The 12 Prettiest Spots in Olympic National Park You Won’t Believe Exist

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You guys, Olympic National Park left me completely stunned. I spent a week exploring this slice of Washington last fall, and I still can’t get over how one park packs in so many different worlds. The most beautiful places in Olympic National Park seriously mess with your head—one minute you’re walking through a rainforest dripping with moss (Ruby Beach at sunset was unreal), and the next you’re standing on Hurricane Ridge watching clouds swirl around snowy peaks.

Here are the 12 spots in Olympic that made me stop dead in my tracks. Fair warning: you might want to clear some space on your phone, because, trust me, you’re going to be taking an embarrassing number of photos at every single one of these places.

Prettiest Spots to See in Olympic National Park

Looking to explore Olympic National Park’s most beautiful places? From the lush rainforests of Hoh Rain Forest to the rugged coastline of Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the serene trails of Hurricane Ridge, marvel at the natural beauty of Lake Crescent, or explore the diverse ecosystems of Sol Duc Falls. Discover the tranquil allure of Ruby Beach, the towering trees of Quinault Rain Forest, or the breathtaking views from Mount Olympus. Whether you’re into forests, beaches, or mountain vistas, here are 12 of Olympic National Park’s most breathtaking spots!

1. Hoh River Trail

Hoh River Trail might just ruin every other forest hike for you, and I’m not even exaggerating. This place gets over 140 inches of rain per year, which means you’re walking through what basically looks like Middle Earth on steroids. The moss here is so vibrant green it doesn’t look real – I literally kept checking my phone to see if someone cranked up the saturation settings.

The Hall of Mosses loop is only 0.8 miles, so you can crush it in 30 minutes if you’re just checking boxes. But honestly, you’ll want more time because every tree looks like it’s wearing a fuzzy green jacket. If you’re feeling ambitious, the trail continues to Five Mile Island for a solid day hike. Roosevelt elk hang out here regularly – they’re basically the size of small cars and completely unbothered by tourists.

Fair warning: this place is insanely popular now. Get there before 10 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the 1-2 hour wait at the entrance station. The campground runs $24 per night if you want to wake up in the rainforest, which honestly beats any fancy hotel. Current park entry is $30 for a 7-day vehicle pass or $55 for the annual Olympic pass.

2. Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge has the best bang-for-your-drive-time mountain views in the park, hands down. It’s only 17 miles from Port Angeles, so you can be up there sipping coffee with panoramic Olympic Mountain views in under 45 minutes. The elevation gain is dramatic – you climb nearly a mile up from sea level, so bring layers even in summer.

Summer wildflower season here is absolutely bonkers. The meadows turn into rainbow carpets of lupine and avalanche lilies that would make Switzerland jealous. I spent three hours here taking photos and barely scratched the surface. Winter brings skiing and snowshoeing with some of the most epic alpine scenery you’ll find anywhere.

The road typically opens daily from May through November, then switches to weekend-only access (Friday-Sunday) during winter months. Note: the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was demolished recently, so the visitor center facilities are limited right now. The ski area operates Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays during winter 2024-2025 season. Parking fills up fast in summer, so arrive early or be prepared to turn around.

3. Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach (pronounced “CLAY-lock”) is where you go when you need the ocean to fix whatever’s broken in your soul. This isn’t some tropical paradise – it’s raw, moody Pacific Northwest coast where massive driftwood logs look like bleached whale bones scattered along dark sand. The famous Tree of Life here might not survive much longer due to erosion, so see it now while you can.

Beach 4 has the best tidepooling when the tide’s low – purple sea stars, bright green anemones, and tiny hermit crabs that’ll keep kids entertained for hours. Ruby Beach to the north has those iconic sea stack photos everyone posts on Instagram, but the real magic happens during sunset when the whole sky turns electric orange.

The Kalaloch Lodge sits right on the bluff and serves decent food with killer ocean views. Campground sites run $24 per night and book up six months in advance for summer (loops release on different schedules). Swimming’s possible but be smart about it – those drifting logs can seriously hurt you, and the water’s cold even in July.

