Situated on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state, Olympic National Park is one of the most enchanting national parks in the United States. In this 2-day Olympic National Park itinerary, the focus is on maximizing your brief visit and ensuring you don’t miss out on the park’s most captivating experiences. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiker, a photographer, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, this guide will help you make the most of your time!

Spanning over a million acres (yes, you read that correctly!), Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It’s a natural masterpiece where rugged mountain ranges, pristine rainforests, and foggy coastlines converge. With this 2-day guide, you’ll get a taste of the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas this park has to offer. 

In following this guide, the 2 days you spend in Olympic National Park are going to be an adventure like no other! Explore the alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge, where you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Then, experience the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast at Rialto Beach and La Push, where sea stacks dominate the shore. To cap it off, you’ll visit the mystical Hoh Rainforest for a scenic nature walk, where giant moss-draped trees create an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a jam-packed itinerary that will show you some of the most incredible highlights in the entire park in just 48 hours!

I’ll also provide you with personal tips from my adventures around Olympic National Park, some great campsite options, and other hidden gems you might not have thought to visit! So gear up, pack your hiking boots, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Olympic National Park. Let’s go!

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The Perfect 2 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary

As you prepare, make sure to pack essential supplies such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking gear. These items will prove invaluable as you explore the park’s wonders.

The starting location for this itinerary can be adjusted depending on where you’ve chosen as your home base. 

Personally, I would not recommend trying to attempt this itinerary without arriving at a landing spot somewhere around the Olympic Peninsula the night before. If you’re driving from Seattle, you should give yourself an extra half-day to drive from Seattle to the Peninsula.

There are two main options with this itinerary. If you choose to start in Port Angeles, you’ll be able to follow this 2-day itinerary exactly how it is (see the overview at a glance below)! If you choose to start in Forks, just flip the days of this itinerary and tackle it backwards!

2 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary At a Glance

Day 1: Port Angeles > Hurricane Ridge > Lake Crescent

Day 2: Rialto Beach > Forks > Hoh Rainforest

Day 1: Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent

Your 2-day Olympic National Park itinerary begins with a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. This will be a long, fun-filled day, so you’ll need all the energy you can handle! Oh, and don’t forget coffee!

Port Angeles

I suggest staying one night in Port Angeles before you attempt to tackle this 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary. It’ll make it much easier to get an early start toward the National Park if you stay overnight in the Olympic Peninsula rather than trying to drive from Seattle the first morning.

If you’re looking for places to stay in Port Angeles, here are a few options to consider:

• Quality Inn Port Angeles is a great option for an overnight stay in Port Angeles because it’s right in the middle of town and breakfast is included.
• Super 8 By Wyndham Port Angeles is another good lodging option that offers breakfast. It’s only two miles away from Olympic National Park, making it an awesome option for starting your Olympic National Park adventure.
• Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor is a cool option for inexpensive waterfront views located right in the middle of Port Angeles!

Port Angeles serves as the perfect starting point for any Olympic National Park trip because of its close proximity to several key areas in the park. Plus, it’s a really cute town to explore! If you stay overnight the night prior, I recommend taking a few hours to walk around Port Angeles before heading toward Olympic National Park.

You can take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are also several great cafes in the area to get your morning coffee or breakfast pastry. The downtown area is small but totally worth checking out on your way to the National Park!

However, if you do decide to drive directly from Seattle to tackle this itinerary, wake up early (I’m talking 4am or 5am!) and head straight for the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center in Olympic National Park. Grab coffee and food along the way.

Hurricane Ride Visitor Center

From Port Angeles, it’s only a 45-minute drive to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center–your first stop of the day! The drive is incredibly scenic so make sure to keep your phone or camera out. The drive will take you from sea level to a whopping 5,242 feet at the Visitor Center! 

