Located in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Olympic National Park is one of the larger US national parks. With just under 1 million acres, Olympic National Park is home to numerous ecosystems, including old-growth temperate rainforests, tall mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. There are 4 main sections in the park, with at least about 2+ hours drive from one section to the other. Because it is so large, it is difficult to do the entire place justice in less than a week. Just the northern region alone, which includes Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge, you could spend more than a couple of days here. So, in this guide, we’ll show you some of the best things to do in the northern region of Olympic National Park. When exploring the northern region of the park, the town of Port Angeles is the best place to stay.
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1. Visit Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular places to visit in the summer in Olympic National Park. Here, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic mountain range with minimal effort. To get here, you’ll have to drive 18 miles on Hurricane Ridge Road, which ends at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. As the winding road climbs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Olympus, snow-capped mountain ranges, and forests of evergreen trees. Please note that Hurricane Ridge can get very busy, especially on the weekends or holidays. Once the park reaches capacity, you will have to wait at the entrance for cars to leave before you can enter. The wait time can be up to 2 hours or more. We recommend getting there before 8 am if you’re visiting on a busy day,
Once you get to the end of Hurricane Ridge Road, you can simply enjoy the view or go for a hike or two. There are many beautiful trails here, ranging from easy to strenuous. If you want an easy walk, hike the High Ridge Trail. If you’re looking for an adventure, hike to the peak of Mount Angeles. Another popular thing to do here is the drive the scenic Obstruction Point Road.
2. Drive the Obstruction Point Road
Obstruction Point Road is called Washington’s scariest road. This narrow, gravel road starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot and ends at Obstruction Point. This road is narrow with steep drop-offs in places, and tight turns, and can be very slippery after heavy rain. It is not for inexperienced drivers. However, the views along the drive are definitely worth it. Once you get to Obstruction Point, you can either just enjoy the gorgeous view there or tackle some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. We recommend hiking the Badger Valley to Grand Pass Loop. It is so beautiful!
3. Hike the Badger Valley to Grand Pass Trail
Badger Valley to Grand Lake Loop Trail is about 8.6 miles loop with 2,657 ft in elevation gain. So, it is not an easy hike. This trail is steep and strenuous and ever so buggy. However, it is worth all the pain. The views along this trail are spectacular. Seriously, this hike is beautiful the entire way. The landscape also changes throughout. You’ll get everything from the dramatic snow-capped mountain ranges, lush pine forests, a clear blue lake, and waterfalls to meadows full of wildflowers and adorable little marmots and deer. We highly recommend hiking this!
4. Lake Crescent and the Devil’s Punchbowl
Lake Crescent is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles. The water of this glacially carved lake is super clear and blue. If you love watersports, this lake is a great place to go canoeing or kayaking. However, our favorite thing to do here is to hike to Devil’s Punchbowl, a popular local swimming and cliff-jumping spot. Devil’s Punchbowl is an alcove, part of Lake Crescent with stunning, clear teal water. The water is freezing but can be quite refreshing on a hot summer day. Since it is an easy 2.4 miles round trip paved trail that traces along the northern shoreline of Lake Crescent, you’ll find many locals and visitors alike here, soaking in the cool water.
5. Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls is another hike that you could go from Lake Crescent in. Because it is only 1.7 miles round trip and 298ft elevation gain, this trail is perfect for beginners and families with children. This easy yet beautiful hike wanders through giant towering trees and crosses over rivers and wooden bridges before getting to a gorgeous 90ft waterfall, tucked away in an old-growth forest. On the way to Marymere Falls, you can also branch off to hike up Storm King, a popular but strenuous hike. You’ll get an unbeatable view of Lake Crescent.
6. Sol Duc Falls
Since we’re on the subject of waterfalls, Sol Duc Falls is one of our favorite waterfalls and could easily be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park. This waterfall is very unique. It has three powerful branches, roaring sideways into a dramatic moss-covered gorge. And the best thing is, it’s less than a mile hike each way to get there! For such a short and easy hike, the payoff is well worth it! Since you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by Ancient Grove Trail. It is along the way. This very short nature walk snakes through an old-growth forest, with massive tree trunks that are older than 200 years old. This place was so secluded that we felt like we were part of the forest rather than on a marked hike.
7. Madison Falls
Now, if you don’t feel like doing much at all, you still can see Madison Falls. This wonderful 60 ft waterfall is one of the most accessible places in Olympic National Park. With only 0.2 miles roundtrip, it is a perfect stop for families and visitors of all abilities.
8. Dungeness Spit Wildlife Refuge
Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in North America, at 7 miles, and continues to grow about 15ft in length each year. It is literally miles of sandy beaches with tons of seabirds and wildlife and history. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike 5 miles each way to the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse. It was a very unique experience. If you want to attempt this hike, make sure to check the tide table for low tides. During high tide, the shoreline becomes almost nonexistent. So, you will have to scramble on slippery driftwood and such which makes this hike a lot more tiring and dangerous.
Bonus
These 2 hidden gems are not part of the Olympic National Park, so, we put them in the Bonus section. They are within 20 minutes drive of Port Angeles and quite unique so we think you should spare some time to check them out.
Tongue Point at Salt Creek Recreation Area
Tongue Point is a beautiful point that lies within the Salt Creek Recreation Area, forming the eastern edge of Crescent Bay. We actually stumbled upon this spot by chance and were blown away by how breathtaking the scenery was. From the campground, there are staircases leading down to the rocky shoreline. The westernmost staircase goes directly out to Tongue Point and the views out here are stunning. The east staircase leads to an old WWII bunker. We didn’t get to go here when we visited but you should! By the way, we recommend visiting during low tide, that way, you’ll get to see the rocky point and check out the tidepools.
Ediz Hook
Another hidden gem of the northern side of Olympic National Park is Ediz Hook. This 3-mile, crescent-shaped sand spit stretches from the Port Angeles Boat Haven and Marina. Our favorite thing to do here is to walk along the beach while finding beautiful rocks and unique little driftwood structures. Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for the most adorable beach cats here as well. They seemed to hang out at Harborview Park, right before the boat ramp.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Lunch and snacks are recommended for longer hikes. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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