12 Things to Know for Olympic National Park: Don't Miss These Tips!

If you’re visiting Olympic National Park you definitely need to read this post because there are a few things you should know before you go. Because this park is so big and spread out, I did find it hard to plan. I learned some things along the way so I can make your trip planning easier. Here are all the things you need to know before visiting Olympic National Park!

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Table of Contents

Things to Know for Olympic National Park!

1. This Park is Spread Out!

Olympic National Park has rainforest, mountains, and ocean – which makes for a pretty epic national park. However, it also means that the park is pretty spread out since it stretches from the mountains of Hurricane Ridge all the way to the coast.

As you drive through this park, you’ll go in and out of the park several times because of the way the park boundaries lay. If you’re planning to visit the major highlights of the park, you will have to drive a bit to reach each spot. It will also take some careful planning to make sure you aren’t doing a bunch of backtracking. Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered there!

If you only have limited time in the park, make sure to check out the best way to spend one day in Olympic National Park or two days or even three days! Our itineraries will help you spend more time explore and less time in the car!

the highway leading along lake crescent in olympic national park. to the right you can see the lake and to the left of the road is a green forest.

2. A lot of the Roads Don’t Connect

Kind of along the same lines as #1, some of the highlights of the park will require a somewhat lengthy out and back drive to reach since there aren’t really any roads going through the middle of the park. For example, Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest are both out and back drives that will take a little extra driving (but still totally worth it!)

3. You Will Encounter Different Climates

One of the beautiful things about Olympic National Park is that it has three different ecosystems in one park. In this park, you’ll find temperate rainforests, coastline, lowland forests, and beautiful alpine mountains. Because of these different ecosystems, there’s a good chance you will experience different weather in different parts of the park.

large rock formation mirrored in the sea water at second beach in olympic national park

an old, moss covered bench sits in front of ferns and moss covered trees moments in time trail in olympic national park

Keep in mind that you will need to pack accordingly – for sunshine or rain or even snow up high depending on which time of year you’re visiting!

And if you’re interested in hiking in all of these different climates, we have you covered with all the best family friendly hikes in Olympic National Park!

4. The Ocean Can be Dangerous

The beaches of Olympic National Park can be dangerous, so make sure and take appropriate precautions. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe around the ocean. And check with a ranger for more safety tips before going out near the water.

dad and toddler playing on driftwood on ruby beach away from the water (it's not safe to play on the driftwood near the ocean) this beach looks very moody and dramatic because it was cloudy and foggy

NEVER play on logs in or near the water. Waves can roll the driftwood which can be deadly.
Always pay attention to the tide schedule. There are several trail routes that are only accessible at low tide.
Be aware of rip currents if playing in or near the water. It’s generally not recommended to swim in the ocean in Olympic National Park, but talk to a ranger if you’re not sure.
Watch for sneaker waves. Even if the tide looks like it’s receding, a wave could sneak up and wash you or your little one into the water.
Never turn your back on the ocean, especially when you have kids with you!

And while we’re talking about the ocean, here are our 5 favorite family friendly Olympic National Park Beaches!

5. Reserve Campsites Way in Advance

Olympic National Park is a very popular place so you’ll want to reserve campsites ahead of time. Gone are the days when you can decide to camp in the park last minute (unless you’re really lucky!) Campsites open up 6 months ahead of time for reservations.

There are a few campgrounds that are first come first serve if you did wait until last minute. And you can always check back daily for cancellations if you did miss out the first time.

