Olympic National Park Itinerary- 2 Days

Olympic National Park Itinerary- 2 and 3 days

Olympic National Park at a Glance

Olympic mountain range at sunrise on Hurricane Ridge

Olympic National Park has some of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. From misty rainforests to high alpine mountains this Washington park has amazing views and hiking trails. You could easily spend a week or more exploring around the Olympic Peninsula and all it has to offer, but if you only have a weekend you can still see a lot of sites with a two day Olympic National Park Itinerary.

Read below for all about what to do in Olympic National Park in two days, as well as some extra things to do if you have three days. All the best hikes, campgrounds, and hotels are listed below for you to plan your next National Park Road Trip!

How to get to Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park has several entrances. This 2-day itinerary below starts at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and ends in Port Angeles by the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, but it would be just as easy to flip this itinerary and start in Port Angles and end in the Hoh Rainforest.

Seattle to Olympic National Park

Seattle to Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park — Seattle to the Hoh Rainforest (from Google Maps)

Seattle to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park — Seattle to Hurricane Ridge Entrance (from Google Maps)

It is a 4-hour drive to reach Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest from Seattle. Depending on the traffic at the time it may be faster to drive South or North, but the North route may require a ferry. If you travel South, take the I-5 to Olympia before continuing on a series of state and county roads and the 101. Finally, you will turn off the 101. Drive the 18 mile Upper Hoh Road to the Hall of Moss Trail and Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. On this road, you will find the Olympic National Park entrance station.

Getting to Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge from Seattle is a shorter drive. It takes around 2 and a half hours to get to the Visitor Center to enter Olympic National Park by Hurricane Ridge. You should also plan on at least 30 minutes to drive the 18 miles from the Visitor Center to Hurricane Ridge on Hurricane Ridge Road. It is also possible to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island before continuing to the National Park. This is technically a shorter drive by mileage, but it may take longer to get on and off the ferry.

Portland to Olympic National Park

Portland to Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park — Portland to the Hoh Rainforest (from Google Maps)

Portland to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park — Portland to Hurricane Ridge Entrance (from Google Maps)

It takes roughly the same amount of time to get to the Hoh Rainforest and the Hurricane Ridge areas of Olympic National Park from Portland, Oregon. It is a 4 hour and 45 minutes drive, making it a great long weekend trip. To get to the Hoh Rainforest, travel up I-5 and exit before Olympia onto US-12 and then take the same route you would if coming from Seattle.

To get to Hurricane Ridge from Portland you will also head towards Olympia on I-5 before taking Highway 101 to Port Angeles. You can also drive to Tacoma and then up, but the views on the 101 are hard to beat!

Rainier to Olympic National Park

Mount Rainier to Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park — Rainier to the Hoh Rainforest (from Google Maps)

Mount Rainier to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park — Rainier to Hurricane Ridge Entrance (from Google Maps)

It is quite popular to visit Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park on the same trip. If you choose to visit Rainier first, it will take 3 to 4 and a half hours to get to Olympic National Park, depending on the part of the park you visit first.

Olympic National Park- 2 Day Itinerary

the perfect Olympic National Park Itinerary

See below for the ultimate Olympic National Park itinerary for 2 days in the park. This will take you on an amazing road trip circumnavigating the Olympic Peninsula over your weekend.

Map of Olympic National Park 2 Day Itinerary

Map of 2 Day Itinerary Olympic National Park Road Trip — Map of key stops on a 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary

Above is a quick look at the suggested itinerary and sites that are listed in this guide. This guide will require you to have or rent a car. The above route has around 150 miles of driving around the Olympic Peninsula.

A great way to visit the Olympic Peninsula is by camper van, so I would strongly recommend looking into renting one if you will be visiting this area for more than two days. This gives you a bit more flexibility of where you can stay. It is also more pleasant than camping in a tent if it rains, which is likely in Olympic National Park.

