Two Days in Olympic National Park: While 30 Weeks Pregnant
I am not of the mindset that once our daughter is born my life will be “over”. Our adventures will look different a few months from now, but they’ll continue- just in new ways. That being said, I still wanted one last trip that was just my husband and me before baby girl arrives. A “Baby Moon” as some might call it (I include myself as part of that some). We both agreed that a National Park was the ideal choice and quickly set our sights on the Pacific Northwest since we had not explored much of it yet. Olympic National Park checked every box- and it did not disappoint.
A lot can be seen and accomplished at this national park in just two days, but with an ever-growing baby in my uterus, pacing myself was essential. I may not have gotten to do everything, but I was incredibly happy with my experience. I’ll remember and cherish this last trip of it just being us two forever. It was so special and it felt good to be active at this stage of pregnancy, even if it wasn’t up to my usual level. ONP is a fantastic option to see some amazing sites without taking on any overexerting hikes, Here, I’ll share our itinerary so you can make it happen too.
Note-
Pregnancy is different for everyone. The itinerary in this article shares my experience of listening to my body on this trip, you’ll need to listen to yours. Nothing in this article is or should be taken as medical advice. Always consult your medical team to make the right decisions for you and your baby.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park initially captured my attention due to its diverse terrain. How magical is it that you can enjoy scenic coastal views, ancient mossy forests, and epic snow-capped mountains all in one place? But the more research I did on this unique park, the more I was shocked that it took so long for us to book this trip!
Olympic National Park contains 877,000 acres of designated wilderness, the most of any national park in the Lower 48. This means that these areas have the highest forms of protection of any federal wildland. This is also why a vehicle is pretty much a requirement if you plan on exploring the different areas of the park, no roads run directly through its interior.
With so much to explore, the park offers 600 miles of trails. With varying levels of difficulty, there really is something for everyone.
Olympic National Park is open year-round and has multiple access points and visitor centers. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle, which can be collected at Staircase, Hurricane Ridge, Elwha, Sol Duc, Ozette, and the Hoh. In my opinion, your best option is to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for the whole year. This way you can explore numerous National Parks, Monuments, Historical Sites, etc. all year.
Where to Stay
Since Olympic National Park is so spread out, there are a couple of options for choosing where to stay. Port Angeles and Forks are the two towns that give you the best access to the park. We opted to stay in Port Angeles for all 3 nights wanting more restaurants and local shop options. We felt the drive was worth not having to repack all of our stuff, settle into new accommodations, and pay another set of sneaky fees…But, if you’re planning a longer trip, it may be worth splitting up your time between the two places.
Port Angeles Accommodations
We chose to stay at the Super 8 by Wyndham, located just 7.5 miles from the Port Angeles park entrance. It was a great base camp for our short adventure, especially since our hotel room was just for sleeping and a quick coffee in the morning. We did have about an hour and a half drive to get to Rialto Beach, but the drive around Lake Crescent was beautiful. I can also attest that, even though Super 8 is more affordable, the location was great, our room was clean, and the staff was friendly.
Olympic Lodge by Ayres is at a higher price point but provides a rustic and cozy experience. It is located just behind the the Super 8, making it the same distance to the Port Angeles park entrance.
Terra Vista Chalet is a more secluded option, located along the Elwha River, just 17 miles from Port Angeles Park Entrance.
Forks Accommodations
Dew Drop Inn is central to downtown Forks and a 15-mile drive from Rialto Beach. It is your standard budget-friendly inn that provides basic amenities.
Far West Cabin Tiny Homes is a great option if camping isn’t your style, but you want something more outdoorsy than a hotel. Here, you can rent your own cabin just 14 miles from Rialto Beach.
Quileute Oceanside Resort is perfect if you’re looking to splurge a little on your adventure! Located right on La Push, you are only 11 miles from exploring Rialto Beach, and getting to experience part of the Quileute Nation’s rich history. They offer cabins with gorgeous oceanside views that allow you to fully disconnect since this location is WiFi and TV-free.
Camping
If rocking it in the great outdoors is more your speed, you’re in luck. There are numerous camping options inside Olympic National Park. Where to stay will come down to what you plan on doing and what is open during your visit. Sites range from $15-$24/night. Click HERE to see what is available and where it is located.
Note: You may notice that Hoh Rainforest is not on this itinerary. That’s because Upper Hoh Road leading to the rainforest was closed during our visit. Fortunately, we knew before we got to ONP and we planned accordingly. This is another reminder to always check before you go, and while you’re there so you can set realistic expectations and remain flexible!
