Olympic National Park Hiking Adventure

“Olympic is like three parks in one: wild coastlines, lush forests and alpine peaks, all connected by the rivers that run between them”

National parkS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

Few places on earth offer such a striking mix of environments, and Olympic National Park is one of them. This National Park Hiking Adventure will take you from misty temperate rainforests and wild Pacific shores to jagged alpine ridges high above the clouds. Olympic National Park’s trails lead you beneath towering evergreens, across windswept beaches dotted with driftwood, and up into mountain meadows bursting with wildflowers. With every step, the scenery shifts, revealing a new side of the park’s extraordinary diversity. Moving between these landscapes feels like traveling through multiple worlds in a single journey. Whether you’re drawn to peaceful woodland paths or challenging climbs with big views, Olympic promises experiences to match every level of explorer.

The Hiking

Our journey through Olympic National Park highlights the park’s incredible variety of landscapes, with each day offering a different perspective on its wild beauty. We’ll explore the mountains at Hurricane Ridge, where the Hurricane Hill trail rewards us with sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and deep valleys. We’ll hit the trails in the Lake Crescent area with rewarding hikes to Marymere Falls and the Devil’s Punchbowl, followed by an afternoon in the lush Sol Duc Valley, home to the park’s most iconic waterfall and incredible hot springs.

There is more than just mountains in Olympic National Park, though, including coastlines and rainforests! A hike along Rialto Beach takes us past dramatic sea stacks and tidepools to the famed Hole-in-the-Wall before we head inland to wander beneath towering moss-draped trees in the Hoh Rainforest. We’ll head south to Ruby Beach, with its sculpted driftwood and tidal wonders, and into the Quinault Valley for peaceful trails through ancient forests. Along the way, we’ll balance activity with time to relax at historic lodges, making this a seamless adventure through one of America’s most diverse national parks.

The Towns

The communities surrounding Olympic National Park offer charm, character, and the chance to connect with local culture between hikes. Port Angeles serves as the park’s northern hub, with its waterfront views, friendly cafés, and easy access to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. Just inland, Forks provides a quieter base near the wild Pacific coast and the Hoh Rainforest, where small-town hospitality meets rugged natural beauty.

We’ll experience the beautiful towns of Quinault and Kalaloch for a taste of the park’s more remote side. Quinault, with its historic lodge and serene lake, is nestled among towering old-growth forests, while Kalaloch perches on dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking driftwood-strewn beaches. Each town complements the adventure with its own personality, making the journey around Olympic as memorable as the landscapes themselves.

The Lodges & Restaurants

A special highlight of this journey is the chance to stay in some of Olympic’s most iconic historic lodges, each steeped in character and charm. From the rustic elegance of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, a 1912 retreat nestled within the lush forests of the park, to Kalaloch Lodge perched above the wild Pacific coastline, and the grand Lake Quinault Lodge with its sweeping lawns and old-growth forest backdrop, these timeless properties connect guests to the park’s history as much as its landscapes. By staying in these storied lodges, the trip not only immerses you in nature but also in the enduring legacy of Olympic National Park.

You’ll have the chance to indulge in the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, with fresh, locally inspired dishes served in historic lodge dining rooms and cozy taverns. From hearty breakfasts overlooking mountain lakes to dinners featuring regional seafood, seasonal produce, and artisan specialties, dining becomes an extension of the adventure.