One of the most beautiful places to visit in Washington is Olympic National Park, which is why over two million people plan a trip there each year. With over 1,442 mi² to explore, it’s easiest to see it all if you can spend several days in the park. However, you’ll want to know where to stay in Olympic National Park to make the most of your time.
Located in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula, the national park boasts rainforests, alpine highlands, rugged coastlines, and expansive meadowlands. You cannot drive through the park like most national parks and will instead need to drive around, which requires you to plan in advance.
I’ve been to the park almost a dozen times at this point, both for long Seattle day trips and for longer stays when I go backpacking or visit with my family. You’ll want to pick the best places to stay in Olympic National Park based on what area you want to explore.
In this article, I’ll go over the things to do in each region of the park so you can decide where you want to stay and then go to that section to pick where to stay when visiting Olympic National Park, from hotels to vacation rentals.
This post was last updated in April 2022.
This post promotes travel to a national park that is the traditional land of the Coast Salish and S’Klallam people. I make a formal land acknowledgment showing my respect and appreciation to the people of these lands. You can learn more about this on Native Land.
Choosing Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
If you’ve never been to the park before, it’s important to get a sense of just how massive it is. Most people spend at least two or three days vacationing there and still don’t see even a fraction of the park. If you’re coming for a Vancouver weekend getaway, you may want to spend even longer.
That’s why I created the map above so you can see the general area and decide where to stay when visiting Olympic National Park based on the activities you want to do. You may decide to make one place your base for the whole trip or stay in several different places as you move around.
If you’re confused about where to stay in Olympic National Park, the outline below should clear things up for you. Because of the sheer size of the land, you’d have to do a lot of driving to and from attractions if you only stayed in one spot. While it has some of the most scenic drives in Washington, you’ll also want to know how to spend your time.
A practical and more common approach is staying a couple of nights in one area and then moving on to the next during your weekend trip near Seattle. This way, you can minimize your overall driving time and see as much of the park as possible, or at least your favorite attractions, before your trip comes to an end.
Luckily, there are plenty of lodges on the Olympic Peninsula and vacation rentals in and around the park to book on your PNW trip.
Visualizing the park is the easiest way to wrap your head around things. Take a look at this basic map and read the guideline below to figure out which area you’re most eager to explore.
You should also note that while this can be a dog-friendly vacation, you’ll need to confirm with each individual lodging first. Dogs aren’t allowed in many parts of the national park.
Tip – You need to book most of these places months in advance if you coming during summer in Seattle, so plan accordingly.
Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? My new ebook is now live, so click here to buy your copy!
Lake Crescent
Many visitors like to start their Washington National Park adventure at Lake Crescent because of its inspiring natural beauty. On top of that, the lake is conveniently close to some of the park’s best spots, such as the Hoh Rain Forest, which is just an hour’s drive away. Many people find this the highlight of their trip and want to find where to stay near Hoh Rain Forest.
Known for its brilliant blue waters, Lake Crescent is nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and is a popular place for boating and swimming.
There are also tons of hiking trails around the lake and picnic areas where you can enjoy a peaceful lakeside lunch spread, making it the best place to stay when visiting Olympic National Park for many people.
If you’re an avid hiker, you can look at this post on the best hikes in Olympic National Park. You’ll love picking this area for where to stay in Olympic National Park.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is one of the best places to stay on the Olympic Peninsula, and there are plenty of things to do in Port Angeles. The town is just a 40-minute drive from the popular Hurricane Ridge, a mountainous area filled with hiking trails, valleys, and deepwater lakes.
Visitors love hiking in the area, and Hurricane Ridge offers fantastic panoramic views of the park. This area is also good to stay in if you’re on a family-friendly vacation in Washington and need close lodging at Olympic National Park.
Visiting the park via Port Angeles will give you quick access to Lake Crescent and Elwha Valley, the biggest watershed on the Olympic Peninsula. There are numerous hiking trails in the valley’s montane forests. You can also do some catch-and-release fishing in the Elwha River with a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Forks
One of the most extensive temperate rainforests in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hoh Rain Forest is a must-see in Olympic National Park. You can easily access the rainforest via the town of Forks.
You can enter the park at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor’s Centre about 30 miles from Forks, which should take you about 45 minutes by car. This is one of the best towns to stay in near Olympic National Park if you want to be around stores and restaurants.
