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Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

Washington USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

In-Park Options

  • Campgrounds

    Olympic National Park manages 14 campgrounds, varying from primitive walk-in sites to developed areas with restrooms and potable water. Some popular campgrounds are reservable via Recreation.gov.

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Designated sites for wilderness camping suit those seeking a deep immersion into the park's wild areas. Wilderness licenses and bear canisters are often conditions.

  • Lodges

    Four lodges inside the park offer rooms and cabins, providing accommodation inside the park boundaries. These encompass Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Kalaloch Lodge.

  • Log Cabin Resort

    Located on Lake Crescent, this resort expects to reopen in 2025 after renovations.

Outside-Park Options

  • Hotels/Motels

    Many choices are present in the towns leading to like Port Angeles, Forks, and Sequim, from budget chains to mid-range hotels. Explore options on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Bed & Breakfasts/Inns

    Charming, often locally owned, options are found in smaller towns like Port Angeles and Port Townsend, offering a personalized stay.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Homes, cabins, or apartments are widely available in surrounding communities via Vrbo, useful for groups or extended visits, often with kitchens.

  • Unique Local Stays

    Limited private glamping operations and unique treehouse stays are available just beyond the park's borders boundaries, presenting distinct lodging experiences.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area near A Vast Wilderness in washington state has distinct advantages and considerations for your stay.

Port Angeles

Pros
  • Largest town, main northern gateway to park.
  • Access to Hurricane Ridge AND The lake Crescent.
  • Wide range of hotels, restaurants, services.
  • Ferry access to Victoria, British Columbia.
Cons
  • Can be busy, especially in summer.
  • Not directly inside the park.
  • Requires short drive to park entrances.

Forks

Pros
  • Excellent base for Hoh Rain Forest & Pacific Shoreline beaches.
  • Generally more affordable lodging.
  • Good for Rialto, Ruby, La Push beaches.
Cons
  • Smaller town with fewer amenities.
  • Can experience high the number of visitors.
  • Distant from northern park attractions.

Lake Crescent Area

Pros
  • Stunning lakefront setting.
  • Central to northern park attractions.
  • Lake Crescent Lodge has historic charm.
  • Direct access for hiking plus paddling.
Cons
  • Lodging is in short supply and expensive.
  • Early booking is often necessary.
  • Fewer dining options compared to towns.

Additional Considerations

Safety by Area

All areas surrounding A Land Of stunning contrasts are generally safe. Standard precautions apply: lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables visible, especially at trailheads, as car break-ins happen in popular parking lots.

Noise Levels AND Atmosphere

In-park lodges and campgrounds typically experience quiet, immersed-in-nature settings. Campgrounds have people noise, and some lodges might have generator noise. Towns display standard small-town noise levels, with greater movement in commercial areas.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • Summer (High Season): Reserve all accommodations 6-12 months ahead, particularly for weekends and holidays. Park lodges plus popular reserved campgrounds fill quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall): Booking 3-6 months in advance for lodges plus popular hotels is advisable. For campgrounds, 1-3 months ahead generally suffices.
  • Low Season (Winter): Availability is easier, but booking ONE-2 months ahead for lodges, especially for weekend stays or specific preferences, is still recommended.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: These vary by property. Check policies carefully before booking, noting non-refundable rates. Park lodges frequently possess stricter cancellation policies due to high demand.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Park Lodges: Book directly through the park concessioner or via third-party sites like National Park Reservations.
  • Campgrounds: Reserve through Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served campgrounds require early arrival, particularly in summer.
  • Hotels/Motels: Utilize standard booking platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, or directly on hotel websites (IHG Hotels).
  • Vacation Rentals: Access platforms like Vrbo.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Pricing
  • Prices are significantly higher in summer due to peak demand.
  • Booking well in advance is crucial to secure desired rates.
  • Expect premium prices for in-park lodges during this period.
Off-Peak Season Pricing
  • Prices are lowest in winter in the off-season-season.
  • Moderate pricing applies during shoulder seasons (spring/fall).
  • Consider visiting at these times for a better deal.

Important Note

Negotiation Customs

Haggling for on-the-spot-negotiating prices is not common for established hotels or lodges in this region. Campgrounds have fixed rates.

First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds

For first-come, first-served campgrounds, early arriving is necessary to secure a location, notably during summer.

Accommodation Quality

Vacation rental quality can vary, so read reviews and descriptions carefully.

Accommodation Recommendations

A table at a restaurant comparing follows to aid your choice based on travel style and budget.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Options

Olympic National Park Campgrounds, especially first-come, first-served sites like Fairholme, present the most affordable stays. Hostels in Port Angeles, if available, present another budget choice. (Hostelworld)

  • Most affordable stays
  • First-come, first-served campground options
  • Youth hostels in the towns leading to
Mid-Range Options

Hotels in Port Angeles or Sequim, such as Olympic Lodge or Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles, offer comfortable stays with convenient access to amenities. Check Booking.com for deals.

  • Comfortable stays with amenities
  • Good access to towns and services

Top Picks by Budget Continued

Luxury Options

Lake Crescent Lodge or Kalaloch Lodge offer an immersive, high-end experience within the park. Upscale vacation rentals in the region offer privacy and amenities. (IHG Hotels)

  • Immersive, high-end park experience
  • Upscale vacation rentals with privacy
Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals are great for long-term stays due to their amenities, such as kitchens and laundry facilities, and their home-like atmosphere. Explore options on Vrbo.

  • Kitchens and laundry facilities
  • Home-like atmosphere for extended visits

Family-Friendly Options

  • Campgrounds

    These spaces allow kids to play and present direct access to nature. Look for campgrounds with things like restrooms and water.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Multiple bedrooms, kitchens for self-catering, and living space define these rentals, which makes them ideal for families. Consider Vrbo.

  • Kalaloch Lodge Cabins

    Popular with families owing to their coastal surroundings and proximity to beaches, allowing for easy access to beach activities.

  • TrustedHousesitters

    For families with pets, consider house/pet sitting exchanges via TrustedHousesitters.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Budget dorms in Port Angeles

    Budget dorms in Port Angeles present social opportunities and are budget-friendly. Look for options on Hostelworld.

  • Smaller Hotels/Motels

    In the towns leading to, these offer freedom and convenience for a solo stay.

  • Front-Country Camping

    This option provides independence and an immersive nature experience inside the park's designated campgrounds.

  • Historic Significance

    Properties like Lake Crescent Lodge and Kalaloch Lodge possess rustic charm and the role it played in history, dating back to early a green space tourism development.

Historic Properties

Lake Crescent Lodge

Built in 1926, this lodge is known for its rustic charm and rich history, giving an insight into early park tourism.

  • Historic rustic charm
  • Early 20th-century tourism insight
Kalaloch Lodge

Features rustic coastal cabins and a main lodge, integral to the park's history and coastal experience, popular for its dramatic ocean views.

  • Rustic coastal cabins
  • Integral to park history and coastal experience
  • Popular for ocean views

Additional Historic Lodge

Lake Quinault Lodge

Though just outside the park boundary, this grand historic lodge built in 1926 is a striking example of rustic lodge architecture and hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

Near the mineral hot springs, this resort showcases historic accommodations and proximity to Sol Duc Falls.

Log Cabin Resort reopening 2025

Another historic property on Lake Crescent, currently undergoing renovations with a planned reopening in 2025.