• Olympic National Park Visitor Center - Situated in Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center offers:

park details
an NPS gift/bookshop
a park film, and
exhibits on Olympic’s natural and cultural history

Additionally, there’s a hands-on Discovery Room for children. Outside, you’ll find two short nature trails and restroom facilities.

Rangers and volunteers are available to answer questions about hiking trails, road conditions, and tide charts.

• Heart Of The Forest Trail - This charming walk through an old-growth forest starts in the Heart O’ the Hills campground, Loop E. Parking is available by the amphitheater. Although the trail spans over 4 miles roundtrip, much can be seen within the first mile. Keep an eye out for Olympic’s hidden gems like banana slugs, rough-skinned newts, and Pacific tree frogs.
• Strait Of Juan De Fuca Scenic Byway - Pause at this overlook for a panoramic view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On clear days, you can see across the strait to Victoria, Canada, and even the Cascade Mountains. Interpretive signs at the overlook highlight the landmarks.
• Hurricane Ridge - Hurricane Ridge offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the park’s most popular spots. Marvel at the majestic snow-capped peaks, stroll through sub-alpine meadows filled with summer wildflowers, hike popular trails, and spot wildlife like the endemic Olympic marmot.

Meadow Loop Trails: These easy paved trails can be accessed from the visitor center parking lot.

Hurricane Hill Trail: This moderate 3-mile hike starts about 1.5 miles past the visitor center. Parking is available at the trailhead with overflow parking in the picnic areas below.

• Madison Creek Falls - Madison Falls is a beautiful 45-foot cascade. This hidden gem is just a short distance from the highway and a brief walk from the parking area.

Take a moment to enjoy the serene setting. Before returning to your car, check out the nearby Elwha River.

This river is gradually returning to its natural state following the removal of two dams.

Also nearby is the Sweet Family Homestead, where the National Park grazes its pack animals. These horses and donkeys assist in packing supplies for trail maintenance.

• Lake Crescent - Lake Crescent is Washington’s second deepest lake and one of the most pristine.

The water is so clear that you can see up to 70 feet down! When the light hits just right, Lake Crescent glows like a sapphire.

The Log Cabin Resort on the east shore and the Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore offer lodging, boating, hiking, and swimming.

The Fairholme Campground on the west shore features a store, a popular campground, and a beach.

• Marymere Falls - The trailhead for the popular Marymere Falls hike is near the shore of Lake Crescent.

This moderately easy trail is less than two miles roundtrip and winds through a lush, old-growth forest.

Park near Lake Crescent Lodge, where you can pick up a trail map before setting out.

From the lodge, the trail follows Barnes Creek, crosses Highway 101, and continues upstream through a canopy of towering evergreens and maples.

You’ll cross several picturesque log bridges on your way to this stunning 90-foot cascade. There are two viewing platforms.

• Salmon Cascades - The Sol Duc River is a busy highway for various fish species, including Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon, as well as steelhead trout.

The lookout at Salmon Cascades is the perfect spot to watch migrating salmon leap up the cascades on their way upriver to spawn.

Even if the salmon aren’t jumping, the view of the river is lovely and just a short walk from the parking area.

Interpretive signs tell the dramatic and inspiring story of the salmon’s life.

• Ancient Groves Trail, Secondary Trailhead - The Ancient Groves Trail is an easy, half-mile loop through a dense, old-growth forest carpeted with thick moss and ferns. The trail offers glimpses of the Sol Duc River canyon below.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs - The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features a freshwater pool and three mineral pools fed by natural hot springs.

Visitors can dine at the Springs Restaurant or relax in the pools. Paid reservations are required for the hour-and-a-half soaking sessions and are first-come, first-served.

• Sol Duc Falls - Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park!

The moderately easy 1.6-mile trail starts at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds through a lovely old-growth forest, past creeks, and over wooden bridges.

The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Sol Duc Falls!

This stunning waterfall features three separate cascades that plunge dramatically over the cliff.

There are viewing platforms across from and above the waterfall, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

• Second Beach Trail - Second Beach at La Push features tide pools, dramatic sea stacks, and a flat, sandy beach.

The 2-mile round-trip trail to this stunning coastal beach winds through a lovely forest with plenty of ferns, moss, and nurse logs–fallen and decaying logs that support new life.

The hike is relatively easy on the way down but requires a bit of a climb on the way back.

If the main parking lot is full, there is overflow parking in a gravel lot just up the hill.

• Rialto Beach - Rialto Beach offers easy access, parking, and vault toilets. With stunning views of James Island, Rialto’s rugged shoreline is known for its giant piles of driftwood logs and rough surf.

One of Rialto Beach’s highlights is the dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall.

Located at the north end of the beach, Hole in the Wall requires a moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike along the pebbly shore.

There, you’ll find numerous tide pools and stunning sea stacks.

• Forks - “Welcome to Forks, Washington–the Rainiest Town in the Contiguous United States!

Every year, Forks receives about 10 feet or 120 inches of rain, so its title is well-deserved.

Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, Forks was one of America’s last frontiers.

