Olympic National Park

Here you will find Pacific Ocean beaches, rain forest valleys, glacier-capped peaks and a stunning variety of plants and animals. Roads provide access to the outer edges of the park, but the heart of Olympic is wilderness; a primeval sanctuary for humans and wild creatures alike.

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation creating Mount Olympus National Monument to protect the summer range and breeding grounds of Olympic elk. Mount Olympus National Monument was transferred to the National Park Service in 1933. The Olympic National Park was established on June 29, 1938. the coastal strip was added to the park in 1953. In 1976, Olympic National Park became a Man and the Biosphere Reserve and in 1981 it was designated a World Heritage Park.

HURRICANE RIDGE

Towering above Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park and certainly one of the most spectacular. Named for the howling storms that occur in winter, its magnificent vistas stretch far into the interior of the Olympic Mountains, revealing glacier-covered peaks and steep river valleys. A variety of trails allows everyone to enjoy the panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and alpine meadows, and to glimpse elusive wildlife.

In the summer, Hurricane Ridge Lodge offers exhibits and a snack bar. Picnic areas are available. Driving time is about 40 minutes from the Olympic Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles to the summit (longer if you take advantage of the many scenic pullouts) about 18 miles on a paved road.

LAKE CRESCENT

A deep, clear lake along Highway 101 17miles west of Port Angeles, idyllic Lake Crescent is 12 miles long and more than 600 feet at its deepest. People tell us that no matter how often they visit the Olympic Peninsula, they never tire of the sight of deep, turquoise blue Lake Crescent! Searching its depths, it's not hard to imagine why ancient tribal talks speak of spirits that hide in these waters.

Legend has it that nearby Mount Storm King once became angry at warring Clallam and Quileute tribes - so angry that he threw down a massive rock, dividing the deep blue lake from Lake Sutherland to the east. Today, scientists tell a surprisingly similar story; that an ancient rock slide once took place there, sending water from Lake Cresent out through the Lyre River.

Lodging. Historic Lake Crescent Lodge on the lake's shore, was once known as "Singers Tavern." The turn-of-the-century lodge remains much the same as when originally built by Al Singer in 1916. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the area in 1937, enjoying trout in the lodge's dining room and studying a proposal that would create Olympic National Park in 1938. Today, as then, the lake is famous for its Beardslee and Crescenti Trout, two subspecies often ranging 12 to 14 pounds. After a day on the lake, dinner at the lodge's unique waterfront dining room is a wonderful treat, complete with spectacular views of the lake.

Also located in the Olympic National Park, is Log Cabin Resort, which is on the sunny northeast side of Lake Crescent, secluded among the old growth firs and cedars. Built on the site of a lodge originally constructed in 1895, but destroyed by fire, the popular resort offers lakeside chalet, lodge rooms, rustic and camping cabins, as well as RV hoop-ups. In addition, Log Cabin Lodge offers restaurant services, a gift shop and a general store.

Camping.  The nearest campground on Lake Crescent is an Olympic National Park facility at Fairholm. Campground amenities include 88 sites including vehicle pull--in sites, restroom facilities, picnic tables, fire grates and an amphitheater for interpretive and educational programs during the summer months. Parking is available for boat trailers and fueling is provided between the campground and the Fairholm General Store and Cafe.

Lake Crescent offers swimming, boating, camping, picnicking and, of course, fishing in the Park. The lake has several beaches and boat ramps. No matter where you vacation on the Peninsula, you'll want to spend at least one day canoeing or kayaking Lake Crescent's shores and walking down the trail to the footbridge and swimming hole known as Devil's Bunch Bowl.

