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Planning Your First Family Visit to Olympic National Park? Read This First!

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Planning a trip to Olympic National Park with kids but aren’t sure where to start? Keep scrolling to check out my personal tips from our recent trip to Olympic National Park!
This kid-friendly guide to Olympic National Park in Washington State 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.

Are you thinking about taking your family on an adventure to Olympic National Park? That’s a fantastic choice!

I just got back from a 3-day trip to Olympic National Park with my 10-year-old and we had a BLAST!

With its stunning mountains, lush rainforests, and breathtaking coastlines, this national treasure is perfect for families looking to explore the great outdoors.

However, venturing into such a diverse and vast park can seem daunting at first, especially for parents planning their first trip. The park is MASSIVE!

Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered with some essential tips to help make your visit smooth, enjoyable, and memorable for the whole family.

Image of Marcie Cheung at Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is SO pretty! Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

My Top 9 Olympic National Park Tips for Families

1. Know the Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Olympic National Park can vary depending on what you want to see and do.

Summer (July to August) offers warm temperatures and the best chance for sunny days, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the beaches. However, it’s also the busiest time.

We went in August and the only saving grace was that the weather was dreary and I think it kept a lot of families indoors. But Rialto Beach was PACKED at 9 a.m., and the Hoh National Rainforest packing lot was completely full by 9:30 a.m.

For fewer crowds and still decent weather, consider visiting in late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October). These seasons offer beautiful blooming or changing colors, and wildlife is often more visible.

2. Choose Kid-Friendly Activities

Olympic National Park is super sprawling, so focusing on kid-friendly spots can help keep the trip enjoyable for everyone. You might also want to bring sand toys and walking sticks.

Hoh Rain Forest

Take the easy Hall of Mosses Trail, a short loop that feels like walking through a fairy tale. It’s manageable for little legs and offers plenty to spark kids’ imaginations with its towering trees and lush greenery.

Image of a boy hiking in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
We were glad to have rain gear! Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

There’s also the Spruce Nature Trail that is short and pretty kid-friendly.

Rialto Beach

Perfect for a family beach day, Rialto Beach offers tide pools, driftwood, and sea stacks. It’s an excellent place for kids to explore marine life and run freely.

This is also where you’ll find the Hole-in-the-Wall which you can walk through when the tide is out.

Hurricane Ridge

Accessible by car, this area provides breathtaking mountain views and several easy trails. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Canada!

3. Pack Appropriately

The weather in Olympic National Park can be unpredictable, with changes happening quickly, especially in higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge. Dressing in layers is key.

Image of Marcie Cheung in the Olympic National Park next to a tree
Here’s what I wore most days in Olympic National Park. Photo credit: Owen Cheung

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Waterproof jackets and pants
  • Ball cap (this helps a lot if you wear glasses)
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Warm hats and gloves (even in summer, it can be chilly in the morning)
  • Sunscreen and hats for sunny days
  • Plenty of snacks and water

I wore wool leggings, hiking boots, a thick sweatshirt and a rain jacket every day. It worked out really well for all our outdoor adventures.

Don’t forget a first aid kit—better safe than sorry, especially with kids in tow!

4. Stay Safe and Respect Wildlife

Olympic National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and cougars. We saw a sea otter on the beach and it was really cool!

While it’s exciting to see animals in their natural habitat, safety is really important. Here are my tips:

  • Always view wildlife from a distance.
  • Never feed the animals.
  • Keep food items in bear-proof containers when camping.
  • Stick to marked trails to preserve both your safety and the natural environment.

5. Consider Where to Stay

Deciding where to stay when visiting Olympic National Park depends on how much of the park you want to see since it’s spread out over several different ecosystems.

Image of Cabin 27 at Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park
Here’s our cabin at Kalaloch Lodge. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

Personally, I suggest figuring out what you’d like to do/see in Olympic National Park first, then see where to stay that are nearby. You might even want to do a split stay to minimize long drive times.

Here are a few family-friendly options:

Olympic National Park Lodges

Kalaloch Lodge (which is where we stayed and you can read my full review) and Lake Crescent Lodge (where I’d like to stay in the future) offer comfortable accommodations with beautiful views. I’ve also heard great things about Lake Quinault Lodge for families.

