Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience in contrasts. Few places in the world allow you to photograph alpine ridges, moss-draped rainforests, and wild Pacific beaches all in a single day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a photographer’s playground, offering scenes that range from serene waterfalls to rugged coastal seascapes, each with its own mood and magic.
Start your journey at Hurricane Ridge, where sweeping mountain panoramas and jagged ridgelines glow under sunrise alpenglow. From there, descend into the lush lowlands for the delicate cascade of Madison Falls, the mirror-like waters of Lake Crescent viewed from the historic lodge, and the enchanting Marymere Falls tucked deep in the forest. Wander through the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail in the Hoh Rain Forest, where every turn reveals a composition worthy of a fantasy novel. Then, head west to Rialto Beach, home to dramatic sea stacks and the legendary Tree of Life, a natural wonder that defies gravity and time.
Whether you’re chasing golden-hour light on the coast, capturing misty mornings in the rainforest, or framing alpine peaks against a glowing sky, Olympic National Park delivers endless opportunities to create images that tell the story of nature’s raw, untamed beauty. This guide will give you insider tips on timing, composition, and access so you can make the most of every shot.
Hall of Mosses
Hurricane Ridge
Lake Crescent
Madison Creek Falls
Marymere Falls
Rialto Beach
Spruce Nature Trail
Tree of Life & Kalaloch Beach
Olympic Photography Highlights
Hurricane Ridge — Alpine drama above the clouds
Vibe: Sweeping mountain panoramas, jagged ridgelines, and seasonal wildflowers.
Best time: Sunrise for alpenglow; late afternoon for warm light and layered shadows.
Shoot notes: Wide lens for grand vistas; telephoto for compressed layers. Include foreground wildflowers or snow drifts for depth.
Madison Falls — Delicate cascade, easy win
Vibe: Tranquil waterfall framed by lush greenery.
Best time: Early morning or overcast for soft light.
Shoot notes: Use a polarizer and ND filter for silky water; frame with mossy logs for depth.
Lake Crescent (from the Lodge) — Glass and mountains
Vibe: Mirror-like water with ridgelines and evergreens.
Best time: Sunrise for mist; blue hour for symmetry.
Shoot notes: Wide lens for reflections; telephoto for layered ridges.
Marymere Falls — Pacific Northwest classic
Vibe: Graceful drop framed by old-growth forest.
Best time: Overcast or light rain for saturated greens.
Shoot notes: Vertical compositions; polarizer and ND for smooth flow.
Rialto Beach — Sea stacks, surf, and sky drama
Vibe: Rugged Pacific energy—waves, driftwood, and moody skies.
Best time: Sunset into blue hour; check tide tables.
Shoot notes: Use ND for wave blur or fast shutter for splash freezes.
Hall of Mosses Trail — Cathedral of green
Vibe: Moss-draped maples and filtered light.
Best time: Overcast mornings for soft tones.
Shoot notes: Wide lens for canopy scale; macro for moss textures.
Spruce Nature Trail — Rainforest meets river
Vibe: Forest and river interplay with light and movement.
Best time: Late afternoon for cross-light; overcast for forest detail.
Shoot notes: Use river as a compositional anchor; polarizer for glare.
Tree of Life — Iconic persistence
Vibe: A wind-sculpted spruce suspended over sand.
Best time: Golden hour for warm textures; blue hour for silhouettes.
Shoot notes: Symmetry or off-center framing; reflections at low tide.