Where to Stay in Olympic National Park—17 Best Places
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I often joke that Olympic National Park is perfect for nature-loving travelers with short attention spans, because, at just under a million acres, it’s home to a myriad of vastly different biozones, all situated a mere two-hour drive from Seattle. Want to cruise up 70 miles of rugged, rocky coastline littered with sea stacks and tidepools? Olympic can make it happen. Prefer to stroll through a lush, temperate rainforest or hike to the toe of a frigid glacier? Yep, you can do that all of that once you decide where to stay in Olympic National Park, too.
Home to a rich indigenous heritage—eight modern-day tribes maintain relationships with the park—Olympic is full of history, including the century-old historic lodges it’s dotted with. Outdoorsy guests can indulge in a spa getaway at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort or dine like Theodore Roosevelt at the stately dining hall in the Lake Quinault Lodge. Of course, there are also loads of modern stays along the Olympic Peninsula if that's more your speed. Below, find our top Airbnbs, Vrbos, glamping sites, and hotels for your next idyllic Pacific Northwest sojourn.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Oceanfront access, washer and dryer, barrel hot tub
What’s nearby: Quinault Reservation, Kalaloch BeachEver wanted to escape to your own private stretch of beach? This dreamy, beachfront A-frame allows travelers to do just that. Inside, you’ll find clean white walls and a midcentury-inspired hangout space, plus a full kitchen with an old-timey wood-burning stove. Upstairs, are two sleeping areas, one with a queen bed and another with a twin—plus there’s a sofa bed and air mattress in the living room. The real show-stopper can be found outside, though, where a wooden barrel hot tub and outdoor shower overlook the boundless Pacific Ocean.
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Top amenities: Firepit, kitchenette, farm-fresh eggs
What’s nearby: Rialto Beach, Hoh RainforestWhether you’re a Twilight fan (the hamlet of Forks is just nearby) or a simple forest lover, you’ll adore this wallet-friendly tiny home along the Quillayute River. It offers the perfect blend of “roughing it” and creature comforts, with space for two adults and one child in the queen bed and lofted twin; a small kitchen; and the owners’ farm fresh eggs all included. On sunny days, sip coffee on the front porch and listen to the birds sing among the conifers.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Grill, firepit, washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances
What’s nearby: Ocean City State Park beach, Quinault Rain ForestBrilliant bright whites and sparkling appliances greet travelers as soon as they step inside this modern, two-bedroom home (two queen bedrooms plus a sofa bed in the living room) that’s situated a short, sandy hike from the Pacific Ocean. Whether you love the indoors or prefer to enjoy the elements, this pet-friendly cottage has got you covered. Curl up with a good book by the fireplace, or grill up a post-hike feast in the backyard—best enjoyed around the firepit. Either way, you’ll be a short 50-mile drive from the Quinault Rain Forest for shaded, peaceful strolls among the moss-cloaked maples.
GettyPalace Hotel
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Kitchenettes, water views, high ceilings
What’s nearby: Hurricane Ridge hiking, adorable Port TownsendConstructed in 1889, this antique hotel might not have air conditioning or an elevator, but what it lacks in technology, it makes up for in charm. Comprised of 26 unique rooms, many of which are spacious, lofted studios, the Palace Hotel is situated in downtown Port Townsend, which is far artsier—and boasts more Victorian-era buildings—than nearby Port Angeles. If you’re not really an antique person, you’ll find that seven of the rooms are decorated with modern decor and amenities (hello, dishwasher). Pro tip: book Room 30 and kick back with a hot bath and a Puget Sound view after summiting Hurricane Hill.
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Easy ocean access, cedar hot tub, impeccable design
What’s nearby: Scenic Beach State Park, Hood CanalIf you’re the sort who likes to pair sleek, modern design with your escapes into nature, look no further than this house upon the sand, which sits just across the Hood Canal from the park. This idyllic cabin, made of corrugated metal and circular window frames, combines cedar soaking tub views, a full kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows for a second-to-none seaside stay. Enjoy private beach access and swoon-worthy panoramas with your morning coffee.
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Woodburning stove, outdoor seating, forested shower
What’s nearby: Underground Port Angeles Heritage Tours, fresh seafood at Kokopelli GrillGet the best of both worlds—the immersion of camping and the creature comforts of a hotel, like hot showers, plush linens, and power outlets—at this hip geodesic dome that’s set in the verdant forest just outside of Port Angeles. After a busy day of exploring the Elwha River Basin or hiking up Hurricane Hill, kick back with a cocktail on the outdoor deck, roast s’mores around the private firepit, or sizzle up a feast on the included barbecue grill.
GettyLake Quinault Lodge
Bed & bath: 1 or 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Sunset lake views, historic restaurant, private fireplaces
What’s nearby: Forest bathing at the moss-filled Quinault Rainforest, SUP rentals on Lake QuinaultFilled with all the amenities that make a classic national park lodge great—communal fireplace and lounge, fantastic views, and an on-site restaurant that President Roosevelt once dined at—Lake Quinault Lodge is a must-see for anyone hoping to spend some time under the lush canopy of the Quinault Rainforest. Rooms are simple and tasteful, with a 1920s design flair (tufted Chesterfield sofas and vintage photographs), plus guests here gain instant access to woodsy trails, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Pro tip: Reserve a room in the adorable Boat House building if you’re bringing Fido.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Full kitchen, mountain views, fireplace
What’s nearby: Hiking trails like Lake Angeles, Hurricane Ridge Visitor CenterThere’s no better place to fulfill your running-away-to-live-in-a-log-cabin fantasies than on the Olympic Peninsula, and this folksy, wood-paneled gem makes it easy to do so without roughing it. Gaze at snowy peaks and sapphire Lake Dawn from the back deck or snuggle up inside and enjoy the vintage park-themed decor, wood-burning fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen. Either way, with Olympic just a stone’s throw away, it’s a pretty epic base camp for your wilderness wandering.
