Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Olympic packs three distinct landscapes into one park, so "things to do" really means picking which ecosystem to explore rather than working through a single list.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Olympic are hiking Hurricane Ridge's alpine meadows, walking the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest, tide pooling at Rialto or Second Beach, soaking at Sol Duc Hot Springs, and driving to Lake Crescent for Marymere Falls.
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is a 17-mile drive from Port Angeles into subalpine meadows with views of the Olympic Mountains and, on clear days, Canada's Vancouver Island. The visitor center area has short, easy walks; Hurricane Hill extends the hike for stronger mountain panoramas.
- 17 miles from Port Angeles
- Short walks near the visitor center
- Hurricane Hill for a longer summit hike
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hall of Mosses Trail is a short, easy loop through moss-draped bigleaf maples that defines the Olympic rainforest experience. The longer Hoh River Trail continues toward Mount Olympus for those who want a deeper walk into old growth.
Pacific Coast Beaches
Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Second Beach each offer sea stacks, driftwood, and tide pools. Rialto's Hole-in-the-Wall arch is reachable at low tide; check a tide table before you go, since some routes flood at high tide.
Lake Crescent And Sol Duc
Lake Crescent's clear water and Marymere Falls trail are an easy stop between Port Angeles and Forks. Sol Duc Hot Springs, a short drive further, combines developed mineral pools with the Sol Duc Falls trail through old-growth forest.
Plan And Track This Park
Add Olympic to your TravelCharted checklist so you can track it with the rest of your national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Olympic National Park?
The Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rain Forest is the single most iconic short hike, but Hurricane Ridge is equally essential if mountain views are the priority.
Do you need a car to see Olympic National Park?
Yes. There is no shuttle system connecting the park's zones, and Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh, and the coast are each reached by separate roads.
Are the tide pools good year-round at Olympic?
Yes, though low tide timing matters more than season. Check a tide table before visiting Rialto Beach, Second Beach, or Beach 4 for the best pooling conditions.
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Itinerary
Olympic National Park Itinerary
Plan an Olympic National Park itinerary covering Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the Pacific coast beaches.
Where to stay
Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park
Compare where to stay near Olympic National Park, including Port Angeles, Forks, Lake Crescent, and Quinault.