Wildlife Watching

Salmon Cascades

The trailhead is at approximately milepost 7 on the Sol Duc Road. The trail travels 190 feet to a viewing platform.

In the late summer and early fall, salmon can be seen leaping from Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River! Get a glimpse on a viewing platform located above the cascades. The Sol Duc River serves as a key highway for coho salmon, running through the river valley and ascending to lakes and headwaters in the surrounding mountains. Chinook and coho salmon ascend the Sol Duc in late summer and spawn in late fall, while cutthroat trout and steelhead run in the fall and winter and spawn in the spring. All of these anadromous fish are born in the Sol Duc River but spend most of their lives in the Pacific Ocean before returning home to spawn. The Sol Duc is one of the few places where salmon run in every season. Keep a sharp lookout to see if you can spot one!

In the late summer and early fall, salmon can be seen leaping from Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River! Get a glimpse on a viewing platform located above the cascades.

Watch for Salmon at Salmon Cascades

Fish

River and Riparian

Waterfalls

Front-Country Hiking

A trailhead with a sign that reads "Peabody Creek Trail."

Peabody Creek Trailhead

The Peabody Creek trailhead is located at the western edge of the Visitor Center parking lot. The Living Forest trailhead is located behind the Visitor Center. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, two short loop hikes take visitors through peaceful, green lowland forests. Both trails are open year-round, and provide a great introduction to the forests of Olympic following a visit to the Visitor Center. Picnic benches located near the trailheads and amenities at the Visitor Center make this a great spot to stop for a post-hike lunch. Peabody Creek Trail to Aldwell Nature Trail This moderate-difficulty half-mile loop begins at the western edge of the Visitor Center parking lot. The trail descends through the forest to Peabody Creek. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the unique experience of walking under moss-covered trees that lean over the trail. Keep right (north) to join the Aldwell Nature Trail and return to the Visitor Center parking lot, or continue on the Peabody Creek Trail for a 5.2 mile out-and-back journey. Living Forest Trail This easy 0.4 mile loop starts beside the historic Beaumont cabin, behind the Visitor Center. Keep a lookout for banana slugs, interesting fungi, and the many birds of the forest!

Pets are allowed on the Peabody Creek Trail. Pets are not allowed on the Living Forest Trail.

Near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, two short loop hikes take visitors through peaceful, green lowland forests.

Take a Short Hike Near the Visitor Center

Forests and Woodlands

Trails

A waterfall rushes over mossy rocks to a pond below.

Madison Falls

Madison Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River. It's also one of the most accessible destinations at the park, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all abilities.  Stop at the parking area for a great view of the Elwha River. The Elwha is the Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed, and home to salmon and trout. For millenia, the Klallam people relied on fish nurtured by the Elwha River watershed. But two dams on the river constructed in 1913 and 1927 were built without fish passage, meaning that thousands of salmon could no longer reach the Elwha Valley. After careful planning, both dams were removed in 2014. Within months of the dams' removal, salmon were spawning in the park for the first time in 100 years! See this impressive river and hear its rushing waters to experience the success of this restoration project. Then, continue beyond the parking lot on a 0.1-mile, paved, gently sloping trail leading to Madison Falls. A bench at the end of this short trail provides a perfect spot to rest in the shade and take it all in.

Pets are allowed on the short trail to Madison Falls. You must follow BARK Rules when bringing pets to Olympic National Park. Learn more <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm">here</a>.

Madison Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River. It's also one of the most accessible destinations at the park, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all abilities. 

See Madison Falls

Dams

Watersheds

Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour

Ride a Clallam Transit bus to Hurricane Ridge in the summer season. Along the way, see scenic views, wildflowers and wildlife.

The ride to Hurricane Ridge takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, round trip.

Bus tickets are $1.00 each way, $2.00 round trip. 

A view of Hurricane Ridge with the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Hurricane Ridge

Buy a ticket and hop on the bus to Hurricane Ridge at 123 E Front Street in Port Angeles, Washington. The bus delivers passengers to the parking area at Hurricane Ridge. Return trips from Hurricane Ridge to Port Angeles have the same stops.