The large prairie was once home to the Quileute people. Settlers began arriving here in the late 1870s. Eventually, the area became a booming logging town.

Today, Forks is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Olympic National Park and fans of the Twilight book and movie series, which was set in this rainy town.

• Forks Welcome Sign - “Check out the Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at the south end of town. Pick up information about local attractions, hiking trails, restaurants, and the self-guided Twilight driving tour.

The Forks Timber Museum next door showcases the rich history of the timber industry.”

• Hoh Rain Forest - “From ancient trees draped with moss to thick carpets of fern that blanket the ground, the Hoh Rain Forest is simply magical.

In this primeval forest, watch for majestic Roosevelt elk, iconic banana slugs, and the elusive Bigfoot!

The Hoh Visitor Center offers trail information, restrooms, interactive displays, and two easy trails.

The Trail of Mosses features bigleaf maple trees cloaked in layers of soft, thick moss. This relatively easy trail is less than a mile long.

The slightly longer Spruce Nature Trail loops through forests of red alder and cottonwood and passes by the Hoh River.”

• Ruby Beach - Ruby Beach features a spectacular shoreline complete with dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, piles of driftwood logs, a pretty creek, and a large, pebbly beach.

This popular beach can get quite busy on weekends and holidays.

A short quarter-mile trail leads from the parking area down to the beach. At the end of the trail, you’ll need to walk through or climb over large driftwood logs to reach the shore.

Ruby Beach was named after the tiny crystals of red garnet that occasionally washed onto the shore and gave the beach a pinkish hue.

• Big Cedar Tree Kalaloch - “The Big Cedar Tree is a true Olympic giant–or at least it used to be! Unfortunately, a storm split the trunk of this massive 1000-year-old Western Red Cedar, but the gnarly giant still inspires awe.

The trailhead is just a short drive from the highway, and it’s an easy walk to the tree from the parking area. For those who want to explore more, the trail goes past the giant cedar and offers views of other impressive trees.”

• Kalaloch Beach Trail 4 - If you’re looking for a less-crowded beach with amazing tide pools and a large sandy shore, then Kalaloch Beach 4 is for you!

There is a short, steep trail down to the beach with interpretive signs and a cool driftwood bridge. At the end, there is a short rock scramble down a rope–which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Less than a mile round trip, the hike takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Beach 4 is popular for birding, hiking, and walking. Harbor seals can often be seen playing in the surf.

• Tree of Life - “The Kalaloch Tree of Life is another iconic symbol of the Olympic coast. Stretched precariously between two cliffs, this unusual Sitka spruce looks like it’s floating in thin air as it hovers above the ground.

Over time, water eroded the ground beneath its roots, carving out the cool, cave-like space beneath. How long the tree will be able to hold on is hard to say. Weather, erosion, and human carelessness (like climbing or hanging onto the tree’s roots) are quickening its demise.

Admire this icon from a distance–and do your part to help keep the Tree of Life alive.”

• Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park - The Kalaloch Lodge is the only coastal lodging in Olympic National Park. It’s a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal with an ocean view! You can also grab an ice cream cone from the Kalaloch Mercantile next door.
• Quinault Rain Forest - The Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail is located at the beginning of the Lake Quinault South Shore Road. The easy half-mile loop includes waterfalls, creeks, and the classic moss-covered trees–along with interpretive signs. It’s a great way to experience the rainforest without having to hike very far. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
• Lake Quinault Lodge - The historic Lake Quinault Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Lake Quinault. Enjoy a meal in the famous Roosevelt Dining Room overlooking the lake. You can also wander to the back lawn that overlooks the lake and take a stroll along the shore.

The two-story rustic lodge was built in the summer of 1926–in a record 53 days! Crews lit bonfires and worked around the clock to complete the building before the rains began.

• World’s Largest Sitka Spruce - An easy quarter-mile walk leads to the world’s largest Sitka spruce tree. Measuring over 18 feet in diameter and reaching a height of 191 feet, this impressive giant is one of many champion trees in the lush Quinault Rainforest–also known as the Valley of Rainforest Giants.
• Merriman Falls - Merriman Falls is located right next to the road. The lovely 40-foot cascades can be seen from the car but make a nice stop if you want to take a photo.
• Kestner Homestead Trailhead - “The Kestner Homestead sits on the north shore of the Quinault River in the middle of a rugged wilderness. Built around the turn of the 20th century, this historic site is a testimony to the perseverance and dedication of Anton Kestner–one of the valley’s early pioneers.

The homestead can be accessed in two ways. You can park at the homestead gate and walk a short distance to the buildings or take the scenic trail from the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.

Nearby, the half-mile Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail winds through the enchanting rain forest for a magical experience.”

• July Creek Picnic Area Trailhead - The July Creek Picnic area, located on the north shore of Lake Quinault, offers another great view of the lake. A short path takes you through giant trees to the shore. There are restrooms and picnic tables.

• Take the tour when you want
• Tours NEVER expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Tour Start is Customizable
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

• Private transportation
• Meals and refreshment
• Entrance Fee: Olympic National Park