Did you know you can stay in a lodge or cabin near the entrance to Olympic National Park in Washington State? Keep scrolling for my full review of Kalaloch Lodge to see if it’s right for your family!
This Kalaloch Lodge review was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I feel really lucky to live in Washington State because we’ve got several amazing national parks that make great weekend getaways in the Pacific Northwest.
Since summer is such a lovely time to explore the state, I took my 10-year-old son over to Olympic National Park to soak in a bit of nature before school started.
We stayed in a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, and I figured I’d write up a review to help other families decide whether or not they wanted to stay there.
Where is Kalaloch Lodge?
Kalaloch Lodge is in Olympic National Park about 3-1/2 hours from Seattle. The address is 157151 US-101, Forks, WA 98331.
It’s located about 10 minutes from Ruby Beach and about an hour and 10 minutes from Hoh Rainforest. I want to point out that you do NOT need to pay for park entrance to stay at Kalaloch Lodge.
Lodge vs Cabin
What’s cool about Kalaloch Lodge is that they have a bunch of rooms that are inside the main lodge but they also have a bunch of cabins just a few steps away.
I honestly had a hard time deciding whether to stay in the lodge or a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge. Staying inside the lodge would make it more convenient to go downstairs to the restaurant and there was wifi available.
But staying in a cabin offers much more space to spread out. Check the latest rates and availability.
Earlier this summer, the National Park Service demolished 7 of the cabins because they were too close to the edge of the bluff. But there are still plenty of cabins left that are much further from the edge. That’s where we stayed.
Looking back, I think we made the right choice because we were closer to the beach and we were able to park right in front of our cabin. And I didn’t worry about listening to neighbors (or having neighbors complain if we were noisy).
What Was Our Kalaloch Lodge Cabin Like?
Our cabin was super cute! We were in Cabin 27 and it had a bed in the main area as well as a separate bedroom. It was nice to have 2 areas so my son and I could get a little space from each other.
I took the bed in the main area and there was a couch that looked like it would convert into a futon bed. We ended up putting all our stuff there so it would be off the floor.
There was a small kitchenette that had a 2 burner stove, a microwave, a mini-fridge (with a little freezer), as well as pots, pans, dishes, and silverware.
There was also a tall dining table with 4 chairs. It was the perfect size for breakfast and dinners (plus we were able to play cards and put together a puzzle on it).
Our cabin also had a wood stove but there was a fire ban while we were there (which can be common during late summer) so we didn’t test it out.
The bathroom was pretty tiny and bare bones, but it had a quiet toilet, a decent shower, and a sink. Plus there were a few hooks to hang up towels or wet clothing.
I also want to mention that there was plenty of parking in front of all the cabins. And there were outdoor chairs set up so people could sit and look at the beach.
Why Families LOVE Kalaloch Lodge
Families like to stay at Kalaloch Lodge when they visit the Olympic National Park for many reasons.
Creekside Restaurant
This is the restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus they have a bar. Having an on-site restaurant is really helpful for families who want an option for meals.
Their menu isn’t super large but they have a variety of surf and turf options. They also have a kids menu with a good assortment of options.
We ate dinner here on our first night, and it was really nice to enjoy hot food on a chilly, rainy night. The clam chowder and steamers warmed me up. My son had the burger and fries, which he said were “okay.”
We almost ate breakfast here on our last morning, but the menu didn’t wow us.
Kalaloch Mercantile (Convenience Store)
This was probably our favorite place to grab food! The store is in a separate building from the main lodge.
Each morning, there was a steady line of people grabbing stuff from the coffee bar. They had an array of fancy coffee drinks as well as chai tea, hot cocoa, and other beverages.
We also picked up grab-and-go sandwiches, chips, donuts, drinks, and other things. They even had a s’mores kit!
It was also an easy place to pick up Olympic National Park hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other souvenirs.
