How to Plan a Trip to the Olympic National Rain Forest

It is impossible to see all that Olympic National Rain Forest has in just one day. This National Park truly has it all. Spend a few days at the park and have time to explore the forest, ocean and mountains.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothing for all weather
• Extra shoes
• Water shoes

1. View a map of the Olympic National Rain Forest, and decide which area you will visit. Find lodging at each area of the park. Camping, lodges and accommodations outside the park are available in each area.

2. Make reservations for lodging. Secure reservations well in advance for summer vacations.

3. Make advance reservations for hiking and backpacking tours. This is especially important during summer months.

4. Visit Hurricane Ridge. This site is just 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Travel the paved roads 24 hours a day. Tour the visitor's center, take self-guided tours or participate in ranger led programs.

5. Explore the Hoh and Lake Quinalt area rainforests. Guide yourself along marked trails, participate in ranger programs and explore the visitor's center. Ranger programs are available only during summer months.

6. Explore one of the beaches in the National Park. Visit Mora and Rialto Beach, Kalaloch or the Lake Ozette Area. Examine tide pools, walk along the coast line and explore marked trails at each of these areas.

7. Drive along U.S. Highway 101 to access all areas of the park. Visit the National Park website for maps and distances between different park areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack both warm and cool weather clothing and plenty of rain gear.
• Pack water shoes or sandals for the ocean. Pack extra hiking shoes in case of rain.
• Leave your pets at home or with a boarder. Pets are not allowed in all areas of the park.
• While many features in the park are handicap accessible, there are also some features that have limited access.
• Carry a tide map whenever hiking the coast, and plan hikes according to tide schedules.

Resources

• For all inclusive information on the Olympic National Rain Forest, visit nps.gov.