Hit the Trail with Landmark for Two Days at Olympic National Park
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Time to read 4 min
Hit The Trail with Landmark
There are few places on Earth like Olympic National Park. In the span of a day, you can hike an alpine ridge, wander an ancient rainforest, and walk the beach at low tide. This massive national park– encompassing more than 1400 square miles in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula– feels like three parks in one.
You could spend a week exploring this wilderness, but for those with only a couple of days, we’re sharing our favorite hikes and campsites to experience the park's raw diversity and beauty.
Two Days at Olympic National Park
Pack for the Changing Weather
Olympic’s terrain brings a diverse range of weather systems. Even in the summertime, temperatures can drop to a chilling 10 degrees at high altitudes and remain a humid 70 degrees at another.
To ensure a smooth trip, we recommend checking the park’s weather alerts before going. It’s also a good idea to dress in layers, including waterproof shells and shoes.
Explore the Hoh Rain Forest: Day One
Nestled on the west side of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the Hoh Rainforest is famous for its moss-draped trees, vibrant ferns, and peaceful trails that wind through towering Sitka spruces and western hemlocks. To get to the rainforest, drive to the park's west side (a one-hour drive from Port Angeles and an hour from nearby Forks, Washington). You can find detailed directions from Highway 101 to Upper Hoh Road on the national park’s website.
Before you hit the trail, we recommend starting your day at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. This is a great spot to grab a map, ask about that day’s weather conditions, and check out the exhibits before exploring the rainforest. You can also purchase your standard park pass ($15 per person or $30 per vehicle).
Our favorite rainforest walk is the iconic Hall of Mosses Trail. This 1.1-mile loop takes you through old-growth forest, across Taft Creek, and into a maple tree grove. Along the way, you may see roosevelt elk, bobcats, or the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. Hall of Mosses is very popular, so you’ll likely see other campers and hikers along the way.
For a longer walk through the rainforest, continue several miles to the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail. This easy 1.2-mile loop follows the glacial Hoh River. If you didn’t see roosevelt elk in the Hall of Mosses, you’re likely to see them grazing along the Hoh River.
Visit Rialto Beach at Low Tide
From the rainforest, you can drive Highway 101 an hour north to beautiful Rialto Beach. Once there, you can walk along the beach to Hole-In-The-Wall, a natural rock arch carved by the crashing waves.
To walk to Hole-In-The-Wall, follow the beach north for under two miles until the arch comes into view. Along the way, you’ll cross Ellen Creek and possibly some fallen trees. You’ll also likely observe sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds. You may even spy whales in the distance!
If the tide is low, climb through the Hole-In-the-Wall arch and explore the tide pools filled with sea life. If the tide is in, follow the Overland Trail to enjoy views of the sea stacks. (Before you go, check tide charts and plan your hike around low tide. The sea life you can observe at low tide is beautiful and worth the hike!)
If you plan to camp, nearby Mora Beach is a great spot for beach camping. During peak season (June through September), you’ll need to reserve a spot at recreation.gov. In the off-season, this 94-spot campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Picnic and Paddle Board at Lake Crescent: Day Two
Tucked away in the lush expanse of Olympic’s evergreen forests is Lake Crescent. This glacially carved lake has pristine water that reflects the surrounding evergreens and clouds like a watercolor painting. It’s a beautiful spot for a morning picnic and boating.
To get to Lake Crescent, follow Highway 101 east toward Hurricane Ridge. As you get closer, you’ll see signs for the lake and nearby lodges. We recommend driving to Lake Crescent Lodge, where you can park, picnic, and rent a paddle board or boat. Before you go, save a copy of the park’s brochure with a map of the lake, lodges, and picnic areas for reference as you get closer.
At Lake Crescent Lodge, you can rent paddle boards for a full or half day. In the summer, rentals go fast, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, get your rental, and then find a picnic area.
Hike Hurricane Hill
One of the best ways to close out a trip to Olympic is with a drive or hike along Hurricane Ridge. The moderate hike up Hurricane Hill summits with sweeping vistas of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even glimpses of Vancouver Island on a clear day.
Hurricane Hill is a short drive from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center along Highway 101’s route as you leave Lake Crescent. The 3.2-mile paved trail is moderately difficult and leads you along the ridgeline with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and distant waterways.
When you go, try to stay for sunset. In the late afternoon and evening, the fog clears and you’ll have incredible panoramic views!
Every corner of Olympic National Park feels like an adventure waiting to unfold. Two days go by fast in this wild place. So grab your hiking boots and head to the Pacific Northwest for an unforgettable adventure in Olympic National Park.
