Where to Stay in Olympic National Park: The Best Areas for Families
Planning a trip to Olympic National Park can feel a little overwhelming. You have moss-covered rainforests, rugged beaches, alpine mountain views, and beautiful lakes—but unfortunately they are not all conveniently located next to one another.
That is part of what makes Olympic so incredible, but it also means that where to stay in Olympic National Park matters more than you might think.
During our Washington and Oregon campervan road trip, we quickly learned that Olympic National Park is not the kind of place where you want to choose one hotel and stay put – at least not if you want to see all the incredibly unique ecosystems the park is home to.
The park’s roads extend outward from the surrounding communities, but they do not cross through the mountainous interior, which means getting from one side of the park to the other can take some time.
For families, I recommend thinking about your Olympic National Park lodging in terms of the experiences you want to prioritize. Are you most excited about the Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach? Do you want to spend time around Lake Crescent? Are you hoping to explore Hurricane Ridge? Or do you have several days and plan to move around the peninsula?
Here is a breakdown of the best places to stay in and around Olympic National Park, along with which area makes the most sense for your family.
The Best Areas to Stay in Olympic National Park
The most popular lodging areas are:
- Lake Crescent: Best for beautiful scenery, lake activities, and exploring the northern side of the park.
- Port Angeles: Best for families who want restaurants, grocery stores, and a convenient base for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
- Forks: Best for exploring the Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and the western side of the peninsula.
- Kalaloch and the southern coast: Best for a coastal getaway and easy access to some of Olympic’s dramatic beaches.
- Lake Quinault: Best for rainforest scenery, peaceful surroundings, and a slower-paced stay.
- Inside the park’s campgrounds: Best for families who want to sleep closer to nature and are comfortable with a more rustic experience.
The most important thing to remember is that Olympic National Park is enormous. You can easily spend several hours driving between different regions, so it makes sense to split your stay between two areas rather than trying to see everything from one location.
Staying at Lake Crescent
If you want to wake up surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is hard to beat.
The lake is surrounded by forest and mountains, and the area gives you access to several family-friendly activities, including lakeside walks, boating, and nearby trails. It is also a convenient location for exploring the northern part of the park.
Lake Crescent Lodge
Lake Crescent Lodge is a historic lodge that sits along the shore of Lake Crescent and offers lodge rooms, cottages, and cabins. You can enjoy the on-site restaurant, gift shop, and kayak rentals during your stay here.
This would be a wonderful choice for families who want a classic national park lodging experience without giving up the charm of staying somewhere special.
Best for: Families who want scenic lodging, nearby lake activities, and a memorable national park atmosphere.
Log Cabin Resort
Log Cabin Resort is another option along Lake Crescent. It offers cabins, chalets, lodge rooms, and camping, along with boat rentals, a café, a convenience store, and laundry facilities.
This can be especially appealing for families who want a little more flexibility. Depending on the accommodation, you may have access to a kitchenette or additional space, which can make traveling with kids easier and more affordable.
The resort is seasonal, so be sure to check operating dates before planning your stay.
Best for: Families who want lake access, cabin-style accommodations, or a mix of lodging and camping options.
Staying in Port Angeles
For families who prefer the convenience of staying in town, Port Angeles is one of the best places to use as a home base.
Here you will find restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, vacation rentals, and other services that can make a longer national park trip much easier. It is also a great home base for exploring Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
Port Angeles is not inside the park, but it is close enough to make it a popular base for visitors exploring the northern Olympic Peninsula.
My Port Angeles hotel recommendations:
- Quality Inn Port Angeles – free breakfast + ocean view
- Olympic Lodges by Ayres – free breakfast, pool + close to dining and shopping
- Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles – onsite restaurants + pool
Best for: Families who want nearby restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and a convenient base for exploring Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake.
Staying in Forks
If your Olympic National Park itinerary is centered around the rainforest and beaches, Forks is one of the most practical places to stay.
Forks is located on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula and provides access to several popular destinations, including the Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and the coastal areas around La Push.
This is the area I would consider if your family is most excited about walking through a rainforest, exploring driftwood-covered beaches, and looking for that wild Pacific Northwest scenery.
Forks is a small town, so it does not have the same variety of lodging and dining options as Port Angeles. However, it is strategically located for exploring the western side of Olympic National Park.
There are hotels, motels, cabins, vacation rentals, and other accommodations in the area. Availability can be extremely limited during the busy summer season, so booking ahead is important.
My Forks recommendations:
- Hoh Valley Cabins – a cabin with a full kitchen, with close proximity to Hoh
- Far West Tiny Cabins – cabins that sleep 6; partial kitchen
- Quileute Oceanside Resort – stunning ocean views, full kitchen + living area
- Pacific Inn Motel – basic, affordable motel in nearby Forks
Best for: Families prioritizing the Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and the western Olympic Peninsula.
