Where the ocean crashes, the moss drips, and the mountains whisper.
Olympic National Park is the only place in America where you can stand on a driftwood-strewn beach in the morning, hike a glacier-fed alpine ridge by noon, and finish your day in a rainforest dripping with green. This is a land of extremes and this self-guided audio tour helps you uncover its wild, layered beauty at your own pace.
We’ll guide you through glacial lakes, forgotten valleys, hidden waterfalls, and moss-covered trails, unraveling the forces—both natural and human—that have shaped this place.
Here’s what you’ll experience on the road and trail:
The Elwha River, once dammed, is now free—flowing with new life and old stories
Lake Crescent is sparkling and serene, hiding a few chilling secrets beneath the surface
Marymere Falls, where a short forest hike pays off with a 90-foot rush of water
Sol Duc Valley, a haven of salmon, steam, and sky-high trees
Hurricane Ridge, with mountaintop views that stretch from sea to summit
Hoh Rainforest, where every inch drips with life and silence speaks volumes
Rugged Pacific beaches strewn with sea stacks, fog, and storybook driftwood
As you drive, you’ll meet the Klallam and Makah peoples, learn about early conservation battles, and trace the scars of deforestation and rebirth. You’ll also get a front-row seat to one of the most ambitious river restoration projects in the world.
Before you go:
Pack layers, snacks, and a sense of curiosity. Olympic doesn’t give up its secrets all at once, but with this guide in your pocket, you’ll leave with more than photos. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the Pacific Northwest’s wildest heart.
Download the Olympic National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Know Before You Go
NOTE: Learn more about the admission fees, road conditions, and other pertinent information.
North Shore Road Construction July 9 – Sept 22, 2025
Alert 1, Severity closure, North Shore Road Construction July 9 – Sept 22, 2025
A section of N Shore Rd near mile 10.2 is closed to all traffic so crews can fortify the actively eroding road and ensure long-term access. The Quinault Ranger Station is open. Graves Creek and North Fork areas cannot be reached by S Shore Rd.
Nearby Tours
Walking
25+ Stories
0.5 - 1 Hrs
Driving
60+ Stories
7 - 8 Hrs
Driving
Per Entrance 85+ Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Driving
100+ Stories
4 - 5 Hrs
Driving
90+ Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Olympic National Park Map
Where To Start?
Here’s the Starting Point Address: Olympic National Park Visitor Center
We highly recommend starting the tour from the given address for the best experience.
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Olympic National Park Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome Olympic National Park
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A Little Bit of Everything
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Geology
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Glaciers
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Native History of Olympic National Park
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Creating Olympic National Park
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Elwha River Observation Area & Detour
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Madison Falls Trailhead
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Elwha to Hurricane Hill Trailhead
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Glines Canyon Dam Spillway Overlook
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The Elwha River
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Demolishing the Dams
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Rivers of the Park
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Lake Sutherland
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Lake Crescent
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Lake Crescent Viewpoint
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Marymere Falls Trail
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An Angry Mountain
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The Lady of the Lake
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La Poel
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Meldrim Point
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Preserving Heritage
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Sol Duc Valley
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Bears
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Deer and Elk
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Salmon Cascades
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Ancient Groves
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Warring Dragons
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Sol Duc Trailhead
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Olympic National Park is renowned for the richness of its different ecosystems – the rough Pacific coastline and vast glacier-clad summits.
Port Angeles is near Olympic National Park. With its proximity to Seattle (just two hours away), Olympic is a popular destination for urbanites seeking a taste of nature.
It is definitely worth visiting Olympic National Park because whether you like to climb mountains, stroll through tide pools, or explore the woodland, the Olympics has something for everyone.
The Olympic Peninsula is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including temperate rain and old growth forests, the sandy beaches of the wild coast, and the spectacular vistas of rocky, glacier-capped mountains. It is well-known for the variety of ecosystems that receives an average of 150 inches of rain each year.
The Olympic National Park does not require any sort of advance planning or booking. But you should book ahead if you want to spend the night in the park or nearby.The park entrance fee is $30 for a private, non-commercial vehicle, $25 for individuals entering on a motorcycle, or $15 for individuals entering on foot or bicycle.
Olympic National Park is gorgeous from spring to fall. In summer, Olympic National Park’s best areas are open to visitors, marmots are active, and wildflowers blossom. The park is less congested in fall and winter. Plan your trip to Olympic National Park during these dates to escape the crowds.
1) There are 56 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds in Olympic National Park. 2) It spans an area of 922,651 acres. 3) 50–70 annual research licences are issued. 4)Roughly 4,000 kilometres of waterways made up of rivers and streams. 5)Park Goers love whale breaches. Breaching whales are unforgettable during migration seasons. 6) Banana slugs are vital to park ecosystems. Banana slugs digest waste. They consume plants and disperse seeds, making them vital to the environment.
On dark, clear evenings, the Milky Way is visible from Olympic National Park.
The best way to get around Olympic National Park is by car since the park spans nearly 1 million acres.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
