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Olympic National Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Olympic National Park
28 reviews in English
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Review from Colin A.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Oh hey, what's up America? I'm Olympic National Park, you may not have heard much of me because I'm in a rainy corner of the continental U.S. and most people don't think I'm as cool as Yosemite or Glacier or Yellowstone..."
I imagine this is exactly what Olympic NP would say if given the opportunity. Olympic is not a park you can explore in one or two days; you may need more than a week to do so, and perhaps longer if you plan on entering the 95% of the park that is designated wilderness (cougars and bears, oh my!).
Tucked away in a fairly remote corner of the Pacific Northwest, Olympic is about a 2-1/2 hour drive from Seattle and roughly 5 hours from Portland (depending on your route). The main visitor center is in the northeast section of the park, due south of Port Angeles off Highway 101 (which covers most of the park boundaries in a loose semicircle).
On a recent visit, I spent two days with my fiancee traipsing through three different environments in the park -- mountains to beaches to rainforest and back to the beach. I recommend starting with the main visitor's center and then taking the awe-inspiring, white-knuckle drive up to Hurricane Ridge for some epic views and several hiking trails from novice to difficult. We drove to Lake Crescent campground, which was nearly deserted, and set up camp 200 ft. from the picture perfect, nearly still lake. Take a detour and make the hike to Soleduck Falls -- you won't regret it. On the drive in, we stopped to watch the salmon swim upstream; highly entertaining for this city boy!
Rialto beach at low tide can be an adventure amongst the sea stacks and tidepools, but at high tide you can still enjoy a cup of instant coffee and the crashing waves. Hoh Rain Forest is a trippy, otherworldly experience, especially on the Hall of Mosses trail. Kalaloch Beach at low tide was an amazing experience; if the campgrounds there weren't full (and who could blame folks with the sensational ocean views from the bluffs) we would have stayed an additional night.
Kudos to all of the staff we encountered on our trip -- the rangers were friendly, provided great direction and advice on what to see given our limited timetable, and even taught us how to read tide tables so we could safely navigate the beach areas. I kind of hope this remains one of the more hidden national parks; the obscurity in early fall makes for a great trip with little to no traffic, nearly empty campgrounds, and almost no crowds on some of the more popular hikes. Don't sleep on this if you want a great national park experience with 1/4 of the hassle of visiting some of the more "popular" destinations. I'll be back, hopefully for a backcountry hike to see some of the more wild areas of the park! -
Review from Kevin L.
6/29/2011 7 photos
Excellent park, definitely a hidden gem! There's so few people in the park compared to Yellowstone or Yosemite, it makes the experience much more unique and interesting!
You can see snow (IN THE MIDDLE OF JUNE), drive for another two hours, and be in a completely different environment immersed in the rainforest, head the coast to see the ocean and magnificent beaches, and kayak in crystal clear lakes. Definitely one of my favorite national parks.
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Some PHOTO highlights from the park...
Storm King Ranger Station: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Lake Crescent: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Hoh Rain Forest: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Hurricane Ridge: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Sol Duc Falls:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Dan S.
Auburn, WA
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hurricane Ridge is always beautiful.. especially on a clear day. We saw a bear the day when we were there.... made the whole trip !!
The whole Olympic National Park is a jewel !!! -
Review from Durga N.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/7/2011
One of the best experiences in life! Snow mountains, Crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, beaches(with plenty of starfish) and rain forest.. everything together- cant ask for more!
Heart O' the Hills campground was rustic and pretty much uncleared with very few people and we had option to choose our campsite unlike Smokies. Overall, we felt it was less commercial and mostly for people who are into nature/outdoor activitiesListed in: Time for yourself
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Review from Chaicharn S.
Raleigh, NC
4/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is definitely not a one day excursion, as my wife & I found out as we attempted to soak in all that the Olympic NP has to offer.
Upon our initial arrival to the main entrance and visitor center @ Port Angeles, WA, we noticed the huge topographical map hanging just inside the front door & realized that we wouldn't have enough time to do the majority of trails we intended.
Nonetheless, we spent the entire day driving the entire circumference of Olympic NP (even almost running out of gas along the way). We were able to see the "highlights" without even entering the center of this huge NP.
