You’ll find so many things to do in Olympic National Park — it is full of so many magical spots, and it offers unique experiences for every type of adventurer. With four very different areas to explore, you’ll find something for every member of your group to get excited about!
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I love visiting Olympic, and I always find something new when I go. I’m excited to share my favorite activities with you.
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do in Olympic
When you visit Olympic for the first time, you want to be sure to see all of the highlights! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a well-rounded, complete tour of Olympic!
When you are ready for more detailed information on the top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Olympic.
Rialto Beach
If you love views of the water, sea life, rock formations, and a little bit of history, then Rialto Beach definitely needs to be on your list!
This beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Olympic and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing. You’ll see things like otters and seals, bald eagles, and gray whales! I suggest walking 1.5 miles along this beach to Hole-in-the-Wall for some great tidepooling.
Hurricane Hill Trail
The Hurricane Hill Trail is a short, moderate hike with an amazing view!
As you climb a little under 1,000 feet in elevation, you’ll have 360-degree views of the entire Olympic Range. You might even spot a mountain goat along this trail.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in the water. The water is so clear in places that you can see down as far as 60 feet!
You’ll find several fantastic hiking trails that start from here. Crescent Lake is also an excellent place to picnic and a very popular place for boating in the warmer months.
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is the most popular beach in Olympic! From here, you’ll get stunning forest views with an accessible viewpoint of dramatic sea stacks.
If you take the short path down to the water, you’ll find a great area for tide-pooling and stargazing.
Madison Falls
A quick and easy walk to Madison Falls provides you with an amazing photo opportunity and a chance to stand in awe at a gorgeous 60-ft. waterfall.
Hall of Mosses
Explore one of seven temperate rainforests in the world as you explore the Hall of Mosses, located in the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic.
You’ll see nothing but green as you walk through the Hall of Mosses. This trail is short and sweet, but you’ll want to take your time absorbing the scenery!
Sol Duc Falls
A beautiful mile-long walk through an old-growth forest takes you to Sol Duc Falls, Olympic’s most iconic waterfall!
High Ridge Trail
Hiking the High Ridge Trail is my favorite way to see the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic! The views are incredible, especially in the summer when wildflowers are in bloom.
This short trail can be connected to other trails in the area, so you can choose the perfect amount of time to be out exploring with your group.
Kalaloch Beach 4
Beach 4 is my favorite tidepooling beach in Olympic! During low tide, you can climb on the rocks along this beach to find lots of little creatures.
Marymere Falls
When you’re in the Lake Crescent area, you’ll definitely want to check out Marymere Falls.
The trail to Marymere is 1.7 miles roundtrip, and it travels through the forest and over a creek to reach a 90-foot picture-perfect waterfall.
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Olympic.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Olympic?
You’ll want no less than three full days of sightseeing to get through this list, but you’ll have to move fast in that amount of time! If you’re able to give yourself at least four full days, you’ll be able to see the best things in Olympic while avoiding the crowds and enjoying each stop to the fullest.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend in Olympic.
Planning a trip to Olympic can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Olympic Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Olympic has an adventure for every age and skill level! Now that we’ve covered the top 10 things to do in the park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do in Olympic With Kids
Olympic has a nice variety of short hikes and fun activities for kids. You don’t need to go on a huge hike to get amazing views, see wildlife, or feel like you’re on an adventure!
One of my favorite things to do in Olympic with kids is to spend time on the water. Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach 4 are great areas to tidepool, look for sea life, and explore rock formations. Lake Crescent is a fantastic area for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. We love to jump off the dock here — it’s fun for everyone!
Of course, hiking is always one of the best ways to take in the views at a national park, and Olympic has several trails that are perfect for families with small kids. My favorite easy hikes in Olympic are Sol Duc Falls, Hall of Mosses, Marymere Falls, Cirque Rim, and Hole-in-the-Wall.
Don’t forget to pick up a Jr. Ranger book at any park visitor center. These books have activities that your kids can complete to earn their very own ranger badge. This is a great way to keep them engaged and excited about Olympic – you’ll probably even learn something too!
