2 days in Olympic National Parkruby beach, washington, usa-55728.jpg

A Helpful Guide to 2 Days in Olympic National Park

With three distinct ecosystems and four regions, the Olympic National Park is both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Our guide to your 2 days in Olympic National Park takes you through its rugged coastline, diverse wilderness, and glaciated mountains.

It was President Theodore Roosevelt who initially named the park as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909, after the home of the Greek gods. In 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt re-designated the park as a national park.

The key highlights within this park are:

  • Hurricane Ridge
  • Hoh Rainforest
  • Rialto Beach
  • Lake Crescent
  • Sol Duc Falls
  • Second Beach
  • Olympic Mountains
  • Ruby Beach

You have landed on the right page if you are planning a trip to Olympic National Park and are looking for answers to the questions below:

  1. Where is Olympic National Park?
  2. How many days do you need to visit Olympic National Park?
  3. What is the best time of the year to visit Olympic National Park?
  4. What is the best entrance to Olympic National Park?
  5. Where should I stay if I visit Olympic National Park?
  6. Is Olympic National Park worth visiting?
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Olympic National Park

Let’s dive in!

Disclaimer: Some of the links here are my affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA COST to you. Please read my Disclaimer Policy for more information. Hope you find the information here useful! Thank you!

Where is Olympic National Park?

The Olympic National Park is in the state of Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. The park has four regions with three distinct ecosystems within it, from subalpine forest to the rugged Pacific Coast.

With a million acres of the protected area, the park’s diversity is its hallmark. With glacier-capped mountains, temperate rainforests, and home to the One Square Inch of Silence, there is always time to explore Olympic National Park.

History

Human history in and around the Olympic Peninsula began almost 13,800 years ago when a pre-historic hunter embedded a mastodon in what is now Sequim. About 3,180 years ago, the Makah Tribe inhibit Neah Bay where Ozette became a whaling and sealing society.

The Europeans arrived in the late 18th century bringing with them smallpox. This disease kills about 11,000 native people. Isaac Stevens began pursuing treaties with the native tribes in the area by 1853, after the Washington Territory.

Between 1855 and 1856, the Treaty of Neah Bay established the Makah Reservation while the Point No Point Treaty established the Skokomish Reservation. The Quinault Treaty established the Quinault Reservation.

From 1885 to 1890, the O’Neil Expedition surveyed the Olympic Peninsula. And, by 1897, the Olympic Forest Reserve was established. The Olympic National Park was established on 29th June 1938, together with 22 other national parks that existed at that time.

To preserve the park, dam removal works began in 2011 along Elwha River. The discovery of this 8,000 years old site remains the oldest archaeological site within the park.

How do you get to Olympic National Park?

The three major airports closest to the park are Seattle-Tacoma, Portland International, and Victoria International Airport. Once you are on the Olympic Peninsula, you can get to the park either by car, ferry, or bus.

Car

If you are driving from Olympia, get onto Interstate 5 until you reach Highway 101 which leads you directly to the park. 

If coming from Tacoma, take the State Route 16 West Highway. After that, continue on State Route 3 North until you reach the Hood Canal Bridge on State Route 104. Take note that State Route 104, the Hood Canal Bridge closes periodically for boat traffic. 

You would then connect onto Highway 101 which would lead you to Port Angeles. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is 2 miles from Port Angeles.

If you are coming from Washington or Oregon, connect to Highway 101 from Aberdeen.

Ferry

Arriving by the Washington State Ferries is another option to get to Olympic Peninsula via Puget Sound. From Port Townsend, access Highway 101 from State Route 20.

If you are coming from Kingston, access Highway 101 from State Route 104, and if you are arriving from Bainsbridge, access Highway 101 from State Routes 305, 7, and 104. 

From Victoria in British Columbia Canada, you can get onto Coho Ferry operated via Black Ball Ferry Line. This ferry has a scenic voyage route as the ferry makes its way between Port Angeles and Victoria, daily. 

Bus

There are only bus lines that operate near the parking area. The Dungeness Line serves the Greater Puget Sound and serves the Port Angeles, Sequim, Discovery Bay, Seattle, Port Townsend, and Kingston.

The Clallam Transit Bus Line serves Port Angeles, Forks, and the park’s popular destinations such as La Push and Neah Bay.    

