4 Days in Olympic National Park: The Hoh Rainforest
Hurricane Ridge · Lake Crescent · Marymere Falls · Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center · Ruby Beach · Hall of Mosses Trail
4-day United States trip — Port Angeles to Forks. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Olympic National Park offers a dense vertical range from jagged alpine peaks to moss-dripping rainforests that the open plains of the Badlands lack. Choosing this route over the North Cascades secures a diversity of terrain where you hit mountain panoramas and coastal surf in a single afternoon. This trip is for the traveler who prefers damp old-growth ferns and Pacific salt air over dry mountain trekking.
Port Angeles
Marymere Falls
Day 1 · Glacial Lakes and Waterfalls
Sol Duc Falls
Day 2 · A Sub-Alpine Waterfall Trail
Hurricane Ridge
Day 1 · Alpine Mountains and Panoramas
Forks
Ruby Beach
Day 3 · Coastal Beaches and Sea Stacks
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Day 3 · Temperate Rainforest Ecosystems
Hall of Mosses Trail
Day 4 · An Old-Growth Rainforest Hike
Rialto Beach
Day 4 · A Rugged Pacific Coast Beach Trek
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) offer the mildest weather across the country. Summer brings intense heat to the Southwest and humidity to the South, while winter can be harsh in the North. Book major national park lodging at least six months ahead.
- Morning
8:00 AM - Drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge· 1 hr
USD 30Scenic drive up to the mountain vistas with constant views of the Olympic range.
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Wild Salmon in Port Angeles· 1 hr
USD 35Iconic dish
Daderot (CC0)Freshly caught local salmon served simply to highlight the rich Pacific flavor.
Typical USD 25-45
- Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Dungeness Crab in Port Angeles· 1 hr
USD 45Iconic dish
Missvain (CC BY 4.0)Steamed fresh crab sourced from the nearby coast at a casual local dining spot.
Typical USD 30-60
Where to Stay Tonight
Port Angeles Waterfront
· Close to the national park entrances and convenient for accessing local restaurants after a day in nature.- Morning
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Clam Strip in Port Angeles· 1 hr
USD 15Try the dish
dbking (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy freshly breaded and fried clam strips at a local coastal diner.
Typical USD 8-16
4:30 PM - Olympic National Park coastal driving route· 2 hrs
USD 25Drive towards the western coast to prepare for tomorrow's explorations.
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Planked Salmon in Port Angeles· 1 hr 30 min
USD 40Try the dish
Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA (CC BY 2.0)Savor salmon roasted over cedar planks, highlighting traditional Northwest wood-fire techniques.
Typical USD 30-50
Staying at Port Angeles Waterfront since Day 1
🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Smoked Salmon in Forks· 1 hr
USD 20Iconic dish
HaJunkiyada (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy locally caught, alder-smoked salmon, a staple of the Pacific Northwest coast, at a casual spot in town.
Typical USD 10-25
2:30 PM - Drive from Port Angeles· 1 hr 6 min
USD 25Drive from the Port Angeles area towards the Pacific coast, taking in the transition from alpine forest to coastal wilderness.
- Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Cheeseburger in Forks· 1 hr
USD 18Try the dish
Renee Comet (photographer) (Public domain)CheeseburgerA hearty, classic cheeseburger served at a local eatery, perfect for refueling after a day of rainforest and beach trekking.
Where to Stay Tonight
Forks town center
· The most convenient base for accessing the coastal beaches and the Hoh Rain Forest with easy access to local amenities.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Smoked Salmon in Forks· 1 hr
USD 22Iconic dishHaJunkiyada (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy locally caught smoked salmon served with fresh bread at a cozy spot in the town center.
Typical USD 10-25
- Evening
5:00 PM - Snack: Maine Blueberry Pie· 30 min
USD 8Try the dish
Kelly Sue DeConnick (CC BY-SA 2.0)Grab a slice of tart, dense blueberry pie from a local bakery to fuel your final drive.
Typical USD 5-9
5:30 PM - Drive back to Port Angeles· 1 hr 30 min
USD 40Complete your loop with the scenic drive returning to your starting point in Port Angeles.
7:30 PM - Dinner: Cheeseburger in Port Angeles· 1 hr
USD 18Try the dishRenee Comet (photographer) (Public domain)CheeseburgerWrap up your road trip with a hearty, locally-sourced cheeseburger at a classic town eatery.
Staying at Forks town center since Day 3
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Top 6 dishes to try
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Smoked Salmon
Days 3 and 4
Wild Salmon
Day 1 · lunch
Dungeness Crab
Day 1 · dinner
Maine Blueberry Pie
Day 4
Clam Strip
Day 2 · lunch
Planked Salmon
Day 2 · dinner
Where to eat · Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim
- Forks · Olympic National Park — Rustic roadside cafes specializing in hearty comfort food and local pies.
