Beaches, mountains, and rainforests… Oh my! The Olympic National Park is a great place to visit with kids, known for its wide variety of features, including the gorgeous coastline along the Pacific Ocean, its beautiful mountains with the perfect kid-friendly hikes to stunning waterfalls, and you can’t miss the Rainforest, home to some of Washington’s nature and wildlife. 

We took our kids to the Olympics in the summer of 2023, and we’re so excited to share with you the most epic things our kids enjoyed from our trip.

Before you go, here are some things you’ll need to know.

Where is the Olympic National Park?

You will find the Olympic National Park covering roughly ONE MILLION acres in the Pacific Northwest tucked in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

How to Get to Olympic National Park

If you’re flying in, SeaTac International Airport near Seattle is the closest airport. It would be ideal to rent a car and go up northwest for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Enjoy the scenic drive, and you’ll find lots of gems to see along the way. With the Olympic National Forrest being one million acres big, having your own transportation is ideal. We found ourselves in the car a bit, traveling from one destination to the next. 

If you’re traveling locally, you can take the Edmonds to Kingston ferry across the Puget Sound and drive up to Highway 101 to head towards Port Angeles. Another road trip would be to drive up 101 from Aberdeen, where you’ll have a scenic drive up the coast. Don’t miss stop number one on our 20 things to do with your kids at the Olympic National Park. It was the best road trip with the best views of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. 

Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

There is much to see at the Olympic National Park year-round, but we found that visiting in the late summer season gave us the ideal weather for our trip. It was warm enough that we enjoyed a dip in Lake Crescent between hikes and cool enough in the mountains while hiking that we could thoroughly enjoy ourselves without overheating. During the winter, make sure to check the website to see the weather conditions and see if any part of the park is closed. Although we didn’t fancy exploring the Olympics in the winter season, we did hear that they are well known for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To The Olympic National Park With Kids

Where to Stay

When planning your visit to the Olympic National Forrest, there is a wide variety of lodging options that fit your needs and budget. Here are a couple of popular towns to stay in:

Port Angeles– Located outside the northern entrance of the Olympic National Park. Port Angeles or PA as the locals call it, offers a large range of accommodations, dining options and outdoor activities. 

Forks– Best known as Bella’s hometown (where are my fellow Twilight fans?) Forks is a cute little touristy town that is close to the Hoh rainforest, rivers, and popular beaches. In Forks, you’ll find cozy little motels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and RV parks. 

Sequim– Positioned in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim typically has a sunnier climate and stunning landscapes. In Sequim, you can enjoy boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and RV parks while being close to the town’s lavender farms, Dungeness Spit, and local wineries.

Port Townsend– You’ll find Port Townsend on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Port Townsend is known for its Victorian architecture, art galleries, and maritime heritage. Here you can stay in historic inns, waterfront hotels, or charming vacation rentals while exploring the town’s eclectic shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

When we visited the Olympic National Park during the summer of 2023, we brought our RV and stayed at the Olympic Adventure Campground in Forks. Staying in Forks was the perfect middle point of the Olympic National Forest. It was about an hour to an hour and a half to travel south towards the HOH Rainforest and about an hour to two hours to travel north to Hurricane Ridge.

There are many options when booking your lodging at the Olympic National Park, and no matter your budget or travel needs, there is one option for you. 

What to Pack

Before you head out on your Olympic National Park adventure, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a checklist of items to consider:

Rain Jacket: You definitely need a solid rain jacket because in this temperate rainforests, you never know when the skies might open up.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially when you’re out there hiking and exploring.

Snacks: This one might be more for the kids than the adults, but if your kids are anything like mine, traveling with snacks is a must.

Hat: Don’t forget a good ol’ hat to shield you from both the sun and rain. Plus, it adds a bit of flair to your outdoor look.

Camera: Capture all those breathtaking views and candid moments along the way. You’ll want to remember this trip!