GettyKalaloch Lodge
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: On-site restaurant, pet-friendly, ocean vistas
What’s nearby: Epic tide pools at Kalaloch Beach 4, sea stack viewing at Hole in the WallOne of the best things about Olympic’s lodging scene is that it has a bevy of well-maintained historic lodges inside the park boundaries than can help visitors get a vibe check on the park’s well-loved past. It may not be as immediately glamorous as some sites on our list, but the oceanfront location, cozy private cabins, and Adirondack chairs perfectly placed for sunset viewing more than make up for it. Feast on locally sourced meals (think grilled king salmon and elk burgers on pretzel buns) at Creekside Restaurant.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Unique art, ocean views, pet-friendly
What’s nearby: The shoreline for crabbing, excellent burgers at Next Door Gastropub in quaint Port AngelesWake up to expansive seaside vistas at this off-grid, boho-chic cabin on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. By day, explore nearby Olympic National Park areas like Sol Duc, Elwha, and Hurricane Ridge, then come home and enjoy the sunset from your own private deck, stroll the neighboring pebble beach, or fix up a feast in the cottage’s rustic kitchen.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Sun porch, fireplaces, boat and paddleboard rentals
What’s nearby: Sol Duc Valley hiking, scenic La Poel (pack a picnic!)Bed down amidst a forest of ancient fir and hemlock trees in this historic 1915 lodge set on the edge of shimmering Lake Crescent. Though the site is the most luxe of Olympic’s in-park lodging, cabins here are a bit simpler than others on our list. Of the many quaint options the lodge offers, the Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins are the best of the bunch, with mountain-inspired lighting accents, modern bathrooms, lakefront views, and stone-encrusted fireplaces. Rent a standup paddleboard from just outside your suite or rise early and sip your coffee while trying to spot deer in the nearby wildflower meadow.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Hammocks, hot tub, full kitchen, outdoor bonfire pit
What’s nearby: Strait of Juan de Fuca for whale watching; British Columbia for the Butchart Gardens, after boarding the historic Black Ball FerryWood paneling, live edge countertops, and an indoor hammock ensure you won’t ever feel far from nature at this stunning, well-appointed treehouse overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s a specifically Pacific Northwest kind of place. There are pillow-filled window seats overlooking verdant forests, Edison bulbs hanging from branches, lofted bedrooms, and shaded outdoor dining spaces. The space is so connected to nature that it’ll be hard to leave and actually visit the park.
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: On-site cafe, vintage soaking tubs, kitchenettes
What’s nearby: Waterfalls on a hike to Marymere Falls, the owner’s gaggle of farm animalsConveniently located off of Highway 101, this once-shabby roadside motel has since turned chic, with elegant suites and one larger guesthouse that boast fabulous design (think vintage art, hanging plants, and tufted leather chairs). Guests here not only have the opportunity to chow down on locally-sourced burgers and homemade blackberry pie at neighboring Granny’s Café, but they’re also a short drive from both Lake Crescent and the Elwha River.
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Ocean view, spacious decks, two kayaks, woodburning fireplace
What’s nearby: Kayaking on Hood Canal, boating at the Pleasant Harbor MarinaLocated a mere 90 minutes from Seattle (and 8.5 miles from Olympic), this modern waterfront home overlooks the conifer-lined waters of the Hood Canal. From the property’s many outdoor decks guests have the ability to scan the horizon for playful seals and bald eagles, while indoors, they’ll find creature comforts like a wood burning fireplace, open-plan mid century living area, and simple bedrooms with clean lines and beachy decor.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Hot tub, riverfront views, gourmet kitchen, wraparound porch
What’s nearby: Forks, the nearest town and the setting of Twilight; Rainforest Arts CenterThis newly constructed tiny house, set on the banks of the Sol Duc River, has so many modern amenities that it’s easy to forget about the 389-square-foot floor plan. The sun-drenched kitchen offers ample countertop space and stainless steel appliances, while the cabin’s cozy bedroom and living room are full of funky, PNW-centric accents like antler lamps, Sasquatch signs, and colorful wall hangings. Outside, enjoy easy river access via a gravel path or lounge in the sword ferns beside the outdoor fire pit.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Tuft & Needle mattresses, curated local art, patio with grill
What’s nearby: Hall of Mosses Trail in Hoh Rainforest, Rialto BeachIf your main goal in Olympic is to experience the majesty of the Hoh Rainforest first-hand, then skip Port Angeles and head to a wooded wonderland like this artsy cottage in the tiny town of Forks. A mounted skateboard and owl portrait greet guests as they enter the living room, and both of the property’s two bedrooms feature woodsy wall hangings and light, quilted linens. When it’s sunny, dine al fresco at the outdoor picnic table, or stay in and luxuriate in a bath with locally sourced soaps by Moon Valley Organics.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Plush linens, original art, Keurig coffee, private patios
What’s nearby: Hurricane Hill and Klahhane Ridge hikes; quirky Port Angeles eateries, like Dupuis RestaurantThis luxurious, wellness-focused resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Port Angeles—and per Seattle Magazine, it has the most comfortable king-size beds in the world, too. Each of Domaine Madeleine's amenity-filled suites and cottages features hand-painted murals of the area’s majestic scenery and comes with spa-inspired touches like jetted tubs, skylight showers, stone fireplaces, and panoramic views of sea and sky, all just 25 minutes from Olympic.
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