Taking the bus to Hurricane Ridge is a great way to experience this amazing destination without the hassle and stress of traffic and parking. In the summer season, Clallam Transit operates a bus that travels between Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge. Find out how to take the bus to Hurricane Ridge here! <hr /> <h4>Where do I get on the bus?</h4> Board the bus at the Gateway Transit Center in Port Angeles, Washington, to begin your trip to Hurricane Ridge. The Gateway Transit Center is located in downtown Port Angeles, at 123 E Front Street. <h4>Where do I park?</h4> Free parking is available at the Gateway Transit Center. A parking garage is located nearby. <h4>How much does it cost?</h4> Bus tickets are $1.00 each way, $2.00 round trip. Bus riders going to Hurricane Ridge will need to have paid entrance fees to Olympic National Park. Entrance fees can be paid online in advance of your trip <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74290">here</a>. Bus riders can also show their America the Beautiful or Olympic National Park Annual Passes, which waive entrance fees. Learn more about entrance fees and passes on our website <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fees.htm">here</a>. <h4>When does the bus run?</h4> The bus between Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge operates from June through September. Find more information and bus schedules on the <a href="https://www.clallamtransit.com/HurricaneRidge">Clallam Transit website</a>. <h4>What is there to see and do at Hurricane Ridge?</h4> Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular destinations at Olympic National Park and is a great place to experience the park's subalpine ecosystem. Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm">visiting Hurricane Ridge on our website</a>.

The Clallam Transit bus to Hurricane Ridge is only available in the summer season.

Skip the stress and help the environment by taking a Clallam Transit bus to Hurricane Ridge! This summer season bus transports park visitors directly from downtown Port Angeles, Washington, to one of Olympic National Park's most scenic destinations.

Check bus schedules on the <a href="https://www.clallamtransit.com/HurricaneRidge">Clallam Transit website</a>.

