Olympic National Park is one of my favorite places in Washington. It has incredible hiking trails, the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48, a dramatic coastline, and alpine views, which is rare to find in one park. If you only have one day in Olympic National Park, you can still get a really good taste of it.
I head to Olympic multiple times a year. I’ve gone overnight backpacking on the coast, stayed in cabins, and taken many long day trips from Seattle just to explore one section. I’ve traveled all over Washington for my Washington state bucket list, and Olympic is the park I never get tired of.
My last trip was in June 2025 and I’m planning to hit a few new hikes this summer. It’s truly good in every season, and it’s even the best national park in the state to explore in the winter, since it rarely snows in the lower areas.
If you’ve only got one day in Olympic National Park, you’ll want to make it count. Here’s how I’d plan it, including the best stops, hikes, and how to work around the drive from Seattle.
Tips for Visiting Olympic National Park in One Day
Here are a few tips to help you plan your Olympic National Park one day trip. I always recommend checking the official website before you go so you’re aware of any potential closures and know how to see Olympic National Park in one day.
For example, there may be closures due to excessive snow or slides across the road. I’ve had many times where I was about to set out on a hike, only to see the area got unexpected weather and the hike was no longer safe. Checking ahead of time will save you both time and frustration.
How to Get to Olympic National Park From Seattle
Many people may wonder can you see Olympic National Park in one day, and the answer is yes! Depending on your route, the trip takes about three hours from Seattle to Olympic National Park. Similar to a day trip to Mt. Rainier from Seattle, it’ll be a long day, but you can definitely do it.
There are various ways to get there, whether you’re on a Vancouver weekend getaway or on a 10-day Pacific Northwest road trip.
Here are the most common routes.
- Route 1 – take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island (the most common route if you live in Seattle)
- Route 2 – take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston (the fastest route if you live north of Seattle)
- Route 3 – drive up the peninsula without taking a ferry (easiest if you’re headed to the west part of the park or coming from the south)
You’ll want to take into account the time it takes you to wait in line for the ferry, as well as the time you’re actually on the ferry. When you go during a busy season, such as summer, I recommend checking online for traffic conditions and ferry wait times to pick the best route home. I have a whole guide on how Washington State ferry reservations work to help you out if you’re new.
The park takes up a large portion of the northern part of the peninsula, and there are multiple entrances. You’ll want to check out an Olympic National Park map first to see where you want to visit during your Olympic National Park day trip.
A common mistake first-time visitors make is thinking they can drive through the park. No roads go through the park, so you’ll need to plan where you’ll be stopping in advance. This is especially important to know if you only have one day in Olympic National Park.
Don’t feel like driving yourself? No problem! An easy way to take a day trip to Olympic National Park is to book a tour from Seattle. They’ll do all the driving and take you to all the top spots on your Olympic National Park day trip from Seattle.
The Best Time for an Olympic National Park Day Trip
You can visit the park anytime during the year, but you should note that it gets snow during the winter. This means some hikes won’t be accessible, and you’ll need to bring the right gear if you do any winter hiking. In addition, most of the animals will also be hibernating, so keep that in mind.
The best time for a Seattle to Olympic National Park day trip is during the spring and fall, in my opinion. There will be fewer crowds than in summer, and you’ll be able to go on wildflowers hikes in the spring and see foliage in the fall.
If crowds don’t bother you, then by all means, visit during the summer in Seattle, when you’ll get the driest weather. You’ll get to enjoy plenty of beautiful summer hikes during this time.
You should just plan on arriving at the park early to get a parking spot, especially for hikes. You’ll also have to wait longer if you take a ferry over instead of driving around, so leave plenty of time in your Olympic National Park itinerary for that. There are so many things to do in Olympic National Park so you’ll want to plan out your time. You might find you want to make it a Seattle weekend trip so you have more time.
Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park
You can easily do a day trip to Olympic National Park, but if you decide to stay overnight and turn it into a weekend trip from Seattle, here are a few places I’d recommend based on which part of the park you want to be near. For a full breakdown by region, see my guide on where to stay in Olympic National Park.
Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
- In the park (historic lodge): Lake Crescent Lodge is one of the few in-park options and sits right on a stunning lake. Book direct through the concessionaire.
- Near the park (Port Angeles): Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor is right on the waterfront and walkable to downtown. I stayed here on a fall trip and loved the location.
- Affordable Port Angeles: Quality Inn Uptown is a budget-friendly pick near the waterfront and 30 minutes from the park entrance.
- Vacation rental: Browse Olympic Peninsula Vrbo rentals for cabins and homes with more space.
- Browse all options: All Port Angeles hotels on Booking.com.
Top Things to Do With One Day in Olympic National Park
Only have 1 day in Olympic National Park? You’ll find plenty of activities for what to do with one day in Olympic National Park. You can also choose to go on an Olympic Peninsula loop drive.
Stop at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles
Whenever I visit a national park, I make a point to stop at the visitor center first. For Olympic National Park, the main one is the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles (3002 Mount Angeles Road). It’s the largest of the park’s visitor centers, open year-round, and the easiest stop to make on your way in from the ferry. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center burned down in 2023 and is no longer operating, though there’s still a small staffed information window at the top of Hurricane Ridge in summer.
I always recommend speaking with one of the rangers first, since they’ll know about closures or current conditions you might not find online. I’ve had multiple trips where a ranger let me know a trail was closed for safety reasons before I drove all the way out there, which saved me a lot of time and frustration.
If you collect national park stamps, this is where you’ll get yours. They’re usually near the back of the visitor center, but just ask a staff member if you don’t see them.
Admire the Spring Wildflowers
During the spring in Seattle, the wildflowers in Olympic National Park are some of the best in the state. I love the contrasting purple and yellow flowers with the green forests in the background, which make it an ideal time for a day trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park.
You’ll see thousands of these as you drive on the roads leading into the mountains, and I recommend adding this to your list of what to see in Olympic National Park in one day.
Animals also tend to come out of hibernation around this time of year, so you may see some furry faces in the park. Just use caution and keep your distance from them, especially black bears.
Visit a Lush Rainforest
One of the most interesting fun facts about Seattle is that we have a rainforest here! The Hoh Rain Forest is where you’ll want to head to experience this unique climate in the Pacific Northwest. It rains up to 170 inches per year here, and you’ll feel like you’re in a movie (Ferngully, anyone?) as you walk through all the moss-covered trees and ferns.
This is on the park’s west side, so allow some time to get here if you come from Seattle to Olympic National Park. I highly recommend putting this on your one day Olympic National Park itinerary, though, as it’s unlike anything else in the state.
You should note that it may rain here even if it’s dry and sunny in other places of the park, so you might want to throw a light rain jacket in your car just in case.
Relax at Lake Crescent
While I love visiting Crater Lake in Oregon, Lake Crescent is also a stunning lake to visit in this area. You can easily do an Olympic National Park day trip, but I recommend spending several days here to see the entire area. Book a stay at Lake Crescent Lodge, which may have one of the best views on the Olympic Peninsula and is one of the most popular family vacations in Washington.
Can you imagine waking up to this view and having coffee in that chair? This is also a dog-friendly vacation if you stay in certain cabins while you explore Olympic National Park.
There are plenty of hikes to do here, and water activities like canoeing are also popular. You can even go sailing on this lake on days with enough wind. Lake Crescent is also a great area to have a picnic during the warmer months.
Go Hiking
One of my top recommendations for when people want to know how to spend one day in Olympic National Park is to go on a hike. You all know how much I love hiking as much as I can, and this is exactly why I come to the park multiple times yearly. My goal is to explore all the hikes eventually, and I have a good handful done so far!
While summer is the most popular time to visit, there are many great Washington winter hikes you can do here as well (just make sure to pack your winter hiking clothes!). This gives Olympic an advantage over the other parks in the state, as all North Cascades hikes are inaccessible during this time, and many Mount Rainier hikes are snowed over.