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has a ton of information about the park’s flora, fauna, and history. As you explore the Visitor Center, keep an eye out for ranger-led programs or exhibits that can deepen your understanding of the park’s ecosystems. Plus, the ranger-led programs often include personal insights from the rangers’ own adventures around the park. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can attempt a hike from the Visitor Center! Or head to the nearby Hurricane Ridge picnic area for a relaxed lunch amidst the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. While you enjoy your meal, don’t be alarmed if you spot a deer or two.

Just remember never to feed the wildlife no matter how cute and cuddly they look!

If you’re considering the hiking option, I recommend doing the Hurricane Hill Trail. This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, wildflowers in the summer, and possibly even encounters with screeching marmots! It’s a great way to stretch your legs and fully immerse yourself in the park’s beauty. The hike itself is totally doable in a few hours. Spend as much time as you’d like enjoying the beauty of this hike–it’s a good hike for photos and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Lake Crescent

As the day winds down, it’s time to make your way to Lake Crescent, a gem nestled in the heart of Olympic National Park. The drive itself is incredibly scenic (pretty much every road in this itinerary is scenic!), but the real magic happens when you arrive at the crystal-clear waters of the lake. It’s a great spot to visit in the afternoon to avoid the early morning crowds!

If the weather permits, take a dip in the lake and enjoy a swim. Just know that Lake Crescent is very deep–it’s over 600 feet deep in the center! The areas closest to the shore quickly drop to depths of 100 feet or more, so be careful not to venture too far if you’re not a strong swimmer. 

Even if you don’t choose to swim in Lake Crescent, there are a ton of cool hikes to do around the lake. Devil’s Punchbowl, located on the north side of the lake, is a pretty popular hike no matter the time of year. It’s accessible via the Spruce Railroad Trail.

After marveling at the beauty of Lake Crescent or enjoying a swim, it’s time to check into your accommodation! I personally recommend camping at one of the incredible HipCamp sites in the area, or you could even camp at a National Park campground!

Fairholme Campground, one of the most popular campgrounds in the area, has 84 campsites. Fairholme Campground is managed by the National Park Service, and reservations are required during peak season (May through September). If you’re visiting outside of the peak season, check the campground website for the most up to date information regarding availability. Reservations and available campsites are released on a rolling basis.

Some cool HipCamp sites in the area include:

• Wandering Joy Campground – 10 min drive from Lake Crescent Beach
• Sol Duc Rainforest Retreat – 1.5 miles away from Lake Crescent

If camping isn’t your thing, or if you want a little bit more comfort on your Olympic National Park trip, there are some awesome lodges near Lake Crescent. 

The most popular by far is likely Lake Crescent Lodge. The location of this lodge puts you right on the lake! There are also some incredible hiking trails near the lodge like Marymere Falls trail, Storm King trail, and Bovee’s Meadow. Lake Crescent Lodge was built in 1915, making it a fun option for those looking for a historic and charming stay!

Log Cabin Resort is another great option near Lake Crescent. The accommodation types vary here giving guests the option to stay in a true log cabin, a lakeside chalet, or a true lodge guest room with mountain views!

Any of the above listed options will put you as close as possible to Lake Crescent, ensuring you’re able to maximize your time enjoying the lake instead of worrying about driving a super far distance to your accommodation for the night. There’s already a good amount of driving in this 2-day Olympic National Park Itinerary, so no need to add any unnecessary drive time!

For dinner, I recommend staying as close as possible to your accommodation on Lake Crescent. Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort both have restaurants onsite, and the campsites have picnic tables or campfire rings for you to prepare your own meals! 

After dinner, I recommend making time for stargazing before going to sleep. Anywhere near Lake Crescent you’ll likely be far enough away from artificial lights to see the stars clearly. During my recent trip to the Olympic Peninsula, we even saw the Milky Way! 

Day 2: Rialto Beach, La Push, Forks, and the Hoh Rainforest

The second and final day of this 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary begins with breakfast at your accommodation, or at your campsite! Feel free to take your time enjoying the sights and sounds of Lake Crescent while you prepare for the day ahead.

