Complete Guide to Olympic National Park with Kids

Olympic National Park is a beautiful, green, wet kind of place that captures breathtaking views and forests inside. From finding some of the largest trees to playing on the beautiful rocky beaches, there is a variety of things to do in Olympic National Park with kids. Here is a guide on where to stay and what to see in Olympic National park and it’s all family-friendly!

We spent a few days in this amazing park and had such a great time. It quickly became one of my top national parks that we’ve been to. It has such a diverse landscape, from mountain to beach to rainforest that we had to much to see.

After visiting with our 4 kids, I now enjoy sharing the best places we saw and activities we did. So use this guide to plan your next trip to Olympic National Park with kids for a memorable experience.

Don’t forget your car rental. Check here for price comparisons!

What Does it Cost to Visit Olympic National Park?

It is currently $30 per vehicle to enter Olympic National Park. You can buy your pass ahead of time here, or if you plan to visit many National Parks within a year, I suggest the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass allows you entrance to all national parks and federal recreation lands for 1 year from purchase.

A Little About Olympic National Park’s Layout

Where is Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park covers a huge area on the northwest side of Washington. It covers land a bit inland, and then it also has a strip along the western coast of northern Washington which is not connected to the main area.

In between these two area is highway 101 which runs the length of the northern, western, and eastern sides of the park. You’ll have to drive highway 101 to get from one main area of the park to another.

Forks, Washington

On the western side, highway 101 goes through the town of Forks. If that sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because you read the Twilight books back in the day.

Forks is a great location to stay as it’s north of the Hoh Rainforest and near the beach areas. However, it puts you farther from the northern side of the park.

Nearest Airport to Olympic National Park

The nearest major airport near Olympic National Park is in Seattle (SEA). From there, it’s roughly 2-1/2 hours to Olympic National Park. Don’t forget to rent a car, and make sure to reserve it early!

Hotels Near Olympic National Park

There are quite a few hotels to choose from depending on where you’d like to be.

Kalaloch Lodge (year-round)

Kalaloch Lodge is located within the park and is right on the coast with ocean views. Choose a room with a kitchen for convenience, or use the onsite restaurant.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (seasonal)

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a little drive off the main highway, but it’s worth it! Located near the popular Sol Duc Waterfalls, this resort gives you your own little cabin (kitchen optional). Plus, the resort is the place to soak in the hot springs. Admission to the hot springs is included for hotel guests.

Lake Crescent Lodge (seasonal)

Located along the beautiful Lake Crescent, Lake Crescent Lodge will truly take you on vacation. Internet is available in the lobby (where even then it is limited) and you can choose a room with a cozy fireplace. You can even choose a 2-room accommodation to have a little space from the kids.

Forks, WA Hotels

The above lodgings fill up pretty quick and are limited both in space and in when they are open. While Port Angeles is a bigger city, it is a bit of a drive if you’re wanting to go to the western side of the park. I would recommend staying in Forks, where there are a few highly rated, clean, and comfy hotels to choose from.

Recommended in Forks: Pacific Inn Motel

Rentals Near Olympic National Park

We don’t like to drive more than we have to, and when you’re sightseeing throughout the park, it’s a lot of driving. So we chose this rental property and it turned out to be the cutest property! It’s right on Lake Sutherland, which is right next door to Lake Crescent. It was perfect for our family of 6 (the kid beds are low on the floor, so I wouldn’t put 6 adults here. But the kids loved it!)

There are plenty more properties on this gorgeous lake to choose from that can hold a family easily. Plus, you get beautiful sunrises and scenery all day long. Lake Sutherland is really a great location when it comes to both scenery and access to the park.

You can also check out other really cool cabins around Olympic National Park.

What to do in Olympic National Park with Kids

“Where can I take my kids in Olympic National Park?” Never fear, there are SO many stops that and kid-friendly hikes in Olympic National Park. Do what you can and take your time to enjoy it! You may be able to see them all, you may not.

Tip: I’ve written the following in order from East to West (and then south when highway 101 turns) to help you with your planning!

Ok, here goes the list of awesome things to do with kids in Olympic National Park.

Port Angeles Visitor’s Center

This was about the only visitor’s center that was open when we visited in the fall, so we felt lucky to go inside. It had some cool exhibits with skulls of native animals, taxidermy animals, and a little gift shop.