Take the Bus to Hurricane Ridge

Meadows

Mountains

Scenic Views

Rialto Beach

Feel the sand between your toes. Marvel at amazing rock formations. Watch fascinating tidepool creatures. Have a seat on a driftwood log and watch the waves roll in. A trip to the Olympic Coast is sure to be memorable! Olympic National Park contains several beach areas along the coast, each with something to offer. The recommendations in this article are for "frontcountry" beach experiences. If you are interested in backcountry or wilderness hiking along the Pacific Coast, click <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness.htm">here</a>. <h2>Beach Safety</h2> Before you learn about the beaches of Olympic National Park and choose your destination, be sure to read through these beach safety rules! <ul> <li>Don't get trapped by a rising tide! Several points along the coast are only passable at lower tides. Always carry a tide chart. Tide charts are available at visitor centers and ranger stations. Information on tides from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can be found <a href="https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html">here</a>. Know when the tides will occur (don't guess!) and plan your hike accordingly.</li> <li>Strong winds and storms can significantly elevate tides and create hazardous conditions. Pay attention to your surroundings and never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean!</li> <li>Powerful waves can roll and tumble driftwood logs. Do not play on beach logs, especially when the tide is high.</li> <li>Rip currents are dangerous! Swim at your own risk. Learn more about how to spot rip currents and what to do if you're caught in one <a href="https://www.weather.gov/tae/ripcurrentawareness">here</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>Kalaloch and Ruby Beach</h2> Looking for a mellow, accessible, or pet-friendly trip to the beach? Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are great picks! Kalaloch is located along US Highway 101. A ranger station is open in summer months. Overnight visitors can camp at the year-round <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Kalaloch Campground</a> or stay at the concessioner-operated <a href="https://www.thekalalochlodge.com/">Kalaloch Lodge</a>. The Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail begins near the entrance to the campground and offers an easy loop through a coastal forest. Trails from the lodge and campground lead to a sandy beach below a bluff. The beach near Kalaloch is a fantastic place to birdwatch, watch the sunset, and take a look at the Tree of Life - a truly epic tree balanced on the bluff that can be a great spot for photos! If you visit the Tree of Life, or any Kalaloch beaches, please be sure to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm">Leave No Trace</a> and use caution when walking around areas with lots of driftwood. Ruby Beach is located just 7.5 miles north of Kalaloch and has an accessible viewpoint, parking lot, and restrooms. At this point along the coast, Cedar Creek feeds into the Pacific Ocean. Explore fascinating geology and tide pools on this beach - but watch your step for driftwood, which can sometimes cover parts of this beach! Pets are allowed on Kalaloch area beaches and at Ruby Beach. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Learn more about bringing pets to Olympic National Park <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm">here</a>. Learn more about visiting Kalaloch and Ruby Beach <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm">here</a>. <h2>Rialto Beach</h2> Rocky Rialto Beach features giant drift logs, pounding waves, and views of offshore islands known as "seastacks." Get to Rialto Beach from Highway 101 by traveling east on State Route 110 (also known as La Push Road), then turning right on Mora Road to cross the Quillayute River. On the way to Rialto Beach, you'll pass through the Mora area, which includes a seasonally-operated ranger station, nature trails, restrooms, and a campground. At the end of Mora Road, you'll reach the beach! A 200-foot path to the beach is made accessible by a temporary ramp in summer months. Feeling adventurous? Hike 1.5 miles north along Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, an arching rock formation. Be sure to check tide tables before you hike! If you're planning to continue north along the North Coast Trail, you'll need a wilderness permit and a bear can. Pets are allowed at Rialto Beach, but only from the parking lot to Ellen Creek. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Learn more about bringing pets to Olympic National Park <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm">here</a>. Learn more about visiting Rialto Beach and the Mora area <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-mora-and-rialto.htm">here</a>. <h2>Second and Third Beaches</h2> Looking for both a forest hike and a day at the beach? Second and Third Beaches are great spots to see the interplay between coastal forests and sandy beaches. Trailheads to Second and Third Beaches can be found along State Route 110 (also known as La Push Road). As you drive along this road, you will first come to the trailhead for Third Beach. The trail to Third Beach takes you through a forested area for 1.4 miles before descending 270 feet to a sandy beach. If you're planning to continue south on the South Coast Trail to Oil City, you'll need a wilderness permit and a bear can. The trail to Second Beach begins at a parking lot located on the Quileute Indian Reservation. Please be respectful and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm">Leave No Trace</a> during your visit to the reservation. Travel south along the .7-mile trail into the national park, winding through a coastal forest before descending 200 feet to a sandy beach with seastacks and tidepools. Pets are not allowed on the trails to Second and Third Beaches, or on the beaches themselves. <h2>Ozette</h2> Can't decide if you want to visit the ocean or a lake? Take a trip to Ozette! The Ozette area of Olympic National Park is reached via the Hoko-Ozette Road off Highway 112. A parking lot is located near a seasonally-operated ranger station, accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and a campground. From here, get a look at beautiful Lake Ozette, then embark on one of two trails leading to the beach: the 3.1-mile Cape Alava Trail or the 2.8-mile Sandpoint Trail. The two trails connect via the Ozette Loop to create a 9-mile loop. Only have time to pick one trail? Pick your beach preference! The Cape Alava Trail leads through prairies and forests and ends at a rocky beach. The Sandpoint Trail leads through the coastal forest to a wide, sandy beach. Both the Cape Alava and Sandpoint Trails are mostly covered by boardwalks. In frosty or wet conditions, watch your step! Boardwalks can become slippery. Pets are not allowed on the Ozette area trails or on the beach itself. Learn more about visiting Ozette <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-ozette.htm">here</a>. <h2>Start planning your trip!</h2> Find more information to start planning your trip to Olympic National Park <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/index.htm">here</a>.

Pets are allowed on beaches at Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, and parts of Rialto Beach. Pets are not allowed on Second Beach, Third Beach, or Ozette. Read the area descriptions above for more details.

Olympic National Park's beaches are at their best in the summer, but a trip in the fall, winter and spring can be exciting, too! If you visit in winter, be prepared for stormy weather and unpredictable waves. 

A trip to the Olympic Coast is sure to be memorable! Olympic National Park contains several beach areas along the coast, each with something to offer. Learn more about popular beaches and start planning your trip!

Go to the Beach

Coasts, Islands and Atolls

Oceans

A trail leads through an old growth forest surrounded by ferns.

Moments in Time Trail

The Moments in Time Trail can be reached from the NatureBridge campus, Lake Crescent Lodge or the Storm King Ranger Station via a 0.3-mile trail.

