Visiting the Olympic National Park

Spectacular views, wildlife and forests renew your spirit

Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest? Set aside time to get out to the spectacular Olympic National Park. Out on the Olympic Peninsula, enjoy a remote getaway and home to the nation’s only rainforests. It’s snow-capped mountains, nearly 8000’ high, include several glaciers. If you can, plan to be up on Hurricane Ridge to watch the full moon rise.

Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest? Set aside time to get out to the spectacular Olympic National Park. Out on the Olympic Peninsula, enjoy a remote getaway and home to the nation’s only rainforests and snow-capped mountains. Share on X

A special place for RVers is the park’s Heart O’ the Hills campground. While it’s first-come, first-served and no reservations, it is a special place just a short drive to visitor’s center at Hurricane Ridge. Listen and look for barred owls on the trails heading into the woods from the campground. Trails throughout the park are for all levels, from easy to strenuous.

Drive from the campground along Little River Rd. to Madison Falls trailhead along the Elwha River. Dams were removed to improve salmon runs and the lakebed area is another interesting hike.

There are natural hot springs in the park, but you can go to the Sol Duc Hot Springs for a commercial venue with bungalows. From the campground there, you can hike the easy trail to spectacular Sol Duc Falls.

Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault Lodges, built in 1915 and 1926 respectively, offer quaint, peaceful accommodations with splendid waterfront views and activities. Hike in the tall Douglas fir Hoh and Quinault Rain Forests where you can see the World’s Largest Spruce Tree. Spot the white blooms of bunchberry, ferns and moss down low, and Indian paint brush in meadows.

On your way to the Hoh, take a detour to see the Pacific Ocean at La Push. Walk expansive sandy beaches next to impressive old-growth driftwood several diameters across.

Wherever you go in the Olympic National Park, you’re sure to enjoy the regenerative laid-back mood of the scenery. Find the spots I mentioned and a couple more in my Google map below.