Campgrounds in Olympic National Park

For a more rugged experience, consider campgrounds like Sol Duc or Mora. These have basic amenities and are great for older children. Or Kalaloch Campground is really close to Kalaloch Lodge, which can be convenient.

Nearby Towns

Staying in Port Angeles or Forks can be convenient for accessing different parts of the park while still having access to restaurants and shops.

6. Plan for Transportation

The park is large, and driving between different areas can take longer than expected. Plan your itinerary to minimize long drives:

  • Choose a few key areas to explore rather than trying to see everything.
  • Consider the park’s shuttle service during the busy summer months, which can save you from parking hassles. Here’s info on the Hurricane Ridge shuttle.
  • Always have a full tank of gas before entering the park as there are no gas stations within its boundaries.

7. Engage Your Kids with Educational Opportunities

Be sure to get your kids involved in the Junior Ranger Program the park offers (if they are interested). This program provides educational materials and activities that teach kids about the park’s environment, encouraging them to become protectors of our natural heritage.

Completing the program earns them a Junior Ranger badge—a fun and memorable reward for their efforts!

8. Be Aware of Spotty Cell Service

I’m not usually in areas with low/no cell service, so I got a little nervous about driving around in case my GPS on my phone went out.

I suggest downloading any directions you need just in case. You can also use your car’s GPS (if you have one) because it uses satellites and doesn’t need cell service.

Along the same lines, check to see if where you’re staying has wifi. If not, be sure to download any movies/TV shows for your family to watch during your downtime.

9. Capture Memories

Finally, don’t forget to take pics! Olympic National Park offers some of the most spectacular landscapes that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Image of Marcie Cheung and her son at Olympic National Park
We snapped a quick selfie before hiking down to Ruby Beach. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

Whether it’s a family photo in front of the massive trees in the Hoh Rain Forest or your little ones playing on the driftwood at Rialto Beach, these are moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Olympic National Park FAQs

What are the best kid-friendly activities in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park offers many activities that kids will love. Hiking the shorter trails like the Hall of Mosses in Hoh Rain Forest is great for young explorers. Beaches like Rialto Beach offer tide pools and space to play in the sand. Lake Crescent is perfect for a day of swimming or kayaking in calmer waters.

Where should we stay when visiting Olympic National Park?

There are several options depending on your family’s preferences. Inside the park, you can stay at places like Lake Crescent Lodge or the cabins at Sol Duc Hot Springs. These offer easy access to hiking trails and nature explorations.

Camping is also popular, with family-friendly campgrounds like Kalaloch and Sol Duc Campground that have basic facilities and beautiful natural settings.

What is the best time of year to visit with children?

The best time to visit Olympic National Park with kids is during the summer months from late June to early September. The weather is warmer and drier, making it ideal for exploring beaches and hiking trails. Plus, the park offers ranger-led programs during these months which are both educational and fun for kids.

What should we pack for a trip to Olympic National Park?

Packing for Olympic National Park should include layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly. Waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking boots are important, even in summer. Don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Bring navigation tools like maps or a GPS, plenty of water, and snacks if you plan to camp or hike extensively. To enjoy the beaches, include beach gear like towels and swimwear.

Are there any safety concerns we should be aware of?

Yes, always keep safety in mind. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. If you’re hiking, stay on marked trails and be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in higher elevations.

Teach children to respect nature and stay close to adults at all times. If you visit during cooler months, prepare for potential slippery conditions and colder temperatures.

How can we make the trip educational for our kids?

Olympic National Park is a fantastic outdoor classroom. Participate in the Junior Ranger Program where kids can complete activities and earn a badge. Attend ranger-led talks and guided walks to learn about the park’s ecosystems and history. Encourage kids to keep a nature journal to record what they see and learn each day.

Planning a Trip to Olympic National Park Wrap-Up

Planning a trip to Olympic National Park with your family doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, the right gear, and an adventurous spirit, you’re all set to give your family an incredible experience.

Get ready to make some beautiful memories exploring one of America’s most stunning natural playgrounds!

Looking for more Olympic National Park posts? Check out 13 Unforgettable Adventures for Kids at Olympic National Park, Where to Stay at Olympic National Park with Kids, and my Kalaloch Lodge review!

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