Hurricane Ridge with kids- Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge is a popular destination where you are given a gorgeous view of the mountain tops. It is a bit of its own entrance into the park, and not near too many other trails. But it’s worth the drive if you like a million-dollar view.

The drive to hurricane ridge should be enjoyed, taken slowly as there are many curves up the mountain. You can stop by the Visitor’s Center and pick up materials for the Junior Ranger Program and learn about the area.

Right at the parking lot are spectacular views of Hurricane Ridge. The tops of the mountains in view are more than likely to be covered in snow, and this beautiful range extends beyond the lens of a camera. There are a few trails in the area, long and short, if you choose to see a different view.

Find a lot more info about Hurricane Ridge, including trails, visitor center times, and winter fun!

Hiking Distances–

Parking/Visitor’s Center View: 0 miles

Meadow Loop Trails: 1/4 to 1/2 mile, depending on how many trails you combine

Hurricane Hill: 3.2 miles Round Trip. Strollers for first 1/2 mile only

Madison Falls Kid-Friendly Hikes at Olympic National Park

Entrance: Elwha

Distance: .2 miles round trip

Madison falls is a quick, easy trail with a big reward. It’s definitely one of the easier hikes in Olympic National Park with kids.

Access Madison Falls south of Port Angeles, toward the Elwha ranger station. The road is closed off right where you find the parking lot for Madison Falls. There are a few spots in the parking lot and a bathroom. The hike from here is quick and easy. Strollers would be fine (a good 3-wheeler, not a city stroller) on this paved asphalt trail.

Marymere Falls Kid-Friendly Hike in Olympic National Park

Entrance: Storm King / Lake Crescent

Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip

This is a great hike to do in Olympic National Park with toddlers and we saw plenty of other families on the trail as well!

Marymere Falls trail begins right along Lake Crescent. Look for the sign for Lake Crescent Lodge (and Marymere Falls, listed at the bottom) as you drive along highway 101. Turn toward the lake and eventually this trail will cross through a tunnel under the highway.

Only the first half-mile is a nice, paved trail. It then turns into rougher dirt trail. It’s easy enough for kids, but I you can’t bring a stroller.

There is a fun little log bridge that is narrow, but has largely spaced rails on the side. The very top makes a loop which consists of a lot of stairs. Again, kids can do this! Ours did it fine, plus we saw lots of other littles. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful Marymere Falls at the top.

Pictures of Marymere Falls:

Lake Crescent with Kids

Entrance: Storm King / Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a gemstone of Olympic National Park, stretching for miles of scenic views as you drive. It was created from a glacier and once was a larger lake with Lake Sutherland. That is, until a landslide happened and separated the two.

Enjoy the beauty, or if you’re there in summer you can rent rowboats from Crescent Lake Lodge. Find a nice picnic area and take in the view while you fuel up.

Bonus: Moments in Time Trail

We really wanted to make it to this trail, but we ran out of daylight. It’s an easy .6 mile loop that starts at the Lake Crescent Lodge.

Love National Parks? Check out the Top 10 National Parks KIDS will LOVE!

Sol Duc Falls Trail with kids

Entrance: Sol Duc

Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip

Sol Duc Falls is a classic attraction to visit while in Olympic National Park with kids. This system of waterfalls is powerful and beautiful. This trail is a packed down forest floor that is maintained. It’s got a few trip hazards like roots and rocks here and there, but it is overall pretty easy.

While Sol Duc Falls is beautiful, there is plenty of beauty before you even arrive. A light, gentle cascading stream flows down moss-covered rocks about half-way there. It’s a gorgeous backdrop for a family photo.

Sol Duc Hot Springs (seasonal)

Entrance: Sol Duc

One of my kids’ favorite stops in Olympic National Park was the Hot Springs. On the way to Sol Duc Falls, you’ll notice that you pass Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.

While guests of the resort can use the hot springs free of charge, the hot springs are open to the public for a fee. There are three different hot springs with different temperatures and depths. The shallow pool (about 1-foot deep) is the least hot and perfect for kids. There is also a pool if you need to cool down a bit.

When you enter Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, you pay per-person and you can rent a towel for a few dollars each. Then you need to head to the locker room to change and rinse off. You have to shower both before and after you enter the hot springs. They are filled with minerals that are said to be healing, but you want to rinse them.