Layers: Dressing in layers is a must. The weather here can be as unpredictable as it gets, so be prepared for anything.

Bear Spray: Just in case you run into any furry friends out there, it’s smart to have some bear spray handy.

Bug Repellent: Bugs are a part of the package deal in these lush forests, so don’t forget the bug spray to keep those pesky critters at bay.

Backpack: Don’t forget a sturdy and comfortable backpack to carry the items you won’t be using right away. 

Proper Shoes: Last but not least, make sure you’ve got some comfy, supportive shoes for tackling those rugged trails. And hey, don’t forget a sturdy backpack to carry all this stuff!

Now you’re all set to hit the trails and explore the great Olympic National Park!

20 Epic Things to Do with Kids at the Olympic National Park

Are you ready for an adventure-packed family getaway to the Olympic National Park, yet still want to slow down and enjoy the moment with your kids? This list is for you!

Get your littles ready and head out to the Olympic National Park, but don’t forget to print this list of 20 fun things to do with your kids at the Olympic National Park.

1. Visit the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a skita spruce tree hanging on by a thread along the coastline of Washington State. Over the years, erosion from a stream falling behind the tree has washed away the dirt, land, and ground beneath it, leaving the roots of the tree completely exposed. When looking at the Tree of Life it appears to be floating above the cave, even allowing enough room to explore under the tree. When we visited in the summer of 2023, people had found flat rocks and wrote their name and year with a sharpie to be left under the tree. 

How to get to the tree of life:

There are a couple of ways to access the Tree of Life; you can park at the Kalaloch Lodge or Kalaloch Campground and walk a short distance to the tree. We were pulling our large 5th wheel and chose not to risk a small parking lot. We found a safe area to park along the 101 with direct beach access and a short walk along the beach to view the Tree of Life. 

2. Do Some Beachcombing

    While you’re at Kalaoch Beach viewing the Tree of Life, take your time enjoying all of its beauty and do some beachcombing. The views from Kalaoch Beach are stunning; the beach is filled with treasure, and there’s an overflowing amount of driftwood with forts ready for your little explorer.

Best beaches to Beachcomb:

• Kalaloch Beach
• Ruby Beach
• La Push Beach
• Rialto Beach

3. Visit a Rainforest

The Olympic Peninsula is known for its lush and beautiful rainforests. Making the time to explore one of the few remaining rainforests in the United States is a must for all families. There is so much to explore, from the towering trees with thick layers of moss and ferns to the wildlife that calls the Olympic National Forest home. 

The Four Rainforests to Explore in the Olympic Peninsula:

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is perhaps the most famous of the Olympic Peninsula’s rainforests. It is known for its exceptionally lush and verdant environment, characterized by towering trees draped in thick layers of moss and ferns. The Hoh River runs through the heart of the rainforest, nourishing the abundant vegetation.

Why It’s Special- The Hoh Rainforest receives some of the highest amounts of rainfall in North America (an average of 140 to 170 inches each year), creating a moist and temperate climate that supports the growth of massive trees, including Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir. Its unique ecosystem provides habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Quinault Rainforest

The Quinault Rainforest is located in the southwest corner of Olympic National Park and is known for its stunning old-growth forests, pristine rivers, and scenic beauty. The Quinault River flows through the rainforest, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation.

Why It’s Special: The Quinault Rainforest boasts some of the largest and oldest trees in the park, including the legendary Quinault Giant, a towering Douglas fir with a circumference of over 30 feet. The rainforest’s rich biodiversity and pristine wilderness make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Bogachiel Rainforest

The Bogachiel Rainforest is located in the northwest corner of Olympic National Park and is characterized by its dense vegetation, moss-covered trees, and tranquil streams. The Bogachiel River flows through the rainforest, providing a habitat for a variety of aquatic species.

Why It’s Special: The Bogachiel Rainforest offers visitors a chance to experience the solitude and serenity of a remote wilderness area. Its lush vegetation and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The rainforest is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl.