Do you need a car to visit Olympic National Park?

Yes, you would need a car to visit Olympic National Park as public transportation is not available. Do note that cellular access within the park is unpredictable. Hence, avoid renting cars that use cellular signals to lock/unlock car doors.

Do you have to pay to get into Olympic National Park?

Yes, you need to pay to get into Olympic National Park. You can purchase your fees and passes online at Recreation

An Olympic National Park Pass that is valid for one year from the date of purchase is $55 while a Private Vehicle Pass, valid for 7 days is $30. A Motorcycle Pass valid for 7 days is $25 while an Individual Pass, valid for 7 days is $15

If you prefer to buy the pass in person, you can purchase them from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center that is open throughout the year.

Alternatively, you can purchase AmericaToarchaeological The Beautiful National Lands Park Pass which is $80 for adults, $20 for seniors, and free for students in the Fourth Grade. This pass is valid for one year and can be used at over 2,000 Federal Recreation Areas in the United States.

How many days do you need to visit Olympic National Park?

Our 2 days in Olympic National Park gives you a glimpse of the must-visits when at the park. You can always extend your stay and visit other areas such as Elwha Valley, Lake Ozette, and the Quinault Rainforest.

Day 1: Ridge, Rainforest, and Beach

On Day 1 of our 2 days in Olympic National Park, we walk you through Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, and end our day at Rialto Beach. These are three must-visits when at the park.

Hurricane Ridge

2 days in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge

The first of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Hurricane Ridge. This mountainous area is about 18 miles from Port Angeles and is a year-round destination in the park. In summer, people come for the fantastic views while in winter, they come for skiing and snowboarding.

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. You can pick up maps, explore easy hiking trails, and find out about the road conditions as you make your way through Olympic National Park.

Why is it called Hurricane Ridge?

Hurricane Ridge is named after the intense gales and winds. Olympic Park is known to have unpredictable weather, hence, visitors should be prepared for any weather conditions during their stay there.

Is Hurricane Ridge a hard hike?

The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a 3.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. The paved trail takes you through sub-alpine meadows, extremely tame deers, and beautiful views of Mount Olympus and Canada.

Hoh Rainforest

2 days in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest

The second of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Hoh Rainforest. This rainforest is about 88 miles from Hurricane Ridge and is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.

The rainforest receives over 12 feet of rain a year and is home to abundant wildlife such as the Pacific tree frog, the northern spotted owl, bobcat, cougar, and raccoon. The dominant flora here is the Sitka Spruce and the Western Hemlock.

Is Hoh Rainforest the quietest place in the United States?

The One Square Inch of Silence is probably the quietest place in the United States. The One Square Inch of Silence is a research project created by acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to manage and protect the natural soundscape of the Olympic Wilderness.

To get to the One Square Inch of Silence, hike the Hoh River Trail for about 3.2 miles. At the 2.9 miles mark, you will reach Mount Tom Creek Meadows. Walk over several boardwalks until you see a fractured tree. 

A few yeards beyond this giant fractured tree is a stilted Sitka Spruce that is wide enough to walk through. Walk past the tree and then turn left. Follow the path until you reach the One Square Inch red stone which marks the One Square Inch of Silence.

What is Hoh Rainforest known for?

The Hoh Rainforest is known as the wettest rainforest in the United States as it receives over 200 inches of rain annually. The rainforest is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve as its ecosystem has remained unchanged for over a thousand years. 

Rialto Beach

2 days in Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach

The third of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Rialto Beach. This public beach is about 45 miles or an hour’s drive from Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. Rialto Beach is next to the Mora Campgrounds near the mouth of the Quillayute River.

It was named by Claude Alexander Conlin, a magician who made his home at Mora, overlooking Rialto Beach in the 1920s. Rialto is also known as a tree graveyard as the shoreline is strewn with ghostly fallen trees.

The area was featured in Stephanie Myers Twilight series as the home of Jacob Black who is a member of the Quileute Tribe. According to local legends, the Quileutes are descended from wolves.

Do you need a pass to go to Rialto beach?

Yes, you would need a pass to access Rialto Beach. You can either purchase the Olympic National Park Annual Pass priced at $55 or America, The Beautiful Annual Pass at $80 per person.

