where to stay in olympic national park
Your ultimate guide to the best places to rest your head from the inside of the park to the surrounding towns
Olympic National Park is a giant mosaic of temperate rainforests, alpine peaks, crystal‑clear lakes, and rugged coastline. Whether you’re a back‑country hiker, a family looking to relax beside a waterfall, or a photographer chasing sunrise over the Hoh River, you’ll want a place that puts you close to the action while keeping you comfortable and convenient. Below is a rundown of every option—from formal lodges and campgrounds in the park itself to cozy bed‑n‑breakfasts and rustic cabins just a drive away.
1. Staying Inside the Park
| Category | Property | Approx. Cost | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge | Lake Crescent Lodge | $250–$500/night | 12 pristine rooms, historic lodge style, lakeside walk, kayaks, dining on a menu with local ingredients | 3–4‑days per season, book early. Reservations accepted (1–2 years in advance). |
| Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort | $350–$600/night | On‑site hot‑spring pools, 30‑courtyard alpine rooms, dinner at Sepp’s rustic‑refined restaurant | Limited space; “water‑only” stays during peak season. | |
| Campgrounds | Lake Crescent Campground | $16/night | 138 sites, lake access, nearby hiking trails | Book by recreation.gov; campsites only 1–2 nights max. |
| Hoh Campground | $12/night | 106 sites, Hoh River valley, forest floor cabins available | Permits required for “tent‑area” camping. | |
| Raymond Falls Campground | $12/night | 96 sites, close to waterfalls and rocky tide pools | Basic; bring all gear. | |
| Orkney Campground | $12/night | 1 station, unique “Orkney Log House” both RV and tent spots | Fine for late‑season visits. | |
| Moraine Creek Campground | $12/night | Remote, 19 sites, rugged hikes, isolated feel | Very few sites – perfect for back‑country ties. | |
| Sol Duc Campground | $16/night | 27 sites, adjacent to Sol Duc Hot Springs | Requires a reservation at least 30 days ahead. |
Key Tips for In‑Park Stays
- Book far in advance – Many lodges close for half the year, and camps often fill up within minutes of release online.
- Season matters – Summer (June–September) is peak, but the park is beautiful year‑round; winter cabins are rare but offer a quiet escape.
- Lighten your load – If staying in a lodge, you’ll likely be charged a daily “convenience fee” ($50+).
- Consider a combination – A lodge stay coupled with a nearby biking trip or an off‑road drive gives you the best of both worlds.
2. Staying Near the Park—The Towns That Keep You Connected
| Town | Distance to Park Border | Sample Accommodations | Typical Cost | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Angeles | 15–25 mi (drive) | The Port‑Angeles Lodge, Big Bay Inn, Seaview Bookshop & Inn | $150–$250/night | Gas, groceries, ferries, 4Ms (Olympic Mountains, Mitkof, Misty, etc.) |
| Sequim | 30 mi | The Sequim Hot Springs, Hub City Lodge, Bahá‑‘í Guesthouse | $120–$220/night | Bicycles, coffee shops, charming “Rainy Day” vibe |
| Forks | 20–25 mi | Wayside Inn, Salmon Creek Lodge | $100–$180/night | Iconic “Twilight Zone” setting, proximity to Wild River |
| Bremerton | 60 mi | Heritage Inn, Marvellous Adventures | $110–$200/night | Pacific Rim services, ferry to Victoria, Washington State history |
| Olympic National Park Visitor Center – Port Huron | 15 mi | Port Rowan Cabins, Comfort Suites | $120–$250/night | Great wanoak hikes, “Hurricane Ridge” base |
Last‑Minute/Holiday Bargains
- WFH & Days – Many hotels operate with “work‑from‑home” packages: a comfortable room, dog‑friendly or transportation to the park. Book on day‑of if taxes unknown.
- Airbnb & Vrbo – Look for “tent‑posts” and “microwave‑friendly” apartments. Popular listings tend to be air‑conditioned, which is a lifesaver in July.
- Holiday stays – January–March is quiet, and you can snag a room for $70–$120 nightly.
3. Vacation Rentals & Back‑Country Cabins
Inside the Park (rare, but real)
- Lake Quinault Lodge – Book through the park; 20+ cabins with kitchenettes, 10–$2000 per week (lean if staying weekdays).
