Olympic National Park RV Road Trip Guide Part II

 

We invite you to feast your eyes on Olympic National Park - arguably the most diverse and alluring of all the protected spaces in the United States. With its remarkable range of elevation, ecosystems, old-growth, temperate rainforests, coastline, and glaciers, and nearly a million acres of wilderness, there is literally something for every type of RVer to explore. Earlier this week we brought you our Road Trip Guide from Seattle, Washington to Olympic National Park Part I, where we featured the route and road trip gems along the way to Olympic. Today you can discover this national park's most desirable attractions, the hikes you can't miss and where to RV camp in our epic guide below!

 





 

THE HOH RAINFOREST
The Hoh Rainforest is the largest temperate rainforest in the United States. Its hiking trails are riddled with old-growth, lush flora, and a low hum of the Sol Duc River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the unique ecosystem and allow your senses to take in the overload of greenery. It's a place unlike anywhere we've been and should be explored by all. The trails are accessible to folks of all ages (but you'll have to leave your pets at home). Be aware: Yellow Jackets are highly active, especially in the summer and fall seasons so if you're allergic, be prepared. Make sure you check out our guide to Everything You Need to Know and Pack for a Hike in the Rainforest before you go!
Hikes: Hall of Mosses (easy), Spruce Nature Trail (easy), Hoh River Trail (moderate)
Where to Stay: The Hoh Campground is first-come, first-served and has a total of 78 campsites that are $20/night. Most RV sites are for rigs up to 21 feet but there are a few that can accommodate motorhomes up to 35 feet.
RV Parking Available: Yes

 




HURRICANE RIDGE
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most stunning and RV accessible drives in the park. The route to the top is an 18-mile winding and ascending drive that takes you through dense forests and alpine ice-covered peaks. Enjoy unbelievable interior views of the Olympic Mountains and the Straights of Juan de Fuca as you make your way to the grand prize, the vista point for Hurricane Ridge. There is an incredible two-story visitor center that gives you access to a 180 degree view of the mountain range. Make your way through any one of the areas three easy and wheelchair accessible trails to truly experience all the wonder Hurricane Ridge has to offer.
Hikes: Hurricane Hill Trail (easy), Big Meadow (easy) and High Ridge (easy)
Where to Stay: Heart O' the Hills Campground is first-come, first-served and has a total of 105 campsites that are $20/night. Most RV sites accommodate rigs up to 21 feet but there are a few that are designated for motorhomes up to 35 feet. There is no dump station at Heart O' the Hills.
RV Parking Available: Yes

 




 

SECOND BEACH
Second Beach is just one of Olympics' many beaches but we are particularly fond of this stunning natural space for a number of reasons. It offers easy RV parking, accessibility (a mere 0.7 mile trail to the ocean), unique sea stacks, bird watching opportunities and best of all, you can camp directly on the beach! Walk on trail through dense and marshy forest until you arrive at a mecca of driftwood and you've made it! You can stroll along the beach for hours and still not see even touch the surface of what this coastal heaven offers. Make sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the sound of waves crashing ashore as you dine on your lunch.
Hike: Second Beach trail (easy).
Where to Stay: Obtain a beach camping permit here. If you'd prefer RV camping, check out Kalaloch Campground. This oceanside campground has a number of sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. RV sites are $22/night with a dump station fee of $10 per use. Sites are first-come, first-served in the off-season which begins in October.
RV Parking Available: Yes

 




 

MARYMERE FALLS
This 9o-foot waterfall is one of the most popular landmarks in Olympic National Park and after our recent visit, we understand why. The meandering trail to the falls is easy and peppered with beautiful old-growth. After you pass over the creek (great for a picnic and photos) you begin to ascend north. There are railings lining the way to the waterfall vista, making this hike a great option for those who need/want to take a leisure stroll.
Hikes: Marymere Falls Trail (easy) and Storm King Trail (moderate with switchbacks).
Where to Stay: Fairholme Campground features 88 RV sites suitable for campers up to 21 feet. First-come, first-served basis with a $20/night fee.
RV Parking Available: Yes

 




 

LAKE CRESCENT
Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains is where you will find Lake Crescent. The drive to this pristine lake is so unbelievably gorgeous you will begin to think there could not possibly be anything prettier, until you set your eyes on Lake Crescent. The glistening sapphire-colored lake is the perfect destination for those who want to sit back, relax and take in Olympic National Park's epic beauty without getting sweaty. There are numerous picnic areas around the lake (Fairholme, La Poel and Bovee's Meadow are just a few) as well a number of docks for you to sit and kick back on. If you're looking for lake activity, fear not! You can canoe, kayak, and sail on the bluest of blue lakes. Pro Tip: Lake Crescent is the access point to Marymere Falls hike!
Hike: Marymere Falls by way of Barnes Creek Trail (easy).
Where to Stay: Fairholme Campground features 88 RV sites suitable for campers up to 21 feet. First-come, first-served basis with a $20/night fee.
RV Parking Available: Yes

Now that you know how to get to Olympic National Park and where to explore, the only thing that's left is filling your belly! That's why we've created our very own La Mesa RV Food Guide to Four Days in Olympic National Park. Leave us a comment in the section below telling us your favorite hikes in the Pacific Northwest for a chance to be featured on our Blog!