You can take advantage of the fee-free days where the park offers admission to everyone for free for five days in 2022. 

Do people swim at Rialto beach?

No, you can’t swim at Rialto beach as there is the risk of getting stuck in driftwood. The waves are also powerful which could make swimming there difficult.

Day 2: Lake and Falls 

On Day 2 of our 2 days in Olympic National Park, we explore the lakes and falls within the park. The two worth visiting were Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Falls.

Lake Crescent

2 days in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent

The fourth of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Lake Crescent. The lake is about 17 miles from Port Angeles near the town of Piedmont. This lake was believed to have been formed during the last Ice Age when glaciers began carving the valleys and rivers.

Lake Crescent and Lake Sutherland were formed at the same time and about 8,000 years ago, a landslide dammed the Indian Creek and the valley began to fill with water.

Interestingly, this ties in with the local Klallum tribal legend that mentions how the great Mount Storm King was angered by the actions of warring tribes and threw a boulder to cut Lake Sutherland in two. This division created Lake Crescent.

Have they found the bottom of Lake Crescent?

While many have argued that the lake could be 1,000 feet deep, a group of geologists decided to put an end to the debate. In their study, they found that Lake Crescent was 596 feet deep.

Do people swim at Lake Crescent?

Yes, you can swim at Lake Crescent and the best spot would be at Fairholme Beach near the Fairholme Campgrounds.

Why is Lake Crescent so blue?

Lake Crescent is brilliant blue due to the lack of nitrogen in the water. This inhibits the growth of algae. The waters here are pristine and clear. Visitors can see 60 feet down into the lake.

How deep is Lake Crescent?

Being the second deepest lake in Washington, Lake Crescent has a maximum depth of 190 meters or 624 feet. Lake Chelan has a maximum depth of 453 meters or 1,486 feet and is the deepest lake in the state of Washington.

Sol Duc Falls

2 days in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Falls

The fifth of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Sol Duc Falls. These falls are about 21 miles or a 30-minute drive from Lake Crescent. These falls are one of the most beautiful falls at the Olympic National Park.

The falls are within Sol Duc Valley which is known for its subalpine lakes, old-growth forests, and snow-capped mountains. The valley is in the northwest region of the park and can be accessed by turning off from Highway 101 onto Sol Duc Road. 

To get to the falls, you would need to hike 1.6 miles on a heavily out and back trail that is suitable for all levels. 

Can you drive up to Sol Duc Falls?

To get to Sol Duc Falls, drive west on Fairholm on Highway 101 until you reach the turn towards Sol Duc Hot Springs. After that drive for about 13 miles until you reach the parking lot of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. The trailhead begins at the end of the road.

Is Sol Duc Falls an easy hike?

Yes, it is an easy hike. With just 1.6 miles roundtrip, the trail is mostly on the boardwalk with a short stroll through the old-growth forests.

Other Places Worth Visiting

The other places worth visiting, if you have the time are the Hall of Mosses Hiking Trail that is suitable for adults and children. On the Second Beach, enjoy the views of the Olympic Mountains, and admire the sunset at Ruby Beach.

Hall of Mosses

2 days in Olympic National Park, Hall of Mosses, Hoh Rainforest

The sixth of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is the Hall of Mosses Hiking Trail. This short, easy trail is 0.8 miles loop trail filled with magical forest vibes, wildflowers, and is accessible throughout the year.

This iconic loop takes you through the brown and green moss of the old-growth forest. The forest itself has beautiful giant maple trees, Sitka spruce trees, and if you are lucky, you can spot the Roosevelt Elk and banana slugs in all shapes and sizes.

Second Beach

2 days in Olympic National Park, Second Beach, La Push Community

The seventh of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Second Beach. The Second Beach is part of the three beaches within the La Push community. This beach is the longest, flattest, and most populated among the three beaches.

How do I get to Second Beach Washington?

To get to Second Beach from Highway 101, you would need to reach the intersections of Highway 110 and Highway 101 which is approximately 1.5 miles from Forks. After that, turn left onto Highway 110 and continue straight for about 13 miles until you reach the Second Beach trailhead.