Our sole true hiking experience took us on the Sol Duc Trail to the Sol Duc Falls - we were glad we completed that trail. There was freshly fallen snow on the ground which just added to the mystic of the hiking experience. Simply breathtaking...
Next trip to the Pacific NW, we will spend more time indulging at this NP. -
Review from Rachel H.
Seattle, WA
3/31/2011
I went camping here with some friends during the summer one year and had a blast! The campsite was spacious and had enough room for a six person tent, a two person tent and small backpacking tent.
There's a scenic hiking trail a short drive away. It was near a vistors center and souvenir shop for Hurrican Ridge. It was too far to walk to in the heat. Along the trail we saw deer and mountain goats. There was even a mountain goat standing on the trail. Of course, according to the signs on the campgrounds, you should never approach a mountain goat, and if one appears to be aggressive, you should throw rocks at it... There was no need to throw rocks at this guy. He let us by without any issues.
Our camp neighbors were friendly and even hung out with us one night around the fire. Another awesome thing was that this site has working toilets and sinks. It's perfect if your group has mixed feelings about toilets in nature. -
Review from Daniel D.
Fremont, CA
8/24/2011
I've seen a lot better. Try going to Utah. You will be blown away by the parks there.
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Review from Cabby C.
San Diego, CA
9/23/2009 3 photos
Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, you should go. Some quick tips which may help if you do:
Must Do's:
1. Sol Duc Falls
2. Lake Crescent Lodge
3. Marymere Falls (more for the trail than the fall itself)
4. Ruby Beach
I would suggest that you skip the much ballyhooed Hoh Rain Forest. It's a bit out of the way from the main road and there are too many friggin mosquitos and wasps on the trails to make it worth while. Especially if you have completed the aforementioned Marymere Falls trail, rest assured you have seen enough rain forest to skip Hoh.
Enjoy. -
Review from Emma L.
9/18/2010
Gorgeous park and great campsites!
My boyfriend and I went to Washington for the long weekend to camp. We were worried about getting a campsite after driving all the way from Vancouver, but the folks at the info station was super helpful and helped us find a campground that wasn't packed.
We stayed at the Heart of the Hills campground, near Hurricane Ridge. Toilets and running water! Also nicely sized campsites, fire pits, and relative peace. I'd definitely recommend the campground, but be sure to bring exact change ($12) for each night of camping.
The Hurricane Ridge hikes are amazing with fantastic views. Further in the park the trees are mossy and beautiful. We need to go back next year and see more of this huge national park! -
Review from Becca C.
7/14/2009 8 photos
For the July 4th weekend, we spent time in sleepy Port Angeles and had a glorious hike upto Hurricane Ridge. Driving here is a little hairy for me, since I really would like a bit more guardrails, just be cautious.
It was a beautiful day! I couldn't believe how much wildlife I encountered: elk, deer, marmots, eagles, chipmunks and more. I've included quite a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. The actual hike upto the ridge took more out of me than expected, but maybe this is because of the high elevation in the middle of July.
You can easily spend 6 hours or more here, exploring the trails, taking in the views, picnicing, and shopping at the Visitor's Center (gifts, snacks, and educational displays). Highly recommended!Listed in: Seattle-City and Area Parks
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Review from Corie R.
El Cerrito, CA
9/14/2011
If you're from the northern coast of California or from the Oregon coast, you won't be wowed by the coast of northern Washington - it's very similar. Still beautiful, but nothing you haven't seen before. Hurricane Ridge, however, is spectacular. I wish we had spent time there hiking instead of spending most of our time driving around the park to the other sights. Everything is very spread out, so you spend lots of time driving in this park. The Hoh rain forest was also quite beautiful, but Kalaloch Lodge was quite overpriced for what we got. Some advice: don't get rooms 401-405 at Kalaloch lodge. They are the only rooms below other rooms and the walls are paper-thin. It sounded like the people above us started river-dancing at about 6am (probably they were just packing up to leave, but it was impossible to sleep through their footsteps). Sol Duc was also very nice, though also overpriced for what is really only a simple cabin in the woods.
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Review from Thaddeus G.
