Olympic National Park in winter offers a completely different kind of magic, where snow-dusted peaks meet misty coastal forests and quiet trails. The crowds of summer are gone, leaving behind a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to slow down and explore winter activities like never before. From the snow-covered ridges of Hurricane Ridge to the mossy calm of the Hoh Rainforest in winter, the park’s diverse landscapes take on a fresh and almost otherworldly beauty. Whether you’re looking for epic adventures or simple winter activities in Olympic National Park, this season reveals a side of the Peninsula that few travelers ever experience.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Olympic National Park in winter, whether you’re heading out for a day of skiing or simply taking in the scenery. Hurricane Ridge is one of the top spots for outdoor winter activities, offering cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing, all with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Down at lower elevations, you can hike among towering evergreens and rushing rivers or experience the Hoh Rainforest in winter when the mosses and ferns glisten from seasonal rains. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot elk, bald eagles, and even river otters enjoying the quiet of the season, while photographers will find endless opportunities for breathtaking winter landscapes.
After a day of exploring and enjoying these winter activities, our family-friendly lodging in Sequim is the ideal place to warm up and unwind. Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this family-friendly retreat offers cozy accommodations and incredible views of both the water and the mountains. Guests can enjoy the comfort of private cottages, easy access to nearby attractions, and the charm of Sequim’s small-town hospitality. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or a special someone, our Sequim lodging provides the perfect base for experiencing all the winter beauty and adventure Olympic National Park has to offer. Book your winter getaway today!
Best of Olympic National Park in Winter
No trip to Sequim in winter would be complete without spending at least a day exploring Olympic National Park. This vast and diverse destination is only a short drive from town, making it easy to experience its snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline all in one visit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, scenic drives, or peaceful moments in nature, experiencing the Olympic National Park in winter is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The combination of sparkling snow, misty forests, and dramatic coastal views makes this one of the most unforgettable times of year to visit. No matter what kind of winter fun you enjoy, Olympic National Park in winter offers unforgettable experiences surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Every corner of the park offers something unique this time of year. Below is a guide to some of the best winter activities in Olympic National Park to help you plan your perfect cold-weather adventure.
Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park During Winter
- Hurricane Ridge Ski Area: Take advantage of one of Washington’s most scenic alpine playgrounds, where you can ski, snowboard, or sled with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s one of the most popular winter activities in Olympic National Park, and for a good reason.
- Snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge: If you’re looking for one of the most peaceful winter activities, don’t miss the chance to snowshoe through the scenic, snow-covered forests at Hurricane Ridge. Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk or set out on your own to explore quiet trails blanketed in snow, a true winter wonderland for nature lovers. We even offer snowshoe rentals for easy access to winter activities like this!
- Cross-Country Skiing: Glide along the park’s groomed and backcountry trails, especially around Hurricane Ridge, for an active yet peaceful way to experience the snow-covered landscape.
- Winter Hiking Around Lake Crescent: The trail to Marymere Falls is open year-round and offers a magical winter scene, with mossy trees and icy cascades creating postcard-worthy views.
- Hoh Rainforest Winter Walk: Wander through one of the only temperate rainforests in the country, where mist, moss, and ferns create an otherworldly experience that feels both wild and intimate.
- Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach: Bundle up and head to the coast for incredible storm watching, tide pooling, and winter sunsets that paint the sky in dramatic color. It might not be one of the most obvious winter activities in Olympic National Park, but it’s certainly one that’s always at the top of our list!
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and river otters that often appear more active and visible in the park’s quieter season.
- Photography Adventures: Winter’s low light and fresh snow make for stunning photo opportunities, from mountain panoramas to rainforest details and icy streams.
- Scenic Drives: If you prefer to stay warm, explore the park’s beauty from your car. The drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge is especially beautiful in winter, as is the route along Lake Crescent and through the Sol Duc Valley.
- Stargazing and Winter Sunsets: With fewer visitors and clearer skies, winter evenings often bring brilliant starry nights and pastel sunsets over the mountains and water, making it one of the most magical winter activities in Olympic National Park.Â
The Best Family-Friendly Lodging in Sequim
Winter brings a special kind of beauty to Olympic National Park, and staying in Sequim puts you right at the heart of it all. From your home base at our family-friendly Sequim lodging, you’re just a short drive from some of the park’s most unforgettable spots, including Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rainforest in winter. Whether you spend your days skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking through misty forests, returning each evening to your cozy cottage along the Strait of Juan de Fuca makes the experience even more memorable.
Our Sequim lodging is more than just a place to stay; it’s part of what makes a winter getaway to the Olympic Peninsula so enjoyable. Families love the spacious cottages with kitchens, fireplaces, and incredible water or mountain views, while couples appreciate the quiet, comfortable atmosphere, particularly when our private vacation cottages include a hot tub for those chilly winter nights. The property offers easy access to all the best things to do in Sequim, including Sequim’s restaurants and shops, as well as nearby outdoor adventures, so you can enjoy both relaxation and exploration during your visit. From watching the winter light dance across the water to cozying up with a cup of cocoa after a day in the snow, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and discovery.
A winter getaway to Olympic National Park is all about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and creating memories with the people who matter most. Staying at our highly rated lodging in Sequim makes it easy to enjoy all the winter activities in Olympic National Park while experiencing genuine hospitality and thoughtful amenities. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a peaceful retreat, this Sequim favorite offers the warmth and charm that make winter on the Olympic Peninsula truly unforgettable. Book your winter trip to the Peninsula today!Â
