The Olympic National Park not only houses the aptly-named Mount Olympus, but also homes one of the only rainforests in North America, and holds an amazing amount of biodiversity.

Located just a couple of miles from the city, if you’re going to be in Seattle, we highly recommend making the journey over to check it out. It’s a great way to escape the hustle-and-bustle, get some incredibly fresh air, and explore some of the best that the park as to offer.

Sure, you may be able to drive, but these tours make it as convenient as possible and you’ll likely save some cash while learning more. We’re here to bring you the top Olympic National Park tours from Seattle available!

Be sure to see our reviews of day trips to Mt Rainer.

Best Tours of Olympic National Park

	Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour From Seattle	Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle	Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park from Seattle
	Best Small Group Tour	Best Value Tour	Best Private Tour
Departure:	Pick-up and Drop-off at Downtown Seattle Hotels or Cruise Terminal	Pick-up and Drop-off at Downtown Seattle Hotels	SeaTac Airport or Ferry Piers 91 and 66
Start:	7:30 AM	7:00 AM	8:00 AM
Duration:	12 hours	13 hours	10 hours
Includes:	Naturalist Escape Artist guide, transportation, organic lunch, seasonal snacks & refreshments, snowshoes in winter	Air-conditioned vehicle, landing and facility fees, ferry rides	Ferry Fees, National Park fees, driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, also Seattle airport and the piers, snacks
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Olympic National Park Tours from Seattle

1. 1. Best Small Group Tour: Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour From Seattle
   2. Best Value Tour: Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle
   3. Best Private Tour: Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park from Seattle
   4. Best Luxury Tour: Olympic National Park – Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunch
   5. Best Full Day Tour: Rainforest Adventure Olympic National Park Private Tour

Olympic National Park from Seattle Tour Reviews

1. Best Small Group Tour: Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour From Seattle

First up, we have the Seattle: Olympic National park Small-Group Tour. This 12-hour excursion is incredibly comprehensive, making it one of the top choices for many. If you’re into seeing natural beauty and all kinds of wildlife, then you’re in for a real treat.

From the very start, you can tell that this is a very organized group of people. You’ll choose to either be picked up from your hotel in downtown Seattle, or one of the cruise terminals. The cruise terminals are maybe 5 minutes from downtown anyway, so it’s super easy to get there by bus, bike, Uber, etc.

tart off early in the morning by taking a ferry onto Bainbridge Island and onto the peninsula. Hop onto either a luxury Mercedes van or Crossover – both are spacious and more than adequate for a 2-hour ride.

SThe ride there is also quite pretty – most of it is freeway, but you can expect both sides to be lined with Evergreens (must be where the state gets its nickname, huh?). Once you arrive to Hurricane Ridge, you’ll see even more greenery – as far as the eye can see!

This part of the state features various remote beaches with beautiful mountains in the distance. Despite raining for the better part of the year, these are almost always visible and sometimes even have snow! You’ll get to see the San Juan Islands, which are famous for whale sightings!

Open meadows are perfect for catching sight of black-tailed deer, Olympic marmots, and even black bears, occasionally. Check out Lake Crescent, where you’ll learn of all kinds of fascinating history lessons, interesting mysteries, and more. You’ll see tons of different trees, various trails, and much more.

Throughout the tour, snacks and refreshments will be offered so you’re always fueled up and hydrated. However, you’ll have time to also eat an included lunch which is locally-sourced or organic.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Best Value Tour: Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle

This tour is just slightly longer than the previous one, and has many similarities to the first. However, if you’re looking for a more customized experience, take a look at this one. The Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle is a beautiful, versatile adventure that will keep you entertained the entire time.

There’s free pickup available at essentially any downtown Seattle hotel, so make sure you’re ready in the lobby at 7 am. The climate-controlled vehicles are very comfortable, no matter the year.

Just remember to bring waterproof shoes that are ideal for hiking and potentially uneven, slippery surfaces. Even in May and June, it can be snowy and wet.

The first stop is Hurricane Ridge, where you’ll get incredible views of the Olympics from a mile-high vantage point. Here, you’ll get to go on an exhilarating hike, eat some delicious locally-sourced food, check out the gift shop for fun souvenirs, and even go snowshoeing, depending on the weather conditions!

Next, you’ll see Lake Crescent, which is an absolutely gorgeous lake created by glaciers. It’s known for being incredibly clear and pure, and with the countless trees around, the air is very clean too.  You can choose to either hike here, or use a kayak or other boats if you prefer to see the lake from a different perspective!

Depending on the tide, you may get to see Salt Creek, which features rich tide pools with a fantastic beach. You can also choose to stop at Dungeness Recreation Area, with another nice beach and wildlife sanctuary.

There are a couple of other stops where you’ll get to see all kinds of waterfalls, old growth forests/the rainforest, hiking, and even hot springs (depending on the weather).

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Best Private Tour: Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park from Seattle

Next up, we have a slightly shorter tour available that is very convenient and packed full of adventure. The Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park from Seattle tour sums it up well in just the title. If you just want to see Hurricane Ridge in the most convenient way possible, this is it!

