11 Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park (Map + Helpful Tips)

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Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks in the country, with mountains, rain forests, and rugged coastline all within a few hours of each other. The park is big, and driving between areas takes longer than most people expect, so planning your route makes a big difference.

Here’s a guide to the must-see spots in Olympic National Park, including what each one is known for and practical tips to help you decide what to see, how much time to allow, and what to expect when you get there. A Google Map is included so you can follow the route or build your own.

Hurricane Ridge is the easiest place to get high-elevation views in Olympic National Park. It sits at about 5,242 feet and is roughly a 40–45 minute drive from Port Angeles.

The road is fully paved, but it climbs quickly with several sharp turns, and weather plays a big role in access. In summer, it’s usually open daily, while in fall, winter, and spring, hours are limited and closures are common. It’s always worth checking road status before you drive up, especially from October through May.

Road to Hurricane Ridge / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

When you arrive, most people start with the viewpoints near the main parking area. They overlook the Olympic Mountains, the Bailey Range, and deep valleys that stretch for miles.

If you want to walk, the Hurricane Hill Trail is the classic option. It’s about 3.2 miles round-trip with steady uphill grades and wide-open views the entire way. There are also a few shorter, easier paths near the visitor center if you prefer something quick.

Deer often graze along the road, and marmots are easy to spot on warm, sunny days.

Hurricane Ridge / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and seasonal ranger programs. Snow can linger into early July, and even on warm days at sea level, it’s noticeably cooler and windier at the ridge.

Parking fills by mid-morning in summer, and once the lot is full, cars are held at the entrance gate until spaces open. If you’re hoping for the clearest views, mornings are usually your best bet. Clouds tend to build later in the day and can completely block the mountains.

Lake Crescent is a deep, glacial lake along Highway 101, about 30 minutes west of Port Angeles. It’s known for its clear blue water and the forested mountains that surround it.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in summer near the lodge, and there are several picnic spots with restrooms nearby.

Lake Crescent / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Two of the most popular walks here are the Spruce Railroad Trail and the Marymere Falls Trail. The Spruce Railroad Trail is flat and easy, following the shoreline for steady lake views the entire way. Marymere Falls is much shorter—less than a mile each way and leads through mossy forest to a 90-foot waterfall.

Marymere Falls / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. and sits about two hours south of Port Angeles along Highway 101.

It’s known for its dense, moss-covered trees, towering evergreens, and year-round moisture that keeps everything green and lush. The area is open in all seasons, but the trails can be very muddy, especially in winter and early spring.

Hoh Rain Forest / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Hoh Rain Forest / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Once there, start with the Hall of Mosses Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop through old-growth forest and some of the thickest moss in the park.

The Spruce Nature Trail is another short option, about 1.2 miles, and takes you past some of the tallest trees in the area.

Wildlife is common in this area, especially elk.

There is a small visitor center that sits near the trailheads and offers restrooms, basic information, and maps.

Rialto Beach sits on the Pacific Coast about 1.5 hours from Port Angeles. It’s known for its dramatic sea stacks, huge driftwood logs, and easy access to tide pools.

Rialto Beach / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Most people come here for the walk to Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural rock arch that’s only accessible at low tide. The walk is about 1.5 miles each way from the parking area. When the tide is out, the tide pools around the arch are full of starfish, anemones, crabs, and other marine life.

PRO TIP: Before you go, check the tide chart. Reaching Hole-in-the-Wall is only safe at low tide.

Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Ruby Beach is one of the most photographed places on the Olympic coast. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Port Angeles along Highway 101 and is known for its dramatic sea stacks, scattered driftwood, and wide, flat shoreline.

The beach gets its name from tiny garnet fragments in the sand that sometimes give it a faint reddish tint.

Ruby Beach / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

The walk from the parking lot to the beach is short and easy, with just a few rocks and driftwood logs to step over near the end. Once you reach the sand, you’ll see several large sea stacks right offshore, tide pools at low tide, and long open stretches of beach to wander.

On especially clear days, you can even spot the Destruction Island Lighthouse far in the distance.

