The Most Memorable Things To Do in Olympic National Park

If you are heading to Olympic National Park for the first time, the thought of all you can do can be overwhelming. Depending on what season you go, you can hike, swim, camp, fish, snowshoe and so much more. When I visited Olympic National Park for the first time, it was late spring and I only had a few short days, so I couldn’t do it all! Here are my thoughts on the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park. I would love to hear what you think after you visit!

Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is not short on hiking trails. They range from short distances to day long or weekend long hikes. Pick and choose which one fits your hiking preferences and explore! We chose to do the Hoh River Trail (just part of it, since it is 17.5 miles long, one way!) and the Hall of Mosses. Both trails were so vibrant lush with all shades of green I wondered if I was back in Ireland!

Hall of Mosses

The Hall of Mosses Trail is part of the Hoh Rain Forest and is 0.8 miles long. This is a quick beautiful walk through an actual rain forest! I couldn’t believe how tall the trees were and how green and luscious everything looked. Make sure to remember your raincoat. I never knew if it was actually raining or if I was just getting wet from the moisture filled air. When it was raining, I never got too drenched because the trees are a great umbrella for protection.

Girl hiking in the trees on the Hall of Mosses hike in Olympic National Park

Girl looking at trees in the Hall of Mosses

Hoh River Trail

The Hoh River Trail is also a part of the Hoh Rain Forest. This trail is 17.5 miles long one way! We only walked and explored a little ways and then turned around. It was just as beautiful as the Hall of Mosses, but a bit more strenuous. We went on a Saturday and still only saw one other couple on the trail. It’s very secluded and serene. It’s a great trail to get out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park Hoh River Trail girl hiking

The Coast at Olympic National Park

One of the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park for me was walking the coast at low tide. This could be because I love the ocean and the calm it brings my soul when I’m near the tide or it could be all the starfish we got to see! Make sure you check the time of low tide and go to Kalaloch Beach during this time. Just look at all we got to see!

Purple Starfish at Low Tide at Olympic National Park

Things to Do in Olympic National Park Orange Starfish at low tide at Olympic National Park

While you are here, see if you can find this tree that is basically just hanging in thin air. Some call it the ‘Tree of Life’ and some call it ‘Tree Root Cave’. Whatever it’s official name is, make sure to explore this area and underneath the tree. Technically, the tree shouldn’t be alive with its roots so exposed to the coastal weather, but hey, sometimes we just keep fighting!

Floating Tree in Olympic National Park Beach

Also, the walk down to the beaches (like the photo below on the left) at Olympic National Park are a site to see themselves! There is no shortage of beauty in this park, that is for sure.