Olympic National Park Tourist Traps

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Unfortunately, most visitors to Olympic National Park only get one chance to see its alpine region and that is from Hurricane Ridge. While the view is nice enough, it can get quite crowded and you are not in for a serene commune with the Olympic Range.

Unique Suggestions: If you are content with seeing Mount Olympus from this vantage point, be sure to go early in the morning to avoid most of the crowds and to get better light on the mountain. You can also go on a day with less than ideal weather which also thins out the crowds. We went on a drizzly cold day and did one of the walks in the surrounding meadows. We wound up seeing our only bear in the park, meandering around the hillside.

Fun Alternatives: You can get much better views of the Olympic Range from the High Divide Trail but be prepared for a very long day hike or to spend the night in the backcountry. It might not be easy but it's something you will never forget.

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The drive to Highway 101 on the Olympic Peninsula is long and winding. Although the curves are smooth going up and down the hill, just take pre-cautionary measures. There are slow drivers especially those driving campers and RVs (recreational vehicles). While driving, we were looking at the lake but we can't really have a good view of the lake. There are so many tall trees blocking the views. You can slow down your drive but watch out for Look-outs to have a better view of the Crescent Lake. There are only four Look-outs as you go down the hill. If you miss the first one, there are three more. It is actually difficult to see them because there are no warning signs at all. The one iss the last Look-Out where the park rangers put a map of the lake and a very good safe parking.

Unique Suggestions: Just keep on driving down the hill. Once you see some views of the lake, you know that there are look-outs already. Just be patient. There are at least four Look-outs of the Crescent Lake!

Fun Alternatives: Stop at the last Look-out. It is far safer, if you have children running around. You have a better view of the lake.