Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is a natural gem offering an incredible diversity of landscapes, from lush rainforests to wild beaches and majestic mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARKAccess : From Seattle, the best way to reach the park is by ferry to Bainbridge Island, then north to Port Angeles. Departures are generally frequent, but we recommend arriving early to board your vehicle. Season : The park is open year-round, but the Hurricane Ridge road only opens from Friday to Sunday in winter (with snow chains). Precipitation, which can be heavy in the region, is less in summer (between June and September). Visitor centers :
Shuttle service inside the park? No. |
NORTHERN SECTION
The northern section of Olympic Park has some treasures to explore, and incredible scenery to admire!
PORT ANGELES
Port Angeles is an excellent base for discovering the northern part of Olympic National Park. This dynamic little port is surrounded by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea to the north, and the high peaks of the park to the south. The vastness of its neighbors has given the town a half-sea, half-mountain ambience that is reflected in the local culture and cuisine.
A ferry service links Port Angeles to the Canadian island of Victoria, just 40 kilometers to the north.
HURRICANE RIDGE
Easily accessible and ideal for mountain enthusiasts, Hurricane Ridge is located just 27 kilometers from Port Angeles. The road to get there is open year-round, but restricted to weekends only in winter and subject to weather conditions.
With clear skies and good weather, Hurricane Ridge offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park! The site is a hiker's delight, with numerous trails leading to the surrounding valleys and lakes.
In winter, activities adapt to the snow, with opportunities for snowshoeing, tobogganing and Nordic skiing.
MADISON FALLS
The Madison Falls waterfall is accessible via a superb hiking trail shaded by gigantic trees several hundred years old.
MOUNT OLYMPUS
The park's highest point is a prime challenge for experienced mountaineers. The ascent offers breathtaking panoramic views and crosses impressive glaciers.
LAKE CRESCENT
This lake stretches 19 kilometers long and only 2 kilometers wide, in a curved line that gives it its name. It's a refreshing spot in fine weather, with a beach and a diving pontoon.
Crescent Lake was deeply carved out by glaciers, and is now bordered by a scenic road from which you can admire the high snow-capped peaks reflected in the turquoise waters.
WESTERN SECTION OUEST
Heading towards the west of the park, other exciting spots dot the route.
SOL DUC
The winding Sol Duc River is partly skirted by a road heading south, and crossed by many popular hiking trails. You may even come across a few salmon as they swim up the valley to the surrounding lakes!
FORKS
The little town boasts the rainiest weather in the continental U.S., no less! Another local curiosity, the little Swan House inspired Stephanie Meyer to write her Twilight saga. A few nods to the famous vampires are scattered throughout the village.
LA PUSH
The park's west coast is bordered by the vast Pacific Ocean, offering a variety of seascapes alongside mountains. The village of La Push exemplifies the beauty of the coastline, with its vast beach and rock formations. It is part of the Quileute Indian Reserve.
This stretch of coast boasts several particularly attractive beaches: Rialto Beach to the north, then the First, Second and Third Beaches as you head south.
HOH RAIN FOREST
On the way back down south, a detour to Hoh Rain Forest is a must! Here you'll discover one of the world's most famous temperate rainforests, with well-marked trails like the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail to explore this dense, verdant forest. The Visitor Center welcomes you on site to accompany your exploration.
KALALOCH
The pretty beach at Kalaloch makes an interesting stop on the way south to Olympic National Park. Don't miss the Tree of Life, a tree straddling two ridges with a balancing act.
QUINAULT
Quinault is both the name of the Indian reservation along the coast and that of the lakeside town to the east of the coast. The region boasts countless hiking trails and meandering rivers. To explore it is to encounter its immense trees, fine waterfalls tumbling down cliffs and diverse wildlife.
Olympic National Park is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of landscapes and activities. Whether you're looking to hike in the forest, relax on wild beaches or observe wildlife, this park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature. Plan your visit to discover the natural wonders and tranquility this unspoiled corner of Washington state has to offer.
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Travel reviews
(Translated by Google) The park offered us another incredible diversity of landscapes compared to Yellowstone. We would have appreciated a reservation system for entry to the main attractions of the park to avoid waiting lines (we tested this system in Colorado).