Olympic National Park: 5 Day Itinerary

Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park spans nearly a million acres with over 70 miles of shoreline. This 5-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible park. Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, this itinerary offers a variety of hiking options that showcase the park’s diverse landscapes. From lush rainforests to rugged coastlines and towering mountains, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse national parks in the United States.

Entrance Fee:

$30 for a 7-day vehicle pass.

An alternate option, especially if you plan on visiting Washington’s other National Parks, is an America the Beautiful Pass. It covers the entrance fees for over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all National Parks. It also makes your entrance into most parks a little quicker😊 If you have a 4^th grader in your crew, check out Every Kid Outdoors to get a free National Park Pass instead!

Parking and trail access for the Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach Trails are on the Makah Tribe Reservation. These trails will require an additional permit. The permit costs $20 and can be purchased online—Recreation Permit—or at several locations near the trailhead.

Lodging:

The park has four lodges: Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, and Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort. Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round, and the other three are open seasonally.

The park also has 15 campgrounds. Dosewallips Campground, Graves Creek Campground, Heart O’ the Hills Campground, Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Kalaloch Campground, Mora Campground, North Fork Campground, Ozette Campground, Queets Campground, and Staircase Campground are all open year round. Deer Park Campground, Fairholme Campground, Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground, Sol Duc Hot Springs RV & Campground, and South Beach Campground are all open seasonally.

More Olympic National Park camping information is available here- Olympic Camping. Campground reservation requirements vary with each campground. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Our last time there, we traveled with our RV and stayed just west of Port Angeles at Elwha RV Park (LOVED it!). It was doable to stay in one place the entire time, but it was a lot of driving. For this itinerary, if you want to cut down on some of the driving, I recommend staying near Port Angeles for days 1 and 2 and then moving to Forks for days 3 through 5.

Dining:

Because there are so many cute towns throughout the area, there are so many great dining options. Check out the cities of Port Angeles, Forks, and Neah Bay for the MANY dining options in each of those areas.

Some of our personal favorites were Granny’s Café, Kokopelli Grill, Gordy’s Pizza, Corner Caboose, Sabai Thai, and Silver Lining Café.

Must Know Before You Go:

Check the tide charts before hiking any beaches on this itinerary to avoid getting stranded when the tide comes in.
Even in the shoulder seasons or weekdays, be prepared for long wait times when entering the Hoh Rainforest and Sol Duc Valley areas.
This park requires A LOT of driving. If you see a gas station, fill up.
Roads in Olympic National Park are prone to washouts. Please check road conditions prior to heading to the trailhead: Olympic Road Conditions.
Many roads throughout the park are not RV/Trailer friendly, including Hurricane Hill Road.
Having an AllTrails map downloaded on your phone is extremely helpful while hiking the trails in Olympic National Park. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
Bears and many other wonderful wildlife call the Olympic Peninsula home. Always carry bear spray with you and know how to use it safely. Please review all other wildlife safety here: Wildlife Safety.
As always, please follow the Leave No Trace principles.

5 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge Trail-

Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 800+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the last parking area on Hurricane Ridge Rd. It will take at least 30 minutes to drive up to that lot from Mt. Angeles Road. It will take a bit longer if you stop at all the overlooks on your way up.

This trail is entirely paved, but don’t let that fool you into underestimating its difficulty. It is uphill the entire way with very little shade. We passed many people who did not reach the top. Take it slow, rest where there is shade, and bring water. The views of the mountains are stunning the entire way up, and once you’ve reached the top, you’ll have beautiful views of the surrounding meadows, plenty of wildlife, and even ferries crossing the water to and from Canada.

Spruce Railroad Trail to Devils Punchbowl-

Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 100+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the parking area via E Beach Rd.

This trail is paved most of the way. Just before the tunnel, veer left onto the dirt path to continue to the Devil’s Punchbowl. If it’s warm, this is a great place to swim (you’ve been warned that the water is always cold!😊) or watch others do tricks off the surrounding cliffs. The incredibly clear, blue water is a fantastic sight either way!

Madison Falls-

Distance: 0.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 20+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the Madison Falls parking area off Olympic Hot Springs Road near the stables.