If you plan to drive back to Seattle or other nearby cities later today, I’d recommend getting an early start to maximize your time at the following locations. However, I highly recommend spending one more night and then driving back to Seattle early the next morning. That way, you get a full 2 days in Olympic National Park!

Rialto Beach

From Lake Crescent, you’ll make your way toward two of Washington’s most beautiful beaches: Rialto Beach and La Push!

If you’re interested in visiting more beaches in Olympic National Park, check out my other blog post that details some of my favorite beaches to visit in the area!

It’ll take you about one hour to drive from Lake Crescent to Rialto Beach. It’s an easy drive and you might even get the chance to spot some wildlife along the way!

Rialto Beach is one of my favorite Olympic National Park beaches because of its dramatic, foggy coastline and towering sea stacks. Plus, it’s a super cool hiking spot and a great place to take photos!

Once you arrive at Rialto Beach, I recommend spending a couple hours here hiking out to the Hole in the Wall! The out-and-back hike itself is just over 3 miles in length (round-trip) and is considered a moderate hike. Make sure to check the tide report before embarking on this trail, though, to ensure you don’t get cut short by an inaccessible trail!

Personally, I recommend spending between 2-3 hours at Rialto Beach but you can certainly spend more or less time depending on your preferences!

La Push

La Push is only a stone throw away from Rialto Beach, hence why I’m including it in this section of the itinerary! It’ll take you under 20 minutes to drive to La Push from Rialto Beach, and you absolutely should visit both if you’re in the area.

This gorgeous area is known for its rugged, pristine beauty and cultural significance to the Quileute Tribe. The village of La Push is divided into three main beach areas: First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. You can read more about the highlights of each beach in my other blog post here!

It’s important to remember: La Push is not only known for its natural beauty but the area also carries cultural significance for the Quileute Tribe. As you explore this area, take a moment to appreciate and respect the tribe’s heritage. Visit the Quileute Tribe’s website to learn more about their community! You can also do your own independent research before your trip to learn about the Quileute Tribe and their customs. 

Forks

Your next stop on this adventure is Forks, made famous by the Twilight series! You’ll have lunch here and explore the town a bit before continuing onward to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. 

Truthfully, there aren’t many options for food outside of Forks (unless you pack your own!). There are a few good spots in the town of Forks, though, which is why you’ll want to stop here before heading further into the National Park. 

My personal recommendation is BBG Blakeslee Bar & Grill. TripAdvisor has more good food and restaurant options in the Forks area! 

As for what to do in Forks aside from grabbing lunch, I highly recommend visiting the Forks Visitor Information Center. It’s kitschy and fun because it’s decked out in Twilight gear and souvenirs. Plus, you’ll also get the chance to pose next to Bella’s red truck (see me posing next to the truck in the picture above)! You can also get visitor guides, maps of the area, and other cool pamphlets to help guide you through the area!

There is a beautiful nature walk behind the Visitor Information Center, and it’s a lovely way to stretch your legs before continuing onward! It takes 15 minutes to walk it leisurely, and it’s not challenging at all.

On the same compound as the Visitor Information Center is the Forks Loggers Memorial, a tribute to loggers who dedicated their lives to the timber industry in the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll learn a little about the timber industry and also have an opportunity to pay your respects to those who passed as a result of the hard, laborious work required in the timber industry. 

This next activity on the list is geared towards the Twilight fans! When in Forks, am I right?

After stopping for lunch and visiting the Visitor Center, head over to the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection at the Rainforest Arts Center. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Twilight props and costumes! It’s also free!

If you’re not into Twilight, no worries! I’ve added an additional suggestion to this itinerary to sub in for the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection. Instead of heading there, you’ll want to stay in the same vicinity as the Visitor Information Center and visit the Forks Timber Museum next door. You won’t even need to get in your car! The Timber Museum details the local history of the logging industry dating back to the 1870s. It’s also relatively inexpensive to visit, costing only $3/person for admission.

Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center

After you’ve explored Forks for a couple hours, it’s time to drive back into Olympic National Park to experience the magical Hoh Rainforest!