As you can imagine, it’s slightly shorter due to the fact that your only stop is going to be at Hurricane Ridge. This mountainous area is known for incredible views, hiking, snow sports, and of course the flora and fauna.

The Olympic National park is amazing, and Hurricane Ridge is probably the most popular part of it due to all of these factors and its ease of access.

In the morning, you’ll meet your guide and the rest of your group at either SeaTac airport, or ferry pier 91 or 66. SeaTac is maybe a 20-minute drive from downtown (to the south) while the ferry piers are closer to downtown, so take that into account while deciding.

Rather than a bus or van like some of the other tours, with this tour you’ll be transported in a luxury SUV. The vehicle is also very convenient and comfortable, with a personalized experience thanks to the small group sizes.

Should you have any questions, your guide/driver is more than happy to assist. Once you arrive, your guide will tell you all about the area, and you’ll begin your hike.

You’ll even be able to see mountains and Canada! Take a look at the Visitor’s Center, which is very educational and entertaining.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Luxury Tour: Olympic National Park – Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunch

If you want to see one of the most captivating UNESCO sites in North America, along with historical towns, and more, you have to check out this one.

The Olympic National Park – Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunchreally is one of the most plush ways to see these attractions. It doesn’t get this more convenient and personalized than this!

This tour is designed to be customized (within reason) by you and the rest of your group, depending on your interests and preferences.

This makes it an even more incredible experience, as you’re really seeing the things you want to most. With excellent communication all-around, you can expect to learn about and see a lot of wonderful sites!

In the morning, you’ll be picked up at your downtown hotel and hop on a luxury Mercedes. You’ll then take a ferry (the vehicle can go on the ferry, for those confused on the logistics here), which is actually pretty fun, in itself!

The views are amazing, and you can either stay inside or head to the top deck for incomparable views of the sound and mountains. You’ll stop at the historical town of Port Gamble first. This national historic site played a huge role in the growth of Puget Sound, and is also known to be incredibly haunted!

After having a look around, you and your group will then head straight to the beautiful Hurricane Ridge. Here, you’ll see the impressive Madison Falls and the crystal-clear Crescent Lake. Be sure to bring waterproof hiking shoes/boots, along with a jacket (if you have questions, just ask your guide beforehand on outfit recommendations).

After your hike, you’re sure to have burned off some calories so head to Elwha River for a delicious, gourmet picnic lunch. You’re sure to enjoy the view, sound of the water ebbing and flowing, and your food!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Full Day Tour: Rainforest Adventure Olympic National Park Private Tour

Are you looking to escape the noisy, busy city? Seattle has exploded in population since the early 90’s, and more so in the last decade, so it makes sense to want to get some fresh air and quiet time in nature. Take off for the day just a couple of hours away, with the Rainforest Adventure Olympic National Park Private Tour.

Lasting 10 hours, you will be able to be picked up early at 8 am at your downtown hotel so there’s no worrying about meetup points.

With a maximum of just 5 people in the group, you can rest assured you’ll receive incredible attention from your guide. Ask them any question and see more things, which is harder to accomplish with bigger groups.

Enjoy the scenery on the way to your first stop, which is really such an enjoyable experience. This part of the state is absolutely beautiful, and just filled with endless greenery and natural wonders. Your guide will fill you in on any notable facts, anecdotes, and historical stories related to the area as well.

You’ll first arrive to the Quinault Rainforest, where you’ll hike your first trail and stop along the way for everyone to stretch, catch their breath, etcetera. You can expect to see plenty of moss, ferns, trees (including the world’s biggest Spruce tree!), and even some wildlife if you’re lucky!

After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a delicious, locally-prepared lunch. After refueling, head onto the second trail, which is known for its very old farm, wooded stream, and even get to see the birthplace of Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain!

Then, see the Olympic National Forest, where you’ll further explore the outdoors. The natural temperate rainforest really is something special, and feels like you’ve landed on another planet at times! You’ll surely see flora and fauna that you’ve never seen before and you get to do so without the pressure or noise of crowds.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle may be best known for the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and rain, but there are plenty of things to do in and around the city as well as some very unique places to stay and to eat. If you are planning a trip to Seattle, whether for business or pleasure, be sure to take in a bit of the city’s exclusive culture and history.

Airports & Entry

If you are flying into Seattle you will most likely land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SeaTac for short. While King County International Airport isn’t too far away, it sees much less traffic.

If you are flying in from out of the country, you’ll need to have a valid passport as well as approval from ESTA. ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. This authorization is for stays of less than 90 days and works in place of a visa.

Many visitors to Seattle drive to the US across the Canadian border. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need to have an enhanced driver’s license or ID. If you are from a non-North American country and wish to fly into the Vancouver International Airport, you will need your passport to land there and then your passport and ESTA authorization to drive across the US-Canadian border.

