How to Spend 2 Epic Days in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a stunning National Park. It has breathtaking views of sea stacks along rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and glaciated peaks. Plus, it’s massive! If you only have 2 days in Olympic National Park, figuring out what to see can be overwhelming. Getting the details of how to see it nailed down maybe even more overwhelming.
With so much to see and explore, you won’t be able to see everything in two days in Olympic National Park. But with a good plan, you can experience a lot!
This blog post will cover what to see, where to sleep, hikes to consider, when to visit, and everything else you need to know for your trip!
If you need a packing list I’ve got that too!
I got to bounce around in a campervan and experience a lot. We made some mistakes and had to get really lucky to find campsites for some nights. I’ll share so you don’t have to have the same stressful experience!
Get ready for an adventure in one of the most stunning places on Earth!
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Getting to Olympic National Park From Seattle
This itinerary starts in Port Angeles and at Kalaloch. It assumes you can start bright and early in Port Angeles and that you can spend your last night in the park before driving back to Seattle.
This itinerary also assumes you have a rental car.
I’d recommend looking at a campervan for the best experience here but a rental car will do fine as well! I’ve rented from Escape Campervans several times, and I love them. I’m not an affiliate…I’ve just genuinely enjoyed every vacation I’ve ever taken in one of their vans.
If you want to camp but don’t want to pack all of your gear, check out the rentals at REI.
If you’re traveling from Seattle to Port Angeles, expect the trip to take 2-3 hours. The Olympic Peninsula is massive!
Taking the Ferry
If you’re not from the Seattle area, taking a ferry can be a fun experience.
Navigate to the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Check the sailing times and be sure you know how early to arrive for the best chance of getting on the ferry. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next one, which can cause quite a delay.
I took my crazy painted campervan on the ferry since I’d never driven on a ferry before. It takes some planning, but it was fun!
You won’t know exactly how long it will take. If this causes you stress, it is best to skip it.
Avoiding the Ferry
To avoid the stress of the ferry, head south through Tacoma. There will be a couple of bridges and the risk of traffic this way. But there’s no ferry!
Plus, even if it looks like it would take longer on the map when you consider the ferry time, it could actually be quicker.
When to Visit Olympic National Park
This itinerary is specifically planned for summertime. Summer is the busiest season in the park but it’s also the best weather. This was on time it was worth fighting the crowds. Honestly, other than the campsites, it wasn’t horrible. And, you’ll be more prepared than me so you won’t have the same problem!
Spring and Fall are incredible shoulder seasons. The weather will be a bit cooler, and the crowds will be smaller. But in late fall and early spring, some of the roads and activities may still be closed due to snow and weather. So, plan accordingly and check the road conditions.
The rainforest gets the most rain in winter, and roads are closed for winter. If you’re into snow and winter sports, this would be the prime time to visit Olympic National Park.
2 Days in Olympic National Park – Day 1
Start your day in Port Angeles and get started early. You’ve got a lot to see!
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is one of the prettiest drives in the US; it’s also popular. So, get an early start and avoid as much of the crowd as you can.
If you go early enough, you can see the sunrise over the mountain range.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is about 20 miles from Port Angeles, but the drive will take around 40 minutes if you don’t stop.
Note- in 2023, the visitor center is undergoing renovations. So, there will be rangers at a temporary station but no visitor center to see. There will still be portable toilets for you to use.
The road is windy, so if you or someone in your car gets motion sick, plan ahead.
There are several good hikes in the Hurricane Ridge area. The hikes are detailed later so you can decide which ones you’d like to do.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a beautiful lake near the Hurricane Ridge area of the park. According to the National Park System (NPS) website, It is a glacier-carved lake. The waters are deep, and the lake’s location in the mountains makes it one of the most picturesque locations in the park.
There is plenty to do at Lake Crescent. So, if fishing or water sports are something you enjoy, be sure to plan some time on the water.
There are several hiking trails at Lake Crescent as well! Some climb the mountains, and some wind along the lake at an easy grade. So, you’ll be able to find something no matter what you’re looking for.
