Washington State’s three national parks feature some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world. In just one state, you can explore rugged ocean beaches, massive rainforests, icy alpine peaks, and a giant volcano. Visiting them all feels like traveling to three completely different planets, making a road trip through these parks an unforgettable journey. The secret to enjoying this loop is to take your time and stay flexible, as mountain weather changes fast and a good backup plan is always your best friend.
Olympic National Park is essentially three distinct ecosystems wrapped into one. A great three-day itinerary starts on the wild, driftwood-covered shores of Ruby Beach to explore tide pools and rock sea stacks, before heading inland on day two to walk among the mossy trees of the famous Hoh Rainforest. For the final day, drive up to Hurricane Ridge for mind-blowing, panoramic views of the jagged, snow-capped Olympic Mountains. My advice is to plan your trip for August because it gives you the highest chance of sunny skies and clear trail conditions.