Along with the short hike to Devil's Puch Bowl, Lake Crescent is home to a number of other trails, including the kid-friendly Spruce Railroad Trail. This four-mile trail offers a gentle stroll following the grade of an old railroad bed. Other nearby day hikes include Moments in Time Nature Trail, a half-mile loop that's wheelchair accessible; Marymere Falls, which winds for 1.2 miles through old growth forest up to a spectacular 90-foot waterfall, one of the falls on the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail; Mount Storm King Trail, with its steep climb to great views and Pyramid Peak Trail, a 2,600-foot climb with great views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Getting there. Less than a half hour's drive west of Port Angeles on US Hwy 101. There are numerous places along the lake's south side to pull out and admire the view or enjoy a picnic lunch as you travel along the highway.  While continuing on Hwy 101, you'll see signs for Lake Crescent Lodge and Marymere Falls, as well as for Fairholm, which is at far west point of the lake.

To get to Log Cabin Resort, drive west out of Port Angeles on US Hwy 101 and watch for the "Piedmont" turn off to the north (right) on the East Beach Road and watch for the Log Cabin Resort turn off, which is on your left.

Lake Cresent Lodge, 416 Lake Crescent Road  360-928-3211

Log Cabin Resort, 3128 East Beach Road   360-928-3325

Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Port Angeles  360-565-3130

Click for the Park's webcam view of current conditions of Lake Crescent.

SOL DUC VALLEY

The Sol Duc Valley offers outstanding beauty and recreation. Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful in Olympic National Park, with trails and bridges access. The Sol Duc Road passes through old-growth forest and parallels the river as it winds up the valley. The Sol Duc River is a lively, twisting salmon stream with many trails and abundant wildlife. After the first hard rains of early fall, you'll find salmon hurling against the forces of the white water rapids to reach their spawning grounds up river.  Easily accessed after a six-mile drive along the winding Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, the Sol Duc River spills over massive boulders to live up to the river's tumultuous reputation.  Walkers above and below the falls can view salmon preparing for their jump or resting afterwards. Scan the skies for low-flying bald eagles, swooping down for an easy meal.  In spring there are early steehead jumping the cascades.  

During peak season, the Sol Duc Ranger Station provides maps and information about several hikes heading off into the Olympic Mountains. The Park operates its own Sol Duc Campground with camping and RV sites. This is also the site of the world-famous Sol Duc Springs, a resort built around naturally occuring hot springs, now housed in cement pools. At one time, Sol Duc Hot Springs was one of the most elaborate health resorts in the country. The Sol Duc Ranger Station and Hot Springs are 14 miles up the Sol Duc Road near the west end of Lake Crescent.

MOUNT WALKER

Located on the eastern end of Olympic National Forest, Mt. Walker's panoramic vistas of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainer, Mt. Baker and the Cascades are an easy drive for a phenomenal view. The road to its summit (elevation 2,804) begins at a turnoff five miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101 and takes you through dense stands of Douglas fir to the Mount Walker Observation Area. Spectacular panoramic views can be enjoyed on clear days, as well as walking and picnicking.

HOH RAIN FOREST

Among the few protected temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain Forest and Hoh Campground are popular and breathtaking attractions on the Olympic Peninsula. Turning east off Highway 101, it is 18 miles up the Upper Hoh Road. The Hoh Visitor Center has exhibits that explain how moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean brings an average of 140 inches of annual rainfall to the Hoh Valley, in additiona to condensed mist that adds another 30 inches. Three easy loop trails near the Visitor Center give an overview of the rain forest. There is also a trailhead for those wishing to trek into the upper valley and mountainous backcountry. Permits, maps and information are available at the Hoh Visitor Center. Don't miss the outstanding wilderness trailhead exhibits located at Sol Duc and Lake Ozette.

OCEAN BEACHES

Olympic National Park includes 60 miles of unspoiled beaches along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Added to the Park in 1953, these rocky and sandy stretches are dotted with driftwood, rocky headlands and fascinating tide pools. Take the short trail to Ruby Beach or the three-mile walks to Shi Shi Beach, Sand Point or Cape Alava. Other beaches include Rialto, and First, Second and Third Beaches, by the Quileute Indian Reservation. At the southern end of the coastal strip, you'll find Kalaloch (pronounced KLAY-lock), well known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and tide pools. You'll also find historic Kalaloch Lodge, a Park concessionaire, offering accommodations, dining, a store and a campground.