Take a peaceful stroll at Barnes Point on Lake Crescent on the Moments in Time Trail. This easy 0.8 mile loop trail begins near the historic <a href="https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/lodging/lake-crescent-lodge/">Lake Crescent Lodge</a>. The trail is surrounded by moss-covered trees and lush ferns. As you walk, look for fallen nurse logs that provide nutrients to young trees and "snags," the still-standing trunks of fallen trees that provide homes for many forest critters. Signs along the trail point out landmarks, like the remains of a Douglas fir that once measured 35 feet in circumference. The Moments in Time Trail also provides access to the shores of beautiful, blue Lake Crescent. Contemplate the connection between old-growth forest and lake in this amazing, glacier-carved landscape.

Take a peaceful stroll at Barnes Point on Lake Crescent on the Moments in Time Trail.

Walk the Moments in Time Trail

Lakes

Depending on your destination in Olympic National Park, entrance fees may apply. Learn more <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fees.htm">here</a>.

A black and white dog poses with a ranger hat.

BARK Ranger at Olympic National Park

Pets: they’re our faithful friends and loyal companions. But at Olympic National Park, they aren’t allowed everywhere! You can still have a great time at Olympic with pets, but be sure to read carefully and follow the rules so you know what to do and where to go. Pets are not allowed on most park trails or any wilderness beaches. This helps protect you, your pet, and wildlife. Pets on a leash (up to 6 feet long) are allowed in campgrounds, parking areas, and on roads, but please don't let your pet dig or roll on nearby plants. Read on to learn which trails and beaches do allow pets.   <hr /> When bringing a pet to Olympic National Park, remember to BARK! Following our BARK rules helps keep you, your pet, and wildlife safe. The BARK rules are: Bag your pet's poop Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from all areas in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails, and other developed areas. Always wear a leash Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Respect wildlife Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Know where you can go Pets are allowed on the following trails:   <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-mora-and-rialto.htm">Rialto Beach</a> to Ellen Creek (0.5 mile north)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm">Kalaloch beaches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-lake-crescent.htm">Spruce Railroad Trail</a> (Lake Crescent)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-elwha.htm">Madison Falls Trail</a> (Elwha Valley)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/maps.htm">Peabody Creek Trail</a> (begins at the Park Visitor Center)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/east-fork-quinault-river-trail.htm">July Creek Loop Trail</a> (North shore of Lake Quinault)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Campgrounds</a>, parking areas, and on roads</li> </ul> Please don't bring your pets on any trails not listed above, inside public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in the wilderness. Do not bring pets onto tidal rocks. Sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.  Finally, do not leave pets unattended, especially in cars. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles. Remember: rules differ on neighboring <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/olympic/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_049550">national forest</a> and state lands. Please be sure to check rules and regulations before you go!   <hr /> What about service animals? Service animals are an exception to these rules and may accompany their owner to all park locations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Learn more <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/service-animals.htm">here</a>.

Pets: they’re our faithful friends and loyal companions. But at Olympic National Park, they aren’t allowed everywhere! You can still have a great time at Olympic with pets, but be sure to read carefully and follow the rules so you know what to do and where to go.

Take a Pet-Friendly Hike

Animals

Backcountry Camping

Recreation Fee: <ul> <li> Adults (16 and older) - $8 per person per night </li> <li> Youth (15 and under) - free </li> <li> Annual Olympic National Park Wilderness Pass – free for pass holder only </li> </ul> Reservation Fee: <ul> <li> A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each overnight permit reserved including Annual Olympic National Park Wilderness Pass holders. </li> </ul>   Cancellation & Change Policies: Cancellation Policy: <ul> <li> If you cancel your reservation 7 or more days in advance of your trip your camping fee will be refunded, but not the flat $6 reservation fee. If canceled within 7 days there is no refund. The first day of your trip is not included in the 7 day window. </li> </ul> Change Policy: <ul> <li> You can change your party size or campsite location, if space is available, until the day before your trip or before a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm">Wilderness Information Center</a> issues your permit. Permits are typically issued 3-7 days before a trip. Additional fees may apply. Once your permit is issued only a ranger at a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm">Wilderness Information Center </a>can make changes. Call or email the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm">Wilderness Information Center</a> to modify an issued permit. Due to Covid-19 and limited staffing last minute changes may not be possible. </li> </ul> No Show Policy: <ul> <li> If you do not cancel and decide not to use your reservation, none of the fees will be refunded. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it as this opens quota space for others. </li> </ul> Olympic National Park Annual Wilderness Pass Policy: <ul> <li>The Olympic National Park Annual Wilderness Pass is $45 per person. The pass covers per night camping fees for 12 months from the month of purchase for the individual pass holder; permits and reservations are still required for pass holders.</li> <li>Annual Olympic National Park Wilderness Pass holders do not have to pay the $8 per person per night fee. However, the Wilderness Pass does not cover the flat $6 reservation fee.</li> <li>Wilderness Annual Passes can be purchased at the following website: <a href="https://pay.gov/public/form/start/129856631">https://pay.gov/public/form/start/129856631</a> <ul> <li>If your mailing address is different than the billing address you use for the purchase, email us at OLYM_WIC@nps.gov with the address you would like the pass(es) sent to.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> How Wilderness Permit Fees are used <ul> <li> Wilderness use fees help support visitor management projects like trail maintenance, pit toilets, revegetation projects, and Wilderness Information Centers. </li> </ul>