A Note about Day One
Since you’re short on time you won’t be able to do everything but getting out and enjoying the mountains is the best way to experience them! There are some recommended hikes below so you can decide what you want to do.
But, if you want to do lots of hiking, you may want to consider adding a day to this area and making the trip 3 days instead of 2.
2 Days in Olympic National Park- Day 2
On day two, start early, but check the tide timetables to see when the low tide is. Your trip along the beaches will be much better if you hit it at low tide!
Check out the Coast
Several beaches along the Olympic coast offer exceptional views. Plus, there are tide pools filled with starfish and anemones at low tide!
You’ll have the whole morning to explore but there are so many beaches you won’t be able to see them all. At least, you won’t be able to see them all well.
Rialto Beach
If the timetables work out and you’re up for a hike along the beach, you can head to Rialto Beach. It’s most well known for the Hole in The Wall hike; A beautiful landscape with sea stacks.
This hike is popular but pay careful attention to the tides to be sure you understand when to hike and what the conditions will be.
1st Beach/La Push
1st beach is the most beach-like of the options. So, if you’re looking for some traditional beach time, this could be a good place to stop. Otherwise, keep moving down the coast.
1st beach is just outside of the national park and is in the home of the Quileute Nation.
2nd Beach
Since you’re short on time, 2nd Beach is definitely the place to spend your time. The beach is only accessible by a short and relatively flat hike. So, there’s some effort. But, it makes it even more special when you get there!
You can camp on this beach, but campsites are limited, so be sure to plan early. You’d need to adjust to the day 1 itinerary to have time to get to the beach. It would be worth it if camping is something you’re into!
Otherwise, hike the .7-mile trail out to 2nd beach at low tide. The sea stacks and tide pools are incredible here.
I probably have 100 pictures of sea anemones and starfish. I’d never seen them in the wild before, and I was obsessed!
It’s a special landscape, and it could be one of the highlights of your two days in Olympic National Park.
3rd Beach
3rd Beach is another beautiful option only accessible by a hike. The trail out is flat and well maintained, but at 1.4 miles, it is much longer than 2nd Beach. It wouldn’t matter much if you had lots of time or if you hiked fast.
But since you’re trying to see as much of Olympic National Park as possible in two days, this is a hike you can cut if you find yourself short on time.
The coastline in Olympic National Park is special. Spent plenty of time exploring, but head on to your next destination around lunch.
Hoh Rainforest
Hoh (pronounced “hoe” like a garden hoe) Rainforest is a dense rainforest toward the middle of Olympic National Park. This part of the park sees the most rain and is quite lush.
The Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center is the starting point of most hikes. Especially since you’ll be there anyway, spend a few minutes in the visitor center.
The rainforest is beautiful, and the best way to see it is to start walking! A few short hikes around the visitor center are worth doing. This area is pretty condensed compared to the rest of the park, but it is spectacular, so don’t skip over it or rush through it.
One of the things that makes Olympic National Park special is its diverse ecosystems. You could start your day with a glacier-carved lake in the mountains, see the rugged and rocky coastline, and hike in the rainforest all in one day!
This itinerary ends in the Hoh Rainforest, but you’ll need to keep driving to find a campsite, or your booked lodging, for the night.
The next morning, wake up and drive back to Seattle! Hopefully, you’ll have lots of memories to talk about from 2 epic days in Olympic National Park on the drive back!
Hikes You Should Consider
There are incredible hikes in Olympic National Park. Unlike many places, there are incredible hikes for lots of different levels. You don’t have to do the long and steep backpacking trail for the great views but you can if you want.
So, these hikes are suggestions. Some I was able to do and some I had to skip. Everyone’s hiking styles and desires are different. That’s okay! Do you! You’ll have a great time here no matter what!
The hikes are divided by area, so you can choose what makes sense for your preferred itinerary.
I recommend picking at least one hike in each area, but it doesn’t need to be a long one. This way, you can see the highlights of the whole park.
Be sure to pack good hiking shoes!