Explorers love to marvel at the towering moss-covered trees in the forest, some of which are over a thousand years old. Many of these trees stand over 300 feet tall, making the forest a truly awe-inspiring place to get in touch with nature.
Another major draw of Olympic National Park is the Hoh River, a glacier river fed by Mount Olympus that stretches for over 50 miles in the rainforest valleys. You can often hear the rushing sounds of the river even from miles away as you meander through the hiking trails in the Hoh Rain Forest.
Pacific Coast Beaches
If you’re eager to see some incredible beaches, you’ll love the Pacific Coast region of Olympic National Park. There are 73 miles of rugged coastlines and remote wilderness to explore, lined with intriguing sea stacks and rock formations.
You can venture into remote areas like the Ozette Coast (which is one of my favorite winter hikes in Washington) or visit Forks’ beaches, such as La Push Beach and Rialto Beach.
Rialto Beach is an excellent spot to catch a sunset over the Pacific Ocean, not to mention the beautiful giant driftwood logs along the shoreline. Another popular coastal spot is Kalaloch Beach, one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park.
Make sure you have your America the Beautiful Pass! For only one price, you can visit all the national parks over and over throughout the year. I renew mine every year.
Lake Quinault
If you’re going to Olympic National Park via the south of the park, you’ll be near the beautiful Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rainforest. You can also hit these destinations if you’re traveling via Forks. However, the quickest way to Lake Quinault is via the Quinault Wilderness Information Center.
The Quinault Rainforest is filled with impeccable alpine meadows, lakes, and of course, tons of scenic hiking trails, making it one of the most scenic places to stay in Olympic National Park.
If it’s lake activities you’re looking for, you can go fishing on Lake Quinault or take a dip in the water during the summer. Kayaking and canoeing on the lake are also popular activities amongst visitors to the park.
Best Places to Stay in Olympic National Park
Planning an Olympic National Park expedition can be challenging due to the sheer size of the park. Luckily, I’ve got you covered with a detailed guide on where to stay in the Olympic National Park area.
To plan your itinerary, you can book a room at any of the accommodations below, which are close by to the park’s major attractions.
The rentals below cover various rental types, including lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals. They also cover a range of different price points to help you stick to your budget.
Places to Stay Near Port Angeles, Lake Crescent, & Hurricane Ridge
For those traveling through Port Angeles or eager to visit Lake Crescent, try the rentals available below. These properties are also within driving distance of Hurricane Ridge and the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre.
Hotels Near Lake Crescent
There are several hotels to choose from in the park.
Lake Crescent Lodge
If you’re keen to see Lake Crescent when looking for the best lodging in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent Lodge is perched right on its shores. The lodge offers simple accommodations with nothing fancy, but the lake views are simply unbeatable.
If you don’t mind the humble, lodge-style accommodations, staying here is a great way to see Lake Crescent up close. The Olympic National Park hotel is also close to several hiking trails such as Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls, which are some of the best waterfall hikes in Washington.
There are also many easy hikes around Washington in this area if you’re a beginner hiker or have kids.
Rates start at $223 per night; book your room on Hotels.com
Olympic Lodge
Just a 20-minute drive from Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles offers a big pool for guests, an on-site restaurant, and a view of the Olympic Mountain Range. You can get to the Olympic Park Visitor’s Center in less than 10 minutes by car. This would be a convenient spot for the first part of your vacation or if you only have time for one day in Olympic National Park.
Rates start at $150 per night; book your room on Booking.com
Vacation Rentals Near Lake Crescent
You’ll find a variety of Lake Crescent vacation rentals available if you prefer that.
Lakefront Rental
If you’re looking for something with a bit more room with your Olympic National Park vacation rental, try this rental on Lake Sutherland, just five miles away from Lake Crescent.
You’ll get a 180-degree view of the water surrounded by forest land, not to mention gorgeous accommodations with tons of natural light and a hot tub. The rental even comes with a paddle boat for guests! This is hands down one of the best places to stay near Olympic National Park.
Rates start at $199 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Northwest Art and Stylish Comfort Nestled Among the Trees
This stylish three-bedroom home is surprisingly affordable, considering its chic design and great location. Just minutes from Hurricane Ridge and Port Angeles, the home’s design brings in tons of natural light and shows off Washington’s lush greenery. With an indoor fireplace and a huge outdoor deck, you couldn’t ask for more from this tranquil spot.