Dosewallips 01

There are so many great ways to enjoy camping, from "glamping" to ultralight wilderness treks and everything in between! When we talk about backpacking, we're defining it as packing up everything you need and hiking it in to a camping spot you couldn't reach by car, where you stay overnight (or longer!). While this app is a great tool for "front country" visits (places you can get to with a car, bike, or short hike), it's not meant to guide you through the back country. For that we have the Wilderness Information Center - WIC for short. The WIC rangers can talk through routes, gear, and trail conditions with you, and set you up with a permit. Start with <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm">their website</a> or give them a call at 360-565-3100.

While this app is a great tool for "front country" visits (places you can get to with a car, bike, or short hike), it's not meant to guide you through the back country. For that we have the Wilderness Information Center - WIC for short. The WIC rangers can talk through routes, gear, and trail conditions with you, and set you up with a permit.

Backpack in Olympic National Park

Wilderness

Skiing

You will pass through the Heart o' the Hills entrance station on your way to Hurricane Ridge, where you can buy your park pass if you don't have one yet.

Skiers at Hurricane Ridge

While the coast and forests on the Olympic Peninsula see mild, rainy winters, the mountains become a winter wonderland! The easiest place for visitors to enjoy the snow is Hurricane Ridge. Typically snow-covered, the Ridge offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March. Ready to go? <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/photosmultimedia/video-hurricane-ridge-road-in-winter.htm">Watch the short video</a> to prepare for your drive. During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday through Sunday and some holidays, weather and road conditions permitting. However, the road can open as early as 8:00 am or as late as 12:00 pm depending on road conditions. Winter storms can close or delay opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. Road and weather condition updates are available on <a id="anch_31">the Road and Weather Hotline at (360) 565-3131 </a>or by checking @HRWinterAccess on Twitter (no account needed). All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm during the winter season.  <h4>Is Hurricane Ridge open right now? Check <a href="http://twitter.com/hrwinteraccess">here</a> or call (360) 565-3131, and see below for winter schedule.</h4> For additional details about snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and sliding, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-in-winter.htm">visit our website. </a>

Pets are not allowed on the trails or in buildings at Hurricane Ridge. While they may be on a leash in the parking lot, they must be left in your vehicle while you are skiing or snowboarding, and it's very cold!

While we don't take reservations for Hurricane Ridge in winter, it is wise to check the road status and come early - the parking lot tends to fill up on nice winter days!

Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March.