Hurricane Ridge Area Day Hikes
Hurricane Ridge has breathtaking views of the mountains. After the drive up the windy road take some time to get out of the and walk around. Before any hikes, talk to the park rangers to get a trail map and an update on the current trail conditions.
Big Meadow Trail
The Big Meadow Trail is a loop trail that is flat and easy. The trailhead is at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The .25-mile trail is paved making it easy to follow. The trail winds through the alpine meadows. You’ll have the chance to see alpine flowers, some wildlife, and views of the mountain range.
Even if you want to move quickly this a great trail to consider. It won’t take long but the payoff is great!
Cirque Rim Trail
The Cirque Rim trailhead is at the visitor center. This trial is also paved but at .75 miles it is also a bit longer. This trail winds along the ridge and offers views toward Port Angeles and Canada.
The Big Meadow trail is nested in the Cirque Rim Trail but they overlap on the way in and out so it would be easy to walk both trails without adding lots of time or effort.
Hurricane Hill Trail
The Hurricane Hill Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. At the end of the hike, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the mountain range (weather permitting of course).
At just under 3 miles round trip and 700 ft of elevation gain, it is considered a moderate hike.
The trailhead for Hurricane Hill is down the road past the visitor center. Parking is available at 2 different parking lots. But, since it’s a popular hike arrive early so you aren’t stuck waiting on someone to leave.
Since you have limited time in the park, consider how long this hike will take you, and plan accordingly. It’s worth it for the views but you may have to give up other hikes to make it happen.
Lake Crescent Day Hikes
Lake Crescent is such a picturesque lake. It’s no surprise there are some great walks/hikes in the area.
Moments in Time Nature Trail
The Moments in Time Nature Trail is an easy trail that starts at the Lake Crescent Lodge. The .6-mile loop trail winds through some forest, a meadow, and along the lake shore.
Marymere Falls
The Marymere Falls trail leaves from the Storm King ranger station. There is a parking lot here.
The trail is .9 miles one way. The route takes an easy grade at points to get up to the falls but is considered an easy hike. If you love waterfalls this may be a great hike for you!
Mt. Storm King
Mt. Storm King leaves from the Storm King ranger station, too.
This hike starts on the same path as the Marymere Falls trail but splits off and continues for 2.1 miles.
The summit of the hike does provide exceptional views of Lake Crescent. But, it climbs more than 2,300 ft in elevation. It also crosses a landslide area. So, it’s a difficult hike.
This is also a trail that you’ll likely see lots of pictures of. I was told about it by some fellow hikers and decided to give it a go even though it wasn’t on my list.
After doing it, I’m not sure if it was worth it.
It was one of the sketchiest downclimbs I’ve ever done (and I’ve done a fair bit of rock climbing and scrambling). If you’re scared of heights/falling or you’re not an experienced hiker this is probably a skippable hike.
Don’t get me wrong, the view was incredible. I’m not sure it was worth the sketchiness!
Coastal Day Hikes
The rugged coastline in Olympic National Park is extra special. Hiking to beaches and seeing sea stacks isn’t something you can do in most parts of the United States.
Hole in the Wall
This trail starts on Rialto Beach. Walk up the beach for 1.5 miles until you come to the Hole in the Wall. You’ll see the sea landscape on the way and will be rewarded with a hole through a rock that frames a pretty incredible picture.
Even though the hike is relatively short since it’s on the sand the whole way, it’s considered a moderately difficult hike. If you go, try to find the sweet spot where the sand isn’t too wet or too soft, so you have an easier time walking.
But pay attention to the tides since they can impact this hike and your experience. Head out at low tide. Since it’s so popular, you won’t be the only one on the hike.
2nd Beach
The trail to the secluded 2nd Beach is an easy trail. There is parking at the 2nd Beach Trailhead parking, though not a ton of it.
Park and take the .7-mile hike down to the beach.
2nd Beach is best at low tide. The tidepools are out at low tide, and you can hop around to find starfish and other sea life hanging out in them.
There are also sea-stack rock formations dotting the water.
2nd Beach is a special hike.
3rd Beach
The hike to 3rd Beach is less popular. It’s a 1.4-mile hike. It’s also easy, and there is a small parking lot at the trailhead.
