Olympic National Park Travel Guide
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Olympic National Park
by goodfish
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alpine spendor
by richiecdisc
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the lush Hoh Rainforest
by richiecdisc
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Things to Do
by coneyislandgreen
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Things to Do
by coneyislandgreen
Pro
Beautiful mountain scenery
Con
Weather!! 95% of the Park is wilderness, far off any road
In a nutshell
It is certainly a place to go back and explore more!
Explore Olympic National Park
Visit Second Beach near La Push
Ann75 Says:
On one of the days we spent in Olympic National Park we visited the Hoh Rain Forest in the morning as it was cloudy and a little drizzly. Later in the day it was clearing up and the sun came out. So, we decided to drive to the La Push area after dinner and hike the Second...
The Hoh Rain Forest
Ann75 Says:
The Hoh Rain forest is one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S.A and it is also one of the largest. It's a lush and green paradise of trees covered in moss and such. It really reminded me of a fairy tale forest! It rains a lot here and you can expect wet weather when...
Beautiful beaches at La Push
Ann75 Says:
La Push is a wonderful area to visit and pretty close to Rialto Beach. So if you have time and you are in the area of Rialto Beach, make a little side trip to La Push. From here you can just visit the main beach where you can also find a beach resort. Or you can stop at...
Beautiful sunsets at Rialto Beach
Ann75 Says:
I mentioned in my previous trips that Rialto Beach is a place you shouldn't miss. One reason is that you can enjoy beautiful sunsets here. When we were here we spent a few evenings watching the beautiful sunset here and every time it was well worth it. Sometimes you get...
Don't miss Rialto Beach
Ann75 Says:
Rialto Beach is one of the most accessible beaches along the west side of Olympic National Park. It is also one of the most popular beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. Rialto Beach boosts some of the most awesome views of the Pacific Coast. It's a bit of a rocky beach with...
Drift Logs
Basaic Says:
You will see a number of logs along the beaches here. These are drift logs that have been washed downstream by flooding from high up in the mountains. Stay away from the logs at high tide because they have been known to shift and crush unwary people.
Rain Forest Resort Village
1 Review and 87 Opinions Rain Forest Resort Lodge is one of my favorite stays while at Olympic. On the south shore of Lake...
Public Transit Options on the Olympic Peninsula
glabah Says:
As a general rule, it is best to get around on the Olympic Peninsula by driving, as there are many areas of the park that are not accessible by public transit. However, if you are put off by the horrific prices for car rentals, don't like driving on the wrong side of the...
Obey Warning Signs
Basaic Says:
Parts of the park are very rugged and desolate. Emergency response may be difficult and require some time. There are a lot of steep drops with questionable footing so stay away from the edge. This is also bear country so always be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife....
The List of Lesser Visited Places
glabah Says:
[This tip is still in progress, so please check back again later as more material may have been added.]In recent years, the entire Olympic Peninsula has become a much more busy tourist attraction compared to what it once was. It has certainly become a very discovered place...
Hall of Mosses Trail
Basaic Says:
The Hall of Mosses Trail is a 3/4 mile interpretive loop trail that teaches you a lot about the trees and mosses and other growths that inhabit these trees. The trail is relatively level except for a short ascent near the beginning. Very nice and interesting hike. The...
Hoh River Trail
Basaic Says:
The Hoh River Trail is a long (up to 17.3 miles) difficult trail that follows the river. It connects with several other trails. This is one to take if you want to go backcountry. The trailhead is by the Hoh Rain Forest Visitors Center. Some of the trail is paved and some is...
Spruce Trail
Basaic Says:
The Spruce Trail is a 1 1/4 mile loop trail that leads through a variety of rain forest vegetation to the Hoh River and back. The trailhead is by the Hoh Rain Forest Visitors Center.
Good hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, weather appropriate clothing.
Soleduck Trail
Basaic Says:
You can take the Soleduck Interpretive Trail .8 miles to Soleduck Falls or continue on to a number of connecting trails. I did not go far because it was late in the day by the time I got here. The trailhead is near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Good hiking shoes, water,...
Northfork Trail
Basaic Says:
The North Fork Trail follows along the North Fork of the Sol Duc River. It starts out paves but then gets narrow and unpaved with uncertain footing. The trailhead is along Sol Duc Road.
Good hiking shoes, water, a snack, sunscreen, a hat, weather appropriate clothing.
Ancient Groves Trail
Basaic Says:
The Ancient Groves Trail is a short unpaved interpretive trail that leads past trees that are just beginning their life and 750 year old monarchs. The trailhead is along Sol Duc Road just past the Salmon Cascades.
Good hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, weather...
High Ridge Trail
Basaic Says:
The High Ridge Trail is a 1/2 mile loop trail that climbs 200 feet to a dry windswept ridge. A short spur trail leads to Sunrise Point which has a great view. The trailhead near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center.
Good hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, weather...
Cirque Rim Trail
Basaic Says:
The Cirque Rim Trail is a 3/4 mile paved trail that winds along the ridgeline. There is a viewpoint on the trail that offers nice views of Port Angeles, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Canada. The trailhead is near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center.
Good hiking shoes, plenty...
Big Meadow Trail
Basaic Says:
The Big Meadow Trail is a short (1/4 mile) handicapped accessible paved trail through a mountain meadow. There are nice views of the Olympic Mountains along the trail. The trailhead is near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center.
Good hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat,...
Switchback Trail
Basaic Says:
The Switchback Trail is a steep ascent to Klahhane Ridge. It rises 1600 feet in 1.5 miles. Some of the footing along the way can be rough too. You can then turn back or take any of a number of connecting trails for a longer hike. There was a sign at the trailhead advising...
Hindsight 20/20
goodfish Says:
Every now and again you make some regrettable travel decisions and we made 2 biggies on this trip. We'd opted to drive down the coast from Forks, exploring beaches along the way, and spend a night in Ocean Shores; outside of the park. We wanted to spend at least one night in...
Explore Deeper into Olympic National Park
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