Welcome to Olympic National Park

Welcome to Olympic National Park

Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Exotic rain forest. A rain forest in the Pacific Northwest? Olympic National Park is one of a few places in the world with this unique temperate landscape.

Beachcombing. Miles of spectacular, rugged coastline dotted with tidal pools, sea stacks, and driftwood hem the edges of the Olympic Peninsula.

Nature's hot tubs. Take a relaxing dip in the wooded heart of the park at the Sol Duc hot springs, a series of geothermal mineral pools.

Lofty vistas. The Olympics have plenty of peaks you can climb—or you just drive up to Hurricane Ridge for endless views over the ranges.

A sense of history. The first evidence of humans on the Olympic Peninsula dates back 12,000 years. Today, eight tribes still have traditional ties to lands in Olympic National Park, and there are ample opportunities for exploring Native American history in and around the region.

Coastal Olympic. Here the Pacific smashes endlessly into the rugged coastline, carving out some of the park's most memorable scenes in the massive, rocky sea stacks and islets just offshore. Back from the water are beaches and tide pools full of starfish, crabs, and anemones.

The rain forest. Centered on the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault river valleys, this is the region's most unique landscape. Fog-shrouded Douglas firs and Sitka spruces, some more than 300 feet tall, huddle in this moist, pine-carpeted area, shading fern- and moss-draped cedars, maples, and alders.

The mountains. Craggy gray peaks and snow-covered summits dominate the skyline. Low-level foliage and wildflower meadows make for excellent hiking in the plateaus. Even on the sunniest days, temperatures are brisk. Some roads are closed in winter months.

Alpine meadows. In midsummer, the swathe of colors is like a Monet canvas spread over the landscape, and wildlife teems within the honeyed flowers. Trails are never prettier, and views are crisp and vast.