Hiking and stayin in Olympic national Park
 

Yes, I've already done a search, and have picked up some good info, but would still like suggestions

We're thinking of spending 3-4 nights on the western side of Olympic Park, 3-4 nights near Mt Baker and 5-6 nights betwix and between (I'll do another post for those nights)

We definitely want to spend time exploring the beaches and doing some 5-8 mile hikes in the rain forest. From somewhere northeast, we'll access Hurricane Ridge.

So...I guess my question is: is there much of a different between the Quinault, Hoh and Sol Duc areas? If we stay at Quinault, will we really miss out on something in the other areas?

Gardyloo has already said that Kalaloch is very over-rated, but is the location worth it to be able to beach walk very early (oops- guess that's my eastcoast sunrise mindset coming into play) and late for sunsets?

I realize most of the places will be rustic, but that's okay, as long as they're clean.

Any suggestions of favorite hikes or beaches especially for tidal pools?

We stayed in Port Angeles to access Hurricane Ridge--this was last May and there was a phone # you coiuld call for a report on the "fog" status up on the Ridge. i hear of Crescent Lake Lodge--sounds rustic but I have never stayed there.
IMO Lake Quinault being southwest of Olympic Park "proper" is a bit out of the way, However, there are great trails around the lake. and the hotel is nice.
One of the reasons we use PA as our base--some of our people took the ferry as "walk ons" to Victoria just to spend the day. they were very pleased with the :"day trip"

>Any suggestions of favorite hikes or beaches especially for tidal pools?<

The general consensus seems to be that Ruby beach is the most dramatic.
A lot of people recommend the trail by lake ozette via ssandy point.

I'm going there in late May, so I'm interested in any other suggestions too. (I also have another thread, but feel its too self serving to top it when I've already got so many good replies)

ssachida

Please top it.

ttt

The best places to stay in the ONP are Quinault Lake Lodge and Lake Crescent Lodge. We always divide our stays between these two places. (While at Lake Crescent Lodge, take the easy, but beautiful hike to Marymere Falls.)

ttt