If you’re looking for one trail to visit in all of Olympic National Park, try the Hurricane Hill trail. It’s 3.4 miles out and back and on the way, you’ll climb about 800 feet to the top of the hill. Both on the way and at the top, you’ll see expansive views of the park and Bailey Range. On clear days, you can see the towns of Port Angeles and even Canada’s Vancouver Island. It’s the most popular trail in the park, so you’re likely to encounter other park visitors. Go past the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center about a mile and a half and you’ll find parking lots at the trailhead. On busy days, parking can be hard to find. It’s also best experienced in the summer, although it’s usually accessible year-round. If the visitor center or road is closed in winter, it will add to the distance.

Located along the Hoh River, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest and oldest temperate rain forests in the United States. Averaging about 140 inches of rain per year, the rain forest is on the western side of the park and will require a drive from Port Angeles. When you get there, you’ll find a lush old-growth forest blanketed with moss and ferns. The Hoh Forest Visitor Center is the place to start your journey. From here you’ll find several trailheads, including the Hoh River Trail. It’s a long out-and-back trail, but you can turn around at any point and return. For a special experience, consider camping in the rain forest. A 72-site campground is located along the Hoh River. You’ll want to make reservations as far in advance as possible.

Near the Hoh Rain Forest are Kalaloch and Ruby Beach. Travel about 45 minutes west and you’ll see the popular spots on the Pacific Ocean. The beaches are popular spots for bird watching and hiking. Several trails take you through the area and there is no better place in the park to watch sunsets. You can also camp at Kalaloch or South Beach. Kalaloch is open year-round, although you’re encouraged to make reservations. South Beach is open from Memorial Day through September. For a more civilized experience, the Kalaloch Lodge is located right on the water. It provides a main lodge and cabins among other accommodations.