How to Make the Most of 3 Days in Olympic National Park
How many days in Olympic National Park are enough? We spent 3 days in Olympic National Park and it was the perfect amount of time to hike lush trails, such as the Hoh Rain Forest, explore beaches along the coastline and relax at the sound of crushing waves.
Whether you’re planning an Olympic Peninsula road trip or choosing between Olympic National Park vs Mt Rainier, this itinerary covers the highlights (and a few hidden gems).
Olympic is also one of the most accessible national parks from Vancouver, especially for a long weekend getaway. Just hop on a ferry to Olympic National Park and in a few hours you’ll be surrounded by some of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning landscapes.
Snapshot of 3 Days in Olympic National Park
- Where: Washington State, USA
- Getting There: quickest way is by ferry from Seattle or Vancouver
- Entrance Fees: $30 per vehicle
- Distance from Vancouver: about 3 hours by car
- Ferry Route: Coupeville to Port Townsend
Below is a day-by-day summary of our 3-day Olympic National Park itinerary. Whether you’re visiting on a long weekend from Vancouver or doing it as part of a longer Olympic Peninsula road trip, this route covers the highlights without feeling rushed.
- DAY 1: Port Townsend > Hurricane Ridge > Port Angeles > Marymere Falls > Lake Crescent
- DAY 2: Hoh Rainforest > Rialto Beach > La Push > First / Second / Third Beach > Salmon Cascades
- DAY 3: Cape Flattery
OPTIONAL: In addition, if you have time to cover more ground, I recommend this 3 day road trip itinerary:
- DAY 1: Port Townsend > Hurricane Ridge > Port Angeles > Marymere Falls > Salmon Cascades > Sol Duc Hot Springs > Lake Crescent
- DAY 2: Hoh Rainforest > Rialto Beach > La Push > First / Second / Third Beach > Forks
- DAY 3: Cape Flattery > Shi Shi Beach
Have an extra day to explore? If you’re spending 4 days in Olympic National Park, consider adding the Mount Storm King hike to your itinerary. It’s one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a steep but rewarding climb with stunning views over Lake Crescent
Getting to Olympic National Park from Vancouver
Driving from Vancouver to Olympic National Park is about a 3-hour trip through scenic coastal and forested areas.
Start by heading south on Highway 99, crossing the US border into Washington State, and continue along I-5 to reach WA-20 West. This route takes you to Whidbey Island. Here, you’ll traverse the scenic Deception Pass Bridge before arriving in the charming town of Coupeville. Then, take the 30 minute ferry to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.
After arriving in Port Townsend, head west on WA-20 toward Port Angeles, a gateway to Olympic National Park. Along the way you can access popular attractions, such as Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent and other sections of the park.
💡 Travel Tip: You can also get to the Olympic Peninsula from Victoria on Vancouver Island. This way you’ll arrive in Port Angeles directly.
Getting to Olympic National Park from Seattle
From the Seattle area, you can reach the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park via four Washington State Ferry routes:
- Seattle-Bainbridge Island: good choice if you’re heading toward Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge
- Edmonds-Kingston: convenient for exploring the eastern parts of the peninsula
- Seattle-Bremerton: ideal if you’re planning to visit the southern coast
- Fauntleroy-Southworth: also ideal if you’re planning to visit the southern coast
Ferry Tips: Coupeville to Port Townsend Route
If you’re spending 3 days in Olympic National Park and driving from Vancouver or British Columbia, the ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend is the most convenient way to reach the Olympic Peninsula.
See below some helpful tips:
- Make a Reservation: Reserve your ferry spot in advance, especially in summer and on weekends. In fact, we traveled in the shoulder season without a reservation and had to wait for the next ferry.
- Staying overnight at Fort Casey: is ideal if you’re catching an early morning ferry. The campground sits right next to the terminal, with scenic views of Admiralty Inlet and access to the historic fort. It’s a great spot to unwind by the campfire. But be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Olympic National Park Entrance Fee
To enter the park, you’ll need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee. In 2025, it’s $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). But if you’re planning to visit multiple US national parks within the year, it’s well worth getting the America the Beautiful Pass. For just $80, it gives you unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all US national parks.
