Spending 2 Days in Olympic National Park, WA

by Roam & Thrive

Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

Summers are generally the best time to visit weather-wise. You’ll have warmer temperatures, fewer chances of rain and more opportunities to catch some splendid sunsets. Another great time to visit is during late spring and early fall.

Is 2 Days Enough for Olympic National Park?

Yes, and no. 2 days in Olympic National Park is enough to see some of the highlights and the main or more popular spots in the park, however, you’ll need more time to explore the park thoroughly.

2 Days in  Olympic National Park, WA Itinerary

Madison Falls

One of the first places worth stopping heading West on Highway 101 is Madison Falls. It’s a short walk from the trailhead to the falls, a small yet beautiful waterfall set around towering pines, native trees and a calming little stream.  COMING FROM SEATTLE? READ WHERE TO STOP ON THE WAY HERE

Day One 

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is the largest lake in the area and probably one of the most beautiful. Luckily Highway 101 snakes right around the south side of the lake so there’s no way you’ll miss it but it’s still worth getting out and exploring the area. There are a number of hikes to do in the area that vary in length. The Spruce Railroad Trail runs around the north side of the lake

Hurricane Ridge

For sunset head to Hurricane Ridge.  On a clear day, the view from here is mind-blowing. You can see snow-capped Mt Olympus and all the park’s peaks from this one spot. Watching the sunset and that golden light being cast over this landscape is just a beautiful experience.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Start the day early and head straight to Sol Duc Hot Springs or even better stay the night at this wonderful resort before taking advantage of the springs in the morning. The Sol Duc Hot Springs are man-made pools, three of which are mineral soaking pools and one is a freshwater pool. The mineral pools range from 99°F to 104°F while the freshwater pool remains at an atmospheric temperature of 85-50°F depending on the season.

Day Two

Forks and Rialto Beach

After a warm soak head to the West Coast beaches of Olympic National Park. While there might not be much sunbathing to be done on these beaches, there’s still something very beautiful about their wildness and rawness. First visit Forks, of Twilight fame before morning onto Rialto Beach. There is little to do here apart from taking a walk, or in summer relaxing on the beach, perhaps with a few snacks and drinks. FIND OUT MORE HERE

La Push Beaches

The La Push beaches are the general, collective name given to the beaches just south of La Push, First, Second and Third Beach. You can visit each of them if you like but if you’re stuck on time and want to visit just one I recommend Second Beach It’s a short hike from the trailhead through the native forest down to the spectacular beach. You’ll have to just dodge a bit of mud if it’s been raining and a few large drift logs. FIND OUT MORE HERE

Hoh Rainforest

One of the absolute gems of being in the Olympic National Park for 2 days in the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the United States so it’s definitely worth stopping to see this unique ecosystem. Most rain falls in the winter and contributes to the fast-growing canopy of coniferous and deciduous trees and mosses. FIND OUT MORE HERE

Happy Travels!

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