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Olympic National Park is a dramatic showcase of diverse ecosystems, spanning over 900,000 acres. From glacier-capped peaks and temperate rain forests to rugged, sea-stack-strewn beaches, navigating this vast wilderness requires a detailed, multi-day visual itinerary to maximize trail time and avoid hours of backtrack driving.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Welcome to the interactive itinerary for Olympic National Park. Explore the map and daily schedule below.
Historical average high and low temperatures alongside typical seasonal conditions to plan your packing and hiking schedule.
Cool and rainy, with snow melting at higher elevations.
Warmest and driest months, perfect for alpine trails.
Lush autumn foliage, salmon runs, and returning rains.
Heavy rain in rain forests, deep snowpack on Hurricane Ridge.
Standard vehicle entrance fees for most national parks are $35, valid for 7 days. If you plan to visit three or more parks within 12 months, the **America the Beautiful Pass** ($80 annual) is highly recommended. Make sure to reserve campsite bookings and specific permits early at Recreation.gov.
Olympic is unique because it is not a single drive-through park. It is a massive peninsula with distinct, geographically separated ecosystems. Crucially, the platform's routing system helps you map these areas seamlessly.
Start your journey early at Hurricane Ridge (elevation 5,242 ft) via the steep, winding road from Port Angeles. The Ridge offers panoramic vistas of the Olympic Range. Hike the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.2 miles roundtrip, 700 ft elevation gain) for the best views. In the afternoon, drive west to Sol Duc Hot Springs. Hike the easy Sol Duc Falls Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip) through old-growth forest to witness the river plunge into a narrow canyon, then soak in the mineral pools.
Head to the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rain forest in North America. Walk the famous Hall of Mosses Loop (0.8 miles) to see bigleaf maples draped in massive club moss. To escape the crowds, hike further along the Hoh River Trail. In the afternoon, head to Rialto Beach. Time your visit with a receding tide to hike 2 miles north along the rocky beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, a spectacular natural rock arch featuring vibrant tide pools filled with sea stars and anemones.
Conclude your route at Ruby Beach, renowned for its dramatic sea stacks and reddish sand. From there, drive south to Lake Quinault. Visit the Lake Quinault Lodge and hike the Quinault Loop Trail through ancient temperate forest, stopping to marvel at the World's Largest Sitka Spruce.
Ready to conquer Olympic National Park? Plan your ultimate route using our free collaborative travel itinerary planner to construct customizable stops, map trails, and collaborate with your travel partners in real time. Looking for packing lists? Check out our customized Olympic National Park packing list checklist specially tailored for your outdoor adventure.