Olympic National Park Visitor Center

Located in Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center features: park information an NPS gift/bookshop a park film, and exhibits about Olympic's natural and cultural history There is also a hands-on Discovery Room for kids. Outside, there are two short nature trails and restroom buildings. Rangers and volunteers can answer questions about hiking trails, road conditions, and tide charts.

This lovely stroll through an old-growth forest begins in the Heart O' the Hills campground, Loop E. There is parking by the amphitheater. Although the trail is over 4 miles roundtrip, you can see a lot in just the first mile. Keep your eyes open for Olympic's hidden treasures like banana slugs, rough-skinned newts and Pacific tree frogs.

Strait Of Juan De Fuca Scenic Byway

Stop at this overlook for a sweeping view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, you can see across the strait to Victoria, Canada, and even as far as the Cascades Mountains. Interpretive signs at the overlook point out the landmarks.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge features spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the most popular destinations at the park. Gaze at majestic snow-capped peaks, walk through sub-alpine meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, hike one of the popular trails and spot wildlife like the endemic Olympic marmot. Meadow Loop Trails: You can access these easy paved trails from the visitor center parking lot. Hurricane Hill Trail: The trailhead for this moderate 3-mile hike is about 1.5 miles past the visitor center. There is parking at the trailhead with overflow parking below in the picnic areas.

Madison Creek Falls

Madison Falls is a lovely 45-foot cascade. This hidden gem is only a short distance from the highway and a short walk from the parking area.

Lake Crescent is Washington's second deepest lake and one of the most pristine. Because the water is so clear, you can see as far down as 70 feet! And when the light hits it just right, Lake Crescent glows like a saffire. The Log Cabin Resort on the east shore and the Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore offer lodging, boating, hiking and swimming. The Fairholme Campground on the west shore features a store and popular campground and beach.

The trailhead for the popular Marymere Falls hike is located near the shore of Lake Crescent. Less than two miles roundtrip, this moderately-easy trail meanders through a lush, old-growth forest. Park near Lake Crescent Lodge where you can pick up a trail map before heading out. From the lodge, the trail follows Barnes Creek, crosses Highway 101, then continues upstream through a canopy of towering evergreens and maples. You'll cross several picturesque log bridges on your way to this beautiful 90-foot cascade. There are two viewing platforms.

Salmon Cascades

The Sol Duc River is a busy highway for different fish species including Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead trout. The lookout at Salmon Cascades is the perfect place to watch migrating salmon leap up the cascades on their way upriver to spawn. Even if the salmon aren't jumping, the view of the river is lovely and just a short walk from the parking area. Interpretive signs tell the dramatic and inspiring story of the life of the salmon.

The Ancient Groves Trail is an easy, half-mile loop through a dense, old-growth forest carpeted with thick moss and ferns. The trail offers glimpses of the Sol Duc River canyon below.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features a freshwater pool and three mineral pools fed by natural hot springs. Visitors are welcome to dine at the Springs Restaurant or relax in the pools. Paid reservations are required for the hour-and-a-half soaking sessions and are first-come, first-served.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park! The moderately easy 1.6-mile trail begins at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds through a lovely old-growth forest, past creeks and over wooden bridges. The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Sol Duc Falls! This stunning waterfall features three separate cascades that plunge dramatically over the cliff. There are viewing platforms across from and above the waterfall offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Second Beach Trail

Second Beach at La Push features tide pools, dramatic sea stacks and a flat, sandy beach. The 2-mile round-trip trail to this stunning coastal beach meanders through a lovely forest with plenty of ferns, moss and nurse logs--fallen and decaying logs which support new life. The hike is relatively easy on the way down but does require a bit of a climb coming back. If the main parking lot is full, there is overflow parking in a gravel lot just up the hill.

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach offers easy access, parking and vault toilets. With stunning views of James Island, Rialto's rugged shoreline is known for its giant piles of driftwood logs and rough surf. One of Rialto Beach's highlights is the dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall. Located at the north end of the beach, Hole in the Wall requires a moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike along the pebbly shore. There, you'll find numerous tide pools and stunning sea stacks.

Forks

"Welcome to Forks, Washington--the Rainiest Town in the Contiguous United States! Every year, Forks gets about 10 feet or 120 inches of rain, so its title is well-deserved. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, Forks was one of America's last frontiers. The large prairie was once home to the Quileute people. Settlers began arriving here in the late 1870s. Eventually, the area became a booming logging town. Today, Forks is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Olympic National Park and fans of the Twilight book and movie series which was set in this rainy town.

