Olympic National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse places in North America. In four days, you can walk through temperate rainforest, alpine meadows, and along wild Pacific coast beaches. The crowds are manageable compared to Yosemite, and the permits — while required — are easier to score.
The Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| America the Beautiful Pass (annual, shared) | $40 ($20/person) |
| Camping (4 nights, Hoh & Mora campgrounds) | $28 |
| Gas (Seattle to Olympic, 3hr drive roundtrip) | $52 |
| Food (packed meals + one restaurant dinner) | $58 |
| Miscellaneous (camp store, firewood) | $12 |
| Total per person | $150 |
Day 1: Hoh Rainforest
Arrive at Hoh and set up camp (reserve at recreation.gov, $24/night for site). Do the Hall of Mosses trail — 0.8 miles, absolutely otherworldly. Then the Hoh River Trail out to Five Mile Island. Flat, quiet, guaranteed to recalibrate your nervous system after city life.
Day 2: Hurricane Ridge
Two-hour drive from Hoh but worth every minute. The ridge offers views of the Bailey Range and, on clear days, Vancouver Island. The Hurricane Hill trail adds 3.2 miles and 700 feet for the best panoramic view in the park. Bring a layer — it's always 10-15 degrees cooler up here.
Day 3: Rialto Beach
The Pacific coast section of Olympic is nothing like the manicured beaches you're used to. Massive sea stacks, tide pools full of purple sea urchins, driftwood the size of houses. The walk north to Hole-in-the-Wall (1.5 miles one-way) is only passable at low tide — check the tide chart the night before.
Day 4: Sol Duc Hot Springs
The hot springs resort day pass costs $15 — worth every dollar after three days of hiking. Soak for two hours, then do the Sol Duc Falls trail (1.6 miles) on the way out. Perfect last day. Drive home with legs that feel like they've earned something.
What We'd Do Differently
Reserve campsites earlier — sites at Hoh book out 2-3 weeks ahead in summer. Pack more coffee. The one thing we'd spend more on: a Jetboil stove instead of borrowing one.