Day 1: Hoh Rainforest to Lake Crescent

Hoh Rainforest & Hall of Mosses

mossy trees in the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest — The Hall of Mosses lives up to its name with mossy trees all around

Start your Olympic National Park road trip in the Hoh Rainforest. Leave for your destination early in the morning or arrive the night before. Stay in the Hoh Rainforest Campground to get an early start to your day. There is only one road entering this part of the park, and the line at the entrance station can get long later in the day.

Once in the park, head for one of the best rainforest hikes in the country, the Hall of Mosses Trail. This trail passes over the stunningly blue Taft Creek, and then around a small loop through an ancient forest grove, for a total of 1.1 miles. As the name suggests, the trees on this trail are draped with moss, and the forest floor is covered in ferns, creating the perfect rainforest oasis.

This trail is accessible for people of all ages, which is great for families, but also means that this trail can get quite crowded during the day. Do this trail first, so you can take in the scenery in more solitude. If you want even more of a hike, check out one of the other Hoh Rainforest hikes below.

Other Hikes in the Hoh Rainforest

the Hoh River on a misty morning in the Hoh Rainforest — The Hoh River Trail has many great stops to enjoy the river

Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls– The whole Hoh River trail is 35 miles out and back, but you can hike the first 2.75 miles to Mineral Creek Falls and back for a total of 5.5 miles. This trail is easy and flat with some access points to the river to relax or break for a snack or lunch.
Spruce Nature Trail– 1.4 miles, 16 feet, Easy– If the Hall of Mosses Trail isn’t long enough for you, the Spruce Nature Trail is a loop with similar views, fewer people, and a view of the Hoh River!

Forks

After you have had your fill of hiking in the Hoh Rainforest, drive just under an hour to the town of Forks, Washington! This quaint town is deep in the Olympic Peninsula. Previously Forks was under the radar, but in recent years, it has become hard to not mention Forks and vampires in the same sentence. Stephanie Meyer set her Twilight series books here, and there are several spots with tours and memorabilia for fans.

However, if you are not a fan of Twilight, there is not much in the town itself. Since you are on a tight two-day itinerary, I would recommend driving through Forks and onto the next breathtaking spot in Olympic National Park. This does make a good spot for lunch if you spent your morning in the Hoh Rainforest. Otherwise, grab some classic Washington coffee from a stand in town.

If you do have extra time in your day below are some great nature spots to check out and see more of the Olympic Peninsula’s beautiful views!

Things to do near Forks, Washington

Rialto Beach– Rialto Beach is only 20 minutes from Forks, making it a great side trip if you want to eat your lunch at the beach! If you have time, hike the 1.5 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall arch during low tide.
First, Second, and Third Beach– South of Rialto Beach across the Quillayute River is First, Second, and Third Beach. First Beach is right off the road, but Second Beach has a 0.7-mile hike to the beach, and Third Beach requires a 1.4-mile hike.

Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls

sunset on Lake Crescent in the Olympic Peninsula — Lake Crescent is a great place to watch the sunset

After passing through Forks, continue 35 miles up Highway 101 and West towards Lake Crescent. There are a couple of beaches on Lake Crescent where you can sunbathe, swim, or bring your own kayak or paddleboard and spend some time on the lake.

East Beach is on, you guessed it, the East side of Lake Crescent, with a beach and some picnic tables. There is also a large beach near the Lake Crescent Lodge. Several trailheads start near the lodge to let you get some more hiking in, including trails to Marymere Falls and Mount Storm King, which are two of the best hikes in Olympic National Park.

After a day of hiking and lake activities, watch the sunset over Lake Crescent before retiring to your lodge or campsite for the night!