Fun Facts about Olympic National Park
No Olympic National Park itinerary is complete without a bit of wildlife spotting. One of the park’s most iconic residents is the Roosevelt elk, also known as the “Olympic elk.” These majestic animals are the largest subspecies of elk in North America and Olympic National Park was originally established to protect them. Today, the park is home to the largest wild herd in the Pacific Northwest.
Unfortunately on our 3 days in Olympic National Park we haven’t spotted any. But if you’re hoping to see a Roosevelt elk, your best bet is along the Hoh Rain Forest trail, in the early morning or late evening. Just remember to keep your distance and respect their space.
On a different note, did you know that Olympic National Park helped inspire the Twilight series? The books, written by Stephenie Meyer, are set in the nearby town of Forks, Washington, and feature real park locations, such as Rialto Beach and the Hoh Rain Forest.
After spending 3 days in Olympic National Park, it’s easy to see how the misty forests and rugged coastline helped create the dark, moody atmosphere of the series.
Whether you’re here for wildlife, epic scenery or a bit of Twilight nostalgia, this park adds a memorable stop to any Olympic Peninsula road trip.
Best time to Visit Olympic National Park
Absolutely! Here’s a more concise, personal, and straightforward version that keeps the tone casual while still incorporating your keyword: 3 days in Olympic National Park, along with best time to visit Olympic National Parkand a mention of North Cascades National Park.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
The best time to visit Olympic National Park depends on what you want to see and do. For most people, May through September is the best window. That’s when weather is generally dry and warm, and nearly all areas of the park are accessible.
Here’s a quick look at each season:
- Spring (March–May): Melting snow, wildflowers and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): Full trail access and long days, but it’s the busiest time.
- Fall (September–October): Cooler temps, fall colors and fewer visitors.
- Winter (November–February): Snowy and peaceful, with access to snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge.
We chose to spend 3 days in Olympic National Park in early fall and found it to be the perfect mix of good weather as well as lighter crowds.
If you’re also considering other Washington parks, such as North Cascades National Park, keep in mind that both are highly seasonal, especially for hiking in higher elevations.
Camping in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park offers a variety of camping options. Indeed, you can choose between front camping (including amenities) and backcountry camping for a more off-the-grid experience.
On our 3 days in Olympic National Park, we decided to opt for a glamping experience near Lake Crescent. Having a heater in the tent was definitely a luxury!
Developed Campgrounds
Most developed campgrounds in Olympic National Park allow reservations, particularly in the summer months. But, some operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Deer Park: First-come, first served | Tents only | Open June – mid October | Gravel access road
- Heart O’ the Hills: First-come, first served | RVs & Tents | Open Year round
- Fairholme: Reservations required May – September | RVs & Tents | Open April – September | Lakeside campsites
- Sol Duc: Reservations required March – November | RVs & Tents | Open March – November | Riverside campsites
- Hoh Rain Forest: Reservations required May – September | RVs & Tents | Open Year round
- Mora: Reservations required May – September | RVs & Tents | Open Year round | Near Rialto Beach
- Ozette: First-come, first served | RVs & Tents | Open Year round | Lakeside campsites
Backcountry Campsites
For backcountry camping a wilderness permit is required, which can be obtained at visitor centers or through the park’s website.
Additionally, check the interactive map of the backpacking campsites in the Olympic National Park. This is a very informative and useful tool to check all the regulations and amenities at each campsite.
3 Days in Olympic National Park Trip Itinerary
Day 1: From Hurricane Ridge to Lake Crescent
Just before heading to Port Angeles, we turned left on Hurricane Ridge Road. We happened to be visiting Hurricane Ridge during the Crab Festival, which drew crowds downtown. This turned in our favor with minimal lines at the checkpoint and ample parking at the top.
At the end of the road, you have multiple options to explore the surrounding area. I would recommend doing one of the Hurricane Ridge hikes below for stunning viewpoints:
- Hurricane Hill Trail: 2 hrs hiking time | 5.5 km (3.4 miles) | 252 m (826 ft) elevation gain
- Sunrise Viewpoint: 30 min hiking time | 1.4 km (0.9 miles) | 67 m (220 ft) elevation gain
Hurricane Hill Trail follows a ridge with wide views. On clear days, you can see Canada and Vancouver Island. But if you’re short on time, try the Sunrise Viewpoint Trail for quick but scenic valley views.