You also want to take any metal jewelry off as it will tarnish.

Ancient Groves Trail– highly recommend

Entrance: Sol Duc

Distance: .6 mile loop

This trail is a perfect, kid-friendly hike in Olympic National Park. We hadn’t heard much (anything) about this trail before we visited, but when we saw the sign we decided to give it a try. And it was one of our favorite trails!

The trees are tall and the ground is covered in a blanket of magical green moss. We felt like we were in a fairytale movie. The trail walks along a tall mountainside at one point with a river down below. Less-stable little ones might want a hand here for reassurance. It’s a short stretch and not too bad. The rest of the trail, you are just walking through the magical forest until you loop back to the car.

Can you spot the jumping salmon?

Salmon Cascades– perfect for kids and fun!

Entrance: Sol Duc

Depending on when you visit Olympic National Park, you might be lucky enough to see fish trying to jump upstream through the cascades. This is just a short walk from the car to the viewpoint of the cascades. From here, you can see different kinds of fish depending on when you visit.

September-October: Salmon

March through May: Trout

If you’re here during one of those months, keep your eyes on the rushing cascade and you’ll most likely see the fish trying to jump up!

Hall of Mosses – Hoh Rain Forest

Entrance: Hoh

Distance: .8 mile loop

To get to the Hall of Mosses, take Upper Hoh Road (from highway 101) all the way to the end. The trail for the famous Hall of Mosses begins right at the Visitor’s Center. (Tip: there are real bathrooms here!)

It’s a fairly easy loop where you can witness giant trees covered in moss. It’s a bit of a fairy-tale feel inside the forest!

While a stroller wouldn’t be ideal in the Hall of Mosses, kids can walk it easily. If you’d like a stroller, you can do the mini trail (.1 miles) right at the parking lot area.

The Beaches of Olympic National Park

Entrance: Kalaloch

There are quite a few beaches in Olympic National Park. They are all really beautiful and fun to visit. They are the perfect stop because kids have plenty of space to run around, dip their toes or fingers in the water, look at tide pools, climb driftwood, and play on rocks.

We visited 5 beaches during our visit. These beaches are right along highway 101 and you have great views of the ocean as you drive.

To learn more about Ruby Beach and the others nearby, check out Beaches in Olympic National Park.

Kestner Homestead Trail– perfect hike for kids in Olympic National Park

Entrance: Quinault

Distance: 1.3 mile loop

The Kestner Homestead Trail is not only beautiful, it packs a small punch of history. You’ll walk through a mossy green forest as you follow the signs to the old Kestner Homestead. Kids will love seeing the old home, workshop, and big rusty truck that sits on the land.

While this trail isn’t difficult, it does get really muddy and flooded where you have to improvise a little. For that reason, I would not take a stroller.

Pictures of Kestner Homestead Trail:

To see all these spots in action, check out this short YouTube video!

How Many Days Do You Need in Olympic National Park?

We had 2-1/2 days there and seemed to cover quite a bit! I think 3 full days would have felt just a little less rushed (though we did keep a nice enjoyable pace. We had a 4-year-old after all) and maybe we could have taken longer breaks. That said, we had lots of down time in the car driving from one place to another.

A Bonus Stop – Dungeness Spit

The Dungeness Spit is not part of Olympic National Park, but it makes a great stop on the way out. The Dungeness Spit is a piece of skinny land that extends for miles out into the ocean. If you walk out a little, you’ll have ocean on both sides of you!

It is located in Sequim, WA and is part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small fee to enter ($3 at the moment, but entrance is covered with the America the Beautiful pass). Once you hike through the forest for around a half-mile, you’ll see the ocean and spit extending into it. Take your time enjoying walking along the shores. Watch for driftwood, beautiful rocks, shells, and crabs or their shell remains.

Fun Things to do with Kids in Olympic National Park

For only 2-1/2 days, I thought we really made the most of our time! Hopefully you have a good idea of what you’d like to plan for Olympic National Park with the kids.

Are you more interested in a relaxing route of hot springs, salmon cascades, and driving up Hurricane Ridge? Or do you want to get some hiking in and see some great waterfalls?

I definitely recommend getting to Hoh Rainforest and a beach, and then choosing what you’d like from there.

Whatever you choose, whether you visit Olympic National Park with toddlers or older kids, they will have a blast on the whole adventure.