Port Angeles is a fantastic gateway to Olympic National Park, offering easy access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. This town’s strategic location means you can hop into ancient rainforests, rugged beaches, and mountain peaks with minimal fuss. We especially like the Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour, which combines two iconic sights into one day, and the Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour for a full day of mountain and forest scenery. Both tours feature small groups and include transportation, so you can relax and focus on the views. Whether you want to hike, photograph, or simply take in the scenery, these trips make it easy to experience Olympic’s best.
Quick Overview
This list captures a variety of guided tours suited for different interests and timeframes. From half-day explorations to multi-day adventures, each offers unique access to Olympic National Park’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you prefer rainforests, waterfalls, mountain vistas, or coastal beaches, there’s a tour here for you. For more details, explore each experience to see what fits your schedule and preferences.
1. Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
Starting with one of the most iconic images of Olympic, this tour hits two of the park’s most memorable sites—Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. For about $160 per person, you’ll get a full-day trip that includes round-trip transportation from Port Angeles, park entry fees, and an optional packed lunch. The tour is ideal for those who want a hassle-free way to see lush forests and dramatic coastlines without the headache of planning logistics.
The Hoh Rain Forest features 2 miles of guided hikes through towering old-growth Sitka Spruce and Douglas fir, where you’ll be face-to-face with 300-foot trees and lush ferns covering the forest floor. The tour then moves to Rialto Beach, known for its towering sea stacks, driftwood logs, and pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean. A highlight is walking along the beach, which offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want a straightforward, immersive experience that covers both rainforest and coastal scenery. The reviews rave about the smooth ride, expert guidance, and the beautiful scenery. One traveler said, “The trip was fantastic…highly recommend this tour.” It’s best suited for those who want a comprehensive day trip without the need to drive or plan.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, scenic day that combines forest and ocean, with excellent reviews and a focus on comfort and ease.
2. Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
At number 2, this full-day tour offers a blend of forest, mountain, and lake scenery—perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything. For $160 per person, the tour covers Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge, providing a rich experience of Olympic’s diverse landscapes. The tour is especially good for those interested in hiking, mountain vistas, and waterfalls.
The guided hike to Sol Duc Falls is about 1.5 hours roundtrip, leading you through lush forests to one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls. Afterward, you’ll visit Lake Crescent, a stunning glacial lake with historic lodges and plenty of lakeside photo ops. The tour then continues to Hurricane Ridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views and optional hikes up to 3 miles along subalpine trails. The naturalist guide shares detailed info about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guide, Oscar, who is steeped in local expertise—something that elevates this trip beyond just sightseeing. One review highlights, “Oscar’s knowledge of the terrain and plants made it unforgettable.” This trip suits active travelers eager to explore multiple sites in one day, with a good mix of hiking and sightseeing.
Bottom line: An in-depth, varied tour perfect for those wanting to see waterfalls, mountains, and lakes with expert guidance.
3. Rainforest and Olympic National Park Highlights
If you’re tight on time but still want a taste of Olympic’s magnificent rainforests and wilderness, the Rainforest and Olympic National Park Highlights tour offers an immersive experience over 1 or 2 days. Priced at $275 per person, it’s more expensive but includes a comprehensive look at the park’s most notable features.
This tour features a ride in a comfortable SUV, with stops at key sites like the Hoh Rainforest, Sol Duc Valley, and coastal overlooks. It’s ideal for groups or families wanting flexibility and in-depth exploration without the rush. The guide will customize the experience based on your interests, whether that’s hiking to waterfalls or photographing mountain vistas.
While the tour’s specifics are less detailed here, it’s designed for people who want a deeper dive into Olympic’s remote corners over multiple days. It’s perfect if you’re keen on seeing a wide range of habitats and learning about the ecology of the Olympic Peninsula. Small groups and personalized attention make it a good value for those seeking an educational experience.
Bottom line: A flexible, multi-day option for travelers craving a deeper understanding of Olympic’s landscapes.
4. Half Day Guided Tour of Olympic National Park
At number 4, this Half Day Guided Tour offers a quick but scenic escape into Olympic’s highlights for just $90 per person. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time or those who want a taste of the park’s glacial mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls.
The tour visits Lake Crescent, where you’ll enjoy stunning views and a brief walk along the shoreline. Then, the guide leads a 2-3 mile hike to Marymere Falls, a 90-foot cascade set within lush greenery. The tour also includes a stop at Salt Creek Recreation Area, which offers rugged coastal views and a chance to explore WWII-era bunkers. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the round-trip transport makes it hassle-free.
Multiple reviewers mention how laid-back and flexible the tour is, with one noting the “beautiful scenery and knowledgeable guide.” It’s suitable for all fitness levels, though the hike to Marymere Falls involves some inclines. This tour fits travelers who want a short, scenic experience during a busy schedule.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a half-day adventure that hits key highlights without the time commitment.
5. Olympic National Park: Half-Day Tour
For those who prefer a shorter, more focused visit, the Olympic National Park: Half-Day Tour offers a quick introduction for $90. This tour explores the Elwha River, Marymere Falls, and Tongue Point, providing a snapshot of Olympic’s coastal and forest scenery.
Designed for travelers aged 10 and up, it emphasizes easy hikes and scenic viewpoints. The guide shares insights about the park’s geology and natural features, making it educational and enjoyable. It’s perfect for families or visitors with limited time who want to see two or three key sites in a short window.
While the itinerary is brief, it offers a good balance of waterfalls, river scenery, and coastal views. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the seamless logistics.
Bottom line: Suitable for families or visitors short on time but eager to see Olympic’s diverse landscapes.
6. 6-Day Young Adventurers Summer Camp in Olympic National Park
For families or teenagers looking for a multi-day outdoor experience, the 6-Day Young Adventurers Summer Camp offers a full immersion into Olympic’s wilderness. Designed for ages 11-13, this camp emphasizes leadership, outdoor skills, and camping beside high alpine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
The itinerary includes activities like backpacking, hiking, and camping, with opportunities to summit peaks or enjoy sunsets. Campers stay at established sites like Fairholme Campground, and the program includes meals, guides, and safety gear. It’s a rare chance for teens to develop outdoor confidence in a safe, supervised setting.
Reviews are nonexistent yet, but the focus on leadership and outdoor skill-building makes it ideal for families wanting a meaningful outdoor educational experience. It’s more expensive at $2,350 per person but offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to Olympic’s natural environment.
Bottom line: A serious adventure for teens and families committed to outdoor learning and exploration over multiple days.
$2,350.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding which tour best suits your trip, consider your budget, available time, fitness level, and interests. If you want a full day of rainforest and coast, the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach is hard to beat for its balance of scenery and ease. For those wanting a mountain highlight reel, the Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge** provides a comprehensive mountain experience.
If your schedule is tighter, the half-day options are perfect—especially if you prefer fewer hikes or shorter trips. Families or teens may enjoy the multi-day camp, which combines outdoor skills with adventure.
Booking early is advisable, particularly during peak summer months, to secure a spot on these popular tours. Always check whether transportation is included or if you’ll need to arrange your own access.
Final Thoughts
Port Angeles’s proximity to Olympic National Park makes it an excellent base for a variety of guided tours, whether you’re after mountain panoramas, lush rainforests, or rugged coastlines. The options range from brief half-day excursions to immersive multi-day camps, so there’s something for every type of traveler. The Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach and Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge tours stand out for their breadth and value, especially if you want a seamless day of sightseeing with expert guides.
No matter which you choose, early booking and clear expectations will help you make the most of your time in Olympic National Park. These carefully curated tours ensure you’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.