Olympic National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Olympic National Park Visitor Center

   Located in Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center features: park information an NPS gift/bookshop a park film, and exhibits about Olympic's natural and cultural history There is also a hands-on Discovery Room for kids. Outside, there are two short nature trails and restroom buildings. Rangers and volunteers can answer questions about hiking trails, road conditions, and tide charts.

   15 minutes here

2. This lovely stroll through an old-growth forest begins in the Heart O' the Hills campground, Loop E. There is parking by the amphitheater. Although the trail is over 4 miles roundtrip, you can see a lot in just the first mile. Keep your eyes open for Olympic's hidden treasures like banana slugs, rough-skinned newts and Pacific tree frogs.

   60 minutes here

3. Strait Of Juan De Fuca Scenic Byway

   Stop at this overlook for a sweeping view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, you can see across the strait to Victoria, Canada, and even as far as the Cascades Mountains. Interpretive signs at the overlook point out the landmarks.

   5 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Hurricane Ridge

   Hurricane Ridge features spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the most popular destinations at the park. Gaze at majestic snow-capped peaks, walk through sub-alpine meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, hike one of the popular trails and spot wildlife like the endemic Olympic marmot. Meadow Loop Trails: You can access these easy paved trails from the visitor center parking lot. Hurricane Hill Trail: The trailhead for this moderate 3-mile hike is about 1.5 miles past the visitor center. There is parking at the trailhead with overflow parking below in the picnic areas.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Madison Creek Falls

   Madison Falls is a lovely 45-foot cascade. This hidden gem is only a short distance from the highway and a short walk from the parking area. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful setting. Then before heading back to your car, check out the beautiful Elwha River nearby. This river is slowly returning to its natural state after the removal of two dams. Also nearby is the Sweet Family Homestead where the National Park grazes its pack animals. These horses and donkeys help pack supplies for trail maintenance.

   15 minutes here

6. Lake Crescent

   Lake Crescent is Washington's second deepest lake and one of the most pristine. Because the water is so clear, you can see as far down as 70 feet! And when the light hits it just right, Lake Crescent glows like a saffire. The Log Cabin Resort on the east shore and the Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore offer lodging, boating, hiking and swimming. The Fairholme Campground on the west shore features a store and popular campground and beach.

   60 minutes here

7. Marymere Falls

   The trailhead for the popular Marymere Falls hike is located near the shore of Lake Crescent. Less than two miles roundtrip, this moderately-easy trail meanders through a lush, old-growth forest. Park near Lake Crescent Lodge where you can pick up a trail map before heading out. From the lodge, the trail follows Barnes Creek, crosses Highway 101, then continues upstream through a canopy of towering evergreens and maples. You'll cross several picturesque log bridges on your way to this beautiful 90-foot cascade. There are two viewing platforms.

   60 minutes here

8. Salmon Cascades

   The Sol Duc River is a busy highway for different fish species including Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead trout. The lookout at Salmon Cascades is the perfect place to watch migrating salmon leap up the cascades on their way upriver to spawn. Even if the salmon aren't jumping, the view of the river is lovely and just a short walk from the parking area. Interpretive signs tell the dramatic and inspiring story of the life of the salmon.

   15 minutes here · Admission not included

9. The Ancient Groves Trail is an easy, half-mile loop through a dense, old-growth forest carpeted with thick moss and ferns. The trail offers glimpses of the Sol Duc River canyon below.

   15 minutes here · Admission not included

10. Sol Duc Hot Springs

    The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features a freshwater pool and three mineral pools fed by natural hot springs. Visitors are welcome to dine at the Springs Restaurant or relax in the pools. Paid reservations are required for the hour-and-a-half soaking sessions and are first-come, first-served.

    60 minutes here · Admission not included

11. Sol Duc Falls

    Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Olympic National Park! The moderately easy 1.6-mile trail begins at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds through a lovely old-growth forest, past creeks and over wooden bridges. The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Sol Duc Falls! This stunning waterfall features three separate cascades that plunge dramatically over the cliff. There are viewing platforms across from and above the waterfall offering spectacular photo opportunities.

    45 minutes here · Admission not included

12. Second Beach Trail

    Second Beach at La Push features tide pools, dramatic sea stacks and a flat, sandy beach. The 2-mile round-trip trail to this stunning coastal beach meanders through a lovely forest with plenty of ferns, moss and nurse logs--fallen and decaying logs which support new life. The hike is relatively easy on the way down but does require a bit of a climb coming back. If the main parking lot is full, there is overflow parking in a gravel lot just up the hill.

    1 minutes here · Admission not included

13. Rialto Beach

    Rialto Beach offers easy access, parking and vault toilets. With stunning views of James Island, Rialto's rugged shoreline is known for its giant piles of driftwood logs and rough surf. One of Rialto Beach's highlights is the dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall. Located at the north end of the beach, Hole in the Wall requires a moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike along the pebbly shore. There, you'll find numerous tide pools and stunning sea stacks.

