4 Best Gateway Towns To Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park covers almost one million acres on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and is one of the most diverse national parks in the entirety of the United States. Protecting glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and more than 73 miles of wild Pacific coastline, it is an absolute haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. This sizable national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its ecological range and conservation value, all while the peninsula simultaneously supports a number of communities and resource extraction industries.

Because of its sheer size and limited roads, choosing the right gateway town for your own visit is an important part of trip planning in the region. These communities surrounding the park each provide access to different trailheads, beaches, and other attractions. With that in mind, this guide highlights the best of these destinations, depending on what you want to see and do while here.

Port Angeles

Port Angeles is perhaps the most established and practical gateway town to Olympic National Park. Located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, it gives visitors and residents alike direct access to spectacular locales like Hurricane Ridge, one of the park’s most visited areas, known for 360-degree alpine views, abundant and varied hiking trails, and winter recreation. Moreover, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center sits just outside town, making Port Angeles the logical starting point for information and picking up whatever permits you may need.

Besides its proximity to the park, Port Angeles has the most developed level of infrastructure and amenities of any nearby town on the peninsula. You will find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and outdoor outfitters, along with reliable ferry connections across the Canadian border to Victoria, British Columbia. This also makes it especially convenient for anyone arriving from Seattle or, on the other hand, roadtrippers looking to combine Olympic National Park with other scenic Pacific Northwest destinations.

This city of around 20,000 also provides a quick approach to more natural landmarks, like Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, the greater Elwha Valley, and several coastal routes, namely the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

Forks

Forks is a key settlement to the west of the park, positioned close to some of its most unique coastal landscapes. In particular, it offers fast access to the verdant Hoh Rain Forest, one of the most iconic temperate rainforests in the United States, as well as the Bogachiel and Sol Duc Valleys. If you're focused on seeing dense, old-growth forest scenery and river hiking, Forks is definitely the best choice for a stay.

This cozy town is also well placed for exploring Olympic National Park’s Pacific coastline. Rialto Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach are all within a short drive, making Forks popular with travelers interested in checking out lively tide pools, sea stacks, and lovely sunsets in the evening as well. Note that Forks has a distinct identity shaped by logging history and its famously wet, often dreary climate. In fact, it's the setting for the popular book/movie series Twilight, as it's clearly a perfect home for sun-fearing vampires.

Sequim

Sequim serves as a quieter northern gateway, not too far east from the streets of Port Angeles. If you prefer a relaxed base within easy reach of key park areas, but also don't mind fewer amenities, this might just be the place. And while it does not sit directly at the park boundary, drive times remain reasonable, putting you at major trailheads within half an hour.

Sequim sits in the Olympic rain shadow, making it noticeably drier than much of the surrounding peninsula. This climate difference can be a practical advantage for visitors planning multi-day stays, particularly those looking to camp. Furthermore, Sequim provides a direct route to Hurricane Ridge, as well as Sequim Bay State Park and the Dungeness River Nature Center. Lodging options range from hotels and motels to vacation rentals, and services are reliable, again, without feeling crowded. The town is also renowned for its lavender farms, local coastal trails along Dungeness Spit, and wide-open views of the Olympic Mountains at all times.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen functions as a convenient southern entry point to the park and the broader Olympic Peninsula. Resting near the mouth of the Chehalis River, it is well-positioned for travelers approaching from Interstate 5 or other southern routes, providing a practical staging point for trips toward the park’s Pacific coastline and the southwestern forests. From Aberdeen, you're within reach of Olympic National Park’s coastal areas, such as Kalaloch and Ruby Beach. This makes it useful for itineraries focused on beaches, storm watching, and coastal hiking. The town also connects easily to nearby communities like Hoquiam, expanding lodging and dining options.

You may notice that Aberdeen has a truly working-class character. This is after centuries of logging, fishing, and maritime history taking place here. Because of this, for modern-day tourists, its focus is on reliable services, fuel, groceries, and straightforward accommodations, rather than resort-style amenities. Although recommended as an Olympic gateway city for sure, don't expect anything particularly fancy or thrilling outside of the odd local eatery like Billy's Bar & Grill in Aberdeen's quiet downtown and a handful of other landmarks. Music fans may also want to check out the Kurt Cobain Under the Bridge Memorial, given that this city was the birthplace of the famed grunge rocker.

Make The Most Of Your Olympic National Park Adventure

Selecting the best home base can shape your entire Olympic National Park experience. Each of the above locations offers a variety of advantages, including quick access to alpine areas and rainforests, as well as coastal routes and trail systems. Whether prioritizing convenience, thinner crowds, or specific landscapes (of which there are many to choose from here), these places are ideal for exploring all this world-famous parkland has in store.