4. Klahhane Ridge Trail

Klahhane Ridge Trail separates the serious hikers from the casual walkers, and you’ll know within the first mile which one you are. This 3.8-mile climb gains serious elevation quickly, but the payoff is some of the most dramatic ridge hiking in the Olympics. On clear days, you can see all the way to Canada and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Mountain goats actually live up here – I watched a family casually hanging out on cliff faces that would give me nightmares. The alpine wildflower displays are spectacular from July through September, when the snow finally melts at higher elevations. This isn’t a beginner trail by any stretch, but if you’re in decent shape and want bragging rights, it’s totally doable.

Weather changes fast at this elevation, so pack layers and rain gear even if it’s sunny at the parking lot. The trail typically opens in July and closes with the first big snowfall. Start from either the Hurricane Ridge visitor center area or the Switchback Trail – both routes are challenging but worth every step.

5. Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent has water so clear and blue it looks like someone dumped food coloring in it. This glacial lake is 624 feet deep in spots, and on calm mornings the mountain reflections are so perfect they’ll make you question reality. It’s probably the most Instagrammable spot in the entire park, which means it gets busy, but early morning visits are still magical.

The water’s cold but totally swimmable in summer – there are designated swimming areas that won’t shock your system too badly. Kayaking here is incredible, especially around the north shore where you can paddle right up to waterfalls. The endemic Beardslee and Crescenti trout live nowhere else on Earth, making fishing here pretty special for anglers.

Marymere Falls is a easy 1.8-mile round trip hike from the north shore that hits all the Pacific Northwest greatest hits – moss-covered trees, wooden bridges, and a 90-foot waterfall. Lake Crescent Lodge has been hosting guests since 1916 and serves solid food on a historic porch overlooking the water. Room rates vary but expect to pay premium prices for the location.

• Read Next: Most Beautiful Places in the Pacific Northwest

6. Lake Quinault

Lake Quinault is where you go to feel completely insignificant next to 1,000-year-old trees, and honestly, it’s exactly what your ego needs sometimes. The world’s largest Sitka spruce lives here – all 191 feet of it – and walking up to this thing is like meeting a celebrity from another century.

The 31-mile Quinault Rainforest Loop Drive connects all the best spots and takes about two hours if you actually stop to look at stuff. The World’s Largest Spruce Trail is only half a mile, so there’s literally no excuse not to see it. I spent an entire afternoon just sitting by the lake watching clouds move over the water while ancient trees dropped the occasional pine cone.

Lake Quinault Lodge (built in 1926) has that old-school national park lodge vibe with a massive stone fireplace and Adirondack chairs facing the water. Kayaking and fishing are popular here, and the water’s usually calmer than Lake Crescent so it’s more beginner-friendly. Lodge rooms book months ahead for summer, but it’s worth the planning.

7. Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls is the waterfall hike for people who want maximum Instagram impact with minimum suffering. At only 1.8 miles round trip, you can knock this out in under two hours and still have energy for other adventures. The trail winds through classic Pacific Northwest rainforest – think cathedral-like canopy with every surface covered in emerald moss.

The 90-foot waterfall splits into multiple ribbons cascading over dark rock, and there’s a perfect viewing bridge right in front of it. Late afternoon light filtering through the forest creates these dreamy rays that photographers go crazy for. Two wooden footbridges cross Barnes Creek along the way, adding to the fairy tale forest vibe.

Start from the Lake Crescent area and follow well-marked signs. The trail can get muddy but it’s never truly difficult – families with young kids do this hike regularly. Pro tip: combine this with time at Lake Crescent for a perfect half-day adventure. The trailhead has restrooms and parking, though spots fill up by mid-morning in summer.

• Read next: Favorite Waterfalls in Washington

8. Pacific Coastline

Olympic’s Pacific Coastline serves up 73 miles of some of the most dramatic shoreline in America, where ancient sea stacks rise from churning waves like stone cathedrals. This isn’t gentle California beach vibes – it’s wild, powerful coast that demands respect and rewards you with scenes that’ll stick in your memory forever.