Best Hikes near Lake Crescent

Marymere waterfalls in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington — Marymere Falls is an easy hike great for families

Marymere Falls– 1.7 miles, 298 feet, Easy– The hike to Marymere Falls is a short hike to a 90-foot tall waterfall. This hike is easy and fun for all ages, but stay on the trail and leave no trace!
Mount Storm King– 5.3 miles, 2,076 feet, Difficult– This is a hard trail with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in under 3-miles. It begins along the same first half a mile as the Marymere Falls trail, splitting off before crossing Barnes Creek. This hike is no joke and rated as difficult. It has a scramble at the top with ropes for assistance, so be wary of this trail if you are afraid of heights. If you do ascend Mount Storm King, you will witness one of the best views on the Olympic Peninsula.
Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad– 2.4 miles, 144 feet, Easy– The Spruce Railroad Trail is an easy trail on the opposite side of Lake Crescent from the lodge. The full trail is 5.6 miles one way, but you can also hike just the 2.4 miles round trip to the Devil’s Punchbowl. Much of this trail is paved and leads to the brilliant blue cove or “bowl” with a wooden bridge crossing it.

Where to Stay Near Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent Lodge– This historic 1915 lodge sits right on Lake Crescent with several types of rooms available, including cabins.
Log Cabin Resort– The opposite side of Lake Crescent has the Log Cabin Resort. There are several sizes of log cabins, chalets, and a lodge here.
Emerald Valley Inn– This cute motel is only 12 minutes from Lake Crescent and has motel rooms, tent sites, and A-frame cabins.

Day 2: Hurricane Ridge & Port Angeles

Hurricane Ridge & Hurricane Hill

wilflowers with mountains in the background on Hurricane Hill — Hurricane Hill is a beautiful hike at sunrise with many wildflowers

On the morning of your second day in Olympic National Park, head towards Hurricane Ridge. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a 20-mile drive from Port Angeles that will take about 40 minutes, up the windy Hurricane Ridge Road. If you go early enough, you can catch the sunrise over the Olympic Mountain Range.

Continue driving on the Hurricane Ridge Road for several more minutes to the Hurricane Hill Trailhead at the very end of the drive. There is parking right next to the trailhead and an overflow parking lot 0.3 miles from the trailhead. Like almost all the trails in Olympic National Park, dogs are not allowed on this trail. You may however see deer, marmots, and mountain goats hanging out in the meadows.

Hurricane Hill is a 3.4-mile hike with 826 feet of elevation gain. The majority of this hike is paved, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. The first half a mile is relatively gentle before the elevation gain begins in earnest. There are several benches along the way where you can catch your breath. At the top, admire magnificent panoramic views of the Olympic Mountain Range, the coast, and even Vancouver Island in the distance.

Other Hikes Near Hurricane Ridge

the road to Obstruction Point on Hurricane Ridge — Obstruction Point Road is a side road off Hurricane Ridge that leads to more hikes and views

Sunrise View Point– 1.3 miles, 219 feet, Easy– There are a few ways to access this viewpoint. This trail follows the Cirque Rim route which is paved for 0.4 miles, beginning next to the Visitor’s Center. You can also take the High Ridge Nature Trail.
Mount Angeles via Switchback Trail– 3.0 mile, 1,427 feet, Moderate– This is a moderate 3-mile hike with a trailhead before the top of the Hurricane Ridge. This trail ends before the actual summit which requires some scrambling.
Elk Mountain Trail Loop–4.3 miles, 1,371 feet, Moderate– This trail is at the end of Obstruction Point Road which branches off from Hurricane Ridge Road. Obstruction Point Road is a dirt, curvy nearly 8-mile long road with some amazing views.
PJ Lake Trail– 1.5 miles, 713 feet, Difficult– This trail is also off of Obstruction Point Road. It is very short and steep but with a great lake view and waterfall at the end.

Things to do near Port Angeles

view of the Olympic Mountains at sunrise — The Morse Creek Overlook is a stop on the way to Hurricane Ridge

Spend the rest of your day hanging out on Hurricane Ridge, or head back to Port Angeles and spend the afternoon there!

