Things To Do in Olympic National Park: 35 Must-Do Activities!

Visiting Washington soon? This list features some of the best things to do in Olympic National Park—A must-visit spot!

From swimming in beautiful alpine lakes to admiring the rugged Washington beaches, you’ll love these Olympic National Park attractions.

Sitting in the northwest of the state of Washington, just over the way from Canada, Olympic National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Think of beautiful blue alpine lakes, rugged beaches with dramatic waves, and charming temperate rainforests for hiking.

There’s so much to love in Olympic National Park. Read on as we go through the best…

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Things To Do in Olympic National Park

We’ve separated all of the things to do in Olympic National Park here for you by area. This park is massive and pretty much takes up the entire northwest chunk of Washington state! It will be a bit easier to digest all of this info by looking at it in smaller pieces.

We’ve laid everything out here from Quinault Lake in the southwest part of the park, going clockwise around and ending at the southeast part of the park around Lake Cushman.

Make sure to click the links for more information on your favorite areas—We have more articles going into great detail on certain areas so you can find your favorite things to do in Olympic National Park!

RELATED: 33 BEST Things to Do in Washington State

Quinault Lake

The gorgeous Lake Quinault was carved by a glacier and is surrounded by temperate rainforest.

Kayak and paddleboard rental on Lake Quinault for things to do in Olympic National Park — Get out on the water at Lake Quinault

While it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Olympic National Park, with breathtaking views of the azure lake surrounded by jagged mountains at every step, it’s not as famous as other spots within the park. This makes it worth visiting if you like to get off the beaten track!

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Quinault Lake

Deckchairs by Lake Quinault for things to do in Olympic National Park — Or just relax and enjoy the view!

Go wild swimming in the chilly lake.
Take out a boat onto the lake and go fishing.
Hike around the lake on the Quinault Loop Trail.
Check out Merriman and Bunch waterfalls as you drive around Quinault Lake.
See the world’s largest Sitka spruce tree on the east side of the lake.

Kalaloch & Ruby Beaches

Rocky shores at Kalaloch Beach 4, for things to do at Olympic National Park — Kalaloch Beach 4

Sitting on the coast of Olympic National Park, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are immensely popular spots within the park. And it’s easy to see why – with windswept terrain and jagged cliffs, these beaches are what most people come to the Washington coastline for!

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Kalaloch & Ruby Beach

Driftwood on the Ruby Beach Trail one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park — Ruby Beach

Explore Kalaloch beaches 1-4, which usually have varying levels of crowdedness. Kalaloch Beach 1 and 2 are the least crowded, with 3 and 4 being quite popular.
See the Tree of Life, aka Tree Root Cave on the main Kalaloch Beach.
Go tide pooling at Kalaloch beach 4.
Stop at Ruby Beach to take plenty of photos—it’s immense and accessible in both high and low tide!

Hoh Rainforest

Enigmatic and enthralling, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical places in Olympic National Park. This rainforest has its name because of the immense amount of precipitation—it is among the wettest places on earth!

Hiker on the Rain Forest Hall of Mosses Trail one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park — Visiting Hoh Rainforest is one of the coolest things to do in Olympic National Park

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Hoh Rainforest

“Hoh forest” by sharloch is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Hoh River Trail is a must. It’s the main trail in the rainforest, and it goes on for over 30 miles, but it’s stunning from the start, so feel free to complete as much as you’d like and turn back.
The 1-mile Hall of Mosses Trail traverses through stunning old-growth forests.
The 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail, loops through both old and new-growth forests.
Camp by the Hoh River (make a reservation, they fill up quickly!).
Look for wildlife like river otters, Roosevelt elk, black bears, and bobcats.

La Push Beaches and Rialto Beach

Are you a fan of Twilight? The La Push area is famous for being the setting of this teen drama, which means they get their fair share of tourists. However, visit at the right time of day or a quieter time of year, and enjoy these epic beaches all to yourself.

View of island from La Push Second Beach one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park — La Push Second Beach

Think enigmatic tidepools, enthralling temperate rainforests, and incredible ocean views. There’s even backcountry camping, so you can stay the night—this sunset isn’t one you’ll want to miss.

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: La Push and Rialto Beaches

Woman in front of Rialto Beach Hole in the Wall, one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park — The famous Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach

Look out for birds on the sea stacks of La Push 1.
Admire the waves crashing onto the beach at the popular La Push Beach 2.
Take the 3.6-mile hike to La Push Beach (and maybe get a permit to camp overnight!).
Explore Forks, where you can see some more Twilight attractions (and fill up on gas!).
Learn about the Quileute Tribe in La Push Town.
Do the Hole in the Wall Hike from the nearby Rialto Beach. This is a four-mile walk where you can take in beautiful coastal nature and see adorable animals while tide-pooling.

Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Falls

This postcard-perfect glacial lake was once linked with Lake Sutherland, which sits to the east, but a landslide from Mount Storm King caused the lakes to be forever split into two.

Woman on the summit of Mount Storm King one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park — The summit of Mount Storm King

Lake Crescent is a popular vacation spot, with some cabins right around the lake, but it still boasts plenty of hiking trails and wildlife to enjoy. Nearby, you’ll find the beautiful Sol Duc Falls, crashing waterfalls in a temperate rainforest.

