Family Travel in Olympic National Park WA USA

Vacation Activities for Kids and Adults in NW Olympic Peninsula

Jun 5, 2009 Susan Lynne Hamilton

Washington's Olympic National Park offers affordable family adventures spring, summer and fall. Hiking, boating, swimming and beachcombing are accessible by car and ferry

The North Olympic Peninsula holds many things to do in Washington State. Near the Washington coast, Olympic National Park’s rain forests, alpine mountains, lakes, hot springs and beaches are just a day trip from Seattle, Washington, or Victoria, British Columbia.

Port Angeles is the main gateway to the nearly one-million-acre park. At the nearby Olympic National Park Visitor Center and children’s Discovery Room, find information about the diverse ecosystems featured in this park. Interior mountains, lush rain forests and wilderness coastline hold a variety of lakes, rivers, plants and animals. Olympic National Park is home to more than 20 types of plants, mammals, insects and fish not found anywhere else on earth.

Hurricane Ridge’s Alpine Mountains and Meadows

Go from lowland, old-growth forest to sub-alpine firs and open meadows during the 45-minute drive from the visitor center at Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge. Stop at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center for information, maps, exhibits, programs, gifts and snacks.

Views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca are magnificent from the visitor center. Hike the Meadow Trails close by. Some trails are paved and many afford views of glacier-capped peaks, the far-off sea and wildlife closer up – from deer and the occasional black bear to marmots and rare chipmunks. Enjoy a meal alfresco in the nearby picnic areas off Hurricane Hill Road.

Lake Crescent for Boating, Hiking, Fishing

Closer to sea level, Lake Crescent is 21 miles southwest of Port Angeles. The 12-mile-long, glacier-fed lake offers a resort, lodge and 87-site campground. The Log Cabin Resort, on the north side of the lake, has family-friendly accommodations and activities, including pedal-boats, kayaks and miniature golf.

Lake Crescent Lodge, a turn-of-the-century resort on the lake’s south side, is surrounded by giant fir and hemlock trees in the shadow of Mount Storm King. One of the largest known antlered Roosevelt elk heads hangs over the lobby’s fireplace. Rent a rowboat at the lodge and fish for trout. Hike the one-mile trail to Marymere Falls or the half-mile Moments in Time Trail looping through the forest. Both trails begin at the nearby Storm King Information Station.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sixteen miles west and south of Lake Crescent, the Sol Duc River and Valley offer hot springs and hiking. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features three mineral pools, a fresh-water pool and a children’s wading pool. Hike a mile through old-growth forest to the Sol Duc Falls overlook. Longer hikes explore the area’s lakes, valleys and mountains.

In the fall, the Salmon Cascades Overlook is a popular spot to view coho salmon leaping over the falls on their way to spawn upstream in the Sol Duc River. The nearby Ancient Groves Nature Trail is a half-mile loop through old-growth forest.

Hoh and Quinault Rain Forests

The Hoh Rain Forest, near the center of the park, is one of the only temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere. Three loop trails begin at the Hoh Visitor Center: An easy 1/4-mile paved path opens a window onto the rain forest. Hike the 3/4-mile Hall of Mosses Trail among huge, moss-draped maples. The 1-1/4-mile Spruce Trail follows the Hoh River, bordered by red alder and maple trees.

The Quinault Rain Forest, in the southwest corner of the park, is part of the Valley of the Giants. The largest Sitka spruce in the world, giant Hemlock, Douglas fir and western red cedar trees grow here—some 300 feet tall and 23 feet wide. Watch for elusive Roosevelt elk in the forest. Boat or swim in Lake Quinault or hike the miles of trails. Drive the scenic 30-mile Quinault Rain Forest loop.

Mora and Kalaloch Coastline and Beaches

Wilderness coastal beaches are found on Olympic National Park’s western shore. The Mora area’s towering trees and lush undergrowth are punctuated by the roar of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Rialto Beach, accessible by car, is known for shore birds, eagles and seals. Offshore islands, or sea stacks, dot Rialto’s coastline, along with huge drift logs.

Kalaloch, on the park’s southwest coast, holds a marine environment and offshore islands protected by three national wildlife refuges and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Offshore rocky islands are home to a variety of birds, like tufted puffins and murres. Sea otters, seals, sea lions and sometimes whales are found in the kelp beds off Ruby Beach, which is accessible by car.

Olympic National Park offers an affordable family vacation with diverse surroundings and activities. From mountains and lakes to rainforests and beaches, there’s something for everyone. Travel from Seattle or Victoria to the park or use Port Angeles or Sequim as a base for exploring the North Olympic Peninsula. Travel to nearby Mount Rainier National Park for hiking and sightseeing.

The copyright of the article Family Travel in Olympic National Park WA USA in Family Travel is owned by Susan Lynne Hamilton. Permission to republish Family Travel in Olympic National Park WA USA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hoh Rain Forest, Hall of Mosses Trail	Hurricane Ridge, View of Olympic Mountains	Sea Stacks off Washington's Coastline
Lake Crescent	Sol Duc Falls

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Sep 22, 2009 2:12 PM

Guest :

Hello Susan,
At Fox rent a car blog we just wrote a similar post on the Olympic National Park. We like to give off the beaten path travel advice, but also include the typical things to see. I believe your blog post is a great mix of both! Thanks again for sharing!

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