Olympic National Park

A vast wilderness encompassing temperate rainforests, alpine peaks, and pristine Pacific beaches all in one park near Port Angeles, Washington. It's home to Roosevelt elk, ancient old-growth forests, and some of the most diverse ecosystems in the region.

Things to do

• Hoh Rainforest Walk — Explore the lush temperate rainforest via well-maintained trails through massive Sitka spruces and western red cedars draped in moss.
• Ruby Beach — Hike to this dramatic Pacific coastline featuring sea stacks, tide pools, and opportunities to spot starfish, anemones, and migrating gray whales.
• Mount Olympus Summit — Undertake a challenging 17-mile round-trip climb through subalpine meadows and glaciated terrain to reach the park's highest point at 7,965 feet.
• Marymere Falls Trail — Walk a gentle 1.8-mile loop to a 90-foot waterfall cascading through old-growth forest, perfect for families and wildlife viewing.
• Elk Viewing at Eltava Valley — Observe Roosevelt elk in their natural habitat during early morning or dusk visits to this scenic riverside meadow.
• Hurricane Ridge Scenic Drive — Drive winding roads to 5,242-foot Hurricane Ridge for panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound.
• Rialto Beach Tide Pools — Explore extensive tide pools teeming with sea stars, sea urchins, and hermit crabs at this accessible and family-friendly beach.

Food to try

• Fresh Pacific Salmon — Sample locally caught wild coho or chinook salmon prepared simply grilled or smoked by Port Angeles restaurants celebrating the region's fishing heritage.
• Dungeness Crab — Enjoy sweet, tender local Dungeness crab in cakes, cocktails, or cracked fresh from nearby coastal communities during crab season.
• Foraged Wild Mushroom Dishes — Try dishes featuring locally foraged chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and matsutake mushrooms that thrive in the rainforest ecosystem.
• Blackberry Pie — Savor homemade blackberry pie made with berries foraged from the park's abundant wild berry patches.
• Clam Chowder — Warm up with creamy New England-style clam chowder featuring butter clams and razor clams from Puget Sound.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distance — Keep at least 25 yards from elk and other wildlife, and never feed animals, as they are wild and potentially dangerous creatures.
• Prepare for Rapid Weather Changes — Weather in the park shifts quickly and dramatically, so always bring layers and rain gear even on sunny days.
• Leave No Trace Ethic — The Pacific Northwest culture deeply values wilderness preservation, so pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid removing plants or natural objects.
• Honor Indigenous Lands — The park sits on ancestral lands of the Quilleute, Makah, and other Coast Salish nations; visit the visitor centers to learn their history and ongoing presence.