Planning Tips

Most people are guilty of planning their Seattle trip based on what they know, or think they know, about the city. Unfortunately, this can lead to visitors missing out on a lot that the city has to offer. Many things are also important to plan ahead of your trip. Let’s look at our top 5 Seattle vacation planning tips.

Tip #1: Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

While you may not dine at one of Seattle’s busiest restaurants every day of your stay, you will want to at least experience a great seafood restaurant. Most of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle take reservations months in advance, and even further around holidays and peak travel times.

If there are restaurants you know you will want to experience, the best bet is to call well ahead of your trip. If they are taking reservations, you can make them then. If they aren’t or if they don’t take them, you can always ask which day would be the best to visit to avoid crowds.

Tip #2: Book Tours Well in Advance

Whether you plan on taking tours of the city itself or you’d like to take a day trip out of the city to explore the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest, many tours fill up well in advance. Usually, this is because they are small group tours that allow a limited number of travelers on each tour.

Once you know when and for how long you will be in Seattle, find those day tours and book them. That way, you know you have your seat on the tour guaranteed.

Tip #3: Bring an Umbrella

Seattle gets more rain than many other areas of the country, but they may not get as much rain as you assume. For example, August only has 6 rainy days on average. This means that you may not even need the umbrella you bring but it’s better to have one and not need it. A collapsible travel umbrella that can easily be carried with you is ideal.

Tip #4: Don’t Miss Out on Seeing the Great Outdoors

It’s not just the city of Seattle that is worth your time exploring. Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, Mount St. Helens, and even Puget Sound are all great places to experience while you’re already nearby. Day tours offer a fun and affordable way to experience them with transportation usually provided, and oftentimes meals, snacks, and beverages provided as well.

Tip #5: Bring Your Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

In the city, you’ll often find yourself walking to your destination and avoiding the traffic on both side streets and the main freeways. This means your most comfortable walking shoes are going to be your best friend. If you do plan on heading out of the city for a day tour from Seattle, those walking shoes are going to make the walking and hiking much easier.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Seattle is home to many types of cuisine, and it seems to do them all very well. With Asian cuisine and seafood available everywhere you turn, you may also want to check out Paseo for some delicious, authentic Cuban fare.

Gastropubs are now moving into the area and one of the best is Smith. It has a homey feel with décor you’d probably see in a cabin in the woods, but you can’t resist the craft brews and great food. Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant is the oldest fast food restaurant in the city and still serves up burgers cooked with fresh beef and their hand-cut fries are as good as they come.

Nightlife & Entertainment

The Pink Door is a late-night dinner experience like no other. In fact, you’ll enjoy a large menu of delicious food and great drinks while performers put on an acrobatic show right above your head. The Zig Zag Café is another staple of Seattle culture that you won’t want to miss.

If you’re into the newest craze in craft cocktails and enjoy those “small bites” designed to complement them perfectly, the Damn the Weather bar is perfect. However, the Knee High Stocking Company, whose name is derived from the doorbell on the front, is an original speakeasy from the latest prohibition that Seattle endured and still has that same speakeasy vibe.

Getting Around

Traveling by car, whether a rental or taxi, is usually a nightmare in Seattle, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. If long-distance travel to your destination is needed, the bus system is very efficient. In downtown, the light train is quick and has many convenient stops. It is also one of the best ways to get too and from SeaTac airport.

However, the most convenient way you have of traveling within the city is walking. You will usually get to your destination much more quickly and you’ll see some great, and sometimes unexpected, things on the way there.

Accommodations

If you’re looking to leave the chain hotels behind and experience accommodations that are truly and uniquely Seattle, you have several options. The Ace Hotel Seattle is a perfect blend of cheap and chic. With only 28 rooms, you’ll have first class customer service with a hipster flair.

The Hotel Deca is conveniently located near the University of Washington campus which makes it the perfect place for families in town visiting students or even students touring the campus. It has an art deco flare that makes it a fun way to spend your stay in Seattle.

Other unique hotels in the area include Hotel Max, which is infamous for strangely erotic artwork and a vibe to match. The Hotel 1000 is truly on the cutting edge when it comes to technologically advanced amenities.

Weather

The summer months with the warmest weather and the least amount of rainy days, on average, are the busiest and most expensive months in which to travel to Seattle. However, there are many activities that only happen then. If you are looking for the perfect blend of warm weather and fewer crowds, September is ideal.

December and January are typically the coldest months with average highs in the mid-40s Fahrenheit and mostly rainy days. There are many activities in the city around the time of the winter holidays, especially New Years’ Eve, however.

Attractions

Of course, when visiting Seattle, you don’t want to miss out on the Space Needle or the Seattle Great Wheel, a tall Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city especially at sunset. There are many other places to see, however.

Seattle is home to many museums. A few of the most popular ones are the Museum of Pop Culture as well as the Klondike Gold Rush National History Park and the Museum of Flight.

If you are looking for unique attractions, you’ll want to see the 18-foot high troll under a Fremont area bridge and even take a tour of Seattle’s underground.