Overview
One of America's most ecologically diverse places — temperate rainforest, high alpine tundra, and wild ocean beaches all within a single national park that most Americans have never visited
Airport
CLM, SEA
From/day
$65
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug
Local Tips
Safety
Weather changes rapidly — bring rain gear and layers year-round. Coastal areas have dangerous sneaker waves and logs. Check tide tables before beach hiking.
Cultural Norms
The peninsula is home to several Native American tribes (Quinault, Makah, Quileute). Respect tribal lands and obtain permits where required.
Language
English
Currency
USD
Tipping
15-20% at restaurants.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Port Angeles
The largest town on the peninsula and gateway to Hurricane Ridge with motels, restaurants, and ferry to Victoria, BC.
Best for: Park headquarters access and dining options
Forks / La Push
A small logging town near Rialto Beach and the Quileute tribal village of La Push.
Best for: Rainforest hikes and rugged coastal beaches
Hoh Rain Forest Area
One of the largest temperate rainforests in the US with moss-draped old-growth trees.
Best for: Rainforest hiking and immersive nature
Sol Duc / Lake Crescent
Pristine glacial lake and natural hot springs in a forested mountain setting.
Best for: Hot springs, kayaking, and scenic drives
Activities & Interests
How Olympic Peninsula scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Hurricane Ridge & Port Angeles
- •Drive to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain views
- •Short hikes along the ridge trails
- •Explore Port Angeles and dinner at a local restaurant
Hoh Rain Forest
- •Hike the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rain Forest
- •Continue on the Spruce Nature Trail along the Hoh River
- •Drive to Rialto Beach for sunset among the sea stacks
Lake Crescent & Sol Duc
- •Kayak or canoe on Lake Crescent
- •Hike to Sol Duc Falls
- •Soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs before departing
7-Day Trip
Port Angeles & Hurricane Ridge
- •Arrive in Port Angeles and visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center
- •Drive to Hurricane Ridge for alpine meadow walks
- •Sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Lake Crescent
- •Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail along Lake Crescent
- •Kayak on the crystal-clear glacial lake
- •Lunch at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge
Sol Duc Valley
- •Hike to Sol Duc Falls
- •Continue deeper into the valley on the Lover's Lane Loop
- •Afternoon soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Hoh Rain Forest
- •Hike the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail
- •Walk further on the Hoh River Trail into old-growth forest
- •Look for Roosevelt elk along the river
Pacific Coast Beaches
- •Morning at Rialto Beach — walk to Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch
- •Afternoon at Ruby Beach among the sea stacks
- •Sunset at Kalaloch Beach
Quinault Rain Forest
- •Explore the Quinault Rain Forest loop trails
- •Visit the world's largest Sitka spruce tree
- •Afternoon at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge
Cape Flattery & Departure
- •Drive to Cape Flattery — the northwestern-most point of the contiguous US
- •Visit the Makah Museum in Neah Bay
- •Return to Port Angeles for departure
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$200
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$300
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$360
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$400
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$420
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$65
per day
Moderate
$130
per day
Luxury
$260
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$655
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,110
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$2,020
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
✗
Feb
✗
Mar
—
Apr
—
May
—
Jun
✓
Jul
✓
Aug
✓
Sep
✓
Oct
—
Nov
✗
Dec
✗
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° | 2° | 19d | Wet and gray; rainforest at its most atmospheric. |
| Feb | 9° | 2° | 16d | Still rainy; some clear days offer mountain views. |
| Mar | 10° | 3° | 17d | Spring rain continues; wildflowers start in lowlands. |
| Apr | 13° | 4° | 14d | Slowly drying out; days getting longer. |
| May | 15° | 6° | 11d | Much drier; excellent hiking as trails open. |
| Jun | 18° | 9° | 9d | Pleasant summer weather begins; long daylight hours. |
| Jul | 21° | 11° | 4d | Driest month; warm and sunny — peak visiting season. |
| Aug | 21° | 11° | 4d | Warm and dry; perfect for coast and rainforest. |
| Sep | 19° | 9° | 7d | Early fall; still pleasant with fewer crowds. |
| Oct | 14° | 6° | 14d | Rain returns; salmon spawning season begins. |
| Nov | 10° | 4° | 19d | Very wet; storm watching on the coast. |
| Dec | 8° | 2° | 19d | Wettest month; atmospheric but prepare for constant rain. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.