Kalaloch Beach
There’s a nice staircase that goes straight from the cabins to the beach. This was easier to get to than Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach (for kids who don’t like to walk) and we thought the beach was pretty good!
We noticed a TON of seagulls camped out there during our stay and guests would run up and make them fly around. It was a lot to take in and I’m not sure they are always there but we definitely saw more birds at Kalaloch Beach than any other beach we visited.
Was There Anything We Didn’t Like?
I knew when I booked our cabin that we wouldn’t have wifi (the main lodge has it). I meant to download some movies or TV shows before the trip but I completely forgot and it felt like a total mom fail.
What I didn’t count on was the spotty cell service in addition to no wifi. Had I realized that, I probably would have done a bit more research for the trip so I wouldn’t need to look stuff up in the cabin.
Our cabin also didn’t have a hair dryer, but I think it was supposed to since I found an empty hair dryer bag in the bathroom. I probably could have asked someone at reception to locate a hair dryer for me, but it was just annoying.
Finally, the heater was really loud every time it switched on. The thermostat was set at 69 degrees but we bumped it up to 72 degrees and it clicked on every 10-15 minutes and it was noticeably loud. It happened so much the first night that I bumped the heat back down so we could sleep.
What Sets Kalaloch Lodge Apart from Other Places to Stay Near Olympic National Park?
Kalaloch Lodge is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views and easy access to the beach. Kalaloch Lodge is the only coastal lodging in Olympic National Park. This is a major perk compared to places that are located inland.
It’s also only about an hour’s drive to the Hoh Rainforest as well as Rialto Beach and Lake Quinault. And Ruby Beach is just a 10-minute drive.
How to Book Your Stay at Kalaloch Lodge
It’s really easy to book at stay at Kalaloch Lodge. I suggest checking rates through Hotels.com as well as Expedia and then comparing them to the Kalaloch Lodge website.
Things to do at Olympic National Park with Kids
There are tons of things to do at Olympic National Park with kids, depending on their interests.
My son really enjoyed the short hikes in the Hoh Rainforest, walking along Rialto Beach to see the Hole-in-the-Wall, stacking rocks at Ruby Beach, walking around Forks, and checking out John’s Beachcombing Museum.
If your kids are into it, you might consider watching one (or all) of the Twilight movies so they will get some of the references you’ll see around Forks.
FAQ about Lodging Near Olympic National Park
What are the best family-friendly lodging options near Olympic National Park?
Kalaloch Lodge is highly recommended for families due to its breathtaking location and comfortable accommodations. It’s situated right by the ocean, offering easy access to the beach and other natural attractions.
Lake Quinault Lodge provides a more secluded experience on the park’s southwest edge, close to the rainforest. This historic lodge offers a range of activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Lake Crescent Lodge offers various accommodations, including lakeside chalets and rustic cabins, ideal for families wanting to stay close to nature.
Are there budget-friendly accommodations near Olympic National Park?
Yes, families can find more budget-conscious options such as the Juan de Fuca Cottages, Olympic Lodge by Ayres, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites North Sequim. These provide comfortable stays at more affordable prices and are popular among families.
Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?
Yes, it is strongly encouraged to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel months (July and August) when rooms can fill up quickly. This ensures you have a secured place to stay and often better rates.
Can families camp in or near Olympic National Park?
Yes, there are numerous camping options both in and near Olympic National Park. The Lyre River Campground is one such option where families can camp at a low cost, especially if they have a Discover Pass.
Kalaloch Lodge Review Wrap-Up
I hope my review of Kalaloch Lodge helps you decide if it’s where you’d like to stay at Olympic National Park with kids.
We really liked our cabin and the proximity to the Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and Forks. It was also only about an hour from Seabrook, so it was easy to swing by there on our way back to Seattle.
Looking for more PNW getaways? Check out our posts about Mt. Rainier in Summer, Semiahmoo Resort & Spa, Winthrop Washington, and Alderbrook Resort & Spa!