The trail winds through the forest, and just kind of pops you out at the water. You’ll likely have to climb around some driftwood to get to the beach.
Since you are short on time, I’d go with 2nd Beach over 3rd Beach but you wouldn’t regret doing both.
Hoh Rainforest Day Hikes
The Hoh Rainforest is a highlight of a trip to Olympic National Park. It’s a pretty compact area and you may not spend a lot of time here but it’s worth the visit. You can find a map of the area here.
Hall of Mosses Trail
This .8-mile trail is an easy walk through the rainforest near the visitor center. The Hall of Mosses trail takes you through the forest to see the different trees and plant life. The moss on the trees is where this trail gets its name.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop trail that starts at the visitor center. This time, the two trails don’t overlap.
This trail takes you a loop through the forest but gets nearer to the Hoh River.
If you have time and haven’t spent your energy on bigger hikes, it’s worth doing both of these trails in the rainforest. Since they are mostly flat, they don’t take a lot of time.
Sol Duc Valley- If you have extra time
You likely won’t have time to experience other areas in the park with 2 days in Olympic National Park.
The Sol Duc Valley is one part of the park that got cut from my 2 day itinerary. But, if you have more time, consider these hiking trails in addition to the others.
Hot Springs
Head out the road toward Sol Duc Hot Springs resort. In the fall, stop at Salmon Cascades on the way for a chance to see salmon swimming.
You can stay at the resort or stop by for a soak in the mineral hot springs. As of 2023, the price of the hot springs is $18 for an hour and a half. Towels are an additional $5. Availability is limited, so if this is something you’re interested in, arrive early.
Ancient Groves Trail
On your way to the hot springs, you’ll come across the Ancient Groves trail. It’s a .6-mile loop trail through the forest. Even though the walk is easy and short, it isn’t quite as popular as some of the other options. It’s a quick one, so it’s worth getting out of the car to stretch your legs around some incredible old trees.
Sol Duc Falls
The Sol Duc Falls trailhead is at the end of the road after you pass the hot springs. The trail to the hot springs is a .8-mile one-way hike. The hike isn’t paved but it isn’t difficult. The falls are at their strongest in June as the snow melts from the mountains.
If you can get down in the Sol Duc Valley, Sol Duc Falls is easily worth the hike. The trail is busier than others, but still worth it.
2 Days in Olympic National Park- Where to Sleep
With so little time in the park, it’s important that you know where you’re going to sleep and that you have a plan. This list includes options for hotels and camping. RV, campervan, car, and tent camping are available throughout the park.
Note: many of the campgrounds in Olympic National Park are first-come, first-served. So, during the busy season, finding a place to sleep could be tough. If you are set on one place, arriving close to check-in time is ideal. You can view the status of all of the campgrounds here.
Spend your first night in Port Angeles, Washington. If you have time and are able to camp, consider driving a bit more to Hurricane Ridge.
Port Angeles- Camping
Heart O’ the Hills Campground is in the park and not in Port Angeles. It’s only 20 minutes outside of the city. The campground is first come, first served and has 124 spots. The cost to camp here is $24 per night. This is an excellent place to begin your stay if you’re in an RV or are willing to camp.
I loved seeing Olympic National Park in a campervan and can’t recommend the experience enough. It allows so much flexibility! The campervan offers a lot of the flexibility of an RV, but it doesn’t have the same footprint. It’s nice being able to use lots of different campsites.
Port Angeles- Hotels
Port Angeles isn’t a huge town, but there are several hotel options. There aren’t many chains, so use the reviews on 3rd party sites to help you make your decision. The Red Lion Hotel would be my pick. If you prefer to stay in chain hotels you can check out the options in Sequim.
Night 1 of the “official” Itinerary – Hurricane Ridge/Crescent Lake
Camping
If there is availability and you enjoyed it, consider staying at the Heart O The Hills campground again. It will require more driving the next day, but it is a lovely campground.
The Sol Duc Campground is one of a few campgrounds that you can book in advance. It’s through a 3rd party and not the national park, but they actually operate 2 different campgrounds in the park.
