The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Olympic National Park
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A walk through the Hoh Rainforest is amazing!
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If you’re looking for a perfect Olympic National Park three day itinerary, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together three full days of activities that will show you the dramatic coastal vistas, walk you through the Hoh Rainforest, stroll along Ruby Beach, and take in the panoramic views at Hurricane Ridge. If you’re wondering how many days in Olympic National Park is enough, I recommend spending 3 to 5 days to fully explore this park. However, you can easily do most of the iconic spots while spending 3 days in Olympic National Park. I’ve added the option to make this a 4 day Itinerary for Olympic if you have extra time. And if you’re here looking for what to do in Olympic national park in one day, all of the days on the list can be done by themselves! The planning is done for you!
We visited olympic national park in june and needed jackets and long pants
Olympic National Park is one of the 3 National Parks in Washington State and is honestly one of the most beloved National Parks in the United States. Olympic National Park covers 922,650 acres with mountains and coastlines in the mix. The park’s coastal location makes driving from place to place more complicated and it’s worth it to sit and plan out your trip prior to arrival; this will give you a much better experience with way less time in the car during your 3 days in Olympic National Park.
The Olympic National Park Weather is fairly consistent, ranging only about 30 degrees F from winter to peak summer. No matter what season, plan for rain with a rain jacket! The best time to visit Olympic National Park is arguably July-August, when temperatures are usually warm, most roads and facilities are open, and a full range of programs are available. However, Olympic National Park in Autumn or Olympic National Park in Spring are also amazing times to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds. An Olympic National Park winter itinerary will look slightly different due to closures in the park, so check the NPS site regularly!
Table of Contents
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Obligatory photo at the national park sign
Merriman Falls
Bunch Falls
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail
it’s hard not to love rialto beach!
Scroll around the map to find the best places to stay near Olympic National Park.
Day 1: What to do in Olympic National Park
Hike Sol Duc Falls Trail
The bridge at sol duc falls is stunning
When you're looking for what to see in Olympic National Park in 3 days, Sol Duc Falls must be on that list. Sol Duc Falls is most easily accessed from the Sol Doc Hot Springs Resort. If you can get a room here, do it! I would spend the first 2 nights here as you explore Olympic National Park! We stayed at the Olympic Lodge in downtown Port Angeles and it was about an hour's drive in the morning to start here, but is probably one of the best places to stay on the Olympic Peninsula outside the park! Olympic Lodge is gorgeous, the rooms are nice, the pool area is so nice and the staff was very accommodating. But if I ever go back, I will be staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to be closer to hiking and to stay inside Olympic National Park! (click the button above for a Map of Olympic National Park)
We’re starting day one of this Olympic National Park 3 day itinerary with a hike to Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc Falls trail is located in the Sol Duc Valley inside of Olympic National park. Sol Duc Falls trail is an easy 1.6-mile trail with only 200 feet of elevation gain. This trail is extremely rewarding and is the perfect trail to do with kids.
Sol Duc Falls trailhead is located just beyond the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. There is a nice sized parking area, but it does fill up, so get here as early as you can. Hikers will follow the wide, well-marked path that winds through the lush forest and crosses a small stream via a wooden bridge. About 0.8-miles into the trail hikers will hear the roar of Sol Duc Falls just as a historic shelter and waterfall come into view.
The bridge that crosses over the rushing water is absolutely stunning. Cross the bridge and look back! Take your time here and snap as many photos as you want!
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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Hiking to sol duc falls
At sol duc falls you can see three waterfalls converging
Hike Marymere Falls Trail
This is the second bridge at the Barnes Creek and Falls creek junction
After hiking the easy Sol Duc Falls trail, you’ll make the 40-minute drive toward Port Angeles to the Marymere Falls Trailhead. There is a decent-sized parking area here as well as a small ranger station if you need a park map. However, if there is room in the boat ramp parking area, follow Lake Crescent Road down to the end and park near the lake. This will come in handy for your post-hike picnic!
Don’t worry, even if you are not an experienced hiker, you will be totally fine doing these trails back to back. Both are very easy and short.
Marymere Falls Trail is an easy 1.7-mile trail. The trail starts at the Storm King Ranger Station as a paved path and continues through an old-growth forest for 0.5 miles until it gets to a junction. Here, you’ll veer left and continue on under a canopy of conifers and maples. Eventually, you’ll cross Barnes Creek and then Falls Creek. At the junction of these two creeks are two great photo opportunities as you cross two different bridges. Once you cross the second bridge, you’ll ascend 200-feet up a man-made staircase into the mossy, fern-laden ravine. As you climb, there are two viewpoints of the falls. The first viewpoint is in the photo below looking directly at the falls and the second viewpoint is up higher, more above the falls.