This short but sweet trail takes you to a stunning 76 ft waterfall just minutes from the parking lot. The trail is easy to follow and suitable for all ages😊

Day 2

Moments in Time-

Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 10+ feet

Trail Access: Park in one of the many parking areas off Lake Circle Road near the Mt Storm King Ranger Station. Depending on where you find a parking spot, this trail has four places to enter the loop. The easiest and shortest route begins from the lot just north of the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.

This is a straightforward walk through the lush, mossy forest and along the vibrantly blue, Lake Crescent shorelines. The route includes informative signs discussing the area’s history.

Marymere Falls-

Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 300+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the lot next to the Mt Storm King Ranger Station via Lake Circle Road.

For this easy trail, head past the ranger station before heading toward the tunnel that runs under US-101. Once you are on the other side of the highway, wind your way through the gorgeous forest before crossing the two bridges to the falls. You can get a partial view of the falls from the second bridge. If you want a full view of the entire 90-foot falls, head up the hill for the small loop at the top. At the top of the hill, where the trail splits, head left for the most direct route to the falls.

Swimming in Lake Crescent-

If the weather is warm, this is the perfect time to swim in Lake Crescent! After the last two trails, hopefully, you’ve already scoped out an area of shoreline that is the ideal spot to jump in the chilly water😊

Sol Duc Falls-

Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 200+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the last lot at the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road.

This trail is very popular— and for good reason! The three-prong, 48-ft waterfall cascades down into a narrow, rocky canyon and is absolutely stunning. The trail is easy to follow. Even in the summer, it was very muddy in spots, so I recommend waterproof shoes or boots.

Day 3 (RECREATION PERMIT REQUIRED)

Cape Flattery Trail-

Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 200+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the last parking lot on Cape Loop Road.

As you hike along this stunning ocean trail, you will likely see whales, sea otters, sea lions, and more as you explore the furthest northwest point of the contiguous United States. The trail winds through the forest and ends at several overlooks of the rocky shoreline and views of the Cape Flattery Lighthouse. Be cautious as you explore the boardwalk section of the trail, as it is uneven, with many roots and rocky sections throughout.

Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches-

Distance: 8.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 500+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the Shi Shi Beach day-use parking area off Fish Hatchery Road.

Hiking from Shi Shi Beach to the Point of Arches starts by taking the trail and trekking 2 miles through the very muddy yet beautiful forest. Then, make a steep descent down to the beach. Once on the sand, head left (south) and walk another 2+ miles down the beach to witness the incredible rock formations. Explore the amazing tide pools at the Point of Arches before turning around and returning to your vehicle.

*When planning your day, be sure to check the tide charts. Aim to arrive at the beach part of the trail just before low tide. This will give you enough time to make the round-trip hike and avoid being caught on the beach during high tide.*

This is an excellent trail for backpacking if you are a camping crew. If you plan on staying overnight, you will need a wilderness permit in addition to a recreation permit. Wilderness Permits can be purchased here: Wilderness Backpacking Reservations.

Optional Add-On: Beaver Falls-

Distance: 0.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 20+ feet

Trail Access: Park in the small pull-off via Rt 113.

From the pull-off, follow the guardrail before heading left and down towards the water. The trail is overgrown and not labeled, but you can hear the falls from the road, so it is not difficult to find. This stunning waterfall is 25 ft tall and an impressive 70+ ft wide. If you have the time, it is worth the quick stop😊

Day 4

Hall of Mosses/Spruce Nature Loop-

Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: 2 connecting loops

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: ~100 feet

Trail Access: Park in the lot closest to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center at the end of Upper Hoh Rd.

While the Hoh Rainforest is a must-visit when exploring Olympic National Park, be prepared to exercise some patience in this part of the park. It’s best to arrive early. If you arrive on Upper Hoh Rd after 10 am, expect to wait at least an hour to get through the entrance and find parking.

Once you are parked, I recommend starting with the Hall of Mosses portion of the trail. The Hall of Mosses is significantly more crowded than the Spruce Nature Loop, and it was nice to break away from the crowds during the second part of the hike. Truthfully, we enjoyed the Spruce Nature Trail more than the Hall of Mosses and were shocked that, as crowded as the Hall of Mosses was, there was no one on the Spruce Nature Loop!