"Check out the Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at the south end of town. Pick up information about local attractions, hiking trails, restaurants and the self-guided Twilight driving tour. The Forks Timber Museum next door showcases the rich history of the timber industry."

Hoh Rain Forest

"From ancient trees draped with moss to thick carpets of fern that blanket the ground, the Hoh Rain Forest is simply magical. Here in this primeval forest, watch for majestic Roosevelt elk, iconic banana slugs and the elusive Bigfoot! The Hoh Visitor Center offers trail information, restrooms, interactive displays and two easy trails. The Trail of Mosses features bigleaf maple trees cloaked in layers of soft, thick moss. This relatively easy trail is less than a mile long. The slightly longer Spruce Nature Trail loops through forests of red alder and cottonwood and passes by the Hoh River. "

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach features a spectacular shoreline complete with dramatic sea stacks, tidepools, piles of driftwood logs, a pretty creek and a large, pebbly beach. This popular beach can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays. A short quarter-mile trail leads from the parking area down to the beach. At the end of the trail, you'll need to walk through or climb over large driftwood logs to reach the shore. Ruby Beach was named after the tiny crystals of red garnet that occasionally washed onto the shore and gave the beach a pinkish hue.

Big Cedar Tree Kalaloch

"The Big Cedar Tree is a true Olympic giant--or at least it used to be! Unfortunately, a storm split the trunk of this massive 1000-year-old Western Red Cedar, but the gnarly giant still inspires awe. The trailhead is just a short drive from the highway, and it's an easy walk to the tree from the parking area. For those who want to explore more, the trail goes past the giant cedar and offers views of other impressive trees. "

Kalaloch Beach Trail 4

If you're looking for a less-crowded beach with amazing tidepools and a large sandy shore, then Kalaloch Beach 4 is for you! There is a short, steep trail down to the beach with interpretive signs and a cool driftwood bridge. At the end, there is a short rock scramble down a rope--which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Less than a mile round trip, the hike takes about 20 minutes to complete. Beach 4 is popular for birding, hiking and walking. Harbor seals can often be seen playing in the surf.

"The Kalaloch Tree of Life is another iconic symbol of the Olympic coast. Stretched precariously between two cliffs, this unusual Sitka spruce looks like it's floating in thin air as it hovers above the ground. Over time, water eroded the ground beneath its roots, carving out the cool, cave-like space beneath. How long the tree will be able to hold on is hard to say. Weather, erosion and human carelessness (like climbing or hanging onto the tree's roots) are quickening its demise. Admire this icon from a distance--and do your part to help keep the Tree of Life alive. "

The Kalaloch Lodge is the only coastal lodging in Olympic National Park. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal with a ocean view! You can also grab an ice cream cone from the Kalaloch Mercantile next door.

Quinault Rain Forest

The Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail is located at the beginning of the Lake Quinault South Shore Road. The easy half-mile loop includes waterfalls, creeks and the classic moss-covered trees--along with interpretive signs. It's a great way to experience the rainforest without having to hike very far. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

The historic Lake Quinault Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Lake Quinault. Enjoy a meal in the famous Roosevelt Dining Room overlooking the lake. You can also wander to the back lawn that overlooks the lake and take a stroll along the shore. The two-story rustic lodge was built in the summer of 1926--in a record 53 days! Crews lit bonfires and worked around the clock to complete the building before the rains began.

An easy quarter-mile walk leads to the world's largest Sitka spruce tree. Measuring over 18 feet in diameter and reaching a height of 191 feet, this impressive giant is one of many champion trees in the lush Quinault Rainforest--also known as the Valley of Rainforest Giants.

Merriman Falls

Merriman Falls is located right next to the road. The lovely 40-foot cascades can be seen from the car but makes a nice stop if you want to take a photo.

"The Kestner Homestead sits on the north shore of the Quinault River in the middle of a rugged wilderness. Built around the turn of the 20th century, this historic site is a testimony to the perseverance and dedication of Anton Kestner–one of the valley’s early pioneers. The homestead can be accessed two ways. You can park at the homestead gate and walk a short distance to the buildings or take the scenic trail from the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. Nearby, the half-mile Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail meanders through the enchanting rain forest for a magical experience."