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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the trail is very well marked and easy to hike along
Marymere falls is a gorgeous spot in Olympic
Picnic at Crescent Lake
Lake Crescent is a gorgeous glacially carved lake situated at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. Its water is clear and gorgeously emerald.
You can sit along the banks of crescent lake or walk out on the pier and eat a picnic
After two morning hikes, Lake Crescent is the perfect spot for a picnic. There are plenty of picnic areas around the lake including Fairholme, Bovee's Meadow, La Poel (seasonal), and the North Shore which all have tables. If you can’t snag a table, don’t worry! We put a blanket down and ate at the shoreline! There is also a nice pier near the boat launch parking that is perfect for a picnic!
If you’re interested in staying near the Lake, there is the Fairholme campground on the West side of the Lake that has 87 campsites, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The Lake Crescent Lodge is conveniently located right in the same area as the Marymere Falls trailhead and is a great option for a centrally located stay for the first 2 nights of your stay in Olympic National Park.
Check out my guide to the 100+ Best Road Trip Snacks. This guide will help you be prepared for any unexpected picnic!
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Visit Olympic National Park Visitor Center
Beaumont cabin is located at the Olympic National PArk Ridge Visitor Center
After lunch, head over to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to stamp your National Park passport, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Park Rangers are a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at the start of Hurricane Ridge Road, just south of the town of Port Angeles.
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center Visitor has park information, exhibits about Olympic's natural and cultural history, a hands-on "Discovery Room" for kids, the passport stamping station, and an award-winning 25-minute film called "Mosaic of Diversity." (25 minutes) The Olympic National Park Visitor Center also has a bookstore to shop in and two short nature trails.
Drive Hurricane Ridge Road
the views from the top of hurricane ridge are usually stunning, but on the day we visited - it was snowing! (in early june!)
Driving Hurricane Ridge Road is an event all on its own. It is a must see in Olympic National Park. The 17-mile road takes you from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center up to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
Along this drive, there are several overlooks and pull-outs. First, you will pass the Heart O’ The Hills Campground which is also the trailhead for the 3.7-mile Lake Angeles trail. Next, you’ll pass the Morse Creek Overlook. Definitely make a stop here because you can see all the way into Canada from the Morse Creek Overlook!!
As you head up toward Hurricane Ridge, you’ll pass the Switchback trailhead. Switchback Trail is a 1.2-mile trail that provides a shortcut to Mt Angeles’ peak via a series of switchbacks that climb 700 feet in 0.6 miles.
Finally, you’ll reach the large parking area at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center located at 5,242 feet above sea level. Up here, there are absolutely stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and one of the best views of Mount Olympus, the largest peak in Olympic National Park which sits at 7,980 feet.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has a concession area, gift shop, and several exhibits. Hurricane Ridge is also the starting point for the nearby Cirque Rim and High Ridge meadow trails, or the longer 3.8-mile one-way trail to Klahhane Ridge.
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There are many stops along hurricane ridge road with great views of the park - this is the morse creek overlook.
We spotted a mama bear with 2 cubs as we drove along hurricane ridge Road
Day 2 in Olympic National Park
Day two in Olympic National Park will start with a drive to Rialto Beach. Once you get to the beach, you’ll walk the coastline down to the famous Hole-In-Wall. After that, it’s time to head back to your hotel for an afternoon of soaking in the Sol Duc Hot Springs. If you aren’t interested in soaking in the hot springs, head to the town of Forks to explore the film sites from the movies series, Twilight!
Head to Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is one of the most popular spots to explore while visiting Olympic National Park. Rialto Beach is known for its unique, moody nature, huge driftwood logs, and amazing scenery. I have Rialto Beach first thing in the morning so you have the best chance of experiencing the beach all to yourself with the gorgeous morning light.
Hike to Hole in Wall
walking down to hole in wall along rialto beach
Hole In The wall Trail: This moderate 4-mile trail is actually not really a trail at all, it’s a walk along the rugged beach. This walk is not going to be as straightforward as a well-maintained trail because you will be walking on the sand and, at times, having to climb over or maneuver around giant fallen trees. However, this will be one of the most scenic hikes in Olympic National Park! Along the hike out to Hole in The Wall, keep your eyes out for some amazing wildlife like sea lions, whales, and even Eagles perched in the trees. Also, look toward the sea to spot James and Little James islands, Gunsight Rock, and other offshore sea stacks.
