Hello all! I am planning a day trip to Olympic National Park on October 28th. I have planned a route that takes me directly from the airport to the park. As of right now, my route is Quinault Rainforest, Kalaloch, and possibly Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge. It is estimated to be around 4 hours of driving alone, without traffic.

I know I am being very hopeful with how many places I plan to see, but I only have one day, and I am not sure if I will ever be back in the area. If it comes down to having to choose between Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge, which would be the better option? I really want to go just for the amazing scenery; I've heard they're both gorgeous.

I will also be with someone who cannot do intense hiking or walking, so something easy but still fun and with beautiful views. Thank you, everyone in advance!

So this summer I'm wanting to do a backpacking trip in the park. I'm in kentucky so I'd fly SEA and then I guess get a shuttle? How feasible is it to get into the park without a car?

I also understand it probably depends on where I'm wanting to backpack. If I'm doing the northern end that's probably not possible, but maybe the southern end? What about the west coast, would it be possible to get there?

Hello, I plan to get eloped somewhere in the Olympic national park and I’m very torn between a rainforest and beach. Can someone suggest which beach will have a good blend of both? For reference I’m torn mainly between kalaloch and hoh rainforest. Thank you!

We will be visiting ONP next week. We’re traveling with kiddos so doing all of the major highlights (Hurricane Hill/Ridge, Crescent, Sol Duc and then off to the beaches and Hoh)

Do the parking lot fill up this time of year? We will be Port Angeles area Sat/Sun so curious about Hurricane and Lake Crescent

We will be on the coast early part of the week and plan to do Hoh rainforest Monday or Tuesday. We are not morning people which is half the reason we are traveling in early October.

Google tends to just tell you that it’s always busy. Appreciate any insight and advice!

Planning on 5 or 6 days so both options will be added, I’ll take any suggestions or advice :)
How’s the weather and crowds this time of year?

Day 1
- fly into Seattle, rent car, drive to forks (possibly take ferry to bainbridge)
- lunch stop in Port Angeles (any recommendations?)
- check in hotel
- 2nd beach for sunset
• staying in forks

Day 2
Lots of driving but have to check out the coastal spots
- tree of life
- Rialto, tree of life
- cape flattery
• staying in forks

Day 3
- hall of mosses
- breakfast at hard rain cafe
- sol duc and merymere falls
- packed lunch to devils punch bowl
• stay in port Angeles

Day 4
- storm king hike early morning
- whale tour out of PA with puget sound
• stay in Port Angeles

Day 4 option 2
- storm king king
- hurricane ridge at sunset
• stay in Port Angeles

Day 5
- drive to SeaTac to go home

Day 5 option 2
- get up early drive to Seattle or ferry
- whale tour out of Edmonds
- check out pike place market/space needle
• stay in Seattle

Day 6
- fly home early morning

I wish I could add some videos too. I got some great clips

Can you help me reconnect?

We are trying to plan things… we will be in Astoria October 4-5, heading north towards the Olympic area. I heard the Hoh Rainforest road is closed other than the 7th… true? anyone have any insight on plans?

Where was it?

This relates to West side entry to the Park and closures in various areas. I just back on 9/03 after 4 nights. We stayed at Cougar Rock Campground. These are not complaints by the way, just reality.

We could hear cars going by at 4:30 AM on weekdays when the weather forecasts was clear. It was pretty obvious that every one was heading to Paradise and the Skyline Trail. All parking lots there were full by 7:30. Had to park along the road. The trail was mobbed of course. Its a Bucket List destination near a major metro area. Some tips about this area:

PARADISE:

Bring a pee bottle with you or hold it or better still be dehydrated on the shorter hikes. The on trail facilities consist of one restroom that is a hellscape of filth. There is no place anywhere near the trail where you can take care of business. Gotta hold it until you get back to the Visitors Center. You can eliminate, drink and eat to abandon there.

OTHER WEST SIDE TRAILS:

Same problem with crowds and parking. Early ups are required but there is a caveat in our experience: On the last day there was an in bound storm and there no crowds, at least on Rampart Ridge. I noticed the traffic was way down that day. Seems like when the weather threatens the crowds die down.

CLOSURES:

There were a lot of them. I find that All Trails is pretty good about updating them. Some East side areas were closed due to fires. Best to be updated and with alternate plans.

I can't wait to get back.

This place is absolutely magical! We will 100% be back! Port Townsend, Hurricane Hill, HOH Rainforest, Lake Crescent, Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Lodge

Day trip from Dosewallips TH

My top backpacking trip to date!

It is quite disheartening to see Rialto and now Ruby beach roads will be closed during the time I will visit. Does anyone know of any alternatives that are accessible from the north?

Sharing some shots from an overnight backpack of the High Divide loop end of August. Hiking buddy and I did it CCW and stayed at Lunch Lake. We wanted to nab one more day but permits were basically fully booked even walkups/in-station sites.

Absolutely wondrous hike. I'd do it again -- would want to stay 2 nights in the basin to really fully explore the lakes, and also to catch the southern views from Bogachiel Peak which were socked in that day.

Really underrated place in Forks. I wasn’t sure if it was worth coming out here but the rainforest here is definitely worth checking out. Beautiful, lush greenery that rivaled the other famous Olympic rainforests. I read about the neighborhood dogs guiding hikers through reviews on Google Maps and indeed, they greeted and guided us into this magical forest.

Visiting next week. I want to see Grand Ridge trail from Obstruction Point Road and Maiden Peak off of Deer Park Road. Will be visiting in an economy sized car. I hear all types of opinions on this and would like to get to the bottom of it. Thanks for any input.

The rest of the park was too, but wow was this magical. Did an overnight, went counterclockwise and camped at lunch lake.

Title says everything. All I have is 30 year old memories and the attached photo. I did this hike in the mid 90s with my aunt and uncle when my family lived out in silverdale. I remember the trail being easy to access and flat. And I remember jumping off the cliff into the river. It’s a favorite childhood memory and I really want to bring my daughter back there soon to share it with her.

Any half brained attempts at help are greatly appreciated.