Where In Washington Is Olympic National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Olympic National Park is in the Northwest Corner of the United States in Washington State. It encompasses

most of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula

, a 922,651-acre parcel of Pacific coastline, towering rainforests, and jagged mountain peaks. Elevations range from sea level to 7,983 feet at Mt. Olympus.

What city is closest to Olympic National Park?

  • Port Angeles, WA. 1.8 mi / 6 mins.
  • Sequim, WA. 17.3 mi / 26 mins.
  • Port Townsend, WA. 47.5 mi / 1 hour 5 mins.
  • Forks, WA. 56.5 mi / 1 hour 9 mins.
  • Neah Bay, WA. 70.6 mi / 1 hour 41 mins.
  • Seattle, WA. 82.4 mi / 2 hours 32 mins.
  • Hoodsport, WA. 83.6 mi / 1 hour 43 mins.

What state is Olympic State park in?

Washington

How long is the ferry ride from Port Angeles to Seattle?

The journey takes approximately

3h 15m

. How far is it from Port Angeles to Seattle? The distance between Port Angeles and Seattle is 62 miles.

Can you take a ferry from Seattle to Olympic National Park?


The shortest route from the Seattle area to Olympic National Park requires taking a boat from Washington State Ferries

. From downtown, drive onto the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry or the Seattle-Bremerton ferry; from the northern suburbs, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry is quickest.

Why is Olympic National Park famous?


Known for the diversity of its distinct ecosystems

– the rugged pacific coastline, massive glacier-clad peaks, a temperate rainforest on the west side that receives 150 inches of rainfall annually (considered to be one of the wettest areas in the continental US), and an old growth forest with a much drier climate to …

Can you drive through Olympic National Park?

Expect to do a lot of driving in Olympic National Park.

There are no roads through the center of the park

. You’ll use Highway 101 – a winding two-lane road – to access most of the park’s highlights from the perimeter. There are small towns scattered along Highway 101 where you can find lodging, food, and phone service.

Can you live in Olympic National Park?

“It’s hard to keep your nose above water, that’s for sure,” laughed Gene Owens, 61, unofficial mayor of the Hoh, who owns and operates an A-frame general store on the edge of Olympic National Park.

There are seven families, 35 people in all, living in the tiny community in the Hoh Rain Forest.

How many days does it take to see Olympic National Park?

At a minimum, you need

three full days

in Olympic National Park, if you want to visit Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coastline, and the temperate rainforests. However, more time is better, as it allows you to hike more trails and it gives you some contingency time should it rain or snow, which is entirely possible.

Where do people stay when visiting Olympic National Park?

  1. Kalaloch Lodge. Photo Source: Kalaloch Lodge. …
  2. Lake Crescent Lodge. …
  3. Lake Quinault Lodge. …
  4. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. …
  5. Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles. …
  6. Quality Inn & Suites at Olympic National Park, Sequim. …
  7. The Pacific Inn Motel, Forks. …
  8. Glen Ayr Resort, Hoodsport.

How long does it take to drive around the Olympic National Park?

Mileage 329 miles (531 km) Duration

8 hours
Seasons If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. All Seasons Roadways US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8

What state is Mt Rainier National Park in?

Washington

Is Rialto Beach part of Olympic National Park?


Rialto Beach is in Olympic National Park

on the Olympic Coast, near the town of Forks. From Forks, head west on Highway 110, at the junction just north of town.

Can you swim at Olympic National Park?


Visitors can kayak, sail, swim

or enjoy the lake’s beauty from numerous picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.

Is Port Angeles worth visiting?

Port Angeles is:


The area is amazing for birding, hiking and even seeing whales

. – 21 miles from Lake Crescent, Washington’s second deepest lake. The region also has superb hiking, biking, kayaking and an incredible history.

What is Port Angeles known for?

Port Angeles is headquarters for nearby Olympic National Park and is known for its

Salmon Derby

(held every Labor Day weekend). It is home to Peninsula College (1961) and a U.S. Coast Guard station, the oldest in the United States.

Can you take a bus from Seattle to Olympic National Park?

From Seattle to Olympic National Park by Bus.

Three prominent bus lines depart Seattle and access the Olympic Peninsula

. The Dungeness Line from Olympic Bus Lines offers service from SeaTac to Port Angeles with many stops along the way. The Dungeness Line operates two trips in either direction every day.

What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?

The best time to visit Olympic National Park is

July through August

, when temperatures are usually warm, most roads and facilities are open, and a full range of programs are available. You can find an updated list of seasonal activities in the Olympic Bugler, the park’s digital newsletter.

Is Olympic National Park worth seeing?

The beautiful coastline and beaches


Olympic National Park has over 70 miles of rugged coastline that features rocky stacks emerging from the sea, driftwood lining the shore, and wide sandy beaches perfect for long walks along the ocean

.

Is Mt Rainier in Olympic National Park?


Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are both in Washington state and within a few hours of Seattle

. Olympic National Park is along the Washington coast, while Mount Rainier is south.

Can you swim in Olympic Hot Springs?

Olympic Hot Springs are natural, unmaintained hot water seeps located approximately 2.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Elwha Valley.

The pools are in a wilderness area and are not tested or treated by the park

. They may contain harmful bacteria and use of these pools is at you own risk.

Are there grizzly bears in Olympic National Park?

Pika, ptarmigan, ground squirrels, lynx, red foxes, coyotes, wolverine, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep and historically, mountain goats,

did not occur on the Olympic Peninsula

.

Can you swim in Lake Crescent?

What about swimming, can you swim in Lake Crescent or is it too cold?

Yes, you can swim at Lake Crescent

. Probably the best spot is at Fairholme Beach, near Fairholme Campground, boat rentals, a general store and café.

Are there gas stations inside Olympic National Park?


Gas stations are scarce within the park

, so plan wisely by watching the fuel gauge.

Do you need a car in Olympic National Park?


You cannot get anywhere in Olympic National Park without a car

. This trip is impossible unless you and your friends rent a car.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.