If you can, plan for this hike to take place during low tide. (Here is a Tide Chart) During Low Tide, you’ll be able to walk out and under Hole In The Wall Arch! However, if you arrive at the high tide as we did, you can get some amazing panoramic photos of the area. Either way, you won’t regret this incredibly scenic walk.
Have a Campfire on the beach: If you bring some fire-starting gear in your pack, you are allowed to have campfires on Rialto Beach! Since the weather is usually pretty cool along the beach, this could be a really nice way to warm up after the hike. The National Park Service says, “Fires: Utilize existing fire rings or build fires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Do not gather firewood from forested areas; use driftwood only.”
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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climbing over the huge fallen trees on rialto beach
hole in wall along rialto beach
Soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs
sol duc hot springs are a welcome reprieve from the cool mountain air
The best way to recover from two days of hiking is to soak in natural hot spring water. Sul Duc Hot Springs Resort offers three Mineral Hot Spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool. Temperatures vary between the pools allowing you to find the perfect one to relax and soak in. The warm pools range from approximately 99 degrees F to approximately 104 degrees F, while a freshwater pool fluctuates between 50 degrees F and 85 degrees F. All pools are drained nightly and refilled naturally.
If you are a guest of Sol Duc Hot springs, you get complimentary access. If you are staying elsewhere, HERE are the rates for soaking.
Everyone visiting the Sol Duc Hot Springs will have access to bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, the on-site cafe, and the general services of the lodge. Since you’ll be here for the evening, plan to eat dinner at the resort! The on-site restaurant offers Northwest Cuisine; from tempting appetizers to delicious beef and poultry dishes to fabulous fresh seafood and exceptional desserts.
The hot springs are a perfect addition to any Olympic Peninsula road trip!
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Our family walking along rialto beach toward hole in wall
*ALTERNATIVE: Explore Forks, Washington
It’s so fun seeing the different places from twilight
I couldn’t write a blog about Olympic National Park and not mention Twilight. If you are in the area and are a Twerd (like me), you’ll want to spend some time exploring Forks, Washington.
It should take you 1-2 hours of driving and stopping for photos to complete this Twilight tour. Since you are already at Rialto Beach, you can start the tour there. Rialto Beach is co-located with the Quileute Indian Reservation.
Next, you can swing by Jacob Black’s House and the treaty line before heading into Forks.
Once you get into town, the first stop definitely needs to be the Forks Chamber of Commerce where they have the Twilight display, Bella’s trucks, and the City of Forks sign. From there, go in this order: Swan Residence, Dr. Cullen’s Parking Space (Hospital), Forks High School, Forks Police Station, and The Cullen House (AKA Miller Tree Air Bnb).
Also, you can not forget about Bella Italia in Port Angeles. This is where Bella and Edward had their date!
For the real Twi-hards, consider visiting in September during the Twilight Festival.
The kids exploring the Hall of mosses
Day Three in Olympic National Park
This day is all about the Rainforest and Coastlines of Olympic. Today you’ll experience the famous Hoh Rainforest followed by an afternoon walking the rugged shore of Ruby Beach.
Walk Through the Hall of Mosses
Every Olympic National Park itinerary you find will have the Hot Rainforest on it. It’s the absolute most magical place in the park. The Hoh Rainforest is one of four rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula. The Hoh Rainforest is not a tropical rainforest but is classified as a temperate rainforest. While Seattle is known for its rainy days and gets about 36 inches of rain annually, the Hoh Rainforest averages 14 feet of annual rainfall! That is A LOT of rain! Another thing that sets this rainforest apart from others on the peninsula is that the Hoh Rainforest is the only rainforest that holds the distinction of being a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
To start the day, you’re going to get to the Hoh Rainforest Parking lot first thing in the morning. Directly off the parking lot is the trailhead for the Hall of Mosses trail. This trail is by far the most popular and most stunning trail in this area. The Hall of Mosses is a very easy 0.8-mile trail that takes hikers through a living fairytale of moss and giant trees. While hiking, keep your eyes out for the famous Banana Slug! We found about 15 on this trail!
After you make the loop, head to the Hoh Visitor Center to chat with the Rangers and check out the educational displays. Here you can decide if you’d like to hike a bit more or head out to the coast. If you decide to take a longer hike into the rainforest, check out the 5-Mile Island Hike that follows the Hoh river or the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail.