Things to Do in Olympic if You Love to Hike
If you love to hike, you’ll be thrilled with Olympic’s longer trail options. There are so many to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites:
The Mount Storm King Trail isn’t incredibly long, but it is considered strenuous. You’ll gain a little over 2,000 feet in elevation as you trek this 4-mile out-and-back summit. A rope section will help you get up the final steep climb, where you can enjoy panoramic views before journeying back down.
If water features make your hike more exciting, you have plenty to choose from in Olympic. A few notable day hikes include the Staircase Rapids Loop, Devil’s Punchbowl, and the Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls.
And if you’re hoping for an even bigger adventure than just a day hike, check out the Enchanted Valley Chalet, High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loops, or the Olympic Hot Springs Trail. These are all popular areas for backcountry camping where you can enjoy an overnight stay before continuing your adventure.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Things to Do in Olympic if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you’re able to do or wanting to do in Olympic, you can still see a lot of the park! Fishing, tidepooling, and driving along the 101 are some great alternative options for your time here.
Fishing is a huge activity in Olympic because there is just so much water everywhere! You can fish in the ocean, but you’ll also find some great lakes and streams that have healthy fish populations. You’ll especially love the beautiful scenery that surrounds you as you fish in this park. Click here for current fishing regulations.
If you’re looking for another popular way to experience Olympic National Park, head one of the park’s many beaches for some tidepooling. My favorite place to tidepool without having to hike is Kalaloch Beach 4 (in fact, it’s just my favorite place to go tidepooling, period). I always find a ton of sea stars here!
Olympic is gorgeous, and there are many beautiful views to be seen from your car. Some of my favorite scenic drives in or near the park are:
- Highway 101 from South Beach to Ruby Beach — this route follows the coastline for a good majority of the time, and you’ll have spectacular ocean views as you drive this stretch!
- Hurricane Ridge Road — this popular road takes you to the highest reaches of Olympic National Park. You’ll love the mountain views from up here.
- Highway 101 from Fairholme to East Beach — More waterside views await you as you drive the 101 along Lake Crescent. Be sure to stop by Granny’s Cafe as you head to Port Angeles from here.
- North Shore Road — the drive around Lake Quinalt, including the North and South Shore Roads, is incredibly scenic. I love hanging out down here for a day and exploring the rainforest, completing the scenic drive, and stopping in at the historic Lake Quinalt Lodge.
Winter Activities in Olympic
Winter in Olympic is absolutely magical — just wait until you see the mountains covered in snow! If you like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding, you’ll love the winter months in this park.
Hurricane Ridge is the main place to be to enjoy your winter trip to Olympic. You’ll find numerous cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails through the mountains up here.
In addition to those trails, did you know that there is actually a ski, snowboard, and tubing area at Hurricane Ridge?! This area opens up so many fun opportunities if you’re looking to play in the snow with your family this winter. Learn all about your snow play options at Hurricane Ridge here.
When you’re finished playing in the snow, head over to the coast. You can experience the Hoh Rainforest during its rainiest season, when everything is a vibrant shade of green, and then watch the winter storms rolling in over the ocean!
Things to Do in Olympic if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs can greatly enhance your experience in Olympic. You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well! Olympic has wonderful ranger programs, including wildlife talks, guided hikes, and evening programs.
Evening programs are held nightly at the campground amphitheaters. These programs can range in topics, and you’re guaranteed to learn something interesting. Stop in at the visitor center to see the schedule and topics available while you’re there.
If you happen to be in Olympic on a summer evening when they are running their night sky program, I highly recommend joining in. The stars are amazing from Hurricane Ridge!
Daytime ranger programs include wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and talks about the park’s history and features. Be sure to pick up a Jr. Ranger book for your kids — there are special programs just for them as well!
