A high meadow, with snow-capped mountains in the distant background.
Your days, well spent

Olympic National Park itinerary: 2, 3 & 4 days

Start with the mountains and lake. Add the rainforest and coast when you have time to enjoy them, with overnight bases that keep the route moving.

Hurricane Ridge · NPS / C. Bubar
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01 · Your days, well spent

Arrive the night before your first park day

These routes start after an overnight in the region and count full sightseeing days. Arriving from Seattle at lunchtime? Enjoy the waterfront, pick up supplies and start the park route the following morning.

Give the clearest day to Hurricane Ridge and use the forest or lake for cloudier conditions. Road status and the tide window for a longer beach walk help set the final order.

02 · Your days, well spent

Two days: stay in Port Angeles

Day one: Hurricane Ridge viewpoints and a walk, followed by dinner on the Port Angeles waterfront. Day two: Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls and a picnic beside the shore. Stay in town for both nights to keep the trip simple.

For a waterfall-focused second day, visit Sol Duc in place of the longer lake afternoon. If rainforest and Pacific beaches are your priorities, build both days around the western park and sleep near Forks.

03 · Your days, well spent

Three days: add a western overnight

Day one: Hurricane Ridge, then an evening in Port Angeles. Day two: Lake Crescent and a forest walk, continuing toward Forks for the night. Day three: Hoh Rain Forest and a coastal visit, timed for the beach walk you want.

Spend the final night in the western region for a relaxed finish, or allow a separate transfer afterward. Hoh entrance queues and beach walking belong in the day’s schedule alongside the drive.

04 · Your days, well spent

Four days: give each landscape room

Day one: Hurricane Ridge and Port Angeles. Day two: Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls and a lake afternoon. Day three: Sol Duc Falls, then move west. Day four: Hoh forest and a shorter Rialto Beach visit, with the order set around access and tides.

Use the extra day for the experience you want more of: a longer hike, a pool session or more shoreline time. Reserve a Sol Duc soak separately if you add the pools.

05 · Your days, well spent

Prefer to keep one hotel? Choose guided days

Keep Port Angeles as your base and book a northern highlights day plus the Hoh-and-Rialto tour. You get guided walks and organized transport, returning to the same room each evening. The western outing is a full day with substantial driving.

For a shorter stay, the half-day Elwha, Marymere and Lake Crescent tour leaves an afternoon for town. Our tour comparison shows the three routes side by side.

Our shortlist

Where to stay for this outing.

Find your room, choose your dates and book on Expedia.

Quality Inn Port Angeles · property photo via ExpediaBreakfast before the park

Quality Inn Port Angeles

Start with breakfast included, park for free and head out for the day. Quality Inn offers a practical downtown-edge base for northern park drives and meals in town.

  • Continental breakfast and self parking included
  • In-room refrigerator and microwave

101 E 2nd Street · Cherry Hill / downtown edge

A downhill walk to the waterfront. For early park starts, match breakfast service to your departure.

View rooms on Expedia
Lake Crescent Lodge · property photo via ExpediaLakefront nights

Lake Crescent Lodge

Wake up on Lake Crescent, walk into the forest and spend the evening beside the water. Choose the historic lodge for a stay centered on the lake.

  • Lakefront setting with restaurant and lounge
  • Marymere Falls and shoreline walks nearby

416 Lake Crescent Road · Inside Olympic National Park

Seasonal main lodge with varied accommodation types. Select the room facilities and dining arrangements for your dates.

View rooms on Expedia

Live rates and room options on Expedia.

Choose your next night

Put the nights into your route.

Compare your Port Angeles starting stay and a lakefront overnight before heading west.

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Build on this part of the trip

A few more useful ideas.