trail, Click here!
Sol Duc Falls:
1.6 miles, 226ft elevation gain
This waterfall location is closer to Lake Crescent than the Hoh Rainforest, but my reason for suggesting the rainforest first is that it gets more crowded later in the day, which can really take away from your experience. Sol Duc Falls is usually populated, but I feel that no matter how crowded it is, you’ll easily enjoy the experience. So many people go on this hike and come back more enamored with nature than they were before. The hike walks you through an incredible old growth forest full of moss, mushrooms, and wildlife. We saw a lot of chipmunks when we went! This triple waterfall is so beautiful, many consider it to be their favorite hike in the area. It’s certainly unique since you see the falls from the top, rather than the bottom. If you’re interested in the hike, the trail to Sol Duc Falls is 1.6 miles round trip, there’s 255 ft of elevation gain, and it’s rated easy. It’s perfect for everyone of any skill level.
If you want to learn more about the Sol Duc Falls trail, click here!
Sol Duc Hot Springs:
A lot of people like to go to the Sol Duc Hot Springs when they visit the area. It’s a springs area that was turned into a resort. The resort is rustic, and the surrounding area is beautiful. You can actually walk to Sol Duc Falls from the resort if you want.
Just so you’re fully informed, Sol Duc Hot Springs is not a natural spring area, it looks a lot like a large pool among some hot tubs. If you were hoping for a natural springs experience, this isn’t it.
If you want more information about a stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, click here!
Day Three:
Cape Flattery at Sunrise:
1.2 miles, 229ft elevation gain
Cape Flattery is the most Northwest point in the United States. It doesn’t get more “Pacific Northwest” than this, literally! It’s a beautiful place! The short hike to see this viewpoint is amazing. You get to see small boardwalks, sunrays (for the early birds), and a dramatic backdrop at the end. You might even see some whales if you’re lucky!
If you want to learn more about Cape Flattery, you can click here!
Rialto Beach:
This beach is a lot of people’s favorite beach on the Washington coast (including mine), and it’s easy to see why! It’s a tree graveyard along the coastline with jagged rocks poking up out of the water. This beach is a great place for people who love adventure. There are driftwood structures, lots of beautiful rock formations, hidden hiking spots, and sea life if you explore the beach with the tide in mind.
If you want to learn more about the Hole-in-the-Wall hike, you can find that out here!
Kalaloch Lodge and Kalaloch Tree:
The Kalaloch Lodge is another beautiful example of the lodges and cabins on the peninsula. It’s a gorgeous, rustic lodge that you can go inside and enjoy whether you’re staying at the resort or not. It’s definitely worth taking a look at if you have the time. Right nearby the lodge is the ‘Tree of Life’. This tree is held up by the edges of a cliff with most of the roots exposed. It’s a wonder that it’s still alive. It makes for great photos and has been hanging down precariously for who knows how long. If you’re having a hard time finding the ‘Tree of Life’, park at the Kalaloch Campground and walk out to the beach! It’s very easy to find from there.
Ruby Beach:
Ruby Beach is known for its tide pooling and excellent sunsets. Keep track of the tide if you want the best experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to go during low tide, but we still had a great time! We ended up going while there were large looming marine clouds and it made the beach look really spooky. You’re likely to get your dream tide pooling done here if you are lucky enough to visit during low tide. There are all kinds of sea life on the beach. I’ve seen photos where people have found a bunch of different colored starfish all in one tide pool! Just be gentle and respectful of nature, folks. If you’re unable to visit during low tide, there are still so many other cool things about this beach. There was an incredible amount of driftwood beach structures to check out, people swimming, beach rocks to climb, hundreds of rock stacks, and plenty of sand for sandcastles.
Remember to Leave our National PArks Better Than You FOund Them
Our National Parks are all incredible hubs of adventure with so much to do and explore. If you’re here then I’d say it’s safe to assume that you love our National Parks too! Please consider helping out our National Parks by donating and enjoying them responsibly. Even $1 can help! Also please remember to follow the signs posted in the park and respect restoration areas by not entering them to prevent trampling vegetation and other damage while the area recovers.
Donate to Olympic National Park!
