Travel Budget for Olympic National Park Visit Olympic National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Olympic National Park, Washington, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West /
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Olympic National Park is a pristine park known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Olympic National Park that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Olympic National Park?

You should plan to spend around $150 per day on your vacation in Olympic National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $61 on meals
  • $68 on local transportation
  • $98 on hotels

A one week trip to Olympic National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,100. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $150
  • One Week Per person
    $1,050
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,100
  • One Month Per person
    $4,500
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,100
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,200
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,000
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Olympic National Park cost?

A one week trip to Olympic National Park usually costs around $1,050 for one person and $2,100 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Olympic National Park on average costs around $2,100 for one person and $4,200 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Olympic National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Olympic National Park on average costs around $4,500 for one person and $9,000 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Olympic National Park expensive to visit?

Olympic National Park is a terrific park that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Olympic National Park can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.

On average, budget travelers spend $66 per day, mid-range travelers spend $150 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $286 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Olympic National Park.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Olympic National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Olympic National Park Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Olympic National Park?

The average Olympic National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Olympic National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Olympic National Park cost?

Olympic National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$21 $49 $93
Local Transportation 1 $30 $68 $129
Food 2 $27 $61 $116
Entertainment 1 $12 $26 $51
Alcohol 2 $1-4 $3-8 $5-16

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Olympic National Park. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $66 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Olympic National Park will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $150 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $286 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the park, prepare for a pricier experience.

Accommodation Budget in Olympic National Park

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Olympic National Park can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Olympic National Park in the off-season is $0, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $0. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Olympic National Park to range from $0 to $0. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Olympic National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $98. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $49 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $49
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $98

Hotels in Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Olympic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is known as a family-friendly park, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.

This park provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.

Many people spend up to a week in Olympic National Park. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.



Transportation Budget in Olympic National Park

In Olympic National Park, the public transit system is not very good. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Unfortunately, the park is not very walkable. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $68 per person, per day, on local transportation in Olympic National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Olympic National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $68

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.



Flights to Olympic National Park
How much does it cost to go to Olympic National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Olympic National Park
The price of renting a car in Olympic National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Olympic National Park

Food options are limited and not of the best quality in Olympic National Park. It's better not to spend too much money trying to eat out because there are other activities that are more worth your time. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Olympic National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Olympic National Park is $61 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $61

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Olympic National Park is around $61 ($61) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $116. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $18
  • Lunch: $9 to $24
  • Dinner: $18 to $42
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

Most decent restaurant options are found in hotels and lodges around the park. Some of the more popular options include Salmon House Restaurant and Lounge (Rain Forest Resort Village), Kalaloch's Creekside Restaurant (Kalaloch Lodge), Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room, Sol Duc Hot Springs Restaurant, and Roosevelt Dining Room (Lake Quinault).

Alternatively, many visitors prefer to pack their own food and enjoy picnics within the park.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.

When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Olympic National Park

Visitors find Olympic National Park irresistible, especially for its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, resorts, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Olympic National Park typically cost an average of $26 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $26

Like with most national parks, Olympic National Park is all about the unexpected experiences and wildlife sightings. In Hoh Rainforest it's not uncommon to see herds of elk and other wildlife.

Plenty of family-friendly activities can be found here too, so check out this list of things to do with kids in Olympic NP. There are also a number of beaches, usually designated simply by a number. Sol Duc Hot Springs are also another popular place to visit. There's also a swimming pool where you can take a dip.

Regions
Olympic National Park can be divided into several different regions that each have their own habitats and landscapes.

Hoh Rainforest has a moss covered forest where it's not uncommon to spot herds of elk. From there it's an 18 milk hike that leaves from the Hoh Visitor Center and climbs to the summit of Mt. Olympus.

Hurricane Ridge is another area that has a diversity of hiking trails. This is a great area to see wildflowers in the summer and views of the surrounding Olympic mountain range.

Lake Crescent is a glacial lake that has a striking blue color and clear water. The Lyre River flows out of it and it's fed by nearby creeks. The area has a number of great trails.

The Coastal Strip is the natural coastline with dramatic views. It can be reached from Kalaloch, La Push, Ozette, and Neah Bay.

Lake Quinault is another glacial lake that's created by Quinault River and surrounded by lush rainforest.

Cape Flattery, which is actually outside of the park on the Makah Indian reservation. It offers spectacular views of sea caves and a dramatic coastline.



Olympic National Park is all about outdoor activities. Hiking, kayaking, camping, and backpacking are all common in the park.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Olympic National Park. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Olympic National Park is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Olympic National Park for $20 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Olympic National Park

The nightlife in Olympic National Park is generally non-existant. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.57 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Olympic National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.57
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 1, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Olympic National Park

  • The peak season of summer typically means higher prices and more tourists. For those looking to save money and enjoy a more peaceful experience, the shoulder or low seasons are ideal.
  • Being a large destination, Olympic National Park usually has diverse pricing for hotels, meals, and things to do. You can save money by comparing prices, making reservations early, and enjoying free events.
  • Choosing a slower travel pace allows you to soak in the area's beauty while saving money. If you cram your days with endless activities, you'll find yourself spending more. In contrast, slowing down often leads to lower costs and a richer experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Olympic National Park doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to rent a car or arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • If you're hoping to find a hostel in Olympic National Park, you might be disappointed. Instead of dorms, consider searching for affordable hotels or apartment rentals.
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Traveling in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is in Washington State and was originally established as a national monument in 1909. The area is known for its large Sitka spice and Douglas fir trees, which can be found in the Hoh and Queets rainforest valleys on the western side of the park. The area's temperate rainforest climate creates lush thick moss and dense vegetation that gives the setting a fairytale quality.

The summers are typically mild during the summer months with wet winters being common. If you want to see the sun, your best best is during the months of July and August. During the winter months snowfall can be heavy in the mountains.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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