To make the next day easier by driving toward Forks to stay at the Olympic Adventures RV Park.
Hotels
Consider staying at the Lake Crescent Lodge so you can experience a little more time on the lake.
To make the next day easier drive on to Forks. If you’re a Twilight fan, you’ll find some references to the books/movies here. There are also a few hotels like this B and B that has some amazing views!
Night 2 of the Itinerary – Coast or Hoh Rainforest
Camping
Camping on the beach is one of the most unique experiences in Olympic National Park.
Kalaloch is a beachside campground that you can book early. If you can’t get a spot or are willing to risk it, the South Beach Campground is incredible! It’s first come, first served and fills up fast, though.
I got really lucky and the camp manager created a spot for me when it was booked out! Luckily I had a really small campervan! Watching sea otters swimming and waking up to the waves was an incredible experience. But, we almost had to drive several hours to get to another campsite. It’s risky but it paid off for us!
There was even an adorable retired couple that came to tell us they’d share their spot for the night if we needed it. The National Parks can bring out the best in people.
If you’d rather stay in the rainforest, the Hoh Campground takes reservations ahead of time.
Hotels
For a hotel, you’ll either need to head back toward Forks or stay at the Kalaloch Lodge. You could keep driving toward Quinault or beyond if you have to.
There aren’t many non-camping options in this part of the park!
Food in Olympic National Park
Other than the lodges, you aren’t going to find a lot of food in the park.
If you’re camping, stock up in Port Angeles the night before you start your trip. There are multiple grocery stores to choose from and you won’t have to make it too long on this quick trip.
REI’s flagship store is in Seattle. It’s very cool, but they also rent all of the gear you need to cook for yourself.
If you’re not camping, you’ll likely eat at one of the lodges or in Forks.
Gluten-Free in Olympic National Park
I have perfected my version of a gluten-free campervan food system. It’s the only way to manage in most national parks.
Escape provides a small camp stove and all of your utensils. I pre-wash them before using them the first time.
Plan simple meals like pasta. I usually find pre-cooked chicken and use that in just about everything. The pre-cooked bacon heats up pretty well, too. I hate cooking meat in the campervan.
Go for single-serve items. It’s terrible for the environment, and I never use them at home. But, when camping, it’s the best way to manage space and dishes.
Since you’ll only be spending two days in Olympic National Park, don’t over purchase your food. It’s a balance, but you can always restock in Forks on day two if you miss something.
Being gluten-free in US National Parks can be tough. The campervans make it easier.
To make the trip in a campervan longer, consider a road trip.
Tips for An Incredible 2 Days in Olympic National Park
- Peak visiting time is from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Plan to arrive before or after the crowds for the best experience. This is especially true of Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, and some beach hikes.
- Parking at Hurricane Ridge can be a pain. Take the bus or go super early so you don’t deal with the frustration.
- Consider camping. It just makes this trip easier.
- Campsites and lodging will be booked out early. Plan 6 months to a year ahead for the best chance of getting what you want.
- Be sure you have the appropriate clothes, food, and necessities since you’ll be quite far from cities for most of the trip. This packing list can get you started.
- Be flexible! Your plans may change. Especially if you don’t have your campgrounds/lodging booked early.
- Try to make at least one Ranger-led program. These are some of the most informative experiences that are often overlooked.
- Don’t bank on a shower. A lot of the campgrounds only have toilets. Dry shampoo and baby wipes are clutch!
- The park is huge! Have a plan, but see more than one area of the park. One of the best things about Olympic National Park is seeing all of the ecosystems so close to one another!
- Respect the wildlife. Don’t be the next person I see on TikTok doing something silly around a wild animal.
- Leave no Trace.
With more time, consider visiting Crater Lake National Park or Mt Rainier National Park.
Enjoy your 2 Days in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is amazing! It’s so vast and diverse that everyone can find something they enjoy in the park. 2 days in Olympic National Park won’t feel like enough, but it’s worth it to go. You’ll want to go back no matter how much time you spend there!
Spend some time in nature, and let me know how the exploring goes!