Both the Hall of Mosses (1.1 mi.) and the Spruce Nature (1.2 mi.) trails lead you through enchanting moss-covered forests, with lush green ferns lining the trail and a tranquil creek meandering alongside. In the early morning or evening, look for elk near the river along the Spruce Nature Trail, adding a touch of wildlife to the already stunning scenery.

Ruby Beach-

Distance: 1-6 miles roundtrip, depending on how far you want to explore.

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: <50 feet

Trail Access: Park in the Ruby Beach Parking Lot via US-101.

The distance for this beach walk will depend on what you or your group want to see. Round trip to the sea stacks is about 1 mile. During low tide, you can explore the tide pools by walking out onto the rocks. Looking at the huge starfish was a favorite experience for us😊 If you want a longer walk, you can head further down the beach after exploring the tide pools. If you go as far as the Hoh River, it will be 6 miles round trip.

During most seasons, the beach will have a water crossing and plenty of rocks and driftwood to navigate, so it’s advisable to bring appropriate footwear. Also, like most beaches in Olympic National Park, it’s best to visit at low tide😊

Tree of Life-

Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: <50 feet

Trail Access: Park in Kalaloch Campground Day-Use Parking Lot.

After parking, take the short trail and steps down to the beach. Once you reach the sand, walk north. You can’t miss the impressive Tree of Life, a massive spruce tree clinging to both sides of a significant split in the cliffside. After visiting the tree, plan to explore a little more of Kalaloch Beach before returning to the trail.

Day 5

Hole-in-the-Wall via Rialto Beach-

Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +100 ft

Trail Access: Park in the day-use parking area at the very end of Mora Rd.

Before hiking this trail, there are a few things to know. First, unlike many other beaches throughout Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach has more rocks than sand. I highly recommend hiking boots or shoes for walking along the beach.

Second and most importantly, if you want to make it all the way to Hole-in-the-Wall, you must do this hike at LOW TIDE. Please check the tide charts before planning your day. Even at low tide, you will still have one water crossing. You’ll need to either remove your shoes or plan on getting your shoes wet. The water was just over our hiking boots and just wide enough that most of us could not jump across. We watched so many people turn around at this point, even though Hole-in-the-Wall was just a little further! It is worth it, I promise!

Once you have crossed the water, make sure to visit Split Rock. Just be cautious, as the wet rock can be slippery. After Split Rock, Hole-in-the-Wall is just a little farther. Be sure to walk through to the other side; it’s a great place to escape some of the crowds. There are also so many amazing tide pools on that side of the incredible rock formation. 😊

Second Beach-

Distance: 2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Easy

Elevation Gain: +200 ft

Trail Access: Park in the Second Beach Parking Lot via La Push Rd.

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches and impressive rock formations along the Washington coastline, and Second Beach is no exception. The first part of the trail is a hike through the lovely forest, which can sometimes get muddy until the trail opens onto the sandy beach. The mileage for this trail will vary slightly depending on how much exploring you do. Check out the tide pools and keep an eye out for banana slugs on your way down to the beach!

Third Beach-

Distance: 3-5 miles roundtrip, depending on how far you explore the beach.

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +300 ft

Trail Access: Park in the Third Beach Parking Area via La Push Rd.

Let’s visit one last stunning beach before it’s time to say goodbye to Olympic National Park. Like Second Beach, the trail winds through the forest before steeply descending onto the sand. The entrance to the beach is blocked by quite a bit of driftwood, so you will need to maneuver a little before your feet hit the sand. Also, it is 1.3 miles to the beach from the parking area. After that, mileage will vary depending on how much beach exploration you do.

This beach was absolutely stunning! We were mesmerized by the breathtaking waterfall flowing down the jagged cliff at the southern edge of the beach. And the wildlife! WOW. As we strolled along the shoreline, we were lucky enough to catch sight of so many marine animals- whales, sea lions, and even an adorable sea otter! It was an unforgettable experience and the perfect conclusion to our adventure at Olympic National Park.