Ruby Beach can look different from season to season because storms and high tides shift the driftwood piles. Fog is common in the mornings and often burns off by early afternoon. The waves here are powerful, and sneaker waves can appear without warning, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the water as you explore.

Ruby Beach / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

The Sol Duc Valley sits about an hour west of Port Angeles and is known for its waterfalls, old-growth forest, and natural hot springs.

It’s one of the wetter areas of Olympic National Park often getting over 100 inches of rain a year, so the forest here stays lush and green almost year-round.

One of the attractions here is Sol Duc Falls. A short 1.6 round-trip trail will take you to the fall. The trail winds through mossy forest, past huge Douglas firs that are hundreds of years old.

The waterfall itself splits into three channels as it drops into a narrow, rocky canyon, and the viewing bridge gives you several good angles for photos.

Sol Duc Valley / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Sol Duc Valley / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Just down the road, you’ll find Sol Duc Hot Springs, a historic spot with hot spring pools, a swimming pool, and changing rooms. It’s open during the warmer months, but summer weekends often come with lines and wait times.

Kalaloch Beach is located along Highway 101, about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Port Angeles. It’s known for wide sandy beaches, big ocean views, and the famous Tree of Life—a large Sitka spruce suspended over an eroded gap, its roots exposed but still hanging on.

Tree-of-Life at Kalaloch Beach / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

The walk down to the beach is short and straightforward. The Tree of Life is just a few minutes from the main access point, and you can view it from the sand below.

At low tide, you can explore tide pools and long stretches of coastline.

The Ozette Triangle is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the park, located on the northwest side of the peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Port Angeles.

It’s a 9-mile loop that takes you through forest, boardwalk sections, and finally out to a rugged stretch of coastline with sea stacks, tide pools, and wide open views.

Ozette Triangle / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Most hikers go clockwise: forest and boardwalk to Cape Alava, then a long beach walk to Sand Point, and finally another boardwalk trail back to the trailhead. The beach section is the highlight, with tide pools, offshore rock formations, and plenty of places to stop and explore.

At low tide, you’ll see a lot more marine life, so checking tide charts before starting helps you time your visit well.

Second Beach is one of the most scenic and accessible beaches in the La Push area, about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Port Angeles. It’s known for its large sea stacks, wide sandy shoreline, and great sunset views.

The walk to the beach is about 0.7 miles each way through coastal forest. It’s an easy hike, but the final descent to the sand can be muddy and uneven after rain.

Second Beach (La Push) / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Once you’re on the beach, you’ll see several offshore rock formations, tide pools at low tide, and a long stretch of sand that’s easy to explore. Photographers often set up here in the evening because the sea stacks silhouette nicely at sunset.

Checking tide charts helps if you want tide pools or want to explore farther down the shoreline—low tide gives you the most access.

Lake Quinault Rain Forest is located along the southwestern edge of Olympic National Park, about 2.5 hours from Port Angeles on Highway 101. It’s known for its old-growth trees, mossy forest floor, and Lake Quinault.

Lake Quinault Rain Forest / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Lake Quinault Rain Forest / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park 

Short walks like the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail are easy ways to explore the towering trees and moss-covered forest. The nearby Enchanted Valley Trail is another option for a slightly longer walk along forest paths.

The Lake Quinault Lodge is right on the lake, and there are restrooms, food, and parking, making it a convenient base for a visit.

Shi Shi Beach is on the northwest coast near Neah Bay, about 4 hours from Port Angeles. It’s known for its rugged shoreline, sea stacks, and natural arches, making it a favorite for photographers and hikers looking for remote coastal scenery.

Shi Shi Beach & Point of Arches / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park

Shi Shi Beach & Point of Arches / Must-See Spots in Olympic National Park

The main hike to Point of Arches is about 8 miles round-trip. The trail is mostly flat but sandy, and you’ll need to navigate driftwood in places. There are no facilities along the trail, and parking at the small trailhead is limited. Restrooms are available at the trailhead only.