Day 1: Rialto Beach, Sol Duc Falls, & Marymere Falls
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach was our first destination, and we planned our timing around low tide to ensure we could access the famous roc march, Hole-in-the-Wall. For us, this meant arriving around 10 a.m. Check the tide schedule HERE when planning your visit.
The Beach has its own parking lot and there were plenty of spaces available when we arrived. There were also clean drop toilets at the trailhead. This hike is an out-and-back route totaling 3.3 miles. While relatively easy, the uneven sand can be a bit tricky to walk on, so sturdy shoes are a must. It took us about an hour to complete.
Heading north towards the beach will start you on the trail. There are no trail markers, but you likely won’t need them as you continue heading north, you’ll spot Hole-in-the-Wall from a distance pretty quickly.
Along the hike you’ll be able to spot the sea stacks known as James Island and Little James Island, Ellen Creek, which you may have to hike around depending on how deep and quick the current is, and the double sea stacks.
There are also some tide pools along the way filled with marine life such as barnacles, mussels, and my personal favorite, starfish! Take some time to appreciate them, but remember to leave them be. We’re just visiting their home.
Once you arrive at Hole in the Wall, watch your step. The rocks can be pretty slippery and also covered with various sea creatures. You can walk through or around the rock arch to take in the different angles of this famous formation. You can also continue to walk along the beach on the other side, but we chose to head back from here.
Lunch on the beach
We made a quick stop back at our car before finding a sturdy piece of rift wood near the start of the trailhead to enjoy our lunch. We stayed on the lookout for wildlife like whales, sea lions, and otters, but unfortunately had no such luck. Hopefully, you’ll get the opportunity during your visit!
Sol Duc Falls
A little over an hour away you’ll come to Sol Duc Falls. The drive is mesmerizing, weaving through lush forests that look straight out of a fairy tale. The road leading to Sol Duc Falls may close seasonally due to snow, you can check the status of the road conditions HERE.
There is a decent-sized parking lot at the trailhead, we were able to find a spot right away when we arrived around 1 p.m., though this was definitely the busiest trail we hiked. Restrooms are located here as well, but nowhere else on the trail.
This out-and-back hike is 1.8 miles with 262 ft of elevation gain. It took us about an hour and I rate it as easy. There are some root-y areas and a few footbridges on the way to the falls. I did find myself taking a few more breaks than I usually would as we made our way up the gradual incline.
Right before your final short descent, you’ll come across a log cabin shelter and can hear the rushing water. Crossing a wooden bridge, you’ll get the perfect view of the 50-foot falls cascading down the moss-covered canyon walls. There are access points so you can admire the falls from different angles. We were fortunate enough to have a brief moment where it was just us to take it all in.
You can access other trails from here and continue exploring the area, but this is where we turned around, heading to our final hike of the day.
Marymere Falls
Headed back towards Port Angeles, we made it to the trailhead for Marymere Falls in about 35 minutes (if I haven’t mentioned that you should be prepared to drive a bit on this trip, here is your proper warning).
Marymere Falls trail is another 1.8-mile out-and-back hike with a 318-foot elevation gain. It took us about an hour to complete and I would qualify it as easy-moderate.
We started our hike from the Storm King ranger station, but you can also access it from the Lake Crescent Lodge. There is plenty of parking available and restrooms with running water.
Speaking of Lake Crescent, you get a beautiful up-close look as you make your way along the trail! From here, you’ll pass through a tunnel under Highway 101.
The trail takes you through the park’s old-growth forest, where you’ll get to see a variety of different plant life. Some of the trees were absolutely huge and looked as if they’d been standing tall for centuries.
We came at the perfect time of day in my opinion. The setting light was filtering through the trees creating a very ethereal feel.
Before the falls come into view you’ll cross two bridges, Barnes Creek Bridge, which is the larger and more modern, and finally Falls Creek, which is a narrow wooden bridge.
From this point, the falls will start to come into view, but first, you’ll climb some narrow steps. This is where the majority of the elevation gain on the trail takes place, and it was a big push for my pregnant butt.
The view of the falls was incredibly worth it though. This may have been my personal favorite. Between the various shades of green that surrounded us, the peaceful sound of rushing water, and the storybook bridges, I was in my happy place.
Once you’ve taken your time to soak the view, you’ll head right back out the way you came.