The Second Beach Trail is a mixture of a beach and coastal forests. The trail is flat, easy, and well-maintained which makes it a popular hike. Some unique features of the trail are the sea stacks and the opportunity to view migrating whales in March, April, and October.

Olympic Mountains

2 days in Olympic National Park, Olympic Mountains

The eighth of our 2 days in Olympic National Park are the majestic Olympic Mountains. These mountains are on the Pacific Northwest of the Olympic Peninsula and have three peaks that extend 7,000 feet. The highest, is, of course, Mount Olympus at 7,965 feet.

The mountain ranges were first sighted by Spanish navigator, Juan Perez in 1774 while John Meares, an English voyager named the highest peak in 1788 as he felt it was fit to be home of the gods.

What are the Olympic Mountains known for?

The Olympic Mountains are known for their picturesque Hoh rainforest which receives an average of 12 feet of rain annually. These rains led to abundant vegetation and well-fed rivers that radiate outwards from all sides of the mountain.

The rainforests are dominated by douglas fir, western red cedar, Sitka spruce while the lower elevations are dominated by western hemlock and conifers.

What caused the Olympic Mountains?

The Olympic Mountains were formed when alpine and continental glaciers advanced and retreated multiple times. The mountains formed about 35 million years ago when the Juan de Fuca Plate was subducted by the North American Plate scraping of large quantities of rock.

The mountains were further carved by glacial ice, streams, rivers, and lakes which in turn, created the valleys and rugged peaks we see today.

Fun Fact

The Olympic Mountains are not volcanic as they do not contain granite and are primarily made from sandstone and oceanic crust.  

To get the best views of the Olympic Mountains, head to Hurricane Ridge which is the easiest place to view the mountain ranges on a clear day.

Ruby Beach

2 days in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach

The ninth and last of our 2 days in Olympic National Park is Ruby Beach. This beach is at the northernmost on the southern beach coastal area of the Olympic Peninsula. Just 4 miles southwest from the beach is Destruction Island with its lighthouse being visible from Ruby Beach.

What is Ruby Beach known for?

Iconic rock formations, beautiful views of rainforests, glaciers, driftwoods, and mountains are what Ruby Beach is known for. Although not suitable for swimming, Ruby Beach is a photographer’s delight.

Why is it called Ruby Beach?

The name came from the red minerals that are found in the sand of Ruby Beach. These minerals are ‘almandite’ which is a type of garnet. 

Can you take rocks from Ruby Beach?

As Ruby Beach is part of the Olympic National Park, it is an offense to remove rocks, driftwood, and anything else from the beach. Instead, leave your mark by stacking rocks there. After all, leave your footprints and take your memories with you.

What is the best time of the year to visit Olympic National Park?

With 2 days in Olympic National Park, deciding on the best time to visit makes all the difference. Of course, the best time of the year to visit depends on YOU.

With a combination of warm Mediterranean and oceanic climate, and the rain shadow effect, the western area of the park receives more precipitation than the eastern areas. Due to this, there are various activities at the park, all year round.

While the summer months of July and August remain the busiest season and is the best time to visit the park, rain is always a possibility. And, it is this rain that brings out the vivid green colors of the Hoh Rainforest. The Sol Duc Falls is another popular destination as visitors hike up the canyon bridge for stunning views of the waterfalls crashing onto the rocks below.

The second best time to visit is during the spring months of May to June where gray whales, orcas, and humpbacks visible from the beach. It’s best to bring along the Bushnell Falcon binoculars as you watch the marine wildlife frolicking on the beach from a distance.

As temperature decreases and precipitation rises during the fall months of September till October, it’s best to check current road conditions and campgrounds as most would have reduced hours or begin closing due to weather conditions.

The park receives about 140 inches of rain annually and most of its precipitation falls during the winter months of November to April. At higher elevations, snow is abundant with Hurricane Ridge being covered in about 35 feet of snow. 

If you are coming for a weekend of skiing, it’s best to check for campground, road, and avalanche conditions before coming. 

What is the best entrance to Olympic National Park?

Before leaving for your 2 days in Olympic National Park, it is essential to know which entrance you should take. Although the park is open all year round, some entrances may close due to seasonal weather conditions. 

It is Highway 101 that circles the park and the Olympic Peninsula and our helpful guide takes you through six of the most popular access points of the park.