👉 Looking to extend your trip to Vancouver Island? Check this itinerary to Tofino!
We then drove to Port Angeles for a quick stop before heading to Marymere Falls. The parking lot here is shared with hikers tackling Mt Storm King. So it can get quite busy during peak season.
The easy hike to the waterfall is mostly flat, but there is a slight elevation gain at the end. Overall, it’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush forest and enjoy the refreshing views of the falls.
As night fell, we headed to our glamping site near Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, close to Lake Crescent. We usually backcountry camp, but with the cooler temperatures, we decided to treat ourselves. A warm fire and cozy setup made it a perfect end to the day.
Day 2: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach and La Push
On our second day, we drove to Hoh Rain Forest. If you’re traveling during peak season, I highly recommend arriving early. For instance, we had no trouble finding a parking spot around 11 am, but we also visited in October when crowds were lighter.
Here, we hiked the Hall of Moss Trail, a loop that winds through lush, moss-covered trees and vibrant green vegetation. Moreover, if you’re lucky, you might even spot an elk along the way. But be sure to keep a safe distance if you encounter any wildlife!
Next, we headed to Rialto Beach. With its striking black stones and dramatic landscape, this beach is one of the highlights of Olympic National Park. You can take a walk along the shore or relax on one of the many driftwood logs while soaking in the stunning ocean views.
From Rialto Beach we drove to La Push, where you’ll find First, Second and Third Beach. Yes, in fact they are really called like that! It seems they ran out of creative names when it came to labeling these neighbouring beaches.
You can drive straight to First Beach and enjoy the views from the parking lot. But, you will need to walk about 30 minutes each way to reach both Second Beach and Third Beach. If you have time, visit them both. We for instance decided to enjoy Rialto Beach a bit longer and skipped Third Beach.
On our way back to the campsite, we stopped at the Salmon Cascades. Unfortunately, it seems we were late in the season, as we didn’t see any salmon jumping upstream. Also, if you have some extra time, I recommend checking out Sol Duc Hot Springs and the nearby trails. They’re definitely worth a visit!
Day 3: Cape Flattery
By day three of our 3 days in Olympic National Park, the sunshine gave way to rain. But we didn’t let that stop us. We made the drive to Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States. While it’s not technically part of the national park, it had been on our bucket list for a while and was well worth the detour.
To reach this point, we drove through several fishing towns, such as Neah Bay. This area is mainly inhabited by indigenous communities, which also require you to pay a $20 entrance fee to access Cape Flattery area.
From the parking lot, the walk to the 4 main viewpoints is mostly easy and absolutely worth it. Also, we were lucky enough to see some sea otters and dolphins swim in front of Tatoosh Island.
If you have a full day to spend in this area, I also recommend adding Shi Shi Beach to your list.
FAQ: How to Spend 3 Days in Olympic National Park
What are the must-see places in Olympic National Park for a 3-day trip?
Some of the top places are Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain views, Hoh Rain Forest to experience the lush temperate rainforest, Rialto Beach for dramatic sea stacks and tide pools as well as Lake Crescent for its crystal-clear waters.
Are there accommodations inside the park or nearby?
There are several campgrounds inside the park and a few lodges, such as Lake Crescent Lodge. Nearby towns, such as Port Angeles and Forks offer hotels and motels for those who prefer not to camp.
Is Olympic National Park open year-round?
Yes, the park is open all year, but some roads and trails close in winter due to snow, especially around Hurricane Ridge.
How many days should I plan for Olympic National Park?
Plan 3 to 5 days to explore the park’s highlights, such as Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest and the coastline. 3 days in Olympic National Park covers the main sights, but more time lets you see lesser-known spots.
Can I drive through Olympic National Park?
No, there’s no through-road inside the park. But you can drive around the park on Highway 101 and take side roads to reach places, such as Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest.
How do I get to Olympic National Park from Seattle or Vancouver?
From Seattle, it’s a 2–3 hour drive by car and there is no direct public transit. From Vancouver, it’s about 3-4 hours driving south across the border.
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Bellissimo ,molto interessante,bello e divertente.