PLANNING A TRIP TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

It is considered one of the most scenic parks in the American national park system. As the ancestral home of the Quileute people, Olympic National Park offers a widely diverse set of natural wonders, which include lush rainforests, glacier-capped mountains, old-growth forests, and rugged beaches along the Pacific Ocean. At our senior living center in Everett, Washington, visiting Olympic National Park is one of the most popular day trips taken by our residents.

Spanning more than one million acres, visiting Olympic National Park is meant to be a journey taken on foot, not by looking out from a window in a car. Let’s see how the residents of our assisted living facility in Arlington should be planning a trip to Olympic National Park.

How Do I Get to Olympic National Park?

As one of the most accessible national parks, getting to Olympic National Park requires about a three-hour drive starting from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). US Route 101 circles the park along the Olympic Peninsula. To reach US 101, you take Interstate 5 going south from Seattle, Tacoma, or the SeaTac Airport. The goal is to reach Port Angeles, which is the location of the park’s headquarters. You also can start your journey on State Route 16 from Tacoma to Bremerton, which is located on Bainbridge Island.

When is the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park?

Although Olympic National Park stays open 24 hours a day, seven days per week throughout the year, some times of the year are much better to visit the national treasure than other times of the year. Some roads close during winter, as do many campgrounds and other attractions inside the park. When the weather is typically warm and relatively dry during summer, the park attracts its highest number of visitors. This also is the time of year when schools are closed, and thus, the largest number of families visit the park. Fall foliage colors also attract a large number of park visitors

The best time of year to visit Olympic National Park to avoid the largest crowds, but still get the most out of the park, is between mid-April and Memorial Day.

What is There to Do at Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with many options available to keep you active all day long.

Hiking represents the most popular activity inside the park due to the large number of trails that appeal to every skill level. Since the park has a limited number of roads, hiking to soak in the natural splendor is typically the only way to reach a destination. Snow sports rule the day during the colder months of the year, especially activities offered at the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area. Swimming is popular during summer, but if you find the water too chilly, you can participate in tide pooling and sea kayaking. The park offers five rivers for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Animals ranging from elk to whales call the park home. You might encounter black bears deep in the backcountry or run into Olympic marmots at the higher elevations.

Olympic National Park also features ranger-led educational programs such as beach walks and snowshoeing tours. At our assisted living facility in Lynnwood, we offer a busy activities calendar for residents to keep them engaged both mentally and physically. Learn more by scheduling a tour today of our senior living center in Everett, WA.