A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a peaceful, active, and beautiful recreation area. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Olympic National Park is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known for its nightlife. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a park with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a park with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Olympic National Park area. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Olympic National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Shopping is a popular activity in both Olympic National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park are excellent to visit with kids.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Olympic National Park is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a park with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Olympic National Park

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable recreation area. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

In either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Olympic National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Olympic National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, one day is sufficent for most.

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums and food that this vast destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this recreation area. It offers something for everyone.

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums and food that this vast destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This park offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, while the average daily cost in Olympic National Park is $124. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Olympic National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Olympic National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Olympic National Park $5.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Olympic National Park, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than you might in Olympic National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Olympic National Park Expensive?.