7 Must-See Spots on the Olympic Peninsula
Years before I moved to Oregon, I obsessively saved photos of the Pacific Northwest to an Instagram folder. Every time I saw a beautiful photo of some magical rocky coastline or mossy forest, I saved the photo and silently vowed to visit one day. When I arrived in Oregon in June of 2018, I promptly forgot about that trove of photos and instead relied on AllTrails to locate scenic spots to visit. It wasn’t until I made my first trip to the Olympic Peninsula in February of 2021 that I remembered I’d saved all those photos. As I sat in my Port Angeles Airbnb my first night there, I opened the saved folder and realized a significant percentage of the photos I’d saved were taken around the Olympic Peninsula and in Olympic National Park. It was a sweet and special thing to realize I was actively living the life I had once dreamed about. Like that first trip, each subsequent trip to the Olympic Peninsula has been pure Pacific Northwest magic.
While there are far more than seven to choose from, here are my top seven must-see spots around Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula:
Hurricane Ridge
If you want to feel like you are on top of the world, add Hurricane Ridge to the top of your list. Only 30-40 minutes from Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of the Olympics and beyond.
In the summer, the area can fill up quickly so an early start is your best bet. There are numerous hiking trails to choose from depending on your activity level. Remember to plan ahead, stay on trail, and leave no trace!
In the winter, the road to the top can be quite treacherous and isn’t always open. Be sure to check the Olympic National Park website for current conditions. If the road is open and you can make it to the top, be prepared for ice and snow! Hiking trails will likely be completely covered, but there are a variety of winter sports available.
2. Hoh Rainforest
This might sound dramatic… but one of my soul’s favorite places on earth is the Hoh Rainforest, especially if it’s raining. There is something so deeply magical and alive about old growth forests.
About two hours from Port Angeles or 45 minutes from Forks, getting to the Hoh Rainforest will take some driving, but seeing the curtains of moss, mushrooms, and woodland creatures is worth it.
When you arrive, there are a few short trails branching off from the parking area. If you only have time for one, the Hall of Mosses trail is a don’t miss. If you’ve got time, add in the Spruce Nature Trail. Both trails are fairly easy and beautiful! Remember, always stay on trail and leave no trace.
3. Ruby Beach
One of the most beautiful spots along the Washington coast has to be Ruby Beach. From the parking area right along Highway 101, you’ll walk down a short path (think maybe a quarter mile) to the entrance to the beach.
From there, everything depends on the tide! You may be able to spot some tide pools, walk right up to the impressive sea stacks, or go for a stroll down the shoreline. It is also possible the tide may be too high to get any closeups. Plan ahead by checking a tide chart!
4. Rialto Beach
Another iconic location along the Washington coast is Rialto Beach. Rialto Beach can be found a few miles outside of Forks. After parking, follow one of the paths through the driftwood or find a spot to climb over. Then spend some time walking along the rocky shoreline and soak up the views. If you are up for it, you can hike north to the Hole in the Wall. As with other areas on the Washington coast, the weather and the tides are something to consider. Plan ahead by checking weather conditions and a tide chart.
5. Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a must see and, if you are driving anywhere in the NW end of the peninsula, you are certain to run right into it. In between Port Angeles and Forks, Lake Crescent is an enormous lake with Highway 101 running along part of the perimeter. Be sure to stop in one or more of the highway pullouts to snap a few photos!
There are a number of great hikes around the area. The Moments In Time trail is right next to the lake and offers views of beautiful old growth forest. Another popular favorite is Marymere Falls. Wherever you opt to hike, be sure to stay on trail and leave no trace.
If hiking isn’t your thing, add a visit to the Historic Lake Crescent Lodge. Stop by the gift shop, grab a meal at the restaurant, or find an open chair on the bank of the lake to take in the views.
During the summer, this area is also popular for camping, canoeing, swimming, and more!
6. Cape Flattery
For truly incredible views, Cape Flattery is a must-see. Cape Flattery sits within the boundaries of the Makah Reservation and is managed by the tribe. It’ll take about two hours to reach Neah Bay from Port Angeles, but the drive along the Strait of Juan de Fuca is beautiful. Once in Neah Bay, visitors must stop and buy a permit before heading to Cape Flattery (or other local areas).
While you can buy visitors permits at a handful of local businesses, I suggest stopping at the Makah Museum within the Makah Cultural and Research Center. You’ll spot the center on your left as you enter town. The museum offers an opportunity to learn about the Makah people and the history of the area. While there, you can also visit their gift shop, grab a map, and purchase your $20 permit.
Use your map to make your way to the Cape Flattery Trailhead. The trail isn’t super strenuous, but is downhill one way and uphill on the way back. You also must walk along a raised boardwalk for a stretch to avoid the mud. The trail ends with a few different view points of rocky cliffs, sea stacks, and crashing waves. Be sure to stay on trail and far back from the edges!
7. Waterfalls
There are dozens of stunning waterfalls to visit around the Olympic Peninsula. It would be impossible to see them all in one trip! Whether you are in the Port Angeles area or down on the Lake Quinault side, you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful set of falls. The Olympic Waterfall Trail has compiled all the different locations into an easy to follow map. Some require hiking and may not be accessible year round, so be sure to do your research. Two of my favorites include Sol Duc Falls (1 mile trail) and Merriman Falls (roadside).
I’ve now visited the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park a handful of times and in all seasons. Each time I go, I find something new to marvel over. It truly is a magical, beautiful, and soul-capturing place. If you haven’t been yet, I hope you consider making a trip. And if you’ve already been… it might be time to go back! Safe travels, my friends!
-Rachel