Rates start at $180 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Gorgeous Lakefront Home
The beautiful lakefront home has three bedrooms and sits right on the shores of Lake Sutherland. You’ll love sitting out on the deck to enjoy the sun or watch people pass by. You’ll also have access to an outdoor fire pit you can sit by when the sun goes down. The great thing about this rental is that you’re close to the park’s attractions but still only a 20-minute drive from Port Angeles.
Rates start at $281 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Cozy Lakefront Cabin with Bonus Tree House
The Cozy Lakefront Cabin is the perfect base for a Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge trip. You’ll be able to walk out your door and straight to the lake for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
The house has a charming, rustic feel to it, with plenty of warm wooden tones in the design. There’s even an additional tree house where you can get a higher perspective of the stunning lake below – a great place to watch the sunset over the water.
Rates start at $250 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Places to Stay Near Forks, Hoh Rain Forest & Pacific Coast Beaches
If you want to be close to the Ozette area and still within driving distance of the Hoh Rain Forest, try the vacation rentals in Forks, Washington when looking for where to stay near Olympic National Park.
These vacation homes and cabins are conveniently located so that you can see incredible rainforests (which you can then check off your Washington bucket list!) as well as Lake Ozette and the town of Forks. They are also near Forks’ beaches like La Push Beach and Rialto Beach, where you can see incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hotels Near Forks
Here are a few hotels in and near Forks.
The Forks Motel
The Forks Motel has an outdoor pool, free toiletries and a business center. The rooms also include a coffee/tea maker and an LED TV.
Rates start at $79 per night; book your room on Hotels.com
Pacific Inn Motel
The Pacific Inn Motel has premium TV channels, self-serve laundry and a picnic area. There is a picnic area, free WiFi and free parking.
Rates start at $109 per night; book your room on Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals Near Forks
Here are several Forks vacation rentals you’ll enjoy staying at.
Olympic National Park Vacation Home
The Olympic National Park Vacation Home is less than an hour from the Hoh Rain Forest and only eight miles from Ozette. Besides the convenient location, the rental also offers modern accommodations with a stone fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and a spectacular deck in view of the trees. You can also take the hiking trails on the property to get to Quillayute River, where you can go fishing for salmon or trout.
Rates start at $450 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Hoh Valley Cabins
Within driving distance of the Hoh Rainforest, the Hoh Valley Cabins are warm and cozy with comfortable, modern furnishings. You can book a standard bungalow or a two-bedroom bungalow with a deck where you can drink your morning coffee, not to mention the cafe on-site. There’s also a charming walking trail behind the property, which you can explore when you’re not wandering through the park.
Rates start at $133 per night; book your room on Booking.com
Soaring Heights Loft, Home Away From Home
The Soaring Heights Loft is a 45-minute drive from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor’s Center and 90 minutes from Lake Ozette. This rental may not be as close to the rainforest as you’d like, but it makes up for it with its stunning design. The loft is spacious and modern, boasting an upstairs deck surrounded by greenery.
Rates start at $222 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Tiny Cabin With Big Adventures
This tiny cabin is the perfect place to host a small group while being close to the action of the national park. It sleeps up to four people and is close to the town of Forks if you need to run in to get groceries.
You’ll love sitting on the covered porch in the morning and enjoying the outdoor fire pit at night.
Rates start at $250; book your room on Vrbo
Rustic Forks Cabin
The Rustic Forks Cabin is a mere five miles from Rialto Beach and La Push Beach. This will be an excellent rental if you need to sleep somewhere on your way from the north to the south end of the park. The cabin-style home is spacious and airy with high ceilings, not to mention the tall trees surrounding the property. You’ll adore cozying up by the outdoor firepit at this spot.
Rates start at $452 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Tranquil 4-Bedroom Home
Just 5 minutes from Forks and within driving distance from the Hoh Rainforest, the Tranquil 4-Bedroom Home is a great getaway spot for couples. The lush garden is a gorgeous place to unwind and spend quality time together, and you’re never more than a short drive away from the best park attractions. The house is elegant and airy with loads of natural light and a homey feel to it.