Pro tip: stop at the grocery store before leaving Forks to grab snacks or sandwiches for a post-hike treat after you explore around the Hoh Rainforest area!

As you drive to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, you’ll be greeted by towering ancient trees blanketed in moss. 

Before you embark on a trail or explore the park on foot, head to the Visitor Center to learn about the rainforest ecosystem. There are interactive elements that are designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages–I had so much fun walking around the exhibit, and I learned a lot! 

The lush rainforest environment here is unlike any other in the park, characterized by its abundant rainfall, resulting in a wealth of plant and animal diversity. If there are ranger-led programs available, definitely take advantage of them! The rangers will sometimes lead guided hikes throughout the day, where they will explain everything you’re seeing and answer questions in real time.

The most popular hike from the Visitor Center is the Hall of Mosses trail. It’s a short and easy hike that winds through a primeval forest, where colossal trees create a cathedral-like atmosphere. The trail, less than a mile long, is perfect for all skill levels and offers numerous photo opps! It can get crowded, though, so be prepared to share the trail. 

Walking through this densely covered rainforest almost feels otherworldly. My favorite part of doing the Hall of Mosses trail was when I waited for everyone to walk past me, and in my moment of silence I simply took a deep breath in–I could smell the freshness of the vegetation and the cleanliness of the air. It was amazing!

You’ll probably spend between 1-2 hours exploring the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and doing the Hall of Mosses trail. Of course, I encourage you to take photos and spend as much time as you please exploring this area of the park!

If you want to spend more time in the Hoh Rainforest area, try hiking on one of the other trails that start from the Visitor Center. Aside from Hall of Mosses, there are two other trails for hikers: 

• Spruce Nature Trail – 1.2 miles round trip
• Hoh River Trail – 18 miles (one way) out-and-back style 

For the Hoh River Trail, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do the entire trail in one day (at least not on this itinerary!). There are several notable turn around points to cut the hike into shorter sections.

• For a short hike option, hike to the First River access and then turn back. It’ll be about 2 miles total.
• For a longer hike that could still be done during this trip, hike out to Mineral Creek Falls before turning back. This will total about 5.4 miles round trip. 

Return to Forks

After a full day of exploration, it’s time to make your way back to Forks! You’ll be based here for the night, unless you decide to drive straight home! Personally, I recommend enjoying some well-deserved sleep before attempting the drive back to Seattle or elsewhere. Your body will need it! You can always wake up super early the next morning to get to Seattle before breakfast, if needed.

Since you explored Forks earlier in the day, your main priority should be checking into your accommodation for the night, finding food, and getting some sleep. 

For places to stay in Forks, I recommend using HipCamp again because it’s so simple and easy. Especially if you’re only staying one night, it’s a great option for you to come and go as you please. 

I recently stayed at Wandering Woodlands campground in September, and it was phenomenal! The location was extremely close to Forks and Rialto Beach, making it a great landing spot for a night or two. If you’ve never tried HipCamp before, you can get $10 off your first stay at Wandering Woodlands (or any other campground!

If you insist on staying at a hotel or lodge, there are several options in and around the Forks area ranging from budget to mid-tier pricing. 

Map of 2 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do Olympic National Park in 2 days?

As demonstrated by this 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary, you can absolutely visit some of the most popular sites in the park in just two days. It makes a wonderful weekend trip from Seattle, Port Angeles, Tacoma, or Olympia! 

What is the best way to get around Olympic National Park?

Without a doubt, you will need a car for this itinerary. There is really no way around it, unless you hire a private driver! But don’t fret–even if you have driving anxiety, the driving in this itinerary is totally doable. Most of the roads in the National Park have speed limits of 30-35 miles per hour, and it’s a very laid back area. I have the worst driving anxiety, and I drove nearly this entire itinerary (my boyfriend drove a bit, too, to break it up). 

If you don’t have a car, or you’re thinking about renting a car for your road trip, I recommend checking out Discover Cars for the best rental rates and deals. You may also be able to find a good deal on Turo!

