Olympic National Park Live Webcams

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Introduction

Olympic National Park, located in the State of Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. The park boasts four distinct regions: the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the west-side temperate rainforest, and the forests of the drier east side. It's home to three distinct ecosystems, including subalpine forest and wildflower meadow, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific coast.  The park is  an impressive 922,650 acres (3,733 square km).

The park's lands have been inhabited by eight contemporary tribes of the Olympic Peninsula, the Makah, Quileute, Hoh, Quinault, Skokomish, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Jamestown S'Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam. Since the 1880s, the Olympic Peninsula's unique environment has attracted visitors and naturalists. Prominent figures like John Muir and Lieutenant Joseph O'Neil were among the first to propose the creation of a national park in the area.

In 1897, the area was designated as Olympic Forest Reserve by President Grover Cleveland. Later, in 1909, President Teddy Roosevelt established Mount Olympus National Monument to protect the Roosevelt Elk.  After President Franklin Roosevelt's visit in 1937, Olympic National Park was officially established the following year, in 1938.

The park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage Site in 1981, recognizing its global ecological significance.

For more on the park, visit the Wikipedia website.

Hiking

Olympic National Park is very large and is broken down into four zones; Temperate Rain Forest, Mountain, Lowland Forest and Coastal.  Below are our five best day hikes in Olympic National Park.  Please see the complete list of hikes at the NPS website.  Also, remember at higher elevations the weather can turn quickly.  Bring layers and check with a ranger before starting a long hike. 

The Hurricane Ridge Trail to Hurricane Hill is one of the most scenic hikes in Olympic National Park, offering panoramic views of the park's diverse landscapes. The round-trip distance is approximately 3.2 miles (5.15 km) with an elevation gain of about 700 feet (213 m). The trailhead is located at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, located at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road. The trail is well-maintained and paved, providing a relatively easy walk up to the summit of Hurricane Hill. Along the way, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and on clear days, even Vancouver Island. It's not uncommon to spot wildlife, including mountain goats and a variety of birds. The trail is usually free of snow from July through September, making it an ideal time for hiking.

The Sunrise Ridge via the Sunrise Point Trail in Olympic National Park is a great hike that offers stunning views and a chance to experience the park's natural beauty. The trail is an extension of the High Ridge trail, which starts near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. It's a rolling trail that takes you through beautiful meadows and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail to Sunrise Ridge is approximately 5.5 miles (8.85 km) out-and-back, starting from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The trail begins at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, which is about 45 minutes south of Port Angeles, Washington. As you hike, you'll encounter subalpine fir trees, wildflower meadows, and possibly wildlife. The views stretch across the Olympic Mountains and, on clear days, to the Cascades and Vancouver Island.

The Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles is a challenging yet rewarding hike in Olympic National Park that offers stunning panoramic views. The round-trip distance is 6.25 miles (10 km), including the short spur trail to Sunrise Point. The total elevation gain is 2,550 feet (777 m), with the majority of the elevation gain occurring on the hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center to the peak of Mount Angeles. The peak of Mount Angeles reaches 6,450 feet (1,966 m). The final part of the hike is rock scramble up to the peak. The trail starts next to the parking lot for the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. To get there, drive Hurricane Ridge Road to the very end.

Marymere Falls is a stunning feature of Olympic National Park, known for its picturesque setting and accessibility. Marymere Falls was named in honor of Mary Alice Barnes, sister of Charles Barnes, a member of the Press Expedition and homesteader along the shores of Lake Crescent. It's a great family-friendly outing and a must-see for anyone visiting the park. The trail offers views of old-growth giants and river scenery. The falls themselves are a 90-foot-high cascade through a notch in the cliff, creating a beautiful horsetail waterfall. The trail to Marymere Falls is a well-maintained, 0.9-mile dirt path that takes you through an old-growth lowland forest, featuring species such as fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder trees. It includes crossing two wooden bridges. The roundtrip hike is approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and has an elevation gain of about 500 feet (152 m). Trailhead begins at the Storm King Ranger Station, located on the shores of Lake Crescent.

The Mount Storm King hike is a challenging and rewarding trail in Olympic National Park, known for its steep ascent and spectacular views. The hike begins with a pleasant flat walk before transitioning into a steep climb through the forest. As you ascend, you'll encounter a series of ropes to assist with the steeper sections near the summit. The reward for your efforts is a breathtaking view of Lake Crescent from the top. The hike is 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip with a total elevation gain is 2,100 feet (640 m), starting from an elevation of 700 feet (213 m) and reaching up to 2,700 feet (823 m) at the peak. The trail starts at the parking lot on Highway 101 next to the Storm King Ranger Station.

