Hello, my friend! Are you ready to plan an adventurous trip to Olympic National Park?! This park has ocean, mountain, and rainforest views around every turn! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Olympic is a place you will never forget — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. Gorgeous beaches, peaceful waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks are yours to explore. This incredible place will leave you speechless!
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Olympic and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to Olympic National Park, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 10 things is for you.
What You Need to Know
- Don’t miss out on anything during your trip! For the best experience, get an early start to your day and have a solid plan — like this detailed itinerary.
- A variety of lodging is available within Olympic National Park. You can find more information about your options here. The outside communities of Port Angeles and Forks also offer numerous lodging and dining options.
- Camping in Olympic is a pretty big deal, which is why there are 14 front-country campgrounds in the park! Most sites are first-come, first-served and you can learn more about them here. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, beach camping is allowed with a valid permit.
- This park is unique in that it encompasses many different ecosystems. Because of that, it’s important to be prepared for any type of weather. Rain, sun, fog, snow, wind, cold, etc. are all possibilities during your visit!
- Numerous hiking trails converge and overlap in this park, so you don’t want to be caught hiking without a map. This is the map I use and recommend for Olympic National Park.
Traffic and crowding in Olympic can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to sit in traffic for an hour or more in this park?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Olympic Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so famous, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this awesome list of 10 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Olympic National Park!
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Amber Perry
Hi Ash!
I purchased your itinerary for Olympic and have been studying it for our trip in July 2024. My question – you recommend staying in Port Angeles and Forks, but are those more convenient than staying IN the park? We traditionally stay in the parks (and book a year ahead) to save on driving time and have more character/historic lodging. But all I noticed is your tip to stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge if we want to split the difference. We plan on doing your 3-day itinerary just as you advise and staying 3 nights.
Thanks for your advice!
Amber
Ash Nudd
Hey Amber, please contact me here so that I can better answer your questions!
Alison Smith
Hi, We will be visiting our son with 3 days and 2 nights to spend on the Olympia peninsula Dec 28-30 2021. Please advise us on an itinerary and where to stay. I was going to purchase you travel plan but found no way to specify the mid week winter trip. Thanks so much
Dirt In My Shoes
Hey Alison! My itineraries don’t work during the winter when things close down, but I hope you have an amazing time in the park!
Pierce
My Wife and I are planning to visit Olympic, Mt. Rainier, and maybe Northern Cascades the last week of May (weather permitting, won’t know till we get there what the snow is like).
Do you think one day is enough time in each park or should we plan some extra time?
Dirt In My Shoes
Mt. Rainier and North Cascades will be a challenge at that time of year — some of the most popular trails in Rainier don’t melt out until mid-July! Olympic should be mostly accessible, so I’d put more time there. That park is huge and takes a long time to drive between activities. Have a great time!
Cyndi Taylor
I am a senior citizen who used your itinerary in Yellowstone and loved it. My son now lives in Seattle and I can’t wait to go back for a visit. I am hoping to convince him and his girlfriend to join me as they are hikers too. I just want to know the best month for me weather wise. I hate the cold but have the layers to endure if I must. But over 80 degrees and my hot flashes and body temp go crazy😆😆 so when should I go.
Dirt In My Shoes
Haha I’m not a fan of hiking in the heat either :) Temperatures in Olympic don’t usually get hotter than 75 or 80 degrees during the summer, but if you’re worried about that, I’d say aim for June or July. Summer is the dry season in that area, so if you go in Spring, Fall, or Winter, there’s a good chance of getting a lot of precipitation. The beaches usually get really foggy in August. Hope that helps!
Stephanie
Hi! I really enjoy reading your material! My husband and I are thinking of making a trip to Olympic National Park in November (middle 10th-13th). If we pack rain gear, could we still hike at that time?
Ash Nudd
Many areas of Olympic are accessible year-round, so you should be fine. Hurricane Ridge will be iffy, but the beaches and rainforest should be okay!
Catherine
Hi Ash! I wonder is middle of May a good time to visit Olympic NP? Thank you!
Dirt In My Shoes
Yeah it can be great! Just be aware that the higher elevations (like Hurricane Ridge) will likely still be very snowy. And it will probably be too cold to swim in Lake Crescent :) But the rainforests and beaches should be wonderful!
Karin Peck
Another great set of suggestions with clear information about each site. We will be there in just a few weeks. Our time is extremely limited, but we will make the most of it, thanks to your guidance.
Dirt In My Shoes
Thanks Karin! Have fun!