If my kids were older and connected to cellphones at all times, this lack of reception would have been a parents’ best friend. I think I had cell phone reception for approximately 15 minutes during our weekend away, which was strangely liberating for someone who makes money by being connected. With so many different climates and zones in one park, you can find thousands of opportunities to learn about nature and its creatures. They call it Olympic’s Living Classroom, and I couldn’t agree more. Embrace the learning experiences at every turn.From glacier-covered peaks, gorgeous lakes, miles and miles of Pacific Ocean beaches, old growth forests, waterfalls, hot springs, and ancient rain forests, there truly is something for everyone.Ģ1+ things to do with kids in Olympic National Park It turns out we’ve been missing a lot.įor one, there are actually 4 parks in one in Olympic National Park. For a low-key option, venture outside of Olympic National Park to the Lyre Conservation Area for a forested walk to a quiet beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.Can you believe that I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest almost my entire life, yet I had never been to Olympic National Park? We travel a lot as a family, but somehow the National Park just hadn’t made it on our radar until earlier this year when our oldest got excited about rain forests and we realized how overdue we were for a trip to ONP.įor this past Father’s Day weekend, we decided to do a somewhat last-minute trip to the peninsula so we could explore the Olympic National Park as a family and finally see what we’ve been missing. Heading to the coast? Check out the incredible Rialto Beach. The Sol Duc Valley is another lovely area to visit, with a hot springs resort and a hike to an elegant waterfall. Of course, there is much to see and do here in Olympic National Park! Near Port Angeles, the drive up to Hurricane Ridge is stunning, and so are the ridgetop hikes. For a sweet treat, head east on Highway 101 to Granny’s Cafe, famous for its giant soft serve ice cream cones. Paddlers can spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the lake. Looking to stay longer? Fairholme is a great place to camp, or you can book a cozy cabin at Log Cabin Resort. Plan extra time to hike or bike further along the Spruce Railroad Trail, stop by the Lake Crescent Lodge, or head to another beach, such as the one by Fairholme Campground. It’s easy to spend an entire day on Lake Crescent. While the water is deep, cliff jumpers should proceed with care to avoid hitting any rocks on the way down or debris in the water.Ĭome on in, the water’s fine WHILE YOU’RE HERE Keep a close eye on children, and have younger kids wear lifejackets. They won’t have the amazing depth of Devil’s Punchbowl, but can still get you in the water.Īs always, use caution when swimming. If you prefer a quieter experience, look for other small, rocky beaches that you can access from the Spruce Railroad Trail. During our visit, the atmosphere was laid back and fun, but respectful. The number of visitors ebbed and flowed, but it definitely got more crowded as the afternoon wore on. We stayed for a few hours around mid-day on a Friday. It’s also a pretty popular spot, so don’t expect solitude when the sun is shining. You won’t see it again, and we all want to keep this special place pristine. With this in mind, take extra care not to drop anything in the water. Although Devil’s Punchbowl is located along the lakeshore, this underwater gorge plunges down over 100 feet! I’ve been unable to find a more accurate measurement for this spot, but suffice it to say, it’s deep. With a depth of over 600 feet, this sapphire jewel of the Olympic Peninsula glows with a deep blue intensity on a sunny day. Lake Crescent is blessed with some of the clearest water in Washington State. Whidbey & Fidalgo Islands Paddle & Swim.
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