Day 2: Hurricane Ridge, Peabody Creek, and exploring Port Angeles.
Hurricane Ridge
We set out a bit earlier the next morning to make the 40-minute drive to Hurricane Ridge where we were in for a completely different experience! The further up we drove, the more snow coated the mountains, trees, and eventually the ground. Snow can be experienced even in the summer months so always check the temperature before heading out. Our trip took place in May and we came prepared with jackets, hats, and gloves.
You can check out the Hurricane Ridge Webcam HERE.
The 17 miles of Hurricane Ridge Road is open 7 days a week April-October, while from November-March it is open Friday-Sunday 9 am-4 pm, weather permitting.
The scenic drive to the top offers multiple pull-offs, providing the opportunity to stop and enjoy the view. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
At the top, you get even more panoramic views. If you’re lucky enough, on a clear day you’ll also get a view of Canada!
There are even restrooms with running water at the top.
Originally, we intended to hike Hurricane Hill, but the last 1.5 miles to the trailhead was completely snowed in so we had to walk it. We made it to the trailhead but at this point, sciatic nerve pain had hit me, especially since some of our steps sent my leg straight through the snow up to my knee. (We definitely should have brought crampons). I wasn’t moving at a pace that would leave us with the time we wanted to explore the remainder of the day. After quite a bit of thought, we opted to go back to the picnic area near the overflow parking to enjoy our lunch and another breathtaking view, before heading back to the main parking lot.
I’m still kind bummed because I know the views at the end of the hike would have been spectacular. But, we still got to see some beautiful sights and I’m proud that I listened to my body, I encourage you to do the same!
The hike is 3.4 miles (not counting the trek from the Hurricane Ridge parking lot) with an 826 ft elevation gain. It is reported to take about 2 hours and is considered a moderate to challenging trail.
Peabody Creek
After deciding not to complete the Hurricane Hill hike, we made our way back down towards Port Angeles. We stopped at the visitor center located near the park entrance. We purchased some stickers and t-shirts before heading across the parking lot to access the Peabody Creek loop.
This is an easy half-mile hike, with 91 ft of elevation gain. It took us about 20 minutes to complete.
Despite being a short trail, it’s absolutely beautiful. The forest the path loops through is in complete contrast to the epic snow-capped mountains we were on less than an hour before. Here we were surrounded by rich green moss and ferns leading to Peabody Creek which flows under a wooden bridge, adding to the fairytale-like charm of the area.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Peabody Creek Trail also starts at the visitor center. It is an out-and-back that is 5.2 miles in total with a 948 ft elevation gain. AllTrails reports it takes about 2 and a half hours to complete.
Exploring Port Angeles
Although physically I was feeling a lot better at this point, my energy was a bit depleted. It was about mid-afternoon so we opted to head back to the hotel to shower and change before taking time to wander the town.
We found a spot near the coastline to sit and take in the view. Since we’ve never lived near the ocean this is always a must-do for me whenever we get the opportunity.
After, we spent an hour roaming a local bookshop. Port Angeles has a couple but I recommend Odyssey bookshop, it feels as if it is straight out of a dark academic novel. If it weren’t for my husband I would have let myself get lost in there for hours! They offered some popular titles, along with a few by local authors.
After finding a spot to grab dinner around the corner we headed to Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream which came highly recommended and for good reason. They make New Zealand-style ice cream, which we learned means they blend fresh fruit with a scoop of ice cream, creating irresistibly smooth flavors. And they have dairy-free options, HAZAHH! I had a dairy-free dark chocolate scoop along with a raspberry and I still dream about it. It was the perfect way to end the day!
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Olympic National Park is one I’ll cherish forever. Not just because it was our baby moon, but because the park is a truly magical place that offers diverse experiences even if you are crunched for time. I’m so happy with the amount we got to experience in only two days. I felt that the pace we moved at allowed me to enjoy the scenery and this time with my husband without overexerting myself.
If you’re like me and the outdoors is your happy place, you can still have an amazing and fulfilling experience even towards the end of your pregnancy. Always remember to listen to your body and honor what it’s telling you! There’s plenty to be explored at Olympic National Park without tackling an intense hike. I hope this itinerary inspires you to create some extraordinary memories of your own!
Looking to explore more National Parks? Check out these articles!
Two Days, Two States, Two Parks: Exploring Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Peak
Grand Canyon South Rim: South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Peak.
Exploring The Narrows: A Hiker’s Guide to Zion’s Iconic Trail