Seattle, WA
9/26/2006
Look, you have to take the winding road up to Hurricane Ridge even if you're afraid of heights and you're flanked the entire time by latte-crazed triathletes on your right and the Harley Riders for Jesus on your left. You just have to. Then if you find you can handle that, then take the Road From Hell to the Deer Park campground. It's 8 miles of vertiginous, rocky, "ohmigawd-you're-taking-me-to-Castle-Dracula" thrills.
Olympic National Park has a little bit of everything in a space about the size of Rhode Island (I think) - rain forest, pine forest, glaciated peaks, and the only 40-mile stretch of pristine beach on the entire west coast. I ran into a guy up there who said he'd been hiking it for 10 years and hadn't quite seen all of it yet.
If you go, and you have the time (and the lungs), take the Hurricane Ridge trail to the Klahhane Ridge trail over the ridge and down past Lake Angeles to the main entrance (10 miles). S'wonderful. You'll get views like this:
http://www.fototime.co... -
Review from Emily S.
6/2/2009
I'm going back...
But I don't want to tell anyone because I want it all to myself. -
Review from Lisa L.
Bothell, WA
5/5/2010 1 photo
Hiking Hurricane Ridge, you'll experience some of the most picturesque views of nature available. We ventured off the main trails and were rewarded handsomely with unobstructed views of rolling hills, alive with vegetation, as far as the eye can see. Breathe in fresh mountain air, see wild animals scurrying about and just commune with untouched nature. We hiked 5 miles without even noticing.
Yes, there's a winding, uphill drive to get here and yes there is a per car entrance fee to get in, but it's definitely worth it. Can't wait to explore more of what the Olympic National Park has to offer.Listed in: Nature in Western Washington
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Review from Christopher W.
Oakland, CA
5/28/2009
Olympic National Park is one of the greatest spectacles in the United States. Getting there is not really a trip, so much as a journey. What should have been a 2.5 hour trip turned into a five hour tour. A five hour tour. What turned into a five hour tour became 24 hours in forest steeped in beauty.
Upon arrival, we bypassed the Elwha campgrounds for the Altair, a series of sites along the cusp of the Elwha River. Nearby trails, which take you up semi-steep ridges that overlook the lowland forest floor, lead to wooden bridges and sloping (at times slippery) paths to the edge of the park. There were a few more children present at our campground than expected, but the sounds of the river drowned out some of the noise.
We also drove up to Whiskey Bend, where we hiked to an overlook, identifying three black bears close enough to capture on film, but far enough to escape an "uncomfortable" encounter. Unfortunately, our trip was cut short by the discovery of a 2-person tent packed to meet the needs of three people*, a shortage of some basic "necessities", and a 16 hour trip back to the California Central Vally lying ahead.
The campgrounds were surprisingly sophisticated and there was also the town of Port Angeles a mere 10 minute drive from the park to make that Safeway run for firewood or Goodwill run for classroom chairs quite convenient. However, the nearness of the town doesn't take away from the pristine and primitive nature of the wilderness experience. I would highly recommend Olympic National Park for a two to three day camping excursion for girl scout troops, newlyweds, college dorm buddies, or an entire extended family.
*(I love my brother-in-law, but not that much). -
Review from Canyouwoowoo W.
Atlanta, GA
7/23/2010
Amazing...
Breathtaking vistas along the snow capped Hurricane Ridge... The big sky reflections at Kalaloch Beach... The mystical rocks of Ruby Beach... The jolly green giants of Hoh Rainforest... The morning calm of Lake Crescent... And those were just the places that I had time for...
The nerdy stuff that'll make you say "Damn!" - Three ecosystems in an area the size of Rhode Island, one of only four temperate rainforests left in the world, and the water quality that the rest of the U.S. is based off of.
Just as rewarding as Rainier, and perhaps less travelled... Take the Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then circle counter clockwise along the Pacific Coast Highway (US 101). Takes at least two days to appreciate it all. -
Review from Callie W.
Aberdeen, WA
9/6/2010
Glaciers, mountain goats, marmots, wildflower heaven, and that's the part that's by Port Angeles. In Quinault you get deep forest, at Lake Crescent you get an amazingly blue lake, in the Hoh you get rainforest and Hall of Mosses. And then there are the beaches, with seastacks, long stretches of sand and trees hanging off cliffs.