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls, one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park — Take the Lovers Lane trail to Sol Duc Falls

Take a kayak onto the clear waters of Lake Cresent.
Head to Storm King Station and utilize the day-use area or tackle the Mount Storm King hike, one of the best hikes at Lake Crescent, for epic overtop views.
Spend time at La Poel, a lesser-touristy spot on the lake.
Take the 1.6-mile Sol Duc Falls Trail for a quick peek or…
For more of a challenge, try to 6.1-mile Lovers’ Lane Trail, which includes Sol Duc Falls plus some hidden falls too!

Hurricane Ridge

If you like hiking, then you can’t miss Hurricane Ridge!

Hurricane Ridge is a collection of interconnected mountains with winding hiking trails spanning their perimeter. However, unlike other mountainous areas in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is easy to access.

Woman on Hurricane Ridge Hike for things to do in Olympic National Park — Hiking Hurricane Ridge is one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park

While the hikes vary in difficulty, plenty are suitable for beginners, ensuring that anyone who visits can enjoy some of the epic views and immense nature of this part of the national park.

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Hurricane Ridge

Take the 3.4-mile Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge hike, where you can enjoy incredible views of the Bailey Range. It’s a moderate hike that ascends uphill but at a relatively gentle incline.
Conquer Mount Angeles via Switchback Trail, the tallest summit in this part of the National Park. It’s only a three-mile hike, and if you don’t mind a climb, it’s much easier than some of the other uphill trails elsewhere in the park.
Enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains from the visitor center.
Look out for wildlife—black bears, deer, and Olympic marmots all live in the area around the visitor center.
Hike Sunrise Ridge, a 5-mile route that starts from the visitor center and encompasses the Klahane Ridge Trail.

Lake Cushman

Spanning over 4,000 acres, Lake Cushman is fringed by mountains and boasts beautiful clear water. It sits on the southwest edge of the national park, and from here, it’s easy to enter and explore the rest of the park’s terrain.

Things To Do in Olympic National Park: Lake Cushman

“Olympic National Park: Mount Ellinor, WA” by Nickay3111 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Go for a wild swim—the waters are cold, but it’s still fresh and fabulous for a dip!
Go boating or try other activities like water skiing or fishing.
There are also scuba diving opportunities!
Play golf or disc golf!
Explore the various walking trails around the area. You can head up to Mount Ellinor or Mount Rose or explore Copper Creek Canyon!

Best Time To Go to Olympic National Park

The most popular time to visit Olympic National Park is in July and August. This is when the temperatures are at their warmest, there won’t be any snow, and all trails will be open. Plus, it’s the best time of year for wild swimming and lake activities like swimming and watersports.

Nina and Garrett at Mount Storm King for things to do in Olympic National Park — Summer is the best time to visit if you want to hit the water

However, this is also when the park is at its busiest, especially when schools are on vacation.

Olympic Park’s rainforests are beautiful in fall, with hues of orange, red, and yellow. There are plenty of low-altitude hikes that you can do during this season, although snow starts falling in the mountains in September, and some alpine lakes become inaccessible.

Visit in winter for storm watching from the beach, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. More trails are closed in this season, however, so be prepared not to be able to do all of the Olympic National Park activities!

Cross country skiier for things to do in Olympic National Park — Winter delivers a whole new range of things to do in Olympic National Park

In spring, the snow gradually starts thawing, and trails gradually become more accessible. May and June are great times to visit to see as many spots as possible but to avoid massive crowds. The days are also the longest during this season too.

How to Get Around

If you have you’re own car—You’re set! If not, you may want to consider renting one, as it’s essentially impossible to get around without one.

If you’re in Seattle and are realizing you want to visit but don’t want to rent a car. Your next best option would be to do a tour from Seattle to Olympic National Park. A day tour can give you a taste and bring you to some of the best highlights.

RV at Emerald Valley Inn, for things to do in Olympic National Park — An RV is a great choice for visiting all the things to do in Olympic National Park

If you’re looking to rent a car you should try Holiday Autos. For a bit more of an adventure, you should rent a campervan or RV on Outdoorsy! You’ll save money on hotels, and you’ll be able to park down the street from all of the epic things to do in Olympic National Park!

Where To Stay in Olympic National Park

Cabins at Emerald Valley Inn for things to do in Olympic National Park — There are all kinds of accommodation options in Olympic National Park

Secluded Lake Front Cabin – This four-bed Lake Quinault cabin has gorgeous views over the beautiful lakefront, with a hot and grounds spanning over acres, with lots of wildlife on your doorstep.
Blue Spruce Meadow – this quiet and comfortable house is near plenty of the Olympic Coast’s best attractions – rivers, hiking trails, beaches, and more!
Cozy Timber Cabin – This spacious cabin is ideal for couples, with rustic wood interiors, boasting a living room, patio, kitchen, and sleeping area.
Emerald Valley Inn – This home away from home offers comfy rooms, gorgeous suites and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Sleeping Raven Woodland Retreat – This cozy cabin is nestled amongst the trees near Hurrican Ridge, giving the impression of an actual treehouse.
The Doggy House – Bring your furry friend and enjoy barbecues on the deck, nights around the fire pit, and access to Lake Cushman Private Park.

So, are you ready for your trip to Olympic National Park? Whether you want to laze on the shores of Lake Crescent in the summer or admire the beautiful colors of Hoh Rainforest in the fall, there’s plenty to admire here year-round—and it’s somewhere you’ll still be thinking about long after you’ve left!