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The kids exploring the hall of mosses
the kids walking through the hall of mosses
Spend the Afternoon on Ruby Beach
Ruby beach on a sunny day is absolutely gorgeous
Ruby Beach is located in the South East region of the park just south of where the Hoh River meets the ocean. It’s near both the Quinault and Hoh Rainforest areas of the park, making it easy to add Ruby Beach to your Olympic National Park itinerary. Once you arrive at the entrance to Ruby beach, there is a large parking area and restrooms near the beginning of the trail down to the beach.
The trail to Ruby Beach is about 1/4 of a mile before it opens up to gorgeous views. At the end of the trail, you’ll navigate around and over driftwood before it becomes a gorgeous pebble beach. At Ruby Beach, Cedar Creek empties into a large, waveless pool that is really great for families to play in!
Not only does Ruby Beach offer incredible ocean views with several amazing rock formations, including a gorgeous keyhole, but it also has tidepools@ As the tide goes out, the tidepools emerge near the bottom of the many sea stacks. These tide pools are home to starfish, crabs, and other sea life!
After you get your fill of fun in the sun, consider heading to Kalaloch Lodge to have a late lunch!
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we found this gorgeous key hole to look through on ruby beach
playing on ruby beach
Sunset Hike to Find the Tree of Life
The tree of life on kalaloch beach
The Tree of Life is located on Kalaloch Beach just slightly north of the Kalaloch Lodge. This tree got its name from surviving even after all of the soil had been removed from around it. The roots seem to keep the tree alive and stable during big storms regardless of their exposure. It’s a literal freak of nature.
How did the Tree of Life get this way? A small stream goes into the cave under the tree and flows out to the ocean. This little stream is the cause of the sand erosion under the tree.
I would consider staying in the Kalaloch Lodge or Cabins or at the Lake Quinault Lodge on this night!
READ NEXT: What to do in New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia)
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kalaloch beach is absolutely gorgeous
Optional Day 4 in Olympic National Park
Explore Quinault Rainforest and Lake
Enjoying the views of the olympic national park rainforests
The Quinault Lake area is located in the Quinault Valley. The lake has a scenic loop drive and a few short trails through the temperate rain forests in both Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Quinault Lake is located about 32 miles south of Kalaloch Lodge. If you’ve only got three days in Olympic National Park, you could squeeze in a trip down to Quinault on the third day!
What to do at Quinault Lake?
Worlds Largest Spruce Tree Trail: This is an easy 0.33-mile walk along a well-maintained trail that goes to the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce! (Confirmed by the American Forestry Association) This trail can be accessed from a gravel pull-off just past the Rain Forest Resort Village. You can’t visit Quinault Lake without seeing this 1000-year-old giant.
Maple Glade Trail: This trail is a very easy 0.5-mile hike. It is similar to the Hall of Mosses with the Big Leaf Maple trees showcasing long, draping Oregon selaginella moss. If you have time for only one short hike, this is the one to do. BONUS: Maple Glade Trail is “handicapped accessible with assistance”.
Merriman Falls: These falls are located a mere 0.1 miles off the roadway. Merriman falls are over 40 feet tall. This is an amazing stop at Quinault Lake.
Bunch Creek Falls: These 60-foot falls are easily accessible from the scenic road.
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail: This very easy 0.9-mile hike is absolutely stunning and much less trafficked than the Hoh Rainforest. This trail is absolutely perfect for families with children or someone who can not hike far.
This is an optional Olympic National Park Itinerary 4 days for anyone who has the extra time to explore the park!
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READ NEXT: What to do in Redwoods National Park
This three-day itinerary for Olympic National Park will take you on an adventure you’ll not soon forget. From the Tree of Life’s sprawling roots to Temperate Rainforests to Banana slugs to gorgeous waterfalls and lakes, your trip to Olympic National Park will make everyone in the family happy. If you only have 2 days in Olympic National Park, pick and choose 2 days from this itinerary and create your own adventure!
COMING SOON: “What to do in Olympic National Park with Kids” will have details on how to get to the park, where to stay, which hikes are appropriate for what age/ability, and additional items to see along the way!
READ NEXT: The Best Hikes for Kids in Olympic National Park
What about a Day Trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park?
How Far is Olympic National Park from Seattle? It’s only about 2 hours and is easiest if you ferry Seattle to Olympic National Park. For anyone looking for a Seattle to Olympic National Park day trip, choose one of the days outlined below! Each day’s itinerary is perfect to do on its own for a day in Olympic National Park!
If you aren’t comfortable going on your own, consider taking a guided small group trip!
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