Visitors to Olympic National Park in the Pacific Northwest are treated to a beguiling assortment of glacial peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, and breathtaking coastlines. The park is located along the coast of the region.
The park is breathtaking and secluded, and it rewards those who trek into the mountains by providing them with wonderful paths, while simultaneously making those trails accessible to the rest of us.
Your time would be well spent exploring the nearby national forest as well as the Olympic Peninsula, which is located in western Washington and features picturesque lakes and one-of-a-kind coastline scenery.
The Best Places to Visit in Olympic National Park
The Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive serves as the primary thoroughfare throughout the whole region. As you travel from one exciting activity to another during your time at Olympic National Park, you can make the most of this drive by participating in some of the park’s most popular activities and taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
1. Begin Your Adventure at the Visitor Center of Olympic National Park in Port Angeles
Port Angeles, a picturesque village located on the northern shore of the peninsula, is home to the primary Olympic National Park Visitor Center. It is an excellent resource for first-time visitors who are interested in learning more about the diverse ecosystems and the different activities that are available.
The Rangers at the Visitor Center are more than delighted to provide responses to any queries that guests may have. The Wilderness Information Center may be found inside the Visitor Center, and those who are interested in going on adventures in the backcountry can get permits there.
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In addition, although the Visitor Center in Port Angeles is the largest of its kind, there are additional visitor centers and ranger stations at the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, and Kalaloch.
2. Discover the Wonders of the Hoh Rain Forest
The lush surroundings and some of the country’s few remaining examples of temperate rainforests can be attributed to the substantial rainfall that falls on the western side of Mount Olympus, which is the central part of the park.
Because of its proximity to the city of Hoh, the Hoh Rain Forest is where the vast majority of tourists travel to get their fill of nature. This overgrown area is quite interesting to explore because it contains a full range of green colors, from light to dark.
3. Take in the Scenery from the Top of Hurricane Ridge
You can anticipate breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and vistas of Vancouver Island in Canada when visiting this well-known tourist destination.
When late summer arrives, the alpine meadows are dotted with exquisite valerian and lupine flowers, making for an especially breathtaking scene.
4. Visit Marymere Falls on a Hike
The trip to Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park is consistently ranked as a top pick for families among all of the greatest hiking paths in the park. The climb and waterfall are located in the northwest part of the park, close to Lake Crescent, and are reachable from Port Angeles through a 20-mile drive.
There is a possibility that the relatively short distance of the trip, which is less than a mile, is what draws families to the location. The waterfalls are 90 feet high.
5. Relax in the Hot Springs of Sol Duc
Within Olympic National Park, you’ll find the resort and hot springs known as Sol Doc Hot Springs. A concessionaire is responsible for maintaining this resort. Visitors have been drawn there for a long time due to the healing properties of the waters.
Guests who are only interested in spending the day are invited to pay a day charge in order to access the river and enjoy its gorgeous surroundings, and there are simple cottages, a lodge, and a campsite located right next to the river for those who choose to stay the night.
6. Visit Rialto Beach in Time for the Sunset
Rialto Beach, which is located inland from the Mora section of the park, is an excellent example of the rugged Olympic Coast.
This breathtaking coastline begins at the mouth of the Quillayute River and continues to the north, displaying spectacular sea stacks and a constantly shifting tide along its length. It is a well-known destination for going beachcombing and investigating the natural surroundings.
Spend some time on Rialto Beach, then stroll northward for about a mile and a half to reach a spot called Hole-in-the-Wall.
7. Spend the Night at the Lodge Situated on Lake Crescent
On the northern edge of the peninsula, approximately twenty miles to the west of Port Angeles, Highway 101 travels alongside Lake Crescent.
Due to this lake’s breathtaking natural beauty and the fact that glaciers carved it out, visitors throng here throughout the summer. In addition, the ancient Lake Crescent Lodge, which is located right next to the water, is a fantastic spot to stay for the night.
At Lake Crescent Lodge, guests can choose from a variety of rooms and suites to accommodate their specific travel needs.
8. Put up a Tent or Pull up in Your Motorhome
There are a large number of car campgrounds within Olympic National Park, all of which are open throughout the year. Even though Heart O’ the Hills, the Hoh Rain Forest, and South Beach Campgrounds are among the most frequented, the greatest campgrounds in Olympic National Park provide visitors with immediate access to breathtaking scenery.
9. Discover the Hidden Treasure at Either Kalaloch or Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach are both beautiful beaches located on the southern Olympic Coast, and they are only a little over three kilometers away from one another. Either beach is characterized by its ever-changing tides, towering rock formations in the water, and copious amounts of driftwood, but they both have their own special appeal.
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The unique Tree of Life cypress tree, which is rooted to the side of a failing seawall, is also a feature of Kalaloch Beach.
10. Make a Visit to Neah Bay
A little village known as Neah Bay may be found on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which is located on the most northern point of the Olympic Peninsula. Hiking trails go to Cape Flattery, which is the most northern point in the contiguous United States. This town serves as the trailhead for getting to Cape Flattery.
Summary
Olympic National Park is home to a broad variety of beautiful natural landmarks that visitors can take pleasure in, including the enchanted Hoh Rain Forest and the breathtaking Hurricane Ridge.
Trails that are shorter and easier to navigate might just as readily lead to breathtaking vistas as those that are longer and more challenging. Visitors to the park are rewarded with a variety of natural wonders, including gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking night skies, peaceful tide pools, and thundering waves.
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