2 Best Sights in Olympic National Park, Washington

Hurricane Ridge

Fodor's choice

The panoramic view from this 5,200-foot-high ridge encompasses the Olympic range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. Guided tours from the visitor center are given in summer along the many paved and unpaved trails, where wildflowers and wildlife such as deer and marmots flourish. In winter, the area is usually open Friday–Sunday for recreational pursuits, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. All vehicles must carry chains November–March. 

Mt. Olympus

The highest peak in the Olympic Mountain range, Mt. Olympus towers over the park at 7,980 feet. It gets 50--70 feet of snow every year, supporting several glaciers including Blue Glacier, which has been one of the most-studied glaciers in the world. That glacier and others in the mountain range have been retreating rapidly in recent decades due to climate change. Because of its location in the park, the best view of Mt. Olympus is from Hurricane Ridge. Unlike other major mountains in Washington state, it can't be seen from major cities or even nearby towns.