Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Explore the Magic of Olympic National Park in Your RV
Visit these iconic landmarks at Washington state's Olympic National Park!
Overview
Based in Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park spans nearly a million acres. This incredible location protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. There is an abundance of activities available here for RVing outdoor enthusiasts, including boating, paddling, day hikes, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and more.
Explore Olympic National Park in your RV, following this itinerary outlined below:
Day 1
Sol Duc Falls Trail and Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent. Photo credit to the National Park Service.
Sol Duc Falls Trail
Considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park, the forested hike to Sol Duc Falls is short and easy, at just 0.8 of a mile. Please note that pets are not allowed on the trail. Additionally, this destination is wheelchair accessible. Designated viewing areas are available for those who want to observe the falls up close!
Lake Crescent
Another breathtaking body of water is located not far away. Found in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Crescent is a deep, glacially carved lake 18 miles west of Port Angeles.
Boat launches can be found at the east and west ends of the lake, and rowboats are available for rental from Lake Crescent Lodge. Visitors are welcome to kayak, sail, hike the nearby trails, or simply bask on the shore.
Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Campground
Park your RV for the night at Sol Duc Campground. This site is located along the Sol Duc River, near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and Eagle Ranger Station. Seventeen RV campsites are available at this location. These can accommodate 21-foot RVs, and a few can accommodate 35-foot RVs. Sites can be reserved online during summer (mid-April through October). The rest of the year all sites are first come, first served.
RV park sites are equipped with frost-free water hydrants and water lines, as well as lighted power pedestals with 50-amp connections. Two accessible RV park sites are available, which include two accessible benches and two accessible fire rings. Amenities include a gift shop, restaurant, and access to three hot mineral-spring pools and swimming pool.
Day 2
Marymere Falls, Rialto Beach, and Second Beach
Marymere Falls. Photo credit to Wikipedia.
Second Beach. Photo credit to the National Park Service.
Marymere Falls
RVers can embark on a morning hike to Marymere Falls. This popular 0.9 mile day hike at Lake Crescent is a one-way trail that goes through old growth forest to a 90-foot waterfall. The trail starts from the Storm King Ranger Station but can also be accessed from Lake Crescent Lodge. Enjoy this dazzling start to the day!
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach, a dramatic, sweeping coastal landscape, is located 36 miles southwest of Lake Crescent, and about 75 miles from Port Angeles. It is north of the Quillayute River. Visitors to Rialto Beach can find miles of seaside topography, which offer views of sea stacks and rock formations in the Pacific Ocean.
While enjoying Rialto Beach, stop by the Hole-in-the-Wall, a sea-carved arch about 1.5 mile north of Rialto Beach. This unique landmark is worth exploring!
The National Park Service suggests that visitors always check the tides. It's possible to get stranded when certain areas of the coast become impassable when high tide rolls in.
Additional safety tips while visiting this location include:
1) Bring a topographic map and a tide chart to plan your route.
2) Be prepared to hike over headland trails during high tides. Some headlands cannot be rounded during the lowest of tides.
3) Swimming is not recommended due to strong riptides.
4) When camping on the beach, camp above the high tide water line.
Second Beach
Beachgoers in search of a final adventure to end the day can catch a spectacular sunset at the nearby Second Beach. This location is also a great opportunity to view bald eagles and seals.
Mora Campground
Nestled in a coastal forest, Mora Campground is located along the western coast of Olympic National Park and is near the Quillayute River. Outside of the reservation season, Mora Campground is available for camping on a first-come, first-serve basis.
This location offers 94 campsites, including one accessible site. A few of the amenities include accessible trails and walkways, picnic tables, food storage lockers, and access to the river. Please note that only a few campsites at Mora Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. Leashed pets are allowed, and campers can enjoy an amphitheater, a ranger station, evening programs, guided interpretive walks, and more.
Day 3
Madison Falls and Hoh Rain Forest
Hoh Rain Forest. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service / J. Burger.
Madison Falls
Start off the day with a trip to Madison Falls, a 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River (the Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed). This is also one of the most accessible destinations at the park, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all abilities! Pets are also allowed on the trail to Madison Falls.
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rain Forest is a two hour drive from Madison Falls, and one of the park's most popular destinations. The site earns its name from the Hoh River that flows from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast. Due to the area’s frequent rainfall, the Hoh Rain Forest has a lush, green canopy of trees, mosses, and ferns, making this an enchanting destination.
While visiting, hike the Hall of Mosses Trail– an iconic loop that takes travelers through old growth forest and features a grove of maple trees draped with abundant club moss. Visitors can also hike the Spruce Nature Trail, a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as visitors walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.
Hoh Rain Forest Campground or Kalaloch Campground
Outside of the reservation season, Hoh Rain Forest Campground welcomes campers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most of 88 RV sites can accommodate RVs up to 21 ft, and a few accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. Camping amenities at this campground include fire pits with grates, picnic tables, potable water, accessible restrooms, and animal-proof food storage lockers.
Alternatively, RVers can stay overnight at Kalaloch Campground. Like Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Kalaloch Campground can accommodate RVs that are up to 21 ft, and a few can accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. Campers can visit on a first come, first serve basis outside of the reservation period. This campground is a one hour drive from Hoh Rain Forest Campground.
Tips and Tricks
Before setting out, keep these RV tips in mind:
1) Bring a topographic map and a tide chart to plan your route for beach hikes.
2) Book RV campgrounds early, as spots can fill fast
3) Download offline maps for the park in case of low WiFi signal
Final Thoughts
For RVers in search of a forested (or coastal) adventure, Olympic National Park is an ideal destination. The park's rugged coastline, misty temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountain peaks are all available to outdoor enthusiasts, making it a perfect spot for an RV-based road trip. Whether you gravitate towards the ancient, mysterious forests or the ocean’s crashing waves, this destination proves that the ultimate wilderness experience is just beyond your door.
