5 Must See Spots in Olympic National Park

Nestled in the upper corner of Washington state is Olympic National Park, a place where in the winters you can snowshoe in the morning and spend the evening on the beach, where forests are draped in greenery and one of the quietest places in the country exists. Planning a trip to this national park but don't know where to begin? We can help! With assistance from our friends at Travel and Leisure, we’ve come up with 5 must see places to include on your trip itinerary.  

1. Ruby Beach:

 
One of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, Ruby Beach is known for spectacular sunsets and sea stacks. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket and wear shoes that can get wet, as this beach is rocky and can be slippery. Take in the sights and stroll along the beach for a nice break from hiking or traveling.

2,  Lake Crescent:

A glacially carved lake with pristine waters, Lake Crescent is not to be missed during your trip to Olympic. There are several trails to hike in the area that  vary in difficulty and length, but our suggested activity has to be going out on the water itself. Whether you are kayaking or out in a rowboat, it is a wonderful way to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery. 

3. Marymere Falls Trail:

While visiting Lake Crescent, be sure to hike to Marymere Falls, a beautiful 90-foot waterfall tucked back into the surrounding old growth forest. This trail starts at the Storm King Ranger Station, but it can also be accessed via the Lake Crescent Lodge. The trail itself is 1.8 miles round trip and is generally considered an easy hike. 

4. Rialto Beach:

The second beach on our must see list is Rialto Beach, another popular spot in Olympic National Park with stunning views and towering sea stacks. As with Ruby Beach, we recommend a sweater or jacket and for visitors to wear shoes that can get wet. If you have the chance, visit the ‘Tree Root Cave’, a suspended tree with exposed roots that is occasionally called the ‘Tree of Life’ near the Kalaloch Campground. 

5. Hoh Rainforest:

No trip to Olympic National Park can be made without visiting the Hoh Rainforest. This lush green wonderland is filled to the brim with moss, ferns, and the famous banana slug. This temperate rainforest is one of the best examples found in the United States and is an incredibly popular destination, so expect a few others during your visit. Check out the Hall of Mosses Trail, a 0.8-mile loop that takes hikers through moss-covered maples and other trees found in the old growth forest, or hike along the Hoh River Trail, where you can choose how long you want to hike for. 

From beaches to waterfalls, we’ve listed 5 of the must see spots in Olympic National Park, but there are always more places to check out, so be sure to stop by the Visitor Center for more locations to see and up to date information. Remember to leave no trace and follow all the rules and regulations when visiting. Happy exploring!