Salt Creek Recreation Area– Salt Creek Recreation Area is just 15 miles West of Port Angeles. It has a beach with amazing views and an old WWII site to explore.
Ediz Hook– Ediz Hook is a 3 mile curved stretch of coastline in Port Angeles that extends out into the ocean. A road goes along this with many pullouts to take in the views or walk on the beach. You can also kayak or paddleboard in the cove the hook creates.
Olympic Discovery Trail– The entire Olympic Discovery Trail is 130 miles long and spans from Port Townsend to La Push along the Northernmost part of the Olympic Peninsula. You won’t have time to hike this whole trail in one day. However, there is a stretch near the Elwha River where you could spend the afternoon walking or biking for several miles of the paved trail.

If You Have More Time- 3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary

mountains behind pine trees in Olympic National Park — 3 days gives you more time to see the beautiful views of Olympic National Park

If you have more than 2 days in Olympic National Park, there are plenty of more hikes and things to do to add to your 3-day itinerary in Olympic National Park.

More Hikes in Olympic National Park

Olympic Hot Springs Trail– 4.8 miles, 600 feet, Easy– This is an easy hike to hot springs of varying temperatures. As of 2021, the road is washed out to the trailhead. An additional 7.8 miles each way is needed to be added to the trail length, starting from Madison Falls Trailhead, 16 miles from Port Angeles.
Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail– 1.6 miles, 226 feet, Easy– This is an easy and very popular hike in Olympic National Park. It is a bit out of the way, 21 miles from Crescent Lake down the Sol Duc-Hot Springs Road. It leads to a beautiful 3 prong waterfall on Sol Duc River next to a bridge over the river.
Lake Angeles Trail– 8 miles, 2,486 feet, Difficult– Lake Angeles Trail is a great day hike near the Heart O’ the Hills Campground off Hurricane Ridge Road. This is a pretty difficult hike but leads to an amazing alpine lake.
Madison Falls Trail– 0.2 miles, 26 feet, Easy– This is barely a trail, but it is worth mentioning, as this does lead to a beautiful waterfall, river, and has picnic tables nearby.
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail/ Quinault Loop Trail– 0.9 miles/ 3.8 miles, 111 feet/ 367 feet, Easy– On the Southside of the Peninsula there are several more options for rainforest hikes, not far from the Hall of Mosses. The Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile trail near Lake Quinault. For a longer hike, the Quinault Loop Trail is nearly 4 miles with similar views. Dogs are allowed to use these trails on a leash.

More Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula

Puget Sound Express whale watching tour boat with the olympic peninsula behind it — A whale watching tour is a great way to spend another day on the Olympic Peninsula

While hiking may be one of the more popular things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, there are other great options to spend your third day on the peninsula or in the National Park.

Whale Watching– The Olympic Peninsula is one of the best places in the US to spot whales. Island Adventure Whale Watching is located in Port Angeles, and Puget Sound Express takes whale watching tours from Port Townsend. There are also a variety of other whale watching tours all along the Puget Sound that will take you to see the orcas and other whales found in the Sound.
Lavender Fields in Sequim– Sequim is a cute, little town only a 22-minute drive from Port Angeles. It is known for its fields of lavender also called the “Lavender Capital of North America“. Visit Sequim during the Lavender Festival held in July, or visit some of the farms including Purple Haze Lavender Farm, B&B Family Lavender Farms, and Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm during the summer bloom.
Watersports– If you visit the Olympic Peninsula in the summer when the air is warm, you can also rent or bring your own kayaks, paddleboards, and more to spend the day exploring the ocean and lakes of the Olympic Peninsula by water.

If You Have Less Time- Day Trip to Olympic National Park Itinerary

cloud inversion at sunrise over the Puget Sound — If you only have one day in the park start your day at sunrise!

If you have less time in the Olympic National Park and only plan to spend one day, check out several of the options for an itinerary below. Only one day in the park is not long. Rather than try to explore the entire peninsula, it is better to focus on only one section to explore.

