Here are a list of spots we’d recommend checking out while visiting the Olympic Peninsula.
For more info on the Olympic National Park, check out their website. You can also call this number (360) 565-3131 for daily conditions and closures in the park.
Visit our Local Resources page for a list of restaurants, nearby stores, gas stations, etc., that may be helpful to you along the way.
Lake Crescent is about 10 minutes west of us and is stunning in all weather. There are some lovely walking trails along the lake and through the forest, including an easy, less than two-mile hike roundtrip to the 90ft Marymere Falls. There is also the option of the more intermediate hike up to Mount Storm King, which is 4 miles round trip with a gain of 2065ft.
During the summer season, the lodge is open and rents out kayaks and canoes to take out on the lake.
Find more details here.
Check out the Lake Crescent Webcam here.
About 7 minutes west of the Emerald Valley Inn is Railroad Spruce Trail. This is a beautiful, easy walking and biking trail right along Lake Crescent. You even get to walk through an old railroad tunnel! It is an accessible option for all ages and is pet-friendly.
More details can be found here.
Madison Falls is a super-duper accessible 60ft waterfall located only about 50ft away from the parking lot via a wheelchair accessible, paved trail. This beauty is a short 10-minute drive from the inn.
After you visit Madison Falls, don’t let the road closure deter you from exploring the rest of the Elwha River Valley on foot.
Head out on the paved road for an easy .5 mile walk alongside the beautiful Elwha River to the closest trailhead. Along the way, see the power of the Elwha River and where it has washed out the road. It is another 1.5 to the closed ranger station.
For those looking for a more extended excursion on foot or bike, check out the 20.4 miles roundtrip to the Olympic Hot Springs.
Find more info on the Elwha Valley here.
About 25 minutes west of us, you’ll reach Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, which over a 10 miles drive will take you through the Sol Duc River Valley, where there are several things to do.
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has three pools where you can soak in some natural, hot mineral waters during the summer season. There is a 1.6-mile round trip hike to Sol Duc Falls, a unique slot canyon fall.
During the fall season, swing by the Salmon Cascades to see the salmon running.
It is from this area that you can access some backcountry hiking options like the Seven Lakes Basin and High Divide Trail.
Find more detail on the area and available hiking options here.
Salt Creek Recreation Area is a fantastic spot on the coast, about 25 minutes away from us. Rain or shine, it makes for delightful beach walking, tide pooling, or bird watching.
More details can be found here.
East of us is Hurricane Ridge, which is an Olympic National Park Favorite. It offers several hiking options and beautiful walking trails with views all around.
It takes about 17 minutes to get to the Olympic National Park Visitors’ Center from the inn, and the road that leads up to Hurricane Ridge, and it takes about an hour to reach the very top.
Access to Hurricane Ridge Road can be erratic in the winter months, so give this number a call first (360) 565-3131, or swing by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, which is on the way, right next to Hurricane Ridge Road.
Find more information about the general Hurricane Ridge area here.
Check out the Hurricane Ridge Webcams here.
Learn more about the Hurricane Ridge winter activities here.
About 30 miles east of us is the Dungeness Recreation Area and the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge. You get two parks! Here there are miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as equestrian-friendly trails.
It is here that you can access the Dungeness Spit. It is the longest natural sand spit in North America and is perfect for a lovely beach walk. Head west along the spit and enjoy walking along the bluffs or head east and journey five miles to the Dungeness Lighthouse, where you will be rewarded with a tour of the lighthouse.
If you find yourself in Sequim, considering paying a visit to the popular Olympic Game Farm.
Here you can get up close and personal with wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle at this drive-through wildlife exhibited and petting zoo.
Learn more about the Olympic Game Farm here.
The Hoh Rainforest is the second most visited spot in the Olympic National Park. It is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Be sure to check out the Hoh River, a river fed by glaciers. The river has a milky slate blue appearance due to the glaciers grinding the rock down finely. The Hoh River Trail is a great trail option out there!
Some more helpful information on the Hoh area can be found here.
Head out a bit farther west to the coast, and you can experience some of the Pacific Northwest Coastline and Olympic National Park beaches, Second Beach at La Push and Rialto Beach are both terrific. Both are an hour and 10 minutes away from our inn.
More info on that area can be accessed here.
Find more details on spots along the Olympic National Park coast here.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Enges)
Cape Flattery is also out that away about an hour and 45 minutes from us. It is the furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United States and offers an enjoyable 1.5-mile round trip hike with absolutely stunning views.
Find more details on the Cape Flattery trail here.