The July Creek Picnic area, located on the north shore of Lake Quinault, offers another great view of the lake. A short path takes you through giant trees to the shore. There are restrooms and picnic tables.

Longmire

At this location, you’ll be able to visit the historic log cabin lodge owned by the park — The National Park Inn. Perhaps, you can sit a spell on its porch, which perfectly frames the mountain for an amazing first full view of Rainier from inside the park. While visiting the historic Longmire section of the park, you’ll want to stop in at the General Store for souvenirs. Additionally, it's a convenient spot to stock up on snacks and water for hiking. There’s also a popular trail in this section of the park called the Trail of the Shadows. It takes you past historic landmarks and old buildings.

This waterfall flows during the ice melt season, otherwise, it may be dry. It’s just a pull-off, so it won’t take more than a few minutes to stop, snap a picture, and take a look.

Christine Falls Viewpoint

This is a popular waterfall that flows frequently. You'll probably want to allocate about 15 minutes to visit here.

This is just a pull-off for the view, so you’ll only need a few minutes to stop and see it.

Narada Falls

This is another popular waterfall that is more often running than not.

Paradise

This is one of the park's most popular areas. You could spend several hours here, depending on your hiking plans. You’ll definitely want to take the short walk to Myrtle Falls, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire park. You’ll also want to stop inside the main visitor center for the park — The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. While you’re exploring the Paradise section of the park, peek inside the Historic Paradise Inn lodge if it’s open. Two of the best trails in this section of the park are the Alta Vista Trail and the Nisqually Vista Trail. Enjoy the wildflower meadows that surround you in Paradise!

This is just a quick pullout for the view.

This is just a quick stop for the view.

Reflection Lakes

This is a glorious stop, especially on a clear day when Mount Rainier is showing off its reflection on the main lake. There’s a lakeshore path and several viewpoints from both the path and the parking lots. In this case, you’ll probably want to allow at least a half hour at this stop to take in the different views and search out that perfect reflection for some iconic photos!

If you want to take this hike, you’ll need to allow at least an hour to do part of the trail (longer if you want to hike the entire out-and-back trail.)

This is just a short stop to take in the view.

Grove of the Patriarchs

This is a hike (short and easy) that leads to a pedestrian suspension bridge over a river and to a grove of old-growth, enormous trees. It is super popular, and worth the stop (if you can nab a parking space) that would take you at least an hour, if not two.

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center

This area features a very long and lovely trail that leads to a waterfall, called the Silver Falls Loop Trail. Or, you can walk a much shorter nature trail that leaves behind the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. The amount of time you’d spend in this area of the park depends on whether you have hours to spare to take the very long hike, or instead just want to walk the short nature trail. Alternatively, you could just spend a few minutes in the Visitor Center and perhaps just walk to the bridge near the parking lot to watch the river flow for a photo or two.

Tipsoo Lake Loop

This area is technically just outside (across the road from) the park, but is overseen by Mount Rainier National Park. The lake is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous views of Mount Rainier. It’s very photogenic, and there’s an easy path that will take you on a walk around the entire lake if you want to spend an hour or two doing so.

Naches Peak Loop Trail

Part of this trail, which is across from Tipsoo Lake, is Pacific Crest Trail land, but the Naches Peak Loop trail is overseen by Mount Rainier National Park. This amazing trail features views of the Cascade mountain range and Mount Rainier, along with wildflower meadows, that are spectacular. So I’d recommend you take at least a little bit of the trail for the views and then turn around if you don’t have time for the whole thing.

This, my friends, is the most important and magnificent overlook and view in the entirety of Mount Rainier National Park and is not to be missed! So drive up that mountain! Even if you don’t have hours to hike in the Sunrise area of the park, the road up to this overlook will be unforgettable. You’ll want to park and spend almost a half hour walking around ‘on top of the world’ for the unimaginable 360-degree views!

This is the second most popular area of the park (after Paradise). But only because most people who enter at Nisqually don’t take the time to drive all the way across (or around) the park to get to the east side in order to drive up to Sunrise. If you ask me, Sunrise is the most incredible area of Mount Rainier — or of any national park! You’re as high as you can drive within the park, you have a front and center view of the biggest glacier on the mountain (and on any volcano), and if you hike the Silver Forest Trail (which I highly recommend). Along that trail, you can see all the way down to the White River…thousands upon thousands of feet below.

