Getting to Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park sits in WA, United States, with Port Angeles the nearest town of any size — about 25.3 mi (40.7 km) out, or roughly 55 min of driving.
Olympic National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park sits close enough to Gulf Islands National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Pacific Rim National Park, and North Cascades National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Islands National Park | 73.5 mi (118 km) | 2 hr 11 min |
| Mount Rainier National Park | 112 mi (180 km) | 3 hr 6 min |
| Pacific Rim National Park | 123 mi (199 km) | 3 hr 22 min |
| North Cascades National Park | 131 mi (211 km) | 3 hr 33 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Port Angeles | 25.3 mi (40.7 km) | 55 min |
| Forks | 33.4 mi (53.8 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Sequim | 33.7 mi (54.3 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Silverdale | 47.9 mi (77.1 km) | 1 hr 35 min |
| Port Townsend | 48.7 mi (78.3 km) | 1 hr 36 min |
| Elma | 56.7 mi (91.2 km) | 1 hr 48 min |
| Aberdeen | 57.2 mi (92.1 km) | 1 hr 48 min |
| Hoquiam | 57.3 mi (92.2 km) | 1 hr 48 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Olympic National Park?
Port Angeles, about 25.3 mi (40.7 km) away — roughly 55 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Olympic National Park?
The practical bases are Port Angeles, Forks, and Sequim — all within a reasonable drive of the park.