Ruby Beach delivers those classic Olympic coast photos with colorful stones and offshore formations. The Tree of Life at Kalaloch might be living on borrowed time due to erosion, so see it while you can. Rialto Beach offers that moody, fog-shrouded atmosphere with massive driftwood sculptures created by winter storms.

Tide pooling here is world-class when the water’s low – purple sea stars, bright green anemones, and hermit crabs galore. Sunset from any of these beaches is absolutely magical, especially when the offshore rocks create dramatic silhouettes. Be careful around those giant driftwood logs – they look cool but can shift unexpectedly and seriously hurt you.

9. Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach has that perfectly moody Pacific Northwest coastal aesthetic that screams “adventure documentary.” The smooth stone beach creates this satisfying crunching sound with every wave, and the offshore sea stacks rise from the surf like something from another planet. It’s about 20 minutes west of Forks, making it super accessible for a day trip.

The main attraction is Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural arch about 1.5 miles north that you can walk through at low tide. I timed my visit wrong once and had to settle for photos from the outside – definitely check tide charts before heading out. The driftwood sculptures here are massive and bleached silver by sun and salt, creating natural art installations that change with every big storm.

Wildlife spotting can be incredible – I’ve seen sea otters playing in the kelp beds and bald eagles cruising overhead. The parking area has restrooms but bring everything else you need. Low tide is essential for exploring, and sunset here creates some of the most dramatic silhouettes you’ll photograph anywhere on the coast.

10. Salmon Cascades

Salmon Cascades offers front-row seats to one of nature’s most determined athletic performances – coho salmon launching themselves upstream against rushing water with pure willpower. This spot is right along the Sol Duc River, just a short walk from the parking area, making it perfect for a quick wildlife viewing stop.

October brings peak action when the salmon turn bright red and make multiple attempts to clear the foaming rapids. I watched dozens of fish repeatedly throwing themselves against the current – some making it, others getting swept back to try again. It’s exhausting to watch but absolutely mesmerizing. The overlook platform provides great viewing angles and photo ops.

The timing window is pretty narrow – late September through October gives you the best salmon runs. Outside of that, it’s still a pretty creek, but you’re missing the main show. Sol Duc Hot Springs is just down the road if you want to combine salmon watching with a hot soak. The whole area stays busy during salmon season, so arrive early for parking.

11. Shi Shi Beach

Shi Shi Beach requires the most effort to reach of any spot on this list, which means you’ll share it with way fewer people and have way more epic bragging rights. The 2-mile forest hike plus steep coastal descent filters out the casual tourists, leaving this pristine wilderness beach for those willing to work for it.

Point of Arches at the southern end creates one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the Pacific Northwest – natural sea arches and towering rock formations that look like alien architecture. At low tide, you can explore tide pools that rival anywhere else on the coast. I camped here once (with proper permits) and woke to mystical fog rolling through the arches.

You’ll need a Makah Recreation Pass ($10, buy in Neah Bay before arriving) plus your Olympic National Park pass. Backpacking permits are required for overnight stays. The beach is accessible year-round but July through September offers the best weather and tidepooling opportunities. This is true wilderness – bring everything you need and leave only footprints.

12. Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls might be the most photogenic waterfall in Olympic, where the Sol Duc River splits into three distinct channels before plunging 48 feet into a narrow rocky canyon. The hike is only 1.6 miles round trip through temperate rainforest that looks like it was designed by a fantasy movie set decorator.

The wooden viewing bridge puts you right in the mist zone where you can feel the thundering power vibrating through your chest. Multiple channels create this dramatic triple cascade that’s completely different from typical single-stream waterfalls. The trail crosses several smaller creeks on picture-perfect wooden footbridges that add to the storybook atmosphere.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is right nearby with three mineral pools ranging from 101°F to 104°F – perfect for soaking tired muscles after hiking. Pool access runs $18 for adults, $12 for kids and seniors. The resort’s open mid-March through late October, and hot springs reservations are recommended during busy periods. Combine the falls hike with a hot soak for the perfect Olympic day.