At Olympic National Park, forest, coastal, and mountain ecosystems converge to create a spectacular wilderness. Designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the park serves as both a living laboratory for scientists and an unforgettable playground for visitors.
From Port Angeles, a 30-minute drive west leads to Lake Crescent, a 12-mile-long, glacially carved lake perfect for peaceful walks along its forested shores. From Forks, just 20 minutes away, Rialto Beach awaits, a dramatic stretch of coastline scattered with driftwood and sea stacks, where you might spot bald eagles soaring above the surf. Whether visiting for a few hours or several days, there’s plenty to see and do. A 45-minute drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge takes you from lush lowland forests to open alpine meadows, where panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca stretch for miles on clear days.
Spanning 922,000 acres, Olympic offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. From high-country hikes and cross-country skiing at Hurricane Ridge to beach strolls and forest trails, each season brings new ways to experience this extraordinary national park.