Spanning nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park is a vast expanse that boasts lush rainforest valleys, stunning alpine meadows, and a pristine stretch of sixty wilderness coastline miles. On a week-long road journey around the Olympic Peninsula of Washington last spring, we took our time to camp and trek through the heart of the Olympic National Park. This relaxed exploration unveiled three essential destinations that every visitor should include in their itinerary.
Lake Quinault:
Starting our journey from Aberdeen via the 101, we first encountered the serene Lake Quinault. Lake Quinault Lodge here provides a wonderful spot to relax, complete with a picturesque beach and dock. If you’re keen, you can rent a boat for a leisurely ride on the lake.
We pitched our tent at the Willaby Campground, one of the most tranquil and scenic spots we’ve ever camped at. For those looking to hike, a chat with park rangers at the visitor center is a good idea. We took their advice and enjoyed the Falls Creek loop. Not too far, you’ll find a museum and a general store, both located near the markers for the World Record Sitka Spruce Tree – an astounding tree boasting a circumference of 58 feet, 11 inches and standing tall at 191 feet.
Sol Duc Hot Springs:
Post our exploration of Forks and La Push, and after a delightful hike to Cape Flattery’s tip, we headed east back into the park’s heart. Our destination was the therapeutic waters of the Sol Duc Hot Springs. Apart from a lodge, there are rustic cabins available (early booking recommended). We chose to camp, and while there, we took precautions regarding food storage because of the brown bears in the area. Our main highlight here was obtaining a day pass for the hot spring pools at Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort. The pass provides access to three pools with varying temperatures and also includes locker room facilities.
Before departing, we undertook a 1.6-mile round trip to the Sol Duc Falls. Depending on the water levels, the falls cascade from a height of 48 feet, splitting into four distinct streams. With its green, moss-covered landscape, this becomes a splendid spot for photography and remains one of the park’s most visited hiking destinations.
Hurricane Ridge:
Situated in the center of the park’s mountain range, Hurricane Ridge draws visitors for its breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, skiing, and snowboarding. Although our visit was clouded, obstructing views of peaks such as the 7,980-foot tall Mount Olympus, the experience was still awe-inspiring. The drive to Hurricane Ridge, elevated at 5,242 feet, is exhilarating. It’s a must to visit both the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and the Hurricane Ridge National Park Visitor Center for insightful displays and mementos.
Inside the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, do catch the interpretative film in the indoor theater, offering insights into the peninsula’s geographical, cultural, and indigenous history. Keep in mind that the seventeen-mile drive up to this point has limited accessibility during winter, and vehicles might need to be equipped with snow chains.
Wishing you an adventurous journey!