There are many Olympic National Park hikes to choose from, depending on the length you want. You can do everything from short, easy Washington hikes to long, steep hikes. The park’s website has a full list of where to go hiking in Olympic National Park.
I absolutely love hiking in the park because you can choose from mountain hikes, exploring some of the best waterfalls in Washington, or even going on beach hikes! It’s such a diverse park, which is why I keep coming back to it.
Here are a few I recommend:
- Hurricane Hill – This is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park, and it provides incredible views of the mountains and valleys below. (3 miles roundtrip)
- Sol Duc Falls – This short leads to a stunning waterfall, so most skill levels will be able to access it. It’s a fun one for kids to do, especially as you step over the waterfall. (1.6 miles roundtrip)
- Ozette Triangle Loop – If you’re mainly visiting Olympic National Park to go hiking, you’ll love the challenge of this long hike. (9.5 miles roundtrip)
Spot Wildlife Throughout the Park
There are many animals in Olympic National Park that you can spot depending on your time of year. Deer are everywhere, and you may also spot black bears, so you can put that on your Olympic National Park itinerary.
However, those who go deeper into the park during the summer will want to be aware of this. This is another reason to stop at the visitor’s center first, as they’ll let you know where bears were recently spotted (don’t worry – they don’t usually bother humans, but it’s good to be aware of).
When I went backpacking here in 2020, I saw three black bears on my hike back. We made sure they were aware of us and gave them plenty of space, so they didn’t feel threatened, and we could all go on our way.
You can also see giant elk and mountain goats in the forests when you visit Olympic National Park. When you get closer to the water, you might see seals, otters, and even whales if you’re lucky.
Take a Swim
On the same day you hike to the top of a mountain that may still have snow, you can swim in Olympic National Park. Lake Crescent has dedicated swimming areas, so it’s easy to get in the water on a warm day.
One of the best places to go swimming is at Fairholme Beach. You’ll have access to bathrooms, a cafe, and a general store for any small needs you may have.
I like stopping here after a morning of hiking to relax for a little bit before exploring the rest of the park. Having lunch here is a great option if you want to eat somewhere scenic during your one day in Olympic National Park.
Visit a Waterfall at Marymere Falls
If you’re looking for an easy hike in Olympic National Park with a beautiful reward at the end, head out to Marymere Falls. This trail is 1.8 miles roundtrip and greets you with a giant waterfall at the end. Marymere Falls is also one of the best waterfall hikes in Washington, as it’s easily accessible by most people when you visit Olympic National Park.
Because this trail is so easy, it often gets crowded during the summer. If your goal is to take pictures of it or get pictures of your family in front of it, I recommend going early in the day. The last time I went at midday, I had trouble keeping other people out of my photo.
This is largely covered as you walk in the forest, so you can easily make it a rainy day hike that’s enjoyable (as it’s impossible to predict the weather in Seattle!).
Visit the Coast
One of my favorite reasons for coming to Olympic National Park is that you can go hiking on top of a mountain and then head down to the beach on the same day. Rialto Beach is a popular place on people’s Olympic National Park itineraries, and this area is a beautiful place to catch the sunrise or sunset.
Hole-in-the-Wall is a unique sea arch structure about 1.5 miles north of Rialto Beach that’s fun to visit. You can also walk in the sand at Mora Beach to visit a slightly less crowded beach.
This part of the Pacific Ocean is a popular place to surf in Washington, so you may see some surfers putting on a show while there.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend getting a backpacking permit and spending the night on the coast. My friend and I did the Ozette Triangle Loop a few years ago and camped overnight at Camp Alava, and it was so beautiful to pitch our tents right next to the Pacific Ocean. I hope to do many more overnight backpacking trips in the park!
Many people pair a visit with a stay in Seabrook, about 45 minutes south. See things to do in Seabrook if you want to make it a longer trip.
