Exploring Olympic National Park from Port Angeles offers a treasure trove of outdoor experiences, thanks to its diverse ecosystems, rugged coastlines, dense rainforests, and towering peaks. Port Angeles serves as the perfect base—whether you’re interested in short day trips, epic multi-day adventures, or specialized winter outings. The proximity of the Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Hurricane Ridge, and other iconic sites makes it easy to customize your adventure. Guided tours here take the hassle out of logistics while offering expert insights into the park’s natural wonders. If you’re craving a well-organized day with fantastic scenery, history, and wildlife, you’ll find several top-notch options.
For those wanting to experience Olympic National Park’s highlights with minimal planning, guided day tours are ideal. Whether you’re into lush rainforests, mountain vistas, coastal walks, or snowshoeing, there’s something here for you. And if you’re considering a more in-depth adventure, there are multi-day backpacking camps for teens and young explorers. To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the best guided trips in Port Angeles, each offering unique ways to experience the park’s diverse landscapes.
1. Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
At number one, this full-day adventure combines the mystical old-growth forest of the Hoh Rain Forest with the rugged beauty of Rialto Beach. For $160 per person, round-trip transport, park fees, and a short guided hike make it an accessible and immersive experience. The tour begins with a guided walk in the rainforest, where towering 300-foot Sitka Spruce and lush sword ferns surround you, all within a 2-mile trail that’s suitable for most fitness levels.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on quality encounters with nature, along with the convenience of small group sizes—maximum 14 people. After exploring the rainforest, the group stops at Forks Outfitters for a quick snack or souvenir, then heads to Rialto Beach. Here, you’ll walk among sea stacks, driftwood, and listen to the crashing waves of the Pacific. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Daniel and Oscar make each stop informative and memorable. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized day packed with iconic scenery and easy hikes.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a mix of lush forest and coastal drama, with all logistics handled for you.
2. Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
The second spot on our list covers some of the park’s most spectacular vistas and waterfalls. For around $160, this tour offers a full day of diverse experiences, starting with a guided 2-mile hike to Sol Duc Falls—an impressive 48-foot cascade that captures the essence of the Olympic wilderness. The tour then moves on to Lake Crescent, a glacier-carved lake with crystal-clear waters and scenic views worth lingering over.
In the afternoon, ascend to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain vistas and a guided walk through subalpine trails. The small-group format (up to 14 guests) creates a personal experience, and the guide’s 25 years of knowledge makes each stop enriching. The tour earns praise for its well-paced schedule and stunning scenery, with reviews emphasizing the guide’s passion and expertise. If you want a comprehensive taste of the park’s mountains, waterfalls, and lakes, this tour hits all the marks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full-day exploration of Olympic’s most iconic sights with a relaxed pace and expert guidance.
3. Half Day Guided Tour of Olympic National Park
For those short on time but eager to see Olympic’s highlights, the Half Day Guided Tour offers a concise yet rich experience. For $90, you’ll visit two of the park’s highlights—Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls—each with a naturalist guide. The tour includes a brief walk to Madison Falls, a scenic stop at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge, and a 2-3 mile hike through ancient forests to the impressive 90-foot Marymere Falls.
This smaller, 4-hour tour is ideal if you want a taste of Olympic without committing a full day. The reviews mention the flexibility and the guide’s knowledge, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The included scenic hikes and waterfalls make this a good option for families or travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: An excellent quick-hit tour for those wanting a manageable introduction to Olympic’s lush forests and waterfalls.
4. Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park
In winter, Hurricane Ridge becomes a snowy playground, and this guided snowshoe tour is a standout experience. At $160, the 6-7 hour tour includes snowshoes, trekking poles, transportation, and the chance to enjoy Olympic’s winter wonderland. You’ll take a 1-hour shuttle from Port Angeles up to Hurricane Ridge, where most of the day is spent exploring snowy trails.
This tour is perfect for beginners and those wanting to try snowshoeing without the fuss of gear rental or logistics. The guides are experienced, and the scenery—snow-laden trees and mountain vistas—is breathtaking. The reviews note the accommodating guides and the opportunity to enjoy Olympic’s winter landscape safely. If you’re visiting during winter (January to March) and want a fun, guided outdoor activity, this tour is a prime choice.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to winter sports in Olympic, suitable for beginners and lovers of snow-covered scenery.
5. 6-Day Backpacking Summer Camp Adventure in Olympic National Park
For families or teens looking for a longer, more immersive experience, this 6-day backpacking camp offers leadership and outdoor skills for ages 14-18. Costing $2,400, the trip includes camping beside high alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and meadows, with options to summit peaks and enjoy sunsets.
The itinerary features camping at Fairholme Campground, hikes to Rialto Beach, and treks to Norwegian Memorial—covering 6.3 miles on relatively flat terrain. The camp emphasizes learning outdoor skills and building confidence while taking in some of the most stunning scenery Olympic offers. Reviews, though limited, praise the camp’s focus on leadership and the quality of the camping experience. This trip is best suited for adventurous teens eager to learn and spend several days in nature.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for active teens ready for a multi-day adventure with a focus on outdoor skills and leadership.
6. Private Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle
If you’re seeking a luxury, personalized experience, this private 13-hour tour from Seattle is a premium option. For $2,874.67 per person, you’ll get exclusive access to Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and possibly Dungeness Spit or Salt Creek, with a dedicated guide.
The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to customize stops and explore different ecosystems—mountain ridges, old-growth forests, tide pools—with the comfort of private transportation. The guide’s expertise makes for a tailored, in-depth visit, ideal for travelers who want a customized experience and are willing to invest more. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the luxury of private touring.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prioritize flexibility, personalized attention, and a more luxurious experience.
7. 6-Day Young Adventurers Summer Camp in Olympic National Park
Designed for 11-13-year-olds, this 6-day youth camp offers outdoor leadership and camping skills. Costing $2,350, it includes camping at Fairholme Campground, hikes to Rialto Beach, and exploring high mountain lakes and waterfalls. The program emphasizes teamwork, outdoor skills, and confidence-building.
Participants meet at Lake Crescent, then hike to various sites, including Chilean Memorial Campsite and Marymere Falls. The trip provides a safe, supportive environment for young explorers to experience Olympic’s wilderness firsthand. While reviews are currently lacking, the itinerary’s variety and focus on outdoor education make it an appealing option for families.
Bottom Line: A great choice for families wanting a structured, educational outdoor experience for pre-teens.
How to Choose the Right Olympic National Park Tour
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you want a quick introduction, the Half Day Guided Tour offers a manageable taste. For a full immersion, the Sol Duc and Hurricane Ridge combines waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views. Winter enthusiasts should check out the Snowshoe Tour for snowy fun.
Multi-day camps are best for families and teens eager for adventure and skill-building, while the Private Tour offers tailored experiences for those craving luxury and flexibility.
Booking early is advisable, especially during summer months or winter peak seasons, to secure spots on popular tours, especially for larger groups or camps.
Final Thoughts
Port Angeles’s location makes it a hub for exploring Olympic National Park’s diverse environments—from lush rainforests and rugged coastlines to towering mountains and snowy slopes. Whether you prefer a half-day outing to marvel at waterfalls, a full day of mountain vistas, or a multi-day camping adventure, there’s a guided tour to match your energy and interests. For families, teens, or solo travelers, these carefully curated options provide meaningful ways to experience the park’s natural beauty with expert guidance.
Remember, the best trips fill up quickly, so plan ahead. Whether you’re after a quick taste or a deep dive into Olympic’s wilderness, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.