North

The main entrance on the north is the Hurricane Ridge Entrance which is on the Hurricane Ridge Road. However, before getting to Hurricane Ridge, learn all about the park at the Olympic National Park Visitor Centre in Port Angeles.

Olympic National Park Visitor Center

This is the park’s main visitor center that offers staffed information desks, a bookstore, a “Discovery Room” for kids, and various nature exhibits. The 25-minute award-winning orientation film, Mosaic of Diversity is shown upon request.

The Wilderness Information Center is located within this visitor center and is open daily with hours varying based on the seasons. You can find information on backpacking permits, campgrounds, and purchase bear spray canisters at the center.

Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre is about 20 miles from Port Angeles and is of slightly higher elevation than the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. This visitor center is where you go to get your permits, entrance fees, and park map. 

This center is open daily during the summer months with varying hours of operation during other seasons. There is a 20-minute video presentation that is available upon request. There is a gift shop and snack bar are located at the lower level of the visitor center. The staff also offer guided talks and walks during the summer months. 

Central

In the central region, the third and last visitor center is the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. This rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington State. 

Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center

The visitor center is about 31 miles from Forks and about 88 miles from Port Angeles. The center is open daily during the summer months and is closed from January to March.

The center is open from Friday through Sunday during the spring and fall months. The three hiking trails near the center are the Hall of Mosses Trail, the Spruce Trail, and the Hoh River Trail. 

While the cities of Port Angeles and Forks are the main gateways to Olympic National Park, other smaller ranger stations are accessible during the summer months and closed during the winter months.

The ranger stations are Kalaloch Ranger Station, Ozette Ranger Station, and Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.

Where should I stay if I visit Olympic National Park?

There are three main areas to stay in when you visit Olympic National Park. The areas are Port Angeles, the town of Forks, or you can opt to stay at the lodges within the park.

Port Angeles

This city is the gateway to Olympic National Park. While the area was settled by native tribes, it was Spanish explorer, Francisco de Eliza who named the place Puerto de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles or Port of Our Lady of Angels and claimed it for Spain.

Olympic Lodge by Ayres

Our first choice of the best place to stay in our 2 days in Olympic National Park is the Olympic Lodge by Ayres. With its alpine rock gardens and artistic water features, you can get a glimpse of what to expect at Olympic National Park here. 

This lodge was designed with calm and tranquility in mind. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is about 2 miles from this lodge. The accommodation here is a combination of rustic charm and modern amenities. 

The rooms are furnished in warm wood tones are equipped with complimentary WiFi, microwave, and refrigerator.

Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

Our second choice of the best place to stay in our 2 days in Olympic National Park is the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor. This beautiful hotel is nestled between the Strait Juan de Fuca and the Olympic National Park.

There are 187 rooms equipped with complimentary WiFi, microwave, mini-fridge, and flat-screen cable television. This hotel is pet-friendly and your furry friend can stay for $25 per stay. This fee is waived for service animals.

Forks

The Unincorporated Town of Quillayute is a city in southwest Clallam County in Washington. Forks was named after the forks at the Quillayute, Sol Duc, Calawah, and Bogachiel rivers. The city’s initially relied on the local timber industry for its economic needs.

However, the city became a tourist hotspot as it is the location for Stephanie Meyers, the Twilight series where the character, Jacob Black is of Quillayute descent. 

Pacific Inn Motel

Our first choice for the best place to stay in Forks is the Pacific Inn Motel. This hotel is located in the heart of Forks. All rooms come with complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, and free parking.

Being a Twilight fan, the Twilight-themed room is stunning. The room has 2 Queen sized beds, dark linens complete with Twilight decor. This hotel also has a room with wheelchair access that has added features such as large doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and a handicap-accessible shower.

Quillayute River Resort

With 6 riverside suites, a cozy fireplace, and a comprehensive kitchen equipped with pots, pans, dishes, and utensils, Quillayute River Resort is like your home away from home. This resort simply exudes relaxation.

We love that you can be assured that there are plenty of things to do here. From fishing, kayaking, river rafting, and hiking, you will not be bored. 

Within The Park

There are several lodges and cabins within the park. These consist of historic hotels and rustic cabins. As rooms in these lodgings are limited, booking is preferable. 

