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More and more travelers are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, even when it comes to national parks. And we are not surprised. Firstly, it is often less crowded and you can fully immerse yourself in the peaceful outdoor experience. Plus, they tend to be more budget-friendly.
Are you someone who prefers a remote setting? We have a tip for your next trip. The Olympic National Park in Washington is one of the lesser known, yet the best to visit.
Why should you be enthusiastic about this park? The answer is simple. Covering an area of more than one million hectares, it is home to mountain peaks, rainforests and beautiful sandy beacheswith activities to suit even the pickiest traveler.
How to get there
The park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the northwest corner of Washington State and is easily accessible from various locations. It is less than three hours from Seattle and about four hours from Portland, Oregon. You can also take a ferry from the Seattle area and even Canada.
Top activities in Olympic National Park
There are an abundance of things to see and do in Olympic National Park, with hiking being one of the most popular activities. In Ho rainforestone of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, you will find the Hall of Mosses Trail. It is less than a mile long, but takes you through a fairytale canopy of mosses and ferns.
To enjoy some of the views, head to the Hurricane Hill Trail. It’s quite a long walk, about 10km round trip, but the panoramic views from the top are stunning. On a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of it Vancouver Island or San Juan Islands.
Another must-see attraction is the Marymere Falls. They are at their best in the spring, when melting snow from the mountains nourishes them. A short walk through pristine forest, log bridges and lush streams will take you there.
Last but not least, Olympic National Park features some incredible beaches such as Ruby Beach, Shi Shi Beach and Rialto Beach. From Rialto Beach you can walk to the iconic beach Hole in the wall and take a dramatic photo of the iconic rock arch. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge themselves paddling and boating on Lake Crescent.
Where to stay
Do you want to sleep under the stars? There are plenty of campsites to choose from in Olympic National Park, from remote hiking and boating locations to vehicle-friendly locations. You can also get a backcountry permit and camp on the beach. The entire list of campsites can be found here.
If you don’t want to rough it, don’t worry. There are also numerous lodges and cabins for rent in the park and the surrounding area. Some of the most loved options include Lake Crescent Lodge or Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Best time to visit it
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainfall. If you want to stay dry, summer is the season. The flowering of the meadows is at its peak and offers a truly beautiful landscape. The downside is that summer also brings the most tourists. On the other hand, there will be fewer crowds in the spring and fall, but be prepared for unpredictable weather.
In winter temperatures drop and campsites and other accommodation may be closed, so we do not recommend this.