Below are two one-day itineraries for Olympic National Park. One itinerary will allow you to explore Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. The other tours you through the Hall of Mosses to Rialto Beach. Choose which area you would prefer to explore during your day trip to Olympic National Park

One Day Olympic National Park Itinerary- Option 1 Hurricane Ridge

girl walking on Hurricane Hill trail in Olympic National Park — Hurricane Hill has some of the best views in the National Park

Hurricane Ridge is my favorite section of Olympic National Park! I would recommend focusing on this area if you only have one day. Start your day at sunrise on Hurricane Ridge or at Morse Creek Overlook which you will find on the road leading to the top of the ridge.

Begin with a popular hike that will be less crowded at sunrise, such as Hurricane Hill. Elk Mountain Loop would also be a good option if you want to drive the scenic Obstruction Point Road. You can read more about both of these hikes in the Day 2 section above.

After Hurricane Ridge head to Lake Crescent. Have a lakeside picnic lunch here with a view. If you are up for more hiking, hike Mount Storm King for a challenge or Marymere Falls for a more relaxed hike. You can also skip hiking entirely in the afternoon. Instead, spend a peaceful time kayaking and swimming in the lake before heading back to your accommodations.

One Day Olympic National Park Itinerary- Option 2 Hall of Mosses

girl in green fleece and red hat looking out at misty clouds over the Hoh River — The Hoh Rainforest can be moody any time of year. This was in July!

If you would prefer to see more rainforest and coast than mountains during your one day in Olympic National Park, head to the Hall of Mosses. Start this hike early to avoid waiting in a long line to enter the park. After hiking the Hall of Mosses, consider adding on the Spruce Nature Trail for more rainforest views.

Next, head to the beach. Rialto Beach is a beautiful beach on the Olympic Peninsula and a great place to spend the second half of your day. If you can time it right, hike to Hole in the Wall Arch at low tide for a beach hike.

Tips for Visiting Olympic National Park

Prepare for all weather– The weather in the Olympic Peninsula can vary drastically by region. It might be raining in one section and have full sun in another. Pack layers and hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Leave No Trace! This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area, but it is especially important in National Parks. These are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States. Pack out what you bring in and stay on the trail.
Check if trails allow dogs! Most of the trails within the National Park are not open to dogs. However, the Olympic National Forest borders the park all around the peninsula. Many of the National Forest’s trails and beaches do allow dogs.
Hike early! I always try to arrive at National Parks early close to sunrise to avoid crowds. If you are on a limited timeline, it is even more important to start early to make the most of your days.

When to Visit Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park Average Precipitation

The seasons do vary in Olympic National Park, but the weather is rather mild all year round. Keep in mind that one area of the peninsula may vary dramatically from another. The Hoh Rainforest receives some of the most rain in the country. Meanwhile, Port Angles receives less rain than the US average.

Spring in Olympic National Park

Prepare for rain if you plan on visiting the Olympic Peninsula in Spring. In March the weather is still comparable to winter with lots of rain pouring on the National Park. In May the weather does improve with temperatures reaching the low 60s. However, many high elevation hikes will still be covered in snow. Spring is a good time to visit to avoid the crowds but be prepared for the weather to vary from sun to rain to snow.

Summer in Olympic National Park

Summer is wildly considered to be the best time to visit Olympic National Park. The days are longer, the rain is less frequent (though still present) and the days are warmer in the 50s to 70s. In July most of the snow will be melted off the trails, leaving the whole park at your disposal. The one main drawback to visiting in summer is the crowds.

Fall in Olympic National Park

Fall is similar to Spring with the temperatures dropping and snow starting as early September. Many of the trees do change color, and those that don’t are evergreen, giving off a display of green and orange-lined roads and trails. This makes Fall a beautiful time to visit.

Winter in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park experiences a lot of precipitation in the Winter in either the form of rain or snow, depending on the elevation. Always check for road closures and winter and avalanche conditions before visiting. If you do enjoy winter sports Hurricane Ridge is open depending on the weather for skiing and snowshoeing.

Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park

tent in backpacking in the Hoh Rainforest

Camping in Olympic National Park

There are three campgrounds you can reserve within Olympic National Park. Of course, this is not a complete list of the campsites on the Olympic Peninsula. There are many more campsites outside the bounds of the National Park or that are first, come first serve year-round. Recreation.gov has a much more complete list of the nearby campgrounds.

Hoh Rainforest Campground– The Hoh Rainforest Campground is open for reservations from June to September on a 6-month rolling basis. This campground is only steps from the Hall of Moss, making it a great first-night stop on your trip.
Mora Campground– Mora Campground is near Forks, and 6 minutes from Rialto Beach. It is reservable in the summer, and first come, first served the rest of the year.
Kalaloch Campground– To get even closer to the beach, Kalaloch Campground is 34 miles from Quinault, right off the 101 and on the coast.

Cabins in Olympic National Park

Cabin in Port Angeles– This cute cabin is nestled in the woods near Port Angeles.
Cabin in Forks– This secluded cabin is located near the Bogachiel River, between Forks and the Hoh Rainforest.
Cabin on Lake Crescent– This is a larger cabin, great for families on the shores of Lake Crescent.

Hotels in Olympic National Park

Lake Quinault Lodge– The Lake Quinault Lodge is located within Olympic National Park on Lake Quinault. This lodge has a variety of cute rooms some with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the lake.
Kalaloch Lodge– Kalaloch Lodge is also in the park and has a lodge, cabins, and oceanfront views, located between Quinault and the Hoh Rainforest.
Quileute Resort– About 20 minutes from Forks, and within La Push, Washington is Quileute Resort. Here you will find cabins, a motel, and RV sites steps from the ocean and Rialto and First Beach.
Olympic Lodge by Ayres – This is a three-star hotel in Port Angeles with views and an outdoor pool if you are looking for a classic hotel stay.
Quality Inn Near Sequim– A budget stay is the Quality Inn in Sequim, not far from Port Angles and about an hour from Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park Packing List

girl in yellow jacket and hiking clothes looking up at green mossy trees in the Olympic Peninsula

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Rain Jacket– You will be visiting the rainiest part of the country so bring a rain jacket! Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
Heavy Coat– Even in the summer the Olympic Peninsula can get quite chilly. Bring a packable heavy coat, so you will be prepared for chilly mornings or nights!
Fleece Jacket– A fleece jacket or quarter zip is a great midlayer to bring if it’s not cold enough for a heavy jacket but you still need to cover up.
Hiking Boots– You will need some good hiking boots in the mountains. Make sure they are waterproof as well for hiking in the rainforest. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters.
Sandals– If you are visiting the beach you will need to pack some sandals. They are also great to change into when you are done hiking and need to relieve your feet. Teva’s are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip flops will do.
Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap if it warms up to control my hair and keep ticks off in the forest.
Headlamp or Flashlight– If you are staying for sunset bring a headlamp or flashlight to help you find your way back in the dark.
Water– You may not feel like you need water when hiking in the rainforest, but make sure to bring some on your hikes! Keep extra water in your car, because there are not a lot of places to fill up. Although most visitor centers should have drinking fountains.
Cooler– A cooler will both keep your lunch cold for a picnic lunch or dinner and can be used to chill your snacks and drinks as you road trip around the Olympic Peninsula.
Blanket– If you are going to the beach a beach blanket is a must!
Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
Trekking Poles– Trekking poles can be a knee and joint saver on any steep hike. Mount Storm King and Hurricane Hill in particular are very steep hikes where you might find trekking poles helpful.
Map & Navigation– It is not uncommon to lose signal in Olympic National Park. Bring a hard copy of your route and a map of the hiking trails you plan to do. You can buy a trail map of the National Park here.
Portable Batteries– If you plan on camping bring some portable batteries to keep your electronics charged. They are also great to bring on hikes, especially if you take lots of photos and videos like me.
First Aid Kit– A medical kit is something you should always bring in your pack hiking for emergencies.