Kalaloch Lodge

This property is set high on Olympic Peninsula with a view of the Pacific Northwest. Kalaloch Lodge is the only seaside retreat within Olympic National Park that is also pet-friendly. 

With a Main Lodge that was originally built with timber milled from the driftwood that washed up on beaches near Kalaloch Creek, walking within its wall exudes its historical charm.

If you decide to stay at the Cabins, you have the choice of towering forests, the Kalaloch Creek, or the views of the Pacific Ocean. We love the large windows and the beautiful woodwork in each of these cabins.

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting?

With 73 miles of Wilderness Coast, lowland forests, alpine lakes, and majestic mountain ranges, it is no wonder that Olympic National Park is ranked number 9 in the 10 Most Visited National Parks in the United States

This park welcomed 2.5 million visitors in 2021 and continues to be the United States’ most diverse park, without the crowds.

While summer is the best time to visit, this park turns into a winter wonderland during the winter months with skiing and skateboarding being favorite activities.

With 64 trailheads, 16 developed campgrounds, 611 trail miles, and 175 wayside outdoor activities, there is always something to do here.

So, make that visit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Olympic National Park

These are additional frequently asked questions that may be useful when planning your trip there.

Can you drive through Olympic National Park?

No, you can’t drive through Olympic National Park. However, you can circumnavigate the peninsula through the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive which is about 329 miles or about 12-hours of continuous driving. 

The United States Highway 101 encircles the park with smaller roads branching out to places of interest such as Lake Quinault, Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Ozette, and Sol Duc Valley.

Are there hot springs at Olympic National Park?

Yes, there are 2 hot springs at Olympic National Park. The first is Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort which offers seasonal use of their 3 mineral pools and one freshwater pool. 

The second is the Olympic Hot Springs which are natural pools where unmaintained and untreated water seeps about 2.5 miles from Boulder Creek Trailhead. Swimming at these pools is at your own risk as these pools are within the park’s wilderness and the pools may contain harmful bacteria.

Do you need an SUV for Olympic National Park?

No, you do not need an SUV for Olympic National Park as the roads along the Olympic Peninsula Loop are paved. However, if you have are carrying supplies for camping and gear, then an SUV to the park maybe your best option.

Do I need an AWD in Olympic National Park?

No, you do not need an AWD in Olympic National Park unless you are carrying supplies and camping gear which would require a larger vehicle.

Do you need a reservation for Olympic National Park?

No, you do not need a reservation to enter Olympic National Park as the entrance tickets can be bought from the various visitor centers located throughout the park.

You would need a prior reservation if you are staying in the lodgings and campgrounds within the park.

Are there mountain lions in Olympic National Park?

Mountain lions or cougars are common at Olympic National Park. Cougars are large, elusive, and solitary animals that live on the mountain terrain of the park’s wilderness. Although attacks on humans are rare, they have happened in the past.

Here’s what you do if a cougar approaches you:

  • DO NOT RUN. Running away can trigger an attack as you are seen as prey in the eyes of the cougar. Remain standing at all times. 
  • Look at the cougar in the eye and face the cougar.
  • SHOUT LOUDLY and DIRECTLY at the cougar. You can also THROW things such as rocks, pans, and items of clothing to scare the cougar. For hikers, always carry a hiking staff and ice ax to scare the cougar.

Most importantly, always be alert of your surroundings at all times and always keep your children close and within sight.

What is the closest city to Olympic National Park?

The closest city to Olympic National Park is Port Angeles. The city is about 1.8 miles or about 6 minutes to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center.

Is there cell service in Olympic National Park?

The cell service is patchy throughout the park. You may get spotty cell reception around Lake Crescent and no reception in and around Sol Duc Valley. Other areas where you can get cell service are Dungeness Spit and Rialto Beach.

About Me

Gemini Gypsy Diaries | More Posts

A free-spirited traveler who dreams to conquer the world one country at a time, exploring local vegetarian cuisines and discovering off the beaten path destinations. Yes! That's me.

I've always loved creating itineraries for family and friends. With this website, I help you plan your travels by making it easier.

Our guides are mostly free self-guided walking tours, specifically trips that you can do within a day or two. We will be expanding our itineraries to cater to longer trips in the future.

Thank you for reading my blog.