Queets Rainforest

 The Queets Rainforest is located in the western portion of Olympic National Park and is one of the least visited areas of the park, offering a pristine and untouched wilderness experience. The Queets River meanders through the rainforest, surrounded by towering trees and dense undergrowth.

 Why It’s Special: The Queets Rainforest is renowned for its remote and wild beauty, with vast expanses of old-growth forest stretching as far as the eye can see. Its remote location and rugged terrain make it a haven for wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Visitors to the Queets Rainforest can experience the awe-inspiring majesty of nature in its purest form.

4. Hike the Hall of Mosses

While you’re visiting the Hoh Rainforest, take time to explore the Hall of Mosses trail with your kids. This easy hike is approximately an 0.8-mile loop with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths suitable for all ages. Along the way, take in the beauty of the towering trees and flowing moss.

    Mom Tip: The parking lot at this location fills up quickly, and if you don’t get there early, you’ll be waiting for hours to get in. My best advice is to get there early to grab a parking spot and skip the long waiting line.

5. Visit the HOH Visitor Center

While you’re visiting the Hoh rainforest and exploring the Hall of Mosses trail, you’ll find yourself right by the Hoh visitor center. 

 My kids love stopping into National Park visitor centers. We are always greeted by workers who thoroughly enjoy answering my kid’s questions and showing them local artifacts left behind by animals to frequent the area. While you’re visiting the Hoh Visitor Center, you can get your National Park passport book stamped, grab a junior park ranger book, attend a ranger-led program, and get your Ocean Steward Badges. 

6. Get Sworn in as Junior Park Rangers

While you’re visiting the Hoh Visitor Center, take the time to grab a Junior Park Ranger booklet and help your kids complete the required pages for the Junior Ranger Program. There is something so special about our kids getting sworn in as Junior Park Rangers and watching them wear their badges proudly. 

Mom Tip: Most of these programs are completely free, and if your kiddo is struggling to fill out their pages, we have found that the workers are so helpful and encouraging to the kids.

7. Attend a Ranger-Led Program

When visiting popular visitor centers like the Hoh Visitor Center, you’ll find a list of times when the Ranger Lead Programs will be available. Make sure to check the National Park website to find the days and times of specific events. You will find ranger-led walks, talks, and campfire chats that are full of information and exciting facts your kids would love to know. 

8. Earn Ocean Steward Badges

Before you leave the visitor center, grab a booklet for your kiddo to earn their Ocean Steward Badges. They will also have to complete the required pages, but this time, they have the opportunity to learn about the cost and ocean ecosystems. 

9. Pack a Picnic to Enjoy at the Hoh River

When you come back down from the Hoh rainforest, there are several parking lots along the road, and after a long morning of exploring, hiking, and learning, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a packed lunch. Enjoy the beauty of the river while refueling yourselves and chatting about all the things you’ve seen and learned. 

10. Take a Stroll at Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Olympics and, hands down, the most stunning beach we’ve seen. This beach is best enjoyed at low tide with its lively tide pools and hole-in-the-wall, which are only accessible at low tide. We easily could have spent the entire day exploring and taking in the views had we packed enough snacks and water. Take your time exploring Rialto beach, as it has so much to offer with the sea stacks, tide pools, and the hole in the wall. 

11. Walk Through the Hole in the Wall

While visiting Rialto Beach, you must take the 1.5 one-way mile trek up the beach to visit the hole in the wall. This stunning land formation is only accessible at low tide, so make sure you check the tide charts and wear your comfy shoes. Not only is it quiet a walk from the parking lot, you’ll also be walking atop rocks and around tide pools. 

Mom tip: Don’t be like me and show up to Rialto beach to walk to the hole in the wall and realize it’s a 3-mile round trip walk on the beach. With that being said, make sure you pack enough water and food. My kids got hangry on this trip. 