Rates start at $250 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Places to Stay Near Lake Quinault & Quinault Rainforest
If you want to see the famous Lake Quinault in all its glory, you can book a room in one of the vacation rentals below. Read on for private rentals, lodges, and resorts within driving distance of the lake and pick where to stay in Olympic National Park.
Hotels Near Lake Quinault
You’ll love these hotels in the Lake Quinault area.
Lake Quinault Lodge
The closest accommodation to Lake Quinault is the Lake Quinault Lodge, which offers simple, furnished rooms right next to the lakeshore. This is the best place to stay in Olympic National Park when you’re on the south end of the park.
Make sure you book a room with a deck if you’d like to start your mornings with a coffee overlooking the water when looking for where to stay around Olympic National Park.
You can book a memorable sunset lake tour through the lodge’s front desk or explore the eight miles of hiking trails on the property. Try the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce Trail to see epic thousand-year-old trees in the Quinault Valley.
Rates start at $191 per night; book your room on Booking.com
Rain Forest Resort Village
This Olympic National park resort offers basic, cabin-style rooms right next to Lake Quinault. Although the Rain Forest Resort Village rooms are not fancy, the cabins certainly make up for it in location.
You can book a deluxe room with an incredible lake view and wake up every morning to the sunshine reflecting off the water. The more expensive rooms also have stone fireplaces to warm you up on cold winter evenings.
Rates start at $119 per night; book your room on Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals Near Lake Quinault
Here are several Lake Quinault vacation rentals to check out.
Beautiful Lakefront Vacation Home
Try the Beautiful Lakefront Vacation Home on Lake Quinault for something more luxurious and private than a lodge. The bedroom opens up to a dramatic view of the lake and forest trees in the distance, and the rest of the house is chic and homey. Read a book under the pergola on the huge outdoor deck with one of the best lake views on this list. This rental is well worth the price.
Rates start at $425 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Sea Breeze Cottage
This Sea Breeze Cottage is the perfect place to stay in the area. It’s pet-friendly and has one bedroom, so great if it’s just you and your pup. There’s also a washer and dryer if you get dirty during your adventures on the Peninsula.
Rates start at $149 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Secluded Lakefront Retreat
The Secluded Lakefront Retreat sits right above Lake Quinault and is super close to the Quinault Rainforest Visitor’s Center. The rooms inside are more than adequate for a comfortable stay, but it’s the entertaining area you’ll like the most. The large deck has a fabulous view of the lake, as well as a gas grill where you can cook up a storm with your friends.
Rates start at $317 per night; book your room on Vrbo
Where to Camp in Olympic National Park
If you’d prefer camping instead of staying in the Olympic National Forest hotels, you can pitch your tent at one of the many campgrounds in Olympic National Park. Keep reading for an outline of where to find campgrounds in the different regions of the park (and these beginner camping tips if you’re new to it).
Campgrounds Near Lake Crescent
The Fairholme Campground and the Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground are the closest campsites to Lake Crescent and great for Olympic National Park camping. Sites at Log Cabin Resort cost $25-$44 each, and the cost at Fairholme is around $24 per night.
Campgrounds Near Hoh Rainforest
You can camp at the Hoh Campground for $24 per night, and there are sites available for RVs, too. Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the campground is open year-round.
Campgrounds Near Pacific Coast Beaches
The Kalaloch Campground overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is a 5-minute drive from Kalaloch Beach. The cost per site is $24, and bookings need to be made six months in advance. Another camping site nearby is the South Beach Campground, which costs $20 per night.
Mora Campground is a mere two miles from Rialto Beach and sits right on the banks of the Quillayute River. It’s also within driving distance from La Push Beach. To camp here during peak season, you’ll need to book online six months in advance. The cost per site is $24 per night per campsite.
If you want to be closer to the Ozette area and Lake Ozette, you can set up camp at the Ozette Campground for $20 per night. This is a perfect spot for those who enjoy lakeside camping and watersports.
Campgrounds Near Lake Quinault
The Graves Creek Campground is inside the Quinault Rainforest, just an hour’s drive away from Lake Quinault. The cost to camp here is $20 per night. A closer option is the North Fork Campground, which is 40 minutes away by car and charges the same per night.
No matter which area you pick for where to stay in Olympic National Park, you’ll love your time in this beautiful area!