When to visit Olympic National Park?

For this itinerary specifically, I recommend visiting between August and November! The crowds will be less chaotic and you’ll get the majority of the popular view points to yourself for photos and reflection. Plus, things tend to be cheaper coming out of the peak summer months, so you’ll be able to score a sweet price on lodging or accommodations. 

However, this itinerary can really be replicated at any point throughout the year! You might just need to be flexible in the event certain areas of the National Park are closed due to snow (winter) or are inundated with large crowds (summer).

What are the entrance fees for Olympic National Park?

To enter Olympic National Park and its associated sites and recreation areas, you will need to purchase a National Park Pass. The pass options options as of this blog post are: standard entry pass (valid for 7 consecutive days), an Olympic National Park annual pass, or an Interagency annual pass. These types of passes can all be purchased at entrance stands or Visitor Centers throughout the Park.

Here are the most up to date fees I could find for the above-mentioned passes:

• Standard Entrance Pass
  • Private Vehicle: $30
  • Motorcycle: $25
  • Per Person (Hikers, Pedestrians, Bicyclists): $15
• Olympic National Park Annual Pass
  • $55 per year
• Interagency Pass 
  • $80 per year 

The National Park Service also has fee-free days throughout the year. Here are the dates for 2023 fee-free days:

• January 16, 2023 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 22, 2023 – First Day of National Park Week
• August 4, 2023 – Anniv. of Great American Outdoors Act
• September 24, 2023 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11, 2023 – Veterans Day

On any one of the days listed above, anyone can enter the National Park completely free of charge! Obviously, this means that it can get pretty crowded at sites like Rialto Beach or Hoh Rainforest. Plan accordingly and share the trails!

What should I pack for a trip to Olympic National Park?

If you’re planning to follow this itinerary and visit Olympic National Park in 2 days, you won’t need to bring much. A standard 40L backpack will fit everything you could possibly need–I personally love both the Patagonia Descensionist Pack and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack. You really can’t go wrong with either option, as they’re both so incredibly versatile!

If you’re tent camping, you will need to pack additional gear. Make sure to pack all of your camping necessities such as a tent, tent rain tarp, sleeping pad, sleeping bag (this is the exact one I use for camping in the PNW!), and anything else you use to create a comfortable camping experience for yourself. 

Check out some of my favorite camping gear, or shop through one of my favorite outdoor retailers: Patagonia!

When it comes to packing clothing for your 2 day Olympic National Park trip, I recommend bringing a rain jacket, a down/insulated jacket, a pair of hiking pants, a pair of insulated leggings or a base layer set, a pair of hiking boots, two hiking shirts, three pairs of antimicrobial underwear, and two pairs of wool socks (I love these Hemp Quarter Socks from Patagonia to wear while hiking!). Oh, and toss in a beanie! I love wearing beanies as an accessory, or to simply stay warm in colder weather.

It’s also implied that you should bring any necessary toiletries, prescribed medications, and a first aid kit for emergencies!

Concluding Thoughts

From exploring Hurricane Ridge’s heights to hiking through the ancient Hoh Rainforest, visiting the untamed coast of La Push, and discovering the charm of Forks, you’ve seen some of the park’s most notable highlights in following this itinerary!

Olympic National Park is a destination rich in natural beauty, encompassing rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and significant cultural sites. This itinerary has showcased just a glimpse of what this area of the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Olympic National Park is so vast that it’s impossible to see it all in just 2 days! You’ll most certainly need to come back. But use this guide as a jumping off point for your adventures. Visiting Olympic National Park in 2 days is the perfect weekend trip from Seattle. 

I hope that this 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary has provided you with an abundance of information to help you plan your next Olympic Peninsula trip! If you end up using this itinerary, please let me know or leave a comment down below. 

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Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Best Beaches in Olympic National Park
• Things to Do This Fall in Seattle
• Leavenworth, WA: The Best Day Trip From Seattle

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