Things to Do
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington offers far more than just hiking trails, with diverse activities spanning from wildlife viewing and photography to scenic driving tours and educational ranger programs. Visitors can explore pristine beaches with tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones, paddle through serene lakes, fish for salmon and trout, or simply relax amid old-growth rainforests and alpine meadows. Whether you're interested in camping under the stars, attending interpretive talks about the park's unique ecosystems, or capturing the dramatic landscape through your camera lens, Olympic National Park provides unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Backcountry Camping
Backpack in Olympic National Park
While this app is a great tool for "front country" visits (places you can get to with a car, bike, or short hike), it's not meant to guide you through the back country. For that we have the Wilderness Information Center - WIC for short. The WIC rangers can talk through routes, gear, and trail conditions with you, and set you up with a permit.
Front-Country Hiking
Walk the Moments in Time Trail
Take a peaceful stroll at Barnes Point on Lake Crescent on the Moments in Time Trail.
Take a Short Hike Near the Visitor Center
Near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, two short loop hikes take visitors through peaceful, green lowland forests.
Location: Start from the Visitor Center
See Madison Falls
Madison Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River. It's also one of the most accessible destinations at the park, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all abilities.
Go to the Beach
A trip to the Olympic Coast is sure to be memorable! Olympic National Park contains several beach areas along the coast, each with something to offer. Learn more about popular beaches and start planning your trip!
Take a Pet-Friendly Hike
Pets: they’re our faithful friends and loyal companions. But at Olympic National Park, they aren’t allowed everywhere! You can still have a great time at Olympic with pets, but be sure to read carefully and follow the rules so you know what to do and where to go.
Skiing
Play in the Snow in the Olympic Mountains
Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March.
Wildlife Watching
Watch for Salmon at Salmon Cascades
In the late summer and early fall, salmon can be seen leaping from Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River! Get a glimpse on a viewing platform located above the cascades.
Location: Salmon Cascades trailhead
Observe Animals at Olympic National Park
In the park, we humans are privileged to be visitors to wild animals' home. We can treat their home with respect and care.
Tidepooling on the Olympic Coast
There are special places that allow you to see sea creatures up close without leaving the beach! Tidepools are home to fascinating creatures like sea stars, anemones, barnacles, nudibranchs, crabs, and more.
Location: Ruby Beach