It’s important to educate yourself on proper trail etiquette before visiting our wild spaces. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature responsibly. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage other people to create a connection with nature. With this connection, people are more likely to care for and stand up to protect our remaining green spaces. We all can easily reduce our impact on the environment and still fully enjoy what nature has to offer. Anyone can help by following the seven 'Leave No Trace' principles to the best of their ability and educating their family and friends about it. Always follow the leave no trace principles on your adventures and use your best judgment for your safety. Your safety is your responsibility.
“Work Miracles by setting a good example. Others will catch your spirit! The Power of a Good Example is the greatest Miracle-working power of all.” – Wilfred Peterson
Click here to learn more about the 7 ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Keep educating yourself on environmental impact
Be mindful of possible harmful content you post on social media. Look at your photos and captions and ask yourself if it promotes behavior that is damaging to the environment. Even if it only appears that you’re damaging the environment, this can be a negative impact on the positive ‘LNT’ message
Post on social media about your best example of what you’re doing to practice ‘LNT’ principles. For example, if you pick up trash, post it to #trashtag to spread awareness and encourage others to pick up trash when they see it
Speaking of: bring a trash bag when you go on your adventures to pick up whatever trash you find along the way
Don’t feed wild animals or leave food scraps even if it’s biodegradable. Learn more about this here.
Donate to your local state or national parks
Hold your friends and family accountable for their treatment of our little blue planet, by responsibly educating
PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
Research the area and have an idea of what to expect on your trip
Always check the weather before you go
Prepare for extreme conditions and emergencies. In the mountains, conditions can change quickly
Cancel your trip if you’re questioning the weather conditions
Visit backcountry areas in small groups, never alone. Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member
If you do travel alone, bring a safety device with you. Like a Garmin InReach or Spot Personal Beacon
Make sure you have a map of the area. You can download a topographical map or have a physical one with a compass. Just make sure you know how to use it
TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
When possible, choose a campsite that’s already been used and always pick one on a durable surface - snow, rock, dirt, and not on fragile vegetation
Camp out of sight of heavy-used trails
Camp at least 200ft away from lakes and streams
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
Pack it in, pack it out. Never bury litter in the snow or in the ground
Pick up all food scraps, and litter even if it’s not yours
Inspect your campsite for trash or evidence of your stay. Dismantle all structures and naturalize the area before you leave.
Bury solid human waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep in the dirt only. Do not bury waste in the snow.
Pack out solid human waste from alpine areas and areas where it requires
Pack out all toilet paper or wipes. Bring a bag just for this purpose to be sanitary.
Only bury feces where you’re allowed to. It’s often different between human and dog waste. If you are allowed to bury it, bury it in a cathole 6-8 inches down in the dirt
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
Leave all plants, animals, rocks, and cultural or historical artifacts where you found them. Take pictures and nothing else.
Avoid damaging plants and other vegetation. Carving into the trees, wood, and rocks is unacceptable.
Keep loud voices and noises at a minimum, many animals rely on sound for their survival
MINIMIZE FIRE IMPACTS
The best thing you can do is not have a fire. Fire is very damaging for the backcountry
Only use prebuilt fire rings
Only use dead downed wood and put out fires completely
Do not cut wood from live, dead, or downed trees
Never leave your fire unattended
RESPECT WILDLIFE
Observe wildlife from a distance, never approach or follow
Never feed wildlife or leave food behind to be eaten
Store your food and trash securely to protect wildlife, your food, and your gear
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
Be respectful of other visitors and share the trail
Yield to downhill and faster traffic
Move off the trail when stopped
Separate ski, snowshoe, and hiking tracks whenever possible; avoid hiking on ski and snowshoe tracks
Follow rules and regulations regarding pets on the trail. Pack out all feces.
Only bury feces where you’re allowed to. It’s often different between human and dog waste. If you are allowed to bury it, bury it in a cathole 6-8 inches down in the dirt, not in the snow.
Related Posts:
Have you been to Olympic National Park? What was your favorite thing to do in the area? If you haven’t been there, what’s your favorite National Park that you’ve been to? Mount Rainier is one of my favorites! Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
If you’re interested in seeing more of Zack and me, follow us on social media! We post all the time and even show sneak peeks of future content. Come talk to us there if you want to join us on social media!
Stay safe and explore responsibly,
Happy Adventuring!
Pin for Later!
Hello I’m Caryn!
I’m a Pacific Northwest based adventurer and storyteller. I take a lot of photos, Zack takes a lot of videos, and together we try to bring our fun adventures to life to inspire you to go outside and have meaningful, unique outdoor adventures for yourself!