Once you get back down from Sunrise, I’d highly recommend you stop at the White River Campground. Walk through the camping loops and wend your way down to the river to experience how powerful that meltwater flowing off of the Emmons glacier is up close! Did I mention that I highly recommend getting up close to this river? From Loop D, I’d also recommend you hike at least part of the Glacier Basin Trail through the forest. That trail leads to the Emmons Moraine Trail, which is also popular. Time spent here will depend on whether or not you decide to hike and, if so, how far you plan to go. I’d recommend just taking part in the Glacier Basin Trail.

Crystal Mountain Resort

This ski resort is open in winter and summer, and we list it on our Shaka Guide tour because this is the home of the Mount Rainier Gondola ride! Nowhere else will you find a ski lift ride that’ll take you up into the sky to view that great big volcano! So if you happen to be passing by this area (right across from the Sunrise section of the park) and the ride’s open, buy yourself a ticket!

North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem features nature exhibits, park information, a gift shop, two short films, and an easy boardwalk offering a magnificient view of the Picket Range in the distance.

Plan to spend a couple of hours in Newhalem. There's so much to see and do in this historic Seattle City Light company town. From visiting the Skagit Information Center and Skagit General Store and taking photos of the historic Number 6 engine and Gorge Inn, to walking the lovely Trail of Cedars across the river. Take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views from the suspension bridge.

From Newhalem, you can walk or drive up to the Gorge Powerhouse and cross another suspension bridge to access the Ladder Creek Falls Trail. The trail to the falls is lit every evening...a tradition that began in the early 1900s to showcase the wonders of electric power.

Enjoy two spectacular views in one stop. Gorge Lake Overlook features a stunning view of Gorge Dam and Gorge Lake framed by the rugged North Cascade Mountains. A short, paved trail leads to the overlook. You can return the way you came or continue the loop on a graveled trail back to the parking area. From the pedestrian walkway across the bridge, you can view Gorge Creek Falls--a 242-foot cascade that feeds into nearby Gorge Lake.

Thunder Knob Trail

Colonial Creek Campground is the launching point for two popular trails--Thunder Knob and Thunder Creek. The 3.6 mile moderate hike up to Thunder Knob features two viewpoints above Diablo Lake with glimpses of the surrounding peaks both going and coming. The easy 4-mile hike along Thunder Creek meanders through old growth forests to a suspension bridge.

This is definitely one of the must-see stops along Highway 20! This overlook features breathtaking views of Diablo Lake with its stunning turquoise water and the majestic North Cascades towering above.

The 1.5 mile roundtrip trail to Ross Dam offers hikers a unique opportunity to hike down to the Skagit Hydroelectric Project's largest dam and view this amazing engineering structure up close. From the top of the dam, you can see the southern end of Ross Lake stretching northward. The moderate trail has an elevation gain of 500 feet.

The Happy Creek Forest Walk is an easy and accessible .3 mile loop through old growth forest. Most of the trail is on a wooden boardwalk that winds through impressively tall trees along Happy Creek.

These two Ross Lake overlooks along the highway offer partial views of the southern end of this lake which is visible through the trees. Although Ross Lake is the largest of the three resevoirs along Highway 20, this is the only place you can view it from the road.

Rainy Pass features a picnic area, restrooms, and two beautiful trails. The easy 2-mile round trip hike to Rainy Lake meanders through lush, mossy forests on a narrow, paved trail to a stunningly beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. For a more challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views, consider the 6.5-mile Maple Pass Trail. This loop trail gains over 2,000 feet in elevation. It's one of the best places to view the stunning golden larches in the fall.

Blue Lake Trail

The Blue Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous 4.5 mile climb with a 1000 foot elevation gain, but the payoff at the end is worth the burn. Trek through a beautiful subalpine forest to a crystal clear mountain lake surrounded by towering granite peaks and teeming with cutthroat trout.

Washington Pass Overlook

Another must-see stop on the North Cascades Highway is Washington Pass Overlook. Sitting at 5,500 feet, it's the road's highest point and the dividing line between eastern and western Washington. A short interpretive trail offers multiple views of the majestic North Cascades peaks including Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge. Although partially paved, the trail is narrow and includes rock stairs.

Cutthroat Lake

Moderately easy, this 3 mile roundtrip hike through a lovely forest leads to a pretty mountain lake set in a basin with spectacular views of Cutthroat Peak and Cutthroat Ridge.