A Guide to Olympic National Park
Ruby Beach
The first stop on our Olympic adventure was this beach—and it couldn’t have been a better start. Parking was very crowded here, and we had a little bit of trouble finding a space. A short walk from the parking lot brings you right to the shoreline, making it easy to settle in and explore. The day was warm, so wandering along the water—and even wading through it—was a refreshing way to stay cool.
The beach itself is covered in pebbles and scattered rocks. Towering rock stacks rise dramatically from the water, and the deep blue hues of the ocean make the whole scene feel almost surreal. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Address: Forks, WA 98331
Hoh Rainforest
This place truly lives up to all the praise—the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest is something special. I spent two hours crawling slowly to the parking lot, so take my advice and go early to avoid the crowds. There was the bonus of spotting some otters cavorting in a little pond by the side of the road. Once we entered the park, the fresh air and vibrant greenery set the perfect atmosphere for the day. I wandered along the trails, taking in the lush, verdant views at every turn. Even with some crowds, there were still peaceful pockets where I could enjoy the quiet on my own. As a bonus, I even spotted the cutest chipmunk happily munching on a mushroom.
Address: 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331
The In Place - Forks
I can’t get over how amazing the food was here. This was easily one of the best salads I’ve ever had. The shrimp tasted incredibly fresh, and all the other ingredients were just as high quality. I would absolutely visit again and highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for great seafood in Forks.
Address: 320 S Forks Ave, Forks, WA 98331
John’s Beachcombing Museum
The museum showcases an incredible collection of items that John, the owner, and his friends have gathered—mostly from Washington beaches. It’s astonishing to see both the variety of objects and the sheer quantity of some items. It really highlights the importance of taking better care of our oceans. The museum itself is unique, with displays spread across outdoor spaces, a two-level garage, and an additional smaller garage. There’s also a section where visitors can purchase glass bottles and other ocean debris, with proceeds supporting their beach cleanup efforts.
Rialto Beach
One minute the beach was clear (as pictured), and then the water and beach were completely obscured in fog. It was chilly and windy, yet very bright and sunny the day we went. The beach seemed less visited than Ruby Beach, but that could be based on the time and day we visited.
Address: Mora Rd, Forks, WA 98350
Hurricane Ridge
We drove quite a ways from our campsite to spend the day around Port Angeles, with our first stop at Hurricane Ridge. The mountain views were breathtaking, and wildflowers were everywhere. I kept an eye out for marmots but, unfortunately, didn’t see any. From one of the viewpoints, you can easily spot Canada in the distance. At one point, my phone even sent a notification about roaming charges—it got a little confused about where I was!
Fish & Crab Shack - Port Angeles
What’s a waterside adventure without some great seafood? This little shack serves up delicious fish and chips and chowder. There’s outdoor seating with views of the same water—and even Canada in the distance—much like Hurricane Ridge. Alongside the classic fish shack fare, the menu also featured several other tempting options.
Marymere Falls
A non-strenuous hike winds through a lush green forest to a scenic waterfall viewpoint. The path meanders gently, making it a quick and peaceful way to experience a quiet corner of the woods. Along the way, there were some incredible plants with giant leaves—bigger than my head!
Lake Crescent
The trail to Marymere Falls begins near the shores of Lake Crescent. The area features walking paths, opportunities for boating, and spots where people can swim or relax by the water. It’s a peaceful place to soak up the sunshine and admire the lake’s striking blue and green tones.
Sol Duc Falls
A perfect finishing touch to a great trip. The longer trail to these falls is well worth the effort. The water thundered down the rocks, sending mist into our faces as we stood on the bridge, taking in nature’s power. Everything along the way—and at the final viewpoint—was stunning and felt incredibly calming.
Address: Port Angeles, WA 98363
How to get there
There are two main ways to get to the Olympic Peninsula. You can either drive north from around Olympia or Aberdeen and continue up toward the northern tip, or take a ferry from the Seattle area to one of several destinations on the peninsula. The best option depends on your starting point and how much time you want to spend driving versus taking a ferry. Your decision may also be influenced by where you plan to begin your trip once you arrive.
How to get around
The best way to get around the area is by car. Because destinations across the Olympic Peninsula are spread out, public transportation is limited, and traveling between them on foot isn’t practical.
How long to stay
I recommend staying at least five days, depending on which sights are your top priorities. Many locations are quite spread out—for example, we often spent about half an hour to an hour driving from our campsite to a single destination. To see a good range of the main attractions without feeling rushed, planning for about a week is ideal.
When to go
The best times to visit are when it’s neither too dry nor too cold. I recommend going in the spring or fall, when the greenery is at its best. In the summer, the moss and forest can start to look dry due to minimal rainfall.
Where to stay
There are some park-sanctioned campsites spread around the Olympics, but they tend to sell out months in advance. If you don’t plan that far ahead, it might be difficult to find a spot. Below I am sharing the link to the campsite that I stayed at. It was perfect, and booking can be made on Hipcamp. There was a nice river right beside our campsite that we got to swim in at the end of the day.
Link: campsite
Where to eat
Beyond the two dining spots I mentioned, you can find great places to eat in most towns throughout the area. If you’re camping, it’s best to pack and prepare your own food at your campsite, since some locations are quite remote.