Backpacking

Here are our top three backpacking trips in the park.  You will need both overnight permits (recreation.gov) and camping reservations. Remember to store all food, garbage, and scented items in park-approved bear canisters.

The Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is a challenging hike takes you through lush rainforests, past old-growth trees dripping with moss, and ends with a stunning view of the Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus. The roundtrip length of the trail is 37 miles (59.5 km). The trail gains around 3,700 feet (1,128 m) in elevation. The highest point on the trail is at 4,300 feet (1,310 m).

The High Divide / Sol Duc Loop trail offers a mix of old-growth forest, subalpine meadow, and montane forest environments. It's a moderate to steep trek that provides opportunities to see Mount Olympus, various lakes, and potentially wildlife like elk and bears. The loop is approximately 18.2 miles (29.3 km) with an elevation gain for the hike is around 3,050 feet (930 m).

Enchanted Valley / Anderson Pass / O’Neill Pass Loop trail is not for the faint hearted.  The trail is 49 miles long (79 km), with a total elevation gain of 10,124 feet (3,086 m).  The trail offers spectacular views of the park.

Camping

There are seven reservable campgrounds and seven first-come, first-served campgrounds within the park.  More information on RVs and reservations can be made at recreation.gov.  Also visit the NPS Site for more camping information.  Due to snow, campgrounds can be closed, please check the status of the campground beforehand.

The campsites below can be reserved during the peak season, which is May thru September.  Otherwise the campsites are first-come, first-served.

Fairholme Campground is located on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula next to Lake Crescent. The campground offers a mix of walk-in lakefront sites and drive-in sites with views of Lake Crescent. Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Hoh Rain Forest Campground is situated in the Hoh Rain Forest area. It earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River, which carves its way from Mount Olympus toward the Pacific Coast. The exact origin of the name "Hoh" remains a mystery, with various theories suggesting it could mean "fast-moving water," "snow water," or even "man with quarreling wives". The campground offers 88 sites located in the old-growth forest along the Hoh River. These sites accommodate both tents and RVs up to 21 feet (6.5 m).  Some riverside campsites provide scenic views along the Hoh River. The Hoh River Trail is close by. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Kalaloch Campground is our favorite campground along the coast. There are pit toilets, limited parking, and no direct beach access.  There are 170 campsites with incredible ocean views.  Most sites can accommodate RVs to 21 feet (6.5 m) and a few up to 35 feet (10.5 m).  This campground is close to Ruby Beach. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Mora Campground is located old-growth forest along the Quillayute River, close to Rialto Beach.  The campground has 94 sites and can accommodate RVs to 21 feet (6.5 m) and a few up to 35 feet (10.5 m).  Pit toilets, RV dump, flush toilets and drinking water are available.  Rialto Beach and second beach are close by.  In addition, the Hole in the Wall is close by. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Sol Duc Campground is located old-growth forest along the Sol Duc River.  There are 82 campsites sand can accommodate RVs to 21 feet (6.5 m) and a few up to 35 feet (10.5 m).  The campground is close to Sol Duc Hot Springs.  More information on the hot springs is available at the NPS Site. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Staircase Campground is in the southeastern corner of the park.  The campground has 49 sites along the North Fork of the Skokomish River.  The access road is unpaved.  Pit Toilets are available. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.

Log Cabin Resort RV & Camground  is the only full serve campground in the park.  It has 5 tent sites and 32 RV campsites with electricity and water.  The campground is located on Lake Cresent.  Reservations can be made by calling 888-896-3818.

First-Come, First-Served Campsites

Deer Park Campground is 5,400 feet (1,645 m) above sea level and has 14 campsites.  The last 9 miles (14.5 km) is unpaved, narrow and steep.  Not recommended for RVs or trailers.  The mountain views from the campground are incredible. Fire pits, picnic tables are available.

Graves Creek Campground is located at the south end of the park.  There are 30 sites at the campground.  This is a tent-only campground.  The campground is along the shore of the Quinault River and has abundant wildlife.

Heart O' the Hills Campground is 15 minutes from Port Angeles on the northern part of the park on the road to Hurricane Ridge Road South.  There are 105 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet (10.5 m).  Fire pits, picnic tables and pit toilets are available.

North Fork Quinault Campground is the smallest campground in the park.  May not be suitable for RVs or trailers due to the gravel road.  The campground is located on the banks of the Quinault River.

Ozette Campground is next to Lake Ozette and just three miles from the Pacific Ocean.  There are 15 sites in the campground.  Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 21 feet (6.5 m).

Queets Campground has 20 campsites and is not suitable for RVs.  The campground is very secluded and sits between the Queets and Sam’s Rivers.

South Beach Campground is located in the Kalaloch Area of the park.  It has 55 sites and can accommodate RVs to 35 feet (10.5 m).   There are beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and pristine beaches.