6. Take the Ferry!

If you’re traveling from Seattle, you’ll definitely want to take the ferry instead of driving south down through Tacoma and around. You can drive on to the ferry and it’s *usually a fairly quick and easy ordeal. However, be mindful of the time if you are needing to be somewhere at a specific time. The ferry can be a little harder to navigate if there is a big event in town like a Seahawks game, Mariners game, etc.

from the view of a ferry on the puget sound, the city of seattle is visible in the distance

7. Be Aware of Wildlife

There aren’t too many dangerous animals in Olympic National Park, but there are a few things about wildlife that you should know before you go. It should go without being said, but never feed the wildlife and keep a distance of at least 50 yards between yourself and any wildlife.

a close up of a banana slug on a tree in olympic national park

Be extra cautious around elk during mating season and when they have babies nearby.
Cougars do exist in Olympic National Park – do not let your children run ahead of you on trails and do not run if you do encounter a cougar. Here is more guidance onwhat to do if you encounter a cougar.
Black bears are also present in Olympic National Park. Make sure to keep your campsite bear proofed (put away your food) and give bears plenty of space if you see them.
Slugs – you will likely see several slugs on your trip if you spend any time in the rainforest. Just look and don’t touch them!

8. Dogs are Not Allowed on Many of the Olympic National Park Trails

Dogs aren’t allowed on many of the trails in Olympic National Park to protect wildlife and the wilderness. There is a list here of the trails that dogs are allowed on. We did see several people breaking this rule while we were there, but please be respectful of the area and stick to the allowed trails.

And if you do bring your pets on the dog friendly trails, please be mindful and clean up after them. Seeing dog poop bags along the trail is really really frustrating.

mom and toddler son walking along the cirque ridge trail in olympic national park. This easy hike in olympic national park is located in the hurricane ridge area. This photo shows a paved path with beautiful mountains in the background

9. Many of the Park Facilities Will Close in the Winter

Although a lot of the park will remain open in the winter (hello Hurricane Ridge and the beautiful moody coastlines!), most of the facilities like visitor centers and campgrounds will be closed. And if you’re visiting Olympic National Park in the winter, be prepared for weather and check road conditions before you go!

10. You will Need to Pay an Entrance Fee to Get into the Park

If you’re going to be going into the park, you will need to pay the entrance fee. Your options are to buy a single vehicle entrance fee for $30, an annual pass for $55, or my favorite option? The America the Beautiful pass.

If you’re visiting more than one National Park during the year, the America the Beautiful pass will definitely save you the most money. It will get you into any National Park for the entire year after you pay the one time fee.

11. Remember to Leave No Trace

Anytime you are recreating outdoors, you should be mindful of leave no trace principles. This means something a little different everywhere you go, but in general – stay on the trails, pack out what you pack in, and leave the place more beautiful than you found it.

woman's hands hold up smooth, colorful rocks at rialto beach in olympic national park

As beautiful as some of the rocks, moss, etc. can be, resist the urge to take something home with you. It may seem innocent, but if everyone did this, it would do serious harm to the park. Leave the wildlife wild, and just overall respect the park. If you have any questions about how to take care of this beautiful park, ask a ranger!

And if you’re wondering how to help the National Parks, here is a list of an organization for each National Park where you can donate or volunteer. Your support goes a long way!

12. Plan Out Your Stays Carefully!

As I said before, the park is pretty spread out. It can make a huge difference on your driving time and overall experience if you plan your trip carefully based on the activities you want to do. Our general recommendations for where to stay during your trip?

Night 1: Port Angeles area (for easy access to Hurricane Ridge) or stay in the cutest little Scandinavian themed town of Poulsbo!
Night 2: Sol Duc
Night 3: Kalaloch
Night 4: Mora
Night 5: Fairholme

If you are staying in hotels, it can be hard to pack up every night and move with kids. We would HIGHLY recommend renting a campervan so you can explore a bunch of different campgrounds and areas. Check out our full review of roadsurfer and read about our experience.

A gray roadsurfer campervan with it's red surf emblem is parked on the side of a road, a dim and foggy forest of trees in the background. The interior lights are on and the rooftop tent is setup with it's front window open.

Renting a campervan is one of our favorite ways to travel!

I hope you enjoy your trip to one of our favorite USA National Parks! Let me know in the comments if this was helpful for your trip planning and any other challenges you faced.

12 Things to Know for Olympic National Park: Don’t Miss These Tips!