Enjoy Views of Canada
You’ll be so high up when hiking at places like Hurricane Ridge that you’ll be able to see Canada! It’s close enough that my cell phone provider switched to ROGERS (a Canadian company), and I had to turn my data roaming off while hiking.
Many people don’t realize just how close the southern part of Vancouver Island and the north part of the Olympic Peninsula are (only about 25 miles). It’s fun to look over at Canada and take a few pictures before heading back down the hill.
If you decide to extend your Olympic National Park 1 day itinerary, you can take the Black Ball ferry from nearby Port Angeles to visit Canada (just make sure to have your passport on you!). The ride only takes about an hour, and then you’ll be in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia.
Heads up that the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge burned down in 2023 and is still being rebuilt, so there’s no food, gift shop, or rental gear at the top. Pack everything you need before you drive up. The road itself is open and accessible.
Stop at All the Viewpoints
I dare you to drive all the way to Olympic National Park on your road trip from Seattle without stopping at least half a dozen viewpoints. I loved seeing the fog over the valley in the early morning. Every time you think you’ve seen something amazing, you’ll turn a corner and see another view you have to stop to take pictures.
One Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
When planning a one-day trip to Olympic National Park, you have to get strategic about it. Trust me, I’ve been there many times for just the day, so I know how to make the most of your trip. If you’re driving from Seattle to Olympic National Park, you’ll want to set your alarm for the crack of dawn to make the most of your day.
Olympic National Park is massive, so my top tip is to narrow your focus to one area of the park instead of trying to cram everything into a day, which can leave you more exhausted than excited.
For instance, you might decide to explore the coastal region and its magnificent features, delve into the enchanting Hoh Rainforest, or tackle a selection of mountain hikes. The point is, choose one and give it your all. You can always come back (and you definitely should!).
Here’s a loose itinerary to give you an idea of how to structure your day:
Morning
You’ll want to start your journey as early as possible, ideally reaching the park between 8 and 9 am. My first stop is usually the visitor center, where you can confirm your plans with a ranger. This is especially crucial if hiking is on your agenda, as they’ll give you the lowdown on trail conditions and any other essential info.
Mid-Morning
Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary information, it’s time to hit the trails or head out to the coast. Walking along the beach with the ocean waves crashing beside you is a refreshing way to start the day.
Noon
Depending on your preference, you can either pack your lunch to maximize exploration time or head over to Port Angeles. It’s the largest city nearby, boasting a variety of food options to satisfy your mid-day hunger. You can grab a delicious seafood lunch at the waterfront Downriggers Restaurant, or if you’re in the mood for farm-to-table cuisine, head over to my favorite, Next Door Gastropub.
Afternoon
As the day rolls into the afternoon, you might enjoy a leisurely visit to Marymere Falls or a gentle walk around Lake Crescent. It’s a perfect way to slow down the pace and immerse yourself in the park’s tranquility.
Evening
Keep an eye on the time, especially if you need to catch a ferry back to Seattle. If time permits, I highly recommend staying to watch the sun dip below the horizon over the Olympic Mountains. There’s nothing quite like a National Park sunset to cap off an amazing day. Just make sure you have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking views!
Other Things to Know About Planning a Day Trip to Olympic National Park
How far is Olympic National Park from Seattle?
It’s about a 2 to 3-hour road trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park, and it’s somewhere between 80 to 100 miles, give or take. But keep in mind, the park is huge, so how long it takes to get there really depends on where in the park you’re headed. Plus, part of the trip involves a ferry ride across Puget Sound.
Are there Olympic National Park tours from Seattle?
Yes, you can join a guided tour from Seattle if you don’t want to drive yourself. Here are a few worth checking out:
1-Day Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle covers the main highlights of the park in a single day.
Hoh Rain Forest and Pacific Coast Guided Tour focuses on the rainforest and beaches if those are your priorities.
Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle is another full-day option from downtown.
What is the Olympic National Park entrance fee?