12. Explore Tide Pools 

When you’re walking up to the hole in the wall, there are several tide pools to be spotted. You’ll find some of our marine wildlife, like starfish, sea anemones, and so much more. Take the time to explore the ocean tide pools and wildlife carefully.

Best Beaches for Tide Pools:

• Shi Shi Beach
• Second Beach
• Rialto Beach
• Kalaloch Beach

13. Waterfall Viewing

Go for an early morning hike to Sol Duc Falls and enjoy watching the sun peak through the trees over the falls. The hike is a short 1.6-mile round-trip walk with stunning views as the sun peaks through the trees.

Best Waterfalls to View With Kids:

• Marymere Falls, 1.8 miles roundtrip
• Madison Falls, 0.2 miles roundtrip
• Sol Duc Falls, 1.6 miles roundtrip

14. Take a swim in Lake Crescent

On your way back down from Sol Duc Falls, stop at Lake Crescent for a picnic and swim. Lake Crescent is known for its gorgeous blue waters and stunning views; you must take some time to stop here for a swim. Especially if you’re visiting in the late summer when the temperatures are warm. We found parking at Fairholme Parking Lot, and a short walk gave us access to a small beach we could sit and take in the views. My kids and husband enjoyed jumping off the docks and going for a swim. 

15. Visit the Makah Cultural and Research Center

After visiting Lake Crescent for some lunch and a swim, take a drive out to the Makah cultural and research center to learn more about Washington’s Makah Tribe and culture.

16. Visit the Edge of the Continental United States

After Visiting Makah Cultural Museum, make sure to grab a permit and start your 5-mile drive up the mountain to visit Cape Flattery. Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. This trail is roughly 1.5 miles round trip and does have an incline of roughly 200 ft of elevation gain on the way back, but I promise the views are worth it. I wish we had taken more time to take in the scenery and the beauty that is offered at Cape Flattery. Pack some snacks and water, sit along the trail at one of the picnic benches, and enjoy the views and the sounds. You won’t regret this stop on your adventures. 

    Mom tip: The drive out to the Makah reservation and Cape Flattery is a long windy road. Take precautions for car sickness. 

17. Visit the Forks Timber Museum 

If you find yourself traveling through Forks, then you should stop by the Timber Museum, where you can learn the history behind logging and the tools of the trade. This was a refreshing stop between adventures that allowed us to stretch our legs and learn a little more about our history. And if you happen to be a Twilight fan like this mama, you’ll find Bella’s truck out front that you can visit and get a selfie with. 

18. Take a Twilight Tour through Forks, WA

My kids don’t have a clue about Twilight or the story, but when we planned our trip to the Olympics, I knew that I was going to geek out and release my inner Twilight fan. We enjoyed touring Forks and stopping at the Cullen home, Bella Swans’s home, and visiting the Treaty line on our way back from Rialto Beach. Once you’ve completed the tour, take a stroll through the town of Forks and enjoy the stores. All the businesses and shops will support your inner Twilight fan, and the kids get a kick out of the stores, too. This one might be more for the moms, but my kids still enjoyed the adventure. 

19. Hike Hurricane Ridge

Take a drive up Hurricane Ridge and explore Mt Olympis and all its beauty. You can take the Sunrise View trail to a lookout point; the trail is roughly a 0.9-mile loop that is perfect for young kids to enjoy nature. 

Mom tip: When we visited in the Summer of 2023, Hurricane Ridge was only allowing a specific number of cars up this road a day. Make sure to check the details and get up Hurricane Ridge early. 

20. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

You might have picked up on this already, but we’re gonna say it once more. WE LOVE visiting visitor centers. There is so much to learn, and this is the perfect opportunity to become a junior park ranger if you haven’t already done so. 

My husband and I have lived in Washington State almost our entire lives and can’t believe we have never been to the Olympic National Park before this trip. Don’t be like us and take so long to get there. This was an adventure of a lifetime, and we were so glad we were able to share it with our kids and now with you. We hope you enjoyed this post and encourage you to tag us in your next adventure to the Olympic National Park.