Play in the Snow in the Olympic Mountains

Coniferous Forests

Geology

Our partners at the Olympic Coast Marine Sanctuary, with whom we share management of the intertidal zone, have these tips for tidepoolers:   Easily observed by beachwalkers at low tide, the intertidal areas of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary are ideal locations to learn about the sea and its resources first-hand. However, for these areas and their inhabitants to thrive, all visitors must show care and respect for the life at the water's edge: <ul> <li>Bring a bag with you on every beach outing to pick up any paper, glass, metal or plastic trash that you find.</li> <li>Find footholds on bare rock-they're not as slippery and you'll avoid stepping on the animals and plants that cling to these surfaces.</li> <li>If you want to peek under a rock, put it back the way it was when you're done. Leaving a rock "belly-up" is an almost sure way to kill any animals that were living on its underside - not to mention those that dwell on its upper side.</li> <li>Always obey fish and game laws with respect to seasons, bag limits and sexes of animals taken for food. Intertidal animals should not be collected for bait.</li> <li>Refrain from building driftwood campfires, which can smolder beneath the sand for many weeks.</li> <li>Rough or excessive handling hurts animals. Never force an animal off its spot, you may tear off its feet, or squeeze its organs.</li> <li>Apply the "touch test"-an animal that resists being removed will cling more tightly-respect what the animal tells you with its "body language".</li> </ul> In addition, we always reccommend: <ul> <li>Watch closely for the returning tide and "sneaker waves."</li> <li>Algae and seaweed make the surface rocks extremely slippery. Use caution and test rocks before committing to stepping on new surfaces.</li> <li>Wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet.</li> <li>Keep children close as rocks and waves can be unpredictable, and falling hazards may lead to severe injury.</li> <li>Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks as the sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.</li> <li>Do not leap from rock to rock. Always keep at least one foot on the ground.</li> </ul> Pick up or download a calendar of low tide times. While you can see tidepools during positive tide times (up to 1.5), the best low tide times are below 0 tide. Plan to arrive at the beach trailhead at least 30 minutes before the lowest tide.

You can tidepool as long as the tides allow - be aware of the tide coming in and don't get stranded on a rock!

While normal park entrance fees apply, there is no extra fee to tidepool.

Ruby Beach tidepools

Ruby Beach is a beautiful tidepooling destination on the Olympic coast, along with Beach 4 and Hole in the Wall on Rialto Beach.

There are special places that allow you to see sea creatures up close without leaving the beach! Tidepools are home to fascinating creatures like sea stars, anemones, barnacles, nudibranchs, crabs, and more.  Our partners at the <a href="http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/living/habitats/intertidal/ettiquette.html">Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary</a>, with whom we share management of the intertidal zone, have these tips for tidepoolers: <ul> <li>Bring a bag with you on every beach outing to pick up any paper, glass, metal or plastic trash that you find.</li> <li>Find footholds on bare rock-they're not as slippery and you'll avoid stepping on the animals and plants that cling to these surfaces.</li> <li>If you want to peek under a rock, put it back the way it was when you're done. Leaving a rock "belly-up" is an almost sure way to kill any animals that were living on its underside - not to mention those that dwell on its upper side.</li> <li>Always obey fish and game laws with respect to seasons, bag limits and sexes of animals taken for food. Intertidal animals should not be collected for bait.</li> <li>Refrain from building driftwood campfires, which can smolder beneath the sand for many weeks.</li> <li>Rough or excessive handling hurts animals. Never force an animal off its spot, you may tear off its feet, or squeeze its organs.</li> <li>Apply the "touch test"-an animal that resists being removed will cling more tightly-respect what the animal tells you with its "body language".</li> </ul> In addition, we always recommend: <ul> <li>Watch closely for the returning tide and "sneaker waves."</li> <li>Algae and seaweed make the surface rocks extremely slippery. Use caution and test rocks before committing to stepping on new surfaces.</li> <li>Wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet.</li> <li>Keep children close as rocks and waves can be unpredictable, and falling hazards may lead to severe injury.</li> <li>Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks as the sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.</li> <li>Do not leap from rock to rock. Always keep at least one foot on the ground.</li> <li>Pick up or download a calendar of low tide times. While you can see tidepools during positive tide times (up to 1.5), the best low tide times are below 0 tide. Plan to arrive at the beach trailhead at least 30 minutes before the lowest tide.</li> </ul> Contemplating the teeming life of the shore, we have an uneasy sense of the communication of some universal truth that lies just beyond our grasp.... What truth is expressed in the legions of the barnacles, whitening the rocks with their habitations, each small creature within finding the necessities of its existence in the sweep of the surf? ...This meaning haunts and ever eludes us, and in its very pursuit we approach the ultimate mystery of Life itself. - Rachel Carson, 1955, The Edge of the Sea

While pets may be allowed on some of the beaches where you go to tidepool, bringing them close to the pools can harm or alarm the small tidepool animals. The sharp rocks and barnacles that characterize tidepools can also cut and scratch dog's paws.

Summer generally has the lowest low tides, exposing more of the tidepools.

There are special places that allow you to see sea creatures up close without leaving the beach! Tidepools are home to fascinating creatures like sea stars, anemones, barnacles, nudibranchs, crabs, and more. 

Tidepooling on the Olympic Coast

With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Come explore!