Amazing Things to Do in OLYMPIC NATION PARK
Olympic National Park is a must-see if you’re visiting Washington State. The national park is located only two hours from Seattle. Olympic National Park offers many incredible activities. Third, it is one of the most beautiful parks in America.
Although we hadn’t considered visiting Olympic National Park before, we attended TBEX TriCities (a conference dedicated to travel blogging that we have enjoyed since 2011) and set off on a trip along the coast of Washington State. We visited this incredible national park on a quick trip through the Olympic Peninsula.
Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is almost a million acres. It is a vast expanse of snow-capped mountains and glacier meadows. There are also beaches and hiking trails. There are many activities to choose from when planning your Olympic National Park itinerary. The national park is the perfect place to escape city life and spend a few days in a tent, campervan, or cabin.
How to Get To Olympic National Park
You can reach Olympic National Park by ferry or car. This is the most popular method. The choice of which route you choose will depend on your destination. It is worth looking at the Olympic National Park maps to see where you are going.
The easiest way to reach the southern part of the park is to drive from Seattle. The best way to travel north is to take the ferry across Puget Sound from Seattle. You can take both your vehicle and your foot passenger on the ferry. You won’t need to park your car if you are the first to catch it.
If you are only interested in a particular area, booking a shuttle to Olympic National Park may be smart. If you don’t have a car or want to travel further, a bus route connects Seattle with Olympic National Park.
How to Get Around
A car is the best way to get around Olympic National Park. Although shuttle and bus services can take you to all the attractions and destinations in Olympic National Park, they don’t provide access. You can reach all the places you desire with a car. You can check the lowest prices for rental cars here.
You may also wish to book a guided tour in Olympic National Park. It won’t be difficult to get around or drive. This is an option for those who don’t want to rent cars.
The Best Time to Visit
Avoid peak season crowds and avoid visiting national parks. Olympic National Park is spectacular in July and August.
You can avoid the summer crowds by visiting the park before the school holidays in June and September. However, it would help if you visited Olympic National Park in July or August.
This month has the best weather, and it is less likely that attractions and trails will be closed because of bad weather. Closures can be frustrating, especially if you have traveled a long way to see an attraction. Summer is the best season to visit, as most attractions are open.
Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault, a lake formed by glaciers, is located in the Olympic National Forest. The lake can be found in the Quinault Valley’s dramatic hollow. It is popular for watersports and an ideal spot to stay in Olympic National Park.
There are two campgrounds in Quinault valley for those looking for luxury accommodation. You don’t necessarily have to stay overnight. It’s possible to visit Lake Quinault for just a few hours. This is one of Olympic National Park’s most popular activities. There’s nothing better than a quick swim, fishing, or kayaking on a hot day.
La Push Beaches
La Push Beaches is a trio of beaches that are unimaginatively called First Beach, Second Beach, or Third Beach. These beaches can be found on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Northwest. These beaches are a great place to spend a memorable day at the beach in Olympic National Park.
First Beach, located directly in front of the village of La Push, is the easiest to reach. You can access Second and Third Beach by walking or driving along La Push Road.
La Push Beaches is known for its wildlife viewing and amazing natural formations. On a lucky day, you might spot whales or eagles, and all beaches have iconic sea stacks. First Beach is famous for its inclusion in Twilight. First Beach is also home to enormous trees, which have been washed up and used as driftwood. It’s an excellent spot for photographers.
Drive the Juan De Fuca National Scenic Highway
The Juan de Fuca National Scenic byway runs 61 miles along the Olympic Peninsula’s northern coastline. The length of the byway can be driven in under two hours, making it an excellent addition to any day’s itinerary within Olympic National Park.
Drivers have stunning views from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic National Park. This byway is ideal for anyone looking for a quick road trip and can be stopped from many viewpoints.
The scenic byway can be combined with a visit to Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, Makah Indian Reservation, or La Push Beaches. You have a lot to do in the park, so why not take the scenic route?
Klahhane Ridge Trail
Klahhane Ridge Trail makes for a great fitness test. You can hike the trail from Klahhane Ridge to Mount Angeles if you are looking for challenging activities in Olympic National Park.
Klahhane Ridge isn’t for the faint-hearted. You will need to have a strong stomach as well as good fitness. It is a narrow ridge that requires some difficult scrambling. You have breathtaking views of Olympic National Park that will inspire you – just don’t look down. You can enjoy even more views from the Mount Angeles summit on clear days. The 360-degree vantage point from Mount Angeles will amaze you, even if your previous visit to Olympic National Park was successful.
The Klahhane Ridge to Mount Angeles summit hiking trip takes eight to ten hours. This is a full-day activity within the national park. You will need to prepare beforehand, as there are very few facilities once you start the trail.