Olympic National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With several entrances scattered throughout the region, each offering its own distinct experiences, navigating the park can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the six most popular entrances to Olympic National Park, providing you with the information you need to plan your perfect adventure.
The Hurricane Ridge Area Entrance
The Hurricane Ridge Area entrance is located along a narrow thread of the park boundaries jutting up north into Port Angeles, Washington. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is an excellent starting point, where you can obtain a park pass, a map, and valuable information from the knowledgeable park staff. The road leading to Hurricane Ridge offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lake Crescent Area Entrance
From Port Angeles, you can take US 101 to Lake Crescent and then access the coast, Hoh Rain Forest area, and the southern areas of the park. South of Lake Crescent lies the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, a camping area, and ancient groves. While there is no park entrance or visitor center at Lake Crescent or Sol Duc, the area offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore.
The Mora Entrance
Access the northern coast via the Mora area by taking US 101 to Hwy. 110. Here, you’ll find the Quileute Indian Reservation, an area of land not part of the park, along with the park’s stunning Rialto Beach, First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach.
The Hoh Rain Forest Entrance
Located 31 miles south of Forks off US 101, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center offers visitor information, a bookstore, exhibits, and self-guided nature trails. The visitor center is open daily in the summer and on weekends during the off-season, closing for January and February.
The Kalaloch Entrance
Approaching the southern end of the park, you can continue west on US 101 past Lake Quinault and enter the park via Hwy. 21 to the Queets area or continue further west to the coast, entering the park at South Beach, followed by First Beach and Second Beach. The Kalaloch Ranger Station is located near Kalaloch Lodge on the coast.
The Lake Quinault Entrance
If you are entering the park’s southern boundaries from Aberdeen, you will immediately enter the park at Lake Quinault, where you’ll find one of the park’s famed rainforests, along with the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. On the opposite side of the lake, on the east side, you’ll find U.S. Forest Service/National Park Service Recreation.
Entrance fees to Olympic National Park are covered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which allows access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks and national wildlife refuges. The annual pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. It permits entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle.
Whether you’re seeking breathtaking mountain vistas, serene coastal landscapes, or lush rainforests, Olympic National Park’s diverse entrances offer something for every nature enthusiast. By understanding the unique features and attractions of each entrance, you can plan your visit to maximize your experience and explore the park’s wonders to the fullest.
References:
– National Park Service – Visitor Centers
– National Park Service – Passes
– My Olympic Park – Park Entrances