I've been all over this park, from Lena Lake in the east to the top of Colonel Bob in the South to Ruby Beach to the Hoh to Obstruction Point and I love every single inch of it.
Olympic National Park is awe-inspiring in its drama and beauty and if you like being outside, or you like ecology, or you like to smell fresh, damp air, you are in luck. Get over there and drink it all in.Listed in: Harbor Places
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Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
8/19/2009
Breath-taking views. Variety of types of scenarios: mountains, beaches, quiet viewpoints.
If you love nature, you will be here sometime or many times.
I have been here many times. The long quiet drives. The huge trees. Silence in forests. I understand what the other reviewer said about no twanting to tell anyone about it. I am going crazy waiting for my next visit. Just go, just go. -
Review from Vinh L.
Seattle, WA
10/13/2009
went to Deer Park, I've gone camping a few places around Washington, and I would highly recommend ONP. Private, not too crowded even though it was the peak of summer. Quite a long journey from Seattle, had to drive to Edmonds and catch the ferry across, followed by about another 1 1/2 hrs of driving, but well worth it. we could sit and watch deer get within feet of you. Our tent was set up near a cliff and you can stand on the edge and watch the clouds roll in under you. This place is very relaxing. There is a public bathroom onsite. There is a hiking trail there too if that's your thing.
Near the bottom of the mountain, 30 min drive, there is a few stores including a walmart so you can stock up if you need to. I seriously can't think of a better place to go to camp in Washington. I would go again for sure. -
Review from Shannon N.
San Jose, CA
11/15/2008
Beautiful park - but as others have posted, there is some construction at times and we ended up with a really long wait for some unknown reason (we couldn't tell what caused them to go to one lane when we finally got to pass).
Otherwise, very pretty location. :) -
Review from Edward B.
Marysville, WA
4/21/2011
Beautiful! So many things to see and do. An amazing park. Clean restrooms, knowledgeable staff at the info centers.
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Review from Walt W.
Ashburn, VA
7/16/2008
What would normally take 20 minutes to drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge took a little over an hour. There is a cluster F of construction on the byway to the top of the mountain and it has been taken down to a single line road for a large section of the road. When we did arrive at the top, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The park is beautiful and the trails are very user friendly.
I would buy a seasonal pass and come here more if I did not have to spend an hour (sitting in line) going up the mountain and an hour going back down. -
Review from NANCY H.
Bothell, WA
8/8/2009 2 photos
Hurricane Ridge - there are some easy trails that a whole family can try and one moderately difficult one. Amazing views at every corner. Perfect picnic spot at the visitor's center. Worth the 40 minute drive from Port Angeles.
Good for: feeling alive with the sound of music -
Review from SARAH K.
Seattle, WA
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely beautiful~ nearby get a way. If you love the outdoors and nature this place is THE BEST it gets out here in the pacific northwest. Plenty of outdoor activities- from hiking, biking,fishing, crabbing, clam digging, camping/RV, canoeing/ boating, eating, beach combing... everything :)
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Review from Adrienne H.
Pacific, WA
6/29/2008
Olympic National Park was basically my backyard growing up. It's beauty is sorely missed now that I live on the I-5 corridor. Where else can you drive up the mountain for a picnic, to the lake for a lazy afternoon, or to the ocean on a whim? If you love the outdoors there is more to do than time allows.
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Review from Dan E.
Flagstaff, AZ
8/2/2010
This TRULY is God's country! The gorgeous seascapes, the thickly ferned rain forests, huge, HUGE trees, Hurricane Ridge, The depth of the color GREEN...ALL AMAZING and beautiful. I would return in a heart beat to this most awesome region. My only regret was not to have planned for more time when there.
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Review from Curtis L.
9/14/2008
hurricane ridge is a must see at the park. newly paved road make the drive nice and the view is breathtaking. sol duc falls is worth a look too. will head back to check out the hoh rain forest next time. lots of trails to hike and campgrounds to camp at. this is a outdoorsman's playground and a photographers delight.
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Review from John V.
Hanover Park, IL
6/7/2008
beautiful park, we walked around one of the Hoh Rain Forest trails and drove up to Hurricane Ridge and it was all gorgeous... even though we were in a cloud and the views up there were pretty much greyness.
