Should You Visit Olympic National Park?

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting?

Olympic National Park is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the park has to offer. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its pristine landscapes and stunning natural setting. Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington. Within the park you'll find a diversity of ecosystems that include coastal areas, old growth rainforests, and mountain peaks. Many climbers head to Mt. Olympus and there are many backcountry trails within the park that attract adventurers.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Reasons to Visit Olympic National Park

Hiking
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.

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.

Museums
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.

Food
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.

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting in the Summer?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Olympic National Park, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The gorgeous scenery this time of year is the main attraction. This is the perfect time to hike around the area and take in the amazing scenery. This is a great time of year to go hiking, wander through the museums, and enjoy the amenities of a resort.

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Olympic National Park. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 10°C (51°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails.

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Olympic National Park. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Olympic National Park can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the cuisine.

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather in Olympic National Park can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Olympic National Park, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to browse the museums and admire the wonderful scenery.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Olympic National Park

Nightlife
Most people don't associate Olympic National Park with a lively nightlife scene. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Shopping: Olympic National Park isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Olympic National Park might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Olympic National Park here or see if Olympic National Park is expensive here.

Related

What is Olympic National Park most famous for?

Olympic National Park is most famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. The park is very popular for its hiking. It's also known for resorts. And many travelers come for the museums and food, as well. It is often described as vast, pristine, and stunning.

What is the most famous sight in Olympic National Park?

The most popular sight in Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rain Forest. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Olympic National Park on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Hoh Rain Forest and other attractions here.

How touristy is Olympic National Park? Is it a popular park to visit?

Olympic National Park is a popular park for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

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

How long should I spend in Olympic National Park?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Olympic National Park is two to five days. Since Olympic National Park has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Olympic National Park?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Olympic National Park?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Olympic National Park?.