Best Day Hikes In Olympic National Park – Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. This two-day Olympic Park National Park tour is the perfect way to extend your short visit and not miss out on the park’s most spectacular experience. Whether you love nature, enjoy hiking, photography, or just want to soak up the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, this guide will help you make the most of your time!
Covering over one million hectares (yes, you read that right!), Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It is a natural creation that combines rugged mountains, pristine jungles and misty beaches. With this 2-day guided tour, you will experience the park’s diverse ecosystems and stunning views.
Best Day Hikes In Olympic National Park
Follow this guide and your 2 days in Olympic National Park will be an adventure like no other! Explore the alpine meadows of the Hurricane Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views that will take your breath away. Then, take in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean at Rialto Beach and La Push, where sea stacks line the shore. At the end, you will visit the Blue Jungle, where you will enjoy a beautiful nature walk, where giant moss-covered trees create an enchanting atmosphere. This is a jam-packed tour that showcases the best of the entire park in just 48 hours.
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I’ll also share personal tips on adventures around Olympic National Park, great camping options, and other hidden gems you may never have visited! So pack your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Olympic National Park. Let’s go!
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Be sure to pack essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking gear when you’re training. These items will be invaluable as you explore the wonders of the park.
The starting location for this tour can be adjusted depending on where you choose as your base.
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Personally, I wouldn’t recommend trying this trip without arriving at a stop around the Olympic Peninsula the night before. If you are driving from Seattle, it will take you half a day to drive from Seattle to the peninsula.
There are two main options for this trip. If you choose to start in Port Angeles, you can do the same 2 day trip (see overview below)! If you decide to start at Forks, reverse the day on this trail and work backwards!
Your 2-day trip to Olympic National Park begins with a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead. It’s going to be a long and exciting day, so you’ll need all the energy you can get to get through it! And don’t forget your coffee!
An overnight stay in Port Angeles is recommended before a two-day trip to Olympic National Park. If you’re staying overnight on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s easier to get to the national park than it is to drive from Seattle early in the morning.
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If you’re looking for an apartment in Port Angeles, here are a few options to consider. I’ve also included a map of the Port Angeles location below for easy navigation.
Port Angeles makes a perfect starting point for a trip to Olympic National Park, as it is close to many of the park’s main attractions. Plus, it’s an interesting city to explore! If you’re staying the night before, I recommend walking around Port Angeles for a few hours before heading to Olympic National Park.
You can walk along the beach to enjoy the amazing view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are also nice cafes in the area where you can have your morning coffee or breakfast. Small town but perfect for a trip to the national park!
However, if you decide to drive directly from Seattle to follow this guide, get up early (I’m talking 4 or 5 am!) and head straight to the Hurricane Visitor Center in Olympic. Coffee and street food.
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It’s a 45 minute drive from Port Angeles to our first stop of the day, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center! Make sure to keep your phone and camera away as this tour is truly beautiful. This tour takes you to the Visitor Center 5,242 feet above sea level!
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has a wealth of information about the flora, fauna and history of the park. When exploring the visitor center, look for guided tours or exhibits that can deepen your understanding of the park’s ecosystem. In addition, ranger-led programs include personal insights into adventures around the ranger’s national park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try walking from the visitor center! Or head to the nearby Hurricane Ridge picnic area for a relaxing break with the Olympic Mountains in the background. Don’t worry if you see a deer or two while you’re eating.
If you are looking to hike, I recommend the Hurricane Trail. This 3.2-mile trail rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding peaks in summer wildflowers, and maybe even a thrilling mummified encounter! It’s a great way to stretch your legs and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this park. Self-climbing can be done in a few hours. Take as much time as you like to enjoy the beauty of this climb, it’s perfect for taking photos and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
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As darkness falls, it’s time to head to Crescent Lake, the jewel in the middle of Olympic National Park. The drive itself is beautiful (almost every road on this road is beautiful!), but the real magic happens when you reach the crystal clear waters of the lake. This is a great place to visit in the afternoon to avoid the morning crowds!
If the weather permits, you can dive and swim in the lake. Note that Crescent Lake is over 600 feet deep in the center! Be careful not to go too far if you’re not a keen swimmer, as the area closest to shore drops to depths of 100 feet or more.
Did you know that Crescent Lake is a carved ice lake? During the last ice age, the valley was created by glacial erosion as large glaciers formed the valley and deposited material to form a natural dam. As the glaciers receded and melted, the valleys filled with water created the magnificent lakes we see today.
Even if you don’t choose to swim in Crescent Lake, there are plenty of great walks around the lake. Devil’s Punchbowl, just north of the lake, is a favorite to visit at any time of year. It can be accessed via the Spruce Railway.
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After admiring the beauty of Crescent Lake and swimming, it’s time to check out the accommodation! I personally recommend camping at one of the amazing HipCamp sites in the area, or you can camp in a National Park!
One of the most popular campgrounds in the area, Fairholme Campground has 84 campsites. Fairholme Campground is managed by the National Park Service and reservations are required during peak season (May to September). If you’re visiting outside of peak season, check the camp’s website for the most up-to-date information on availability. Reservations and campsite locations are available on a rolling basis.
Get $10 off your first HipCamp order! I have used HipCamp many times at various locations in Washington and I love it! Check it out using my link to sign up and get $10 off your first order. How easy!
If camping isn’t your thing, or if you want to be more comfortable during your trip to Olympic National Park, there are several great accommodations near Crescent Lake.
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The most popular is Lake Crescent Lodge. The location of this hotel puts you right on the lake! There are also great hiking trails near the inn, including Marymere Falls, Storm King, and Bovee’s Meadow. Lake Crescent Lodge was built in 1915, making it a great choice for those looking for a historic and charming lodge!
Another great option near Lake Crescent is the Log Cabin Resort. Accommodation types vary here, giving guests the choice of staying in authentic log cabins, lakeside cottages or original hotels.
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