Lodges

Olympic National Park offers a variety of lodges and accommodations for visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area. Each has there own charm and are spread out over the park.

Lake Crescent Lodge, originally known as Singer's Lake Crescent Tavern, is a historic resort nestled on the shores of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, just west of Port Angeles, Washington.  In 1914, Avery and Julia Singer constructed a small hotel and cottages at Barnes Point along the Lake Crescent shoreline. The establishment, known as Singer's Tavern, opened its doors in 1915. The original Tavern featured seven lodge rooms, five of which are still in use today, along with a series of charming cottages. The Singers invested nearly $50,000 in constructing and furnishing the hotel. The main living room boasted a large stone fireplace and opened onto a porch overlooking the serene lake. In 1927, the Singers sold the property to the Seattle Trust Company, which subsequently transferred ownership to Walter and Bessie Bovee.

The lodge, now owned by the National Park Service and operated by Aramark, continues to enchant visitors.  It opens seasonally from early May until the end of January, with select cabins available during winter months.  Notable hiking trails include Marymere Falls, Spruce Railroad, and Barnes Creek Trails.

Kalaloch Lodge is situated on the pristine Pacific coast within Olympic National Park, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and history. In the 1920s, Charles W. Becker Sr. purchased 40 acres of land where Kalaloch Lodge now stands. Becker constructed his retreat using driftwood collected from the beach, which he milled into lumber. The original lodge and cabins emerged from these weathered pieces of driftwood. The highway connecting to Kalaloch wasn't completed until 1931, making the journey to this remote corner of the world quite challenging for early guests.

In 1953, the Main Lodge was built, adding to the lodge's charm and in 1978, the entire property was sold to the National Park Service. Today, Kalaloch Lodge is run by Delaware North Companies.

The lodge offers charming rooms in the Main Lodge, cozy cabins, and hotel-style rooms in nearby Seacrest House. The lodge features an acclaimed restaurant and a standalone store for food, firewood, and other necessities.

Lake Quinault Lodge, a historic gem nestled on the southeast shore of Lake Quinault.  Constructed in 1926, the lodge was envisioned by Seattle architect Robert Reamer. Reamer, known for his work at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, designed Lake Quinault Lodge in a rustic style that harmonized with its woodland surroundings.

Prior to the current lodge, a two-story wood-frame structure occupied the same site. Built by Jack Ewell, it changed hands over the years, from the Higley family to the Olsons and eventually the Seaman family. Tragically, the original hotel succumbed to fire on August 24, 1924.

Lumberman Ralph Emerson of Hoquiam stepped in to fund the replacement lodge. The initial stage was a modest 1.5-story structure, which still stands today as the annex (restored in 2007). The lodge's popularity demanded expansion, leading to the creation of a new, more elaborate building. Work commenced on June 9, 1926, and remarkably, the lodge was complete just fifty-three days later on August 18, 1926. Reamer's expertise in designing hotels within natural settings ensured Lake Quinault Lodge's timeless appeal.

The lodge changed hands over time, with Emerson selling it in 1939. During World War II, the lodge closed temporarily. After the war, the Walker family operated it until 1988, when it was purchased by the Aramark corporation.

 The roughly V-shaped main lodge centers around a lobby with a masonry fireplace, offering stunning views of the lake. Dormers and a cupola accentuate the steep roof, while cedar shingles clad the 2.5-story wood-frame structure. Expansive windows frame the lobby, inviting nature indoors.

Log Cabin Resort was established in 1895 at the same location where it stands today. The resort proudly embraces its family-oriented ethos, welcoming generations of visitors seeking relaxation and adventure. The rustic cabins are nestled amidst towering old-growth cedars and firs, evoking memories of summer camps and lakeside retreats.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, nestled within the majestic Olympic National Park, has a rich history that intertwines with the natural wonders of the region. In the late 1800s, settlers discovered the hot springs in the area and named them "Sol Duc", a mispronunciation of the Quileute word for "sparkling waters". The first hotel at Sol Duc was built in 1912, but unfortunately, it burned down in 1916. Undeterred by the fire, the resort was rebuilt on a more modest scale in the 1920s. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the resort underwent a complete transformation, resulting in the appearance we see today.

The Quileute Oceanside Resort, located on the scenic Pacific Ocean shores of La Push, near the town of Forks, is a captivating destination rich in history and tradition. The resort is owned by the Quileute Tribe who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. The resort stands on the mile-long First Beach, inviting visitors to experience the tribe's remarkable territory.  Their location provides two of the webcams on this page.

The Quileute Oceanside Resort offers a variety of accommodations, from deluxe oceanfront cabins to full-service RV campsites.