You can also catch a boat tour on Lake Crescent. This isn’t a ranger-led activity, but you’ll learn a lot about the area as you cruise around the lake.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in Olympic
If you’ll be exploring Olympic in a wheelchair, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views and some lovely trails! Many viewpoints, trailheads, picnic areas, and visitor centers have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
The Spruce Railroad Trail and Madison Falls Trail are my favorite wheelchair-friendly trails in Olympic! The Spruce Railroad Trail is a paved trail that follows the north side of Lake Crescent. You’ll love the views of the water and the train tunnels on this one. The Madison Falls Trail is a paved, gently sloping 0.1-mile trail that leads to a 60-foot waterfall.
Those aren’t the only two trails you can experience in Olympic — find out more about other accessible trails near the end of this article.
Things to Do in Olympic With Your Dog
Olympic National Park allows dogs in a few places, but due to the large amount of wildlife and efforts to protect them, you won’t find a ton of places to take your dog inside the park.
For more information on things to do with your dog in Olympic National Park, check out this detailed article: Is Olympic Dog-Friendly?
High Adventure Activities in Olympic
If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline going or to push you out of your comfort zone, consider water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, or backpacking, and climbing.
There are several bodies of water to explore in Olympic National Park; just choose the one that suits your excitement level! You can choose to canoe in calmer waters like Lake Crescent, paddleboard down a river, or kayak off the coast to pump up your adrenaline. Many people even scuba dive in these areas! You can find more information about dive sights in and near Olympic here.
If you prefer to stay on land, climbing is a popular activity in Olympic. You’ll find many peaks to climb in this park, each ranging in experience level/technicality that is needed. Mt. Olympus is the highest peak in the park and requires a higher level of skill, whereas Mt. Deception doesn’t require as much skill but is still technical due to how steep it is. Learn more about climbing in the park here.
Things to Do in Olympic if You Love to Bike
If you love to bike, you’ll find several biking options in Olympic. Check out the Olympic Discovery Trail, the Rain Forest Loop Drive, or the Hurricane Ridge Road.
My favorite place to bring a bike in Olympic is the Spruce Railroad Trail, which is a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. The Olympic Discovery Trail runs from La Push to Port Townsend, covering the top length of the Olympic Peninsula. The Spruce Railroad Trail is a paved portion of this trail that follows the northern shoreline of Lake Crescent. It’s a great place to bike!
Another fun option is to bike the Rainforest Loop Drive, a 30-mile route around Lake Quinalt. This route goes in and out of Olympic National Park, but the scenery here is absolutely gorgeous!
Additionally, you can bike along the Hurricane Ridge Road if you’re looking for some serious elevation gain. You’ll even find a popular biking event along this road each August.
Things to Do Near Olympic
The area around Olympic can keep you busy for a long time! Here are a few of my favorite places to visit near the national park:
Cape Flattery — this is the Northwestern-most point of the continental U.S. After a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike, you’ll be treated to spectacular ocean views! Cape Flattery is managed by the Makah Tribe, and you will need to purchase a permit at the trailhead to park and hike this trail.
Victoria, BC — you can take a ferry from Port Angeles to Canada’s Vancouver Island and explore the beautiful city of Victoria. Be sure to stop by the Butchart Gardens while you’re here!
Port Townsend — this charming seaside Victorian town is a fun place to explore just an hour or so from Olympic National Park. I highly recommend stopping by the Fort Worden Historical State Park while you’re here.
Seattle — if you’re looking for activities only a big city can provide, make the 2.5-hour drive to Seattle and hit Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Mount Rainier National Park — this is the closest national park to Olympic, and it’s a great one! Hit the trails surrounding this massive volcano and enjoy waterfalls, wildflowers, and epic views.
Enjoy these awesome options for things to do in Olympic!
More Olympic Trip Planning Information
Olympic Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Olympic — the best airports, roads, and ferries in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Olympic? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Olympic — the top spots
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners
The Ultimate Olympic Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know
This post may contain affiliate links. Dirt In My Shoes gets paid a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase from these links. Thanks for your support!
Leave a Reply