Discovering Olympic National Park Adventures

Aug 31, 2024

Olympic National Park Overview

Located 60 minutes outside Seattle, Washington. Unique mix of:

  • Rainforests
  • Rocky beaches
  • Mountainous overlooks
  • Wild coastlines

Top Activities to Do in Olympic National Park

Hiking in Sol Duc Valley

  • Sol Duc Valley: Spectacular area with various hiking trails.
    • Seoul Duck Falls Overlook: 50-foot waterfall, easy hike perfect for families.
    • Lover's Lane Loop & Mink Lake: 3-4 hours hikes through old growth forests and waterfalls.
    • High Divide Loop: 2-3 days backpacking trip with views of Mount Olympus.

Beaches: Kalaloch and Ruby Beach

  • Kalaloch Beach: Popular, good for bird watching, has campground.
  • Ruby Beach: Known for its reddish sand and picturesque rock formations.

Exploring the Ho Rainforest

  • One of the few rainforests in the continental U.S.
  • Receives 140-170 inches of rain annually.
  • Hull of Mosses Trail: Iconic, less than a mile loop in old-growth forest.
  • Spruce Nature Trail: 1.2 miles, minimal elevation gain.
  • Hull River Trail: 17.4 miles out and back to Glacier Meadows.

Marymere Falls

  • 90-foot waterfall, accessible via a 2-mile trail from Lake Crescent.
  • Two main viewpoints: base of the falls and hillside above.

Driving up Hurricane Ridge

  • Offers scenic views of the Pacific Coast Mountains.
  • Hurricane Hill Hike: 1.2 miles, moderate hike for panoramic views.
  • Winter activities: skiing, snowshoeing, tubing.

Tide Pooling at Hole in the Wall

  • Explore tide pools during low tide.
  • Hole in the Wall: Unique archway, 1.5 miles hike from Rialto Beach Trailhead.
  • Other tide pool locations: Third Beach, Ruby Beach, Second Beach.

Quinault Rainforest

  • Home to the largest Sitka spruce and big Douglas fir trees.
  • Wildlife: Roosevelt elk, marmots, and various birds.

Olympic Loop Drive

  • 332-mile scenic drive around Olympic Peninsula.
  • Includes stops at popular spots: Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Valley, beaches.
  • Great for picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Lake Crescent

  • Beautiful blue-green lake, second deepest in Washington.
  • Activities: picnicking, paddling, fishing, boating.
  • Strategic location for photographs and hikes.

Conclusion

  • Olympic National Park offers diverse activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
  • Unique experiences include hiking, exploring rainforests, relaxing at beaches, and scenic drives.