Olympic National Park travel guide

Olympic National Park travel guide

National Airports

The nearest major airports to Olympic National Park are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Portland International Airport (PDX), both of which are approximately 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from the park. There is also a small regional airport, the William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM), located in Port Angeles, which is about 30 minutes’ drive from the park.

Trains in Olympic National Park

There are no train stations located within Olympic National Park. However, the closest Amtrak station is in nearby Aberdeen, Washington, which is about 60 miles from the park. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to get to the park.

Buses in Olympic National Park

There are a few options for buses to Olympic National Park.

One option is to take a Greyhound bus to nearby cities such as Port Angeles or Forks, and then take a local shuttle or taxi to the park.

Another option is to take a shuttle service, such as the Olympic Bus Lines, which operates between Seattle and Port Angeles, with stops in several towns along the way.

Once in the park, visitors can also take advantage of the free shuttle service that operates between various areas of the park, including the popular Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center.

How to get to Olympic National Park

The closest major airports to Olympic National Park are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Portland International Airport (PDX), both of which are located several hours away by car. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Olympic National Park.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also take a bus or shuttle from Seattle or Portland to the park. Some options include:

Olympic Bus Lines: This company offers daily service from Seattle to Port Angeles, which is located just outside of the park. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle into the park.

Dungeness Line: This company offers daily service from Seattle to Port Angeles as well as other nearby cities.

All Points Charters and Tours: This company offers shuttle service from Port Angeles to various locations within the park, including Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.

Once you’re in the park, you can also get around by car or by hiking the many trails that crisscross the park.

What is the best time to travel to Olympic National Park

The best time to travel to Olympic National Park depends on what you want to do and see. The park is open year-round, but some areas may be inaccessible due to snow or road closures during the winter months. The summer months of July and August are typically the busiest and most crowded, but offer the best weather and accessibility to all areas of the park. The shoulder seasons of late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather, but some facilities may be closed or have limited hours. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit, with snow-capped peaks and quiet trails, but be prepared for cold temperatures and potential closures.

How to get around Olympic National Park

The best way to get around Olympic National Park is by car as public transportation is limited. Visitors can bring their own vehicle or rent one from nearby cities. There are several car rental companies available in nearby cities such as Port Angeles and Seattle. It is important to note that some areas of the park, such as Hurricane Ridge, have limited parking, so visitors may need to use a shuttle service or arrive early to secure a parking spot. Additionally, there are several hiking trails and backcountry areas that are only accessible by foot.

Accommodations in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park offers a range of accommodations options, including campgrounds, lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals. Here are some popular options:

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: This historic resort offers cabins, hot springs pools, and hiking trails. It’s located in the heart of the park’s rainforest.

Lake Crescent Lodge: This rustic lodge overlooks the park’s pristine Lake Crescent and offers comfortable rooms and cabins.

Kalaloch Lodge: This oceanfront lodge offers cabins and rooms with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Log Cabin Resort: This lakefront resort offers cozy cabins and RV campsites on the shores of Lake Quinault.

Fairholme Campground: This popular campground is located near the picturesque Lake Crescent and offers tent and RV camping.

Sol Duc Campground: This campground is located in the Sol Duc Valley and offers tent and RV camping, as well as access to hiking trails and hot springs pools.

Hoh Campground: This campground is located in the Hoh Rain Forest and offers tent and RV camping, as well as access to hiking trails and scenic vistas.

It’s important to note that some accommodations may require advance reservations, especially during peak season, which is typically from June to August.