Covering most of the Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic National Park is home to some of the densest temperate rainforests in the world and an impressive array of plant and wildlife. A visit to the park offers an array of scenic drives, outdoor activities, and even a few resorts. Head inland to see stunning waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers, and or drive out to the dramatic coast and it’s about 70 miles of beaches. Below are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to Olympic National park.
Get to Olympic National Park with Sixt
With a car rental from Sixt you can make the most of your visit to Olympic National Park and have the chance to visit its diverse ecosystems. Pick up a rent a car from our branch at the Seattle Tacoma Airport and be on your way in one of our premium vehicles. We have a variety of rental cars on offer from sporty SUVs to minivans and luxury models that can get you around comfortably and conveniently.
What to see with your car rental from Sixt
The park is divided into a coastal area and an inland section that is essentially encircled by the US 101. As the park has no roads that cross it, we suggest starting at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and then making your way counter-clockwise around the peninsula. You can choose your destinations based on what kinds of activities you want to partake in, with options for bird watching, tide pooling, hiking, and wildlife viewing and more.
Hurricane Ridge is the most accessible mountain area with a number of hiking trails. The drive offers impressive panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the coastline on clear days. From here you can also reach Heart O’ the Hills, the Elwha Valley and Deer Park.
Rialto Beach is a popular place to experience the wild shores and see the famous offshore islands known as ‘sea stacks’. Take a hike during the low tide to the Hole-in-the-Wall, an arch carved by the sea, and have fun exploring the tidepools. If you are not sucked into spending time in Forks, the town of Twilight infamy, head an hour from here further south to Ruby Beach or into the Hoh Rain Forest.
Hoh Rain Forest, as its name suggests, is frequently rainy. Don’t let that scare you away though as all the wetness means a wonderfully lush, verdant canopy of coniferous and deciduous species awaits. Get enchanted by the mosses and ferns blanketing almost every surface as you take a short or longer hike.
Quinault Valley is home to some of the largest trees in the world featuring Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, Western red cedar and Western hemlock. Stretch your legs on the trails and say hello to the 191 ft. tall, thousand year old big Sitka spruce. For those who have less time, the Rain Forest Loop Drive, is a good alternative for soaking up the scenery. Keep your eyes out for Roosevelt elk!
Before setting out with your car rental from Sixt, plan your trip with the helpful information available on the Olympic National Park website.
