2 days around Olympic National Park

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time, check ahead

   Hurricane Ridge

   A mountain ridge about 18 miles by road from Port Angeles, with views across the Olympic Mountains. In summer it is a place for easy walks. The road can close in bad weather and in winter, so check ahead with the park.

   Go when Morning, before cloud builds on the ridge.

   Local tip Check the road and the weather with the park before you drive up, because the road can close in cloud or snow. Bring a warm layer, since it is cold at 5,000 feet even in summer.

   

   About 37 min by car or transit14.7 mi
2. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Sol Duc Falls

   A waterfall that splits into channels and tumbles into a gorge, at the end of a short walk through old forest. The trail is easy, and the sound of the water grows as you near it. Go early, before the car park fills.

   Go when Early morning, when the forest is quiet and the falls are loud.

   Local tip The path is short and mostly flat, with a wooden bridge above the gorge. Keep behind the rails, because the rock is wet and slippery.

3. Lunch

   A soak and a sandwich

   Hot springs make you hungry. Bring a sandwich and fruit and eat in the sun after a soak,.

   Local tip Drink plenty of water after the hot pools.

   About 56 min by car30.8 mi
4. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Quinault Rain Forest

   A temperate rain forest in the valley above the lake, known for record-size trees, and wet for most of the year. Walk a short loop under the cedars and spruces, where moss hangs from every branch.

   Go when Midday, when the mist has lifted and the light drops through the canopy.

   Local tip Choose one short loop trail and walk it slowly. Keep to the path to protect the moss and roots, and carry a rain jacket, because showers come through even on bright days.

   

   About 1 h 5 min by car38.3 mi
5. 4
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Lake Crescent

   A deep blue lake, one of the clearest in the state, with mountains on its shores. Walk a lakeshore trail or look across the water. The lake is cold and very deep, so be careful if you swim.

   Go when Afternoon, when the water is a deeper blue and the light is warm.

   Local tip The water is very cold even in summer, so enter slowly if you swim. The Spruce Railroad Trail on the northern shore is a flat, easy walk beside the water.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from Lake CrescentAbout 37 min by car or transit14.6 mi

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Hoh Rain Forest

   One of the largest temperate rain forests in the country, where maples and spruces are draped in moss and ferns. Walk the Hall of Mosses trail early, before the car park fills, and keep to the path.

   Go when Early morning, before the car park fills and the mist is still in the trees.

   Local tip The short Hall of Mosses trail is the one most visitors walk, and a longer trail leads along the river. Keep to the paths, and check ahead for the road and for how busy the car park is.

   

   About 59 min by car32.9 mi
3. 2
   MiddayCheck the tide first

   Rialto Beach

   A rugged beach of driftwood and sea stacks near La Push. At low tide a beach walk north of the car park leads to Hole-in-the-Wall, a rock arch that you can pass through. Check the tide table before you go.

   Go when Midday at low tide, when the walk to Hole-in-the-Wall is open and the sand is wide.

   Local tip Read the tide table before you set out, because the arch can be cut off at high tide. Stay off the logs, keep a long way from the surf and turn back when the water rises.

   

4. Lunch

   A beach picnic

   Pack lunch and eat on the sand above the tide line, looking at the sea stacks. There is no food near the beach, so bring enough for the whole day.

   Local tip Pack out all your trash and keep food closed away from gulls and ravens.

   About 40 min by car17.2 mi
5. 3
   EveningWorth the time

   Ruby Beach

   A beach of sea stacks and driftwood, named for the ruby-like crystals in its sand, with Destruction Island and its lighthouse far offshore. Go for the last light, and climb down the short trail with care.

   Go when Evening, around sunset (about 8:27 PM), when the sea stacks go dark against the sky.

   Local tip Stay off the driftwood logs, which can roll or be moved by a wave without warning, and watch the tide line. Check the weather, because fog often hides the horizon.

   

   About 38 min by car15.9 mi
6. 4
   EveningWorth the time

   Second Beach

   A beach reached by a short forest trail near La Push, with sea stacks rising out of the surf. Go for the sunset{sunset}, and keep off the big logs, which can roll in the waves. The land belongs to the Quileute people.

   Go when Evening, around sunset (about 8:27 PM), when the sea stacks are black against the sky.

   Local tip The trail through the forest is short and can be muddy. The land belongs to the Quileute people, so keep to the beach and the path, and watch the logs and the tide.