You can visit parts of this US national park for free, but to get to the heart of the park, you’ll have to pay. Here are your different options:
–Private vehicle – $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days)
–Hiking/biking in – $15 per person
–America the Beautiful pass – $80 (good for a year, so if you plan on going to at least 3 parks anywhere in the United States in the next year, this pays for itself)
Can you visit Olympic National Park in one day?
Yes, you can absolutely see Olympic National Park in one day if you focus on one or two areas instead of trying to cover the whole park. The park is huge (over 922,000 acres), and there’s no road that cuts through it, so picking a focus area like the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, or the coast will give you the best experience. A day trip from Seattle typically takes 12-14 hours total, including drive time and ferry crossings.
What is the best part of Olympic National Park to see in one day?
If you only have one day, I’d recommend focusing on either Hurricane Ridge for alpine views and easy hiking, or the Hoh Rainforest for old-growth forest and an unforgettable boardwalk trail. Both are doable as a day trip from Seattle, but Hurricane Ridge is closer to the ferry landing and is generally easier to combine with a stop at Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls.
Do you need a reservation to visit Olympic National Park?
No, Olympic National Park does not require timed entry reservations like some other national parks. You just need a valid park pass (or $30 entrance fee per vehicle), and you can drive in. Parking lots at popular spots like Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent can fill up by mid-morning in summer, so plan to arrive early.
And that is how you can make the most of one day in Olympic National Park! Enjoy the adventure, and start making notes for your next visit, because, believe me, there will be a next time.
SaveSav
These are beautiful pictures! I’ve only been to one National Park (Yosemite) but it was a long time ago. I’m hoping as I get older to be able to cross more and more off my list!
Tori
Oh Yosemite is on my list!
I need to get there sometime!
It’s one of my favorite places in the state!
Absolutely gorgeous photos! I hope I get to visit someday!
Thank you so much!
I’m moving to California in a few months and The Olympic Park has been on my to do list (which I wasn’t sure I’d have time for). But seeing these pics makes me realize I HAVE to visit!!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, you must go before you leave!
My favorite National Park is Yellowstone, but I can’t wait for backpacking in Olympic later this summer!
I’ve never been to Yellowstone! ?
Wow, so stunning! Definitely adding Olympic National Park to my bucket list.
It’s one of my favorite places in the state!
Its funny this is so close to me and I have only been once years ago! It is beautiful and I need to go back ! My fav national park is Banff..hands down..there is no beauty that tops it! Yes I am a proud Canadian..Ha ha! Fantastic pictures as always
See you Soon!
Valerie
I love Banff!
Posts like this are exactly why I want to travel! I miss the trees and the outdoors. That park looked absolutely beautiful!
There’s nothing like spending the day around fresh mountain air.
This looks stunning, I’m really regretting not flying out to visit a friend when he lived in the area! It’s as flat as a pancake where I live, and a long drive to see mountains or forest (well, by UK standards it’s a long drive). Visiting places like this (especially the rainforest!) is so good for the soul.
Aww I can’t imagine not living by the mountains!
I always wanted to go to the Olympic National Park. Unfortunately, I hadn´t enough time while I´ve been to Seattle. Still on myl ist and your post make my wish to go there even bigger and stronger. Lovely pics and great written. Love it.
Love this! It seems like a perfect weekend getaway from Seattle.
It was!
Beautiful! I’ve done a bunch of great things at Olympic NP but haven’t made it to the rainforest yet. That is definitely on my list!
The rainforest is one of my favorite parts!
My husband and I are headed there in a month. Do you think it’s possible to do the hoh trail in the morning and then the Lake Angeles Trail in one day? If we go to Lake Angeles first it’s close to 2.5 hour drive from where we are staying (Eastonville). Or if we go to Hoh first, it’s a 4 hour drive.
I just know hoh to lake angeles is about 2 hrs drive., right ?
Thoughts, suggestions, recommendations?
Responded via DM. 🙂
That line about it rarely snowing in the lower areas really stuck with me—so many people write off winter visits, but you made it feel like the smartest time to go instead.
I’m glad to hear it!