Olympic National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Located in Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center features: park information an NPS gift/bookshop a park film, and exhibits about Olympic's natural and cultural history There is also a hands-on Discovery Room for kids. Outside, there are two short nature trails and restroom buildings. Rangers and volunteers can answer questions about hiking trails, road conditions, and tide charts.

   15 min

2. This lovely stroll through an old-growth forest begins in the Heart O' the Hills campground, Loop E. There is parking by the amphitheater. Although the trail is over 4 miles roundtrip, you can see a lot in just the first mile. Keep your eyes open for Olympic's hidden treasures like banana slugs, rough-skinned newts and Pacific tree frogs.

   1 h

3. Stop at this overlook for a sweeping view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, you can see across the strait to Victoria, Canada, and even as far as the Cascades Mountains. Interpretive signs at the overlook point out the landmarks.

   5 min

4. Hurricane Ridge features spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the most popular destinations at the park. Gaze at majestic snow-capped peaks, walk through sub-alpine meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, hike one of the popular trails and spot wildlife like the endemic Olympic marmot. Meadow Loop Trails: You can access these easy paved trails from the visitor center parking lot. Hurricane Hill Trail: The trailhead for this moderate 3-mile hike is about 1.5 miles past the visitor center. There is parking at the trailhead with overflow parking below in the picnic areas.

   1 h

5. Madison Falls is a lovely 45-foot cascade. This hidden gem is only a short distance from the highway and a short walk from the parking area. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful setting. Then before heading back to your car, check out the beautiful Elwha River nearby. This river is slowly returning to its natural state after the removal of two dams. Also nearby is the Sweet Family Homestead where the National Park grazes its pack animals. These horses and donkeys help pack supplies for trail maintenance.

   15 min

6. Lake Crescent is Washington's second deepest lake and one of the most pristine. Because the water is so clear, you can see as far down as 70 feet! And when the light hits it just right, Lake Crescent glows like a saffire. The Log Cabin Resort on the east shore and the Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore offer lodging, boating, hiking and swimming. The Fairholme Campground on the west shore features a store and popular campground and beach.

   1 h

7. The trailhead for the popular Marymere Falls hike is located near the shore of Lake Crescent. Less than two miles roundtrip, this moderately-easy trail meanders through a lush, old-growth forest. Park near Lake Crescent Lodge where you can pick up a trail map before heading out. From the lodge, the trail follows Barnes Creek, crosses Highway 101, then continues upstream through a canopy of towering evergreens and maples. You'll cross several picturesque log bridges on your way to this beautiful 90-foot cascade. There are two viewing platforms.

   1 h

8. The Sol Duc River is a busy highway for different fish species including Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead trout. The lookout at Salmon Cascades is the perfect place to watch migrating salmon leap up the cascades on their way upriver to spawn. Even if the salmon aren't jumping, the view of the river is lovely and just a short walk from the parking area. Interpretive signs tell the dramatic and inspiring story of the life of the salmon.

   15 min

9. The Ancient Groves Trail is an easy, half-mile loop through a dense, old-growth forest carpeted with thick moss and ferns. The trail offers glimpses of the Sol Duc River canyon below.

   15 min

10. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features a freshwater pool and three mineral pools fed by natural hot springs. Visitors are welcome to dine at the Springs Restaurant or relax in the pools. Paid reservations are required for the hour-and-a-half soaking sessions and are first-come, first-served.

    1 h

11. Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park! The moderately easy 1.6-mile trail begins at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds through a lovely old-growth forest, past creeks and over wooden bridges. The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Sol Duc Falls! This stunning waterfall features three separate cascades that plunge dramatically over the cliff. There are viewing platforms across from and above the waterfall offering spectacular photo opportunities.

    45 min

12. Second Beach at La Push features tide pools, dramatic sea stacks and a flat, sandy beach. The 2-mile round-trip trail to this stunning coastal beach meanders through a lovely forest with plenty of ferns, moss and nurse logs--fallen and decaying logs which support new life. The hike is relatively easy on the way down but does require a bit of a climb coming back. If the main parking lot is full, there is overflow parking in a gravel lot just up the hill.

    1 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 13 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Port Angeles

• Its from-price is 91% below the median of the 16 experiences we list in Port Angeles.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 8 of 16.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a harbour town on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the gateway to Olympic National Park, with a ferry across the strait to Victoria.

Port Angeles sits on the Strait of Juan de Fuca beneath the Olympic Mountains, with a working harbour, a waterfront promenade and a compact downtown. Ediz Hook, a long sand spit, curves out to shelter the harbour, and a ferry crosses the strait to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, which can be seen across the water on clear days.

See all 16 experiences in Port Angeles