- Port Angeles · Olympic National Park — Gateway to the mountains with local diners serving fresh-caught salmon.
- Sequim · Olympic National Park — Coastal access to fresh Dungeness crab and locally sourced berries.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch happens 11am to 2pm. Diners close early, often by 8pm. Eat before sunset to avoid finding closed kitchens.
- Tipping
- Standard 18 to 20 percent for table service is expected. Round up for counter service or cafes.
- Water
- Tap water is safe and excellent throughout the park and surrounding towns. Bring a reusable bottle.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options are scarce outside of salads and berry pies in rural forest towns. Plan accordingly if you have strict needs.
- Payment
- Cash is king in small, remote forest cafes. Cards are widely accepted in Port Angeles and larger hubs.
- Etiquette
- Dress is casual throughout the peninsula. Be prepared to wait at small, family-run spots as many don't take reservations.
Top 6 souvenirs
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
La Push
Woven Cedar Basketry
These durable baskets utilize traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Neah Bay
Hand-Carved Cedar Totem Pole
Port Angeles
Pacific Northwest Field Guide
Olympic Peninsula Huckleberry Jam
Tart wild mountain huckleberries are a regional staple for breakfast toast.
Locally Roasted Olympic Coffee
Small-batch roasters near the park produce beans with deep, earthy chocolate profiles.
Port Townsend
Hand-Thrown Coastal Stoneware
Where to shop · Port Townsend Historic District, Port Angeles Waterfront
- Port Townsend Historic District · Olympic National Park — Art gallery finds, handmade pottery, and regional artisan goods.
- Port Angeles Waterfront · Olympic National Park — Coffee, outdoor gear, and locally authored nature books.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Most items are duty-free. Do not export untreated cedar or restricted tribal cultural heritage objects without permits.
- Tax refund
- There is no VAT refund system in the United States.
- Payment
- Credit cards are standard in shops, but keep cash for small stands and remote tribal artisan shops.
- Bargaining
- Prices are fixed throughout the region. Haggling is not part of the shopping experience.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Super Bowl
February
NYC Pride March
June
Independence Day
Jul 4
Thanksgiving
Nov 26 – 29
Christmas
Dec 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 4 days
USD 1,438Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 8
- Port Angeles → Forks · drive1 carUSD 8
AccommodationUSD 540
- Port Angeles · 2 nights1 roomUSD 360
- Forks · 1 night1 roomUSD 180
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Angeles | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Forks | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 146
- Day 2 · Olympic National Park coastal driving routeUSD 50
- Day 4 · Snack: Maine Blueberry PieUSD 16
- Day 4 · Drive back to Port AngelesUSD 80
FoodUSD 600
- Port Angeles · 2 daysUSD 300
- Forks · 2 daysUSD 300
Local transportUSD 144
- Port Angeles · 2 daysUSD 72
- Forks · 2 daysUSD 72
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate to expensive -- budget $200 per night for lodging near Port Angeles or Forks and $30 per meal for quality dining. Tap water is safe throughout the park, so carry a reusable bottle to avoid the $3 per bottle park surcharge.
The America the Beautiful annual pass costs $80 and covers entry for your vehicle and all passengers. If you visit more than three national parks in one year, this pays for itself compared to the $30 daily per-vehicle fee.
Rent your vehicle in Seattle or SeaTac rather than locally to save up to 40% on rental rates. Expect to spend $150 on fuel over 4 days because the park sections are separated by long, winding mountain drives.
Book a guided whale watching tour from Port Angeles for $120 per person to see orcas and humpbacks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is the best way to see marine life you will not spot from the shore.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Rental car from Port Angeles
Day 1–4 · pick up and return in Port Angeles
Hotel in Port Angeles
Nights 1–2 · Port Angeles Waterfront · about USD 360 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Forks
Night 3 · Forks town center · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Dining
Day 2 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Reservations for the restaurant at Sol Duc Hot Springs are highly recommended during peak season as it is the primary dining option for visitors hiking the falls trail.
Olympic National Park Entrance Pass
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · Purchase the digital vehicle pass via recreation.gov to expedite entry at the park gate, as lines for ranger booths can be significant during peak travel days.
Hurricane Ridge Vehicle Entry
Day 1 · Book 1 day ahead · During peak summer months, vehicle access to Hurricane Ridge is strictly monitored and sometimes capped; check the official NPS alerts page for real-time traffic restrictions.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center Parking
Day 3 · Book 1 day ahead · During high season, the Hoh Rain Forest parking area often fills by 9am, requiring a timed entry approach; check the NPS website for the most recent status to avoid being turned away.