- Marble Falls Campground cabins – Small “snow‑shack” cabins for the hardcore winter hiker.
Nearby & Off‑Grid Options
- The Hoh Rain Forest Cabins – Remote, 3–4 cabins for $250–$400/night; Deer family-run, air‑conditioned.
- Rainier Vista Cabin – 4‑bedroom wooden cabin, 4–5 star review, $600/night; near Hoh River.
- Pipeline Paddling Lodge – 8‑bedroom cabin for travellers; near the Hoh valley.
- Forks Mountain Retreat – 2‑bedroom – 1‑bedroom cabins, weekend deals around $200–300/night.
Holiday-Specific Ideas
- Grape “Gypsies” – $50/night per person for a tall cabin, with “story‑tale” nights.
- O’Neil Cabin – Moose‑facing might be a family‑friendly pick for older kids.
4. Camping Guides (Recreation.gov & State Parks)
| Campground | Size (sites) | Rate | Features | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Crescent | 138 | $16 | 12‑ft boat launch, multiple amenities, 1–2 nights max | Reserve 4–12 weeks ahead |
| Hoh | 106 | $12 | Ranging from primitive to “cabins” (butcited logdom) | Open 14‑90 days |
| Raymond Falls | 96 | $12 | Rocky tide pools, moderate showers | Positions free for short visits |
| Sol Duc | 27 | $16 | Proximity to hot springs; 4th‑week‑in‑shoulder booking | Keep a list ready |
| Moraine Creek | 19 | $12 | Access via 11‑elliptic road; nearest downhill access | Rare, use vendor Upop.com |
| Lake Quinault & Rushmere | 206 | $12 | 2‑day stretch; great for extended trips | Book 60 days early |
Know Your Park – For each campground, bring essential gear: a fire‑proof logct, a sleeping bag rated for 0°F, and a 60‑mi‑long reliable house‑().
5. Tips & Hacks for All Pitches
| Priority | Why It Matters | A Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation Window | Most lodges open months before. | Create a calendar reminder for July 1. |
| Seasonal Charge | Summer often records 50% surcharge. | Sell your “external drive” weekend stay, keep 4‑4 nights leftover. |
| Combination of Base & View | Many nights in a lodge, few at a cabin. | Pick a lake lodge, then drive to Hoh Cabin weekends. |
| Stay Cast Away | In‑park lodges can be pricey. | Use a nearby town for a longer stay or mix of B&B beds. |
| Transportation | After the park closure, most outskirts are 30‑45 minutes. | Rent a car in Port Angeles, drop in at the Visitor Center booking area. |
| Return Early | Park minutes are a hit; avoid the last day rush. | Book the second day earlier, return on the first day of the month. |
6. Plotting Your Stay—The Definitive Map
- Day 1–2 – Arrive in Port Angeles. Stay at The Port‑Angeles Lodge (or Airbnb), explore Misty B&O, debrief dinner—fresh salmon.
- Day 3–5 – Reward yourself at Lake Crescent Lodge. Canoe on the lake, hike to Sol Duc Falls, taste the lakeside coffee.
- Day 6–7 – Trade the lodge for a cabin near Hoh (Rainier Vista Cabin) to chase the canopy’s light.
- Day 8–10 – Journey back to the town of Forks or Breezeway, break out the local breweries, near the Pacific shores.
- Day 11–12 – Return to Port Angeles for the final night; take a sunset cruise or savor a pastry made with locally sourced honey.
Bottom Line
- Big budget? Hotel + luxury lodge → comfortable rooftop access & in‑park dining.
- Mid‑budget? Rely on a downtown inn and a few nights in an official lodge.
- Budget/Back‑country? Campgrounds, tower cabins or a Airbnb near the golden eave of the park.
- Season? Most sites run from May 1 to October 15 but open and close at different times. Aim for Oct‑Dec or Mar‑Apr for low‑cost, quieter options.
Want a hand in booking? The NPS recreation.gov site is your gateway, or just share your travel dates and we’ll lay out an itinerary in a text. With Olympics’ emerald, mineral‑rich vistas on hand, your stay will be the envy of your getaway‑blog friends. Happy hiking, relaxing, and shooting the perfect sunrise!