    15 minutes here · Admission not included

14. Forks

    "Welcome to Forks, Washington--the Rainiest Town in the Contiguous United States! Every year, Forks gets about 10 feet or 120 inches of rain, so its title is well-deserved. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, Forks was one of America's last frontiers. The large prairie was once home to the Quileute people. Settlers began arriving here in the late 1870s. Eventually, the area became a booming logging town. Today, Forks is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Olympic National Park and fans of the Twilight book and movie series which was set in this rainy town.

    5 minutes here

15. "Check out the Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at the south end of town. Pick up information about local attractions, hiking trails, restaurants and the self-guided Twilight driving tour. The Forks Timber Museum next door showcases the rich history of the timber industry."

    5 minutes here · Admission not included

16. Hoh Rain Forest

    "From ancient trees draped with moss to thick carpets of fern that blanket the ground, the Hoh Rain Forest is simply magical. Here in this primeval forest, watch for majestic Roosevelt elk, iconic banana slugs and the elusive Bigfoot! The Hoh Visitor Center offers trail information, restrooms, interactive displays and two easy trails. The Trail of Mosses features bigleaf maple trees cloaked in layers of soft, thick moss. This relatively easy trail is less than a mile long. The slightly longer Spruce Nature Trail loops through forests of red alder and cottonwood and passes by the Hoh River. "

    60 minutes here · Admission not included

17. Ruby Beach

    Ruby Beach features a spectacular shoreline complete with dramatic sea stacks, tidepools, piles of driftwood logs, a pretty creek and a large, pebbly beach. This popular beach can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays. A short quarter-mile trail leads from the parking area down to the beach. At the end of the trail, you'll need to walk through or climb over large driftwood logs to reach the shore. Ruby Beach was named after the tiny crystals of red garnet that occasionally washed onto the shore and gave the beach a pinkish hue.

    15 minutes here · Admission not included

18. Big Cedar Tree Kalaloch

    "The Big Cedar Tree is a true Olympic giant--or at least it used to be! Unfortunately, a storm split the trunk of this massive 1000-year-old Western Red Cedar, but the gnarly giant still inspires awe. The trailhead is just a short drive from the highway, and it's an easy walk to the tree from the parking area. For those who want to explore more, the trail goes past the giant cedar and offers views of other impressive trees. "

    10 minutes here

19. Kalaloch Beach Trail 4

    If you're looking for a less-crowded beach with amazing tidepools and a large sandy shore, then Kalaloch Beach 4 is for you! There is a short, steep trail down to the beach with interpretive signs and a cool driftwood bridge. At the end, there is a short rock scramble down a rope--which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Less than a mile round trip, the hike takes about 20 minutes to complete. Beach 4 is popular for birding, hiking and walking. Harbor seals can often be seen playing in the surf.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

20. "The Kalaloch Tree of Life is another iconic symbol of the Olympic coast. Stretched precariously between two cliffs, this unusual Sitka spruce looks like it's floating in thin air as it hovers above the ground. Over time, water eroded the ground beneath its roots, carving out the cool, cave-like space beneath. How long the tree will be able to hold on is hard to say. Weather, erosion and human carelessness (like climbing or hanging onto the tree's roots) are quickening its demise. Admire this icon from a distance--and do your part to help keep the Tree of Life alive. "

    15 minutes here · Admission not included

21. The Kalaloch Lodge is the only coastal lodging in Olympic National Park. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal with a ocean view! You can also grab an ice cream cone from the Kalaloch Mercantile next door.

    15 minutes here

22. Quinault Rain Forest

    The Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail is located at the beginning of the Lake Quinault South Shore Road. The easy half-mile loop includes waterfalls, creeks and the classic moss-covered trees--along with interpretive signs. It's a great way to experience the rainforest without having to hike very far. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

    15 minutes here

23. The historic Lake Quinault Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Lake Quinault. Enjoy a meal in the famous Roosevelt Dining Room overlooking the lake. You can also wander to the back lawn that overlooks the lake and take a stroll along the shore. The two-story rustic lodge was built in the summer of 1926--in a record 53 days! Crews lit bonfires and worked around the clock to complete the building before the rains began.

    15 minutes here

24. An easy quarter-mile walk leads to the world's largest Sitka spruce tree. Measuring over 18 feet in diameter and reaching a height of 191 feet, this impressive giant is one of many champion trees in the lush Quinault Rainforest--also known as the Valley of Rainforest Giants.

    15 minutes here

25. Merriman Falls

    Merriman Falls is located right next to the road. The lovely 40-foot cascades can be seen from the car but makes a nice stop if you want to take a photo.

    5 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Shaka Guide Apps

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Park open 24/7 year-round — some roads, campgrounds, and facilities have seasonal hours
• Arrive early during peak season — Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest entrance stations get extremely busy
• Hurricane Ridge Shuttle available Memorial Day–Labor Day via Clallam Transit from downtown Port Angeles
• Limited restaurants in and around the park — plan ahead and pack food

Photos

Traveler reviews

12 verified traveler reviews for Olympic National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.