Travel tips
Arrive at the Hurricane Ridge parking lot before mid-morning on day 1; the limited spaces fill up quickly during summer weekends.
When driving to Sol Duc Falls on day 2, be prepared for rough sections on the access road and drive slowly to avoid damage to rental vehicles.
At Ruby Beach on day 3, check the tide charts before heading onto the sand to ensure you do not get trapped by the rising tide against the sea stacks.
The Hall of Mosses trail on day 4 is a very popular short loop; visit as early as possible to enjoy the quiet atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Rialto Beach requires careful navigation of the driftwood logs during high tide; stay aware of your surroundings if the water level is rising.
Download the NPS app and select the offline content for Olympic National Park before leaving town, as mobile data is extremely unreliable inside the park boundaries.
Always carry the physical copy of your park pass, as digital signals at entrance kiosks are often non-existent.
On the road
Fill up your gas tank in Port Angeles as service stations are sparse and expensive between Lake Crescent and Forks.
Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent for long stretches on US-101 through the Olympic National Forest.
Be cautious of elk crossing the road, especially during dawn and dusk hours near the Sol Duc turnoff.
Rain is frequent year-round; ensure your vehicle tires have good tread for wet pavement conditions along the winding mountain roads.
Parking at popular trailheads like Sol Duc can fill up by mid-morning during summer weekends, so arrive early.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get USD cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for United States
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
National Park annual pass
Pen for arrival forms
The plan centers on a split between Port Angeles and Forks to minimize backtracking across the rugged peninsula. You spend the first two days in Port Angeles to tackle the high-elevation mountain views while energy remains high. The move to Forks for the final two days positions you closer to the remote coastal beaches and temperate forests, smoothing the transition as the pace shifts from peak bagging to coastal tidepooling.
This itinerary prioritizes the contrast between alpine ridges and ocean-facing rainforests. You miss the interior wilderness of the Hoh River Valley's more distant trailheads and the quiet solitude of the southern park entrance near Lake Quinault. This is the right shape for a first-time visitor wanting to see the major park ecosystems; pick a different route if your focus is primarily on deep-woods backpacking away from the primary park roads.
Add two days to explore the southern coast near Kalaloch. This allows you to walk the entire length of Ruby Beach to see the sea stacks and tide pools during the lowest morning tides.
Interest coverage
2 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens usually enter via the ESTA visa waiver program for up to 90 days. Indian citizens require a B1/B2 visa obtained at a US Embassy. All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure. |
|---|---|
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies. Text-to-911 available in many areas. |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | 18–20% (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | 15–20% |
| Tipping: hotels | $2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping |
| Cards | Universally accepted |
| Contactless | Common but not universal |
| Cash | Cash accepted but cards preferred everywhere |
| Payment tip | Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $26 for 7 to 30 days | Airalo app |
| T-Mobile physical SIM | $30 to $50 for 30 days | Any T-Mobile retail store |
Roaming charges are very high. Buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM immediately.
About USD 1,438 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 4 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must apply for ESTA authorization before departure. All other international visitors generally require a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate. Check official Department of State requirements well before your flight.
Rent a car at Seattle Tacoma International Airport; it is essential for navigating the park. Drive west toward Bainbridge Island, take the ferry to Winslow, and continue to Port Angeles. Expect a 3 to 4 hour trip depending on ferry wait times.
July through September offers the driest, warmest weather for hiking high-elevation trails like Hurricane Ridge. Expect fog, rain, and mud during the winter and spring months. Pack layers regardless of the season.
Public transit is virtually non-existent within the park boundaries. You must have your own vehicle to reach trailheads, beaches, and mountain viewpoints. Do not rely on ride-sharing apps, as cell service is spotty or absent.
Stay alert for mountain lions and black bears; carry bear spray and know how to use it. Coastal trails require tide charts to avoid getting trapped by rising water against cliffs. Always log your trip plans with someone before heading into the backcountry.
Port Angeles serves as the main hub with the most hotels and grocery stores. For beach access, look at lodging near Forks or Kalaloch. Book stays months in advance because limited inventory sells out quickly.
Yes, you need a pass to enter the park. Buy a seven-day vehicle permit at an entrance station or online. If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, a federal recreation pass saves money.
Bring a high-quality rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and warm base layers even in summer. Weather changes rapidly from the mountains to the coast. Do not forget a physical map, as GPS signals often fail deep in the valleys.
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