Staying Along the Kalaloch Coast
For a coastal stay that feels like a true escape, consider the Kalaloch area.
This part of the peninsula is known for dramatic beaches, towering coastal trees, and breathtaking shorelines.
Kalaloch Lodge
Kalaloch Lodge is located along the coast and offers lodge rooms, cabins, and other accommodations. The property also has a restaurant, gift shop, mercantile, and seasonal services.
Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round, although reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the summer.
Best for: Families who want a coastal getaway, easy beach access, and a peaceful place to unwind.
Kalaloch Campground
If your family enjoys camping, Kalaloch Campground is another option along the southern coast. It is open year-round and has 175 campsites, although many summer sites fill quickly.
Keep in mind that coastal weather can be cool, damp, and unpredictable, even during the summer. Pack warm layers and rain gear, and be prepared for changing conditions.
Staying in Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault is located on the southern side of the Olympic Peninsula and is surrounded by temperate rainforest.
The area is quieter than some of the more popular northern destinations, making it a great choice for families who want a slower pace. You can explore rainforest trails, enjoy the lake, and spend time simply being outside without feeling like you have to rush from one attraction to the next.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Lake Quinault Lodge is a historic lodge located on the shore of Lake Quinault. It offers a peaceful setting with access to the lake and nearby rainforest scenery.
Although Lake Quinault Lodge is located in Olympic National Forest rather than inside Olympic National Park, it is still a popular lodging option for visitors exploring the southern side of the peninsula.
Best for: Families who want a quiet retreat, lake views, and access to rainforest adventures.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers cabins and suites, along with hot spring pools, a restaurant, a deli, and other seasonal services. They also offer rustic campsites as well.
This can be a fun option for families because of the hot spring pools on site, which provide a relaxing way to end your day.
The resort is seasonal, so check the current operating dates before booking.
Best for: Families who want cabins, hot springs, and access to the northern interior of the park.
Camping Inside Olympic National Park
For families who want to be immersed in nature, camping is one of the best ways to experience Olympic National Park.
The park has campgrounds in several different environments, including the coast, rainforest, and mountain areas. Some campgrounds accept reservations during the summer, while others are first-come, first-served.
Some of the campgrounds that accept summer reservations include:
These campgrounds are very popular, especially during peak travel season, so I highly recommend reserving your site as soon as they open for your dates.
Should You Stay in One Place or Split Your Trip?
If you are visiting Olympic National Park for only a day or 2, or don’t want to spend much time in the car, staying in one area may be the best option.
But if you have a couple of days and really want to experience all the park has to offer, I would highly suggest splitting your lodging between two locations.
For example, you could spend a few nights near Port Angeles or Lake Crescent to explore the northern side of the park, then move to Forks or Kalaloch for the Hoh Rain Forest and beaches.
This reduces driving time and gives you more time to enjoy the places you came to see.
Tips for Booking Olympic National Park Lodging
Book as early as possible
Summer is the busiest season in Olympic National Park, and lodging can fill quickly. I would highly suggest making reservations several months out, especially if you are visiting in July or August.
Choose your location based on your itinerary
Do not book a hotel simply because it looks beautiful. Look at the activities you want to do and choose lodging that minimizes your driving.
Expect limited services in some areas
The smaller communities and in-park lodging areas may have fewer restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations than you are used to. Pick up snacks, breakfast supplies, and other essentials before heading into more remote areas.
Check seasonal operating dates
Several of the park’s lodges and resorts operate seasonally. Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort do not all operate year-round, so make sure to confirm dates before making plans.
Be prepared for changing weather
Even in summer, Olympic National Park can be cool and rainy, particularly along the coast and in the rainforest. Pack layers, rain jackets, and comfortable shoes that can handle wet trails.
My Recommendation for Families
If I were planning a family trip to Olympic National Park, I would choose lodging based on the itinerary:
For the northern side of the park: Stay in Port Angeles or near Lake Crescent.
For the rainforest and western beaches: Stay in Forks or camp near the Hoh Rain Forest.
For a coastal getaway: Choose Kalaloch Lodge or Kalaloch Campground.
For a peaceful rainforest retreat: Stay near Lake Quinault.
For the most immersive outdoor experience: Camp or RV inside the park.
The best place to stay in Olympic National Park is not necessarily the most luxurious or the closest to the park entrance. It is the place that puts your family closest to the experiences you are most excited to have.
And honestly, that’s the magic of Olympic National Park. One day you’re walking through a rainforest that looks like Narnia, and the next you’re standing on the beach surrounded by sea stars and anemones.
Choosing the right place to stay just gives you more time to enjoy it.
Planning an Olympic National Park trip? Here’s other articles you might find helpful:
