Olympic National Park was included on a new National Geographic list highlighting some of the best national parks in the U.S. to experience after dark.
The magazine recently rounded up destinations where visitors could swap daytime crowds for stargazing, wildlife viewing and nighttime hikes.
The list included national parks across the country known for unique nighttime experiences, such as wolf howls at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and sea turtle nesting at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.
Olympic National Park was named one of the must-visit destinations for experiencing wildlife among its ancient forests before sunrise.
Here’s what National Geographic said makes the Washington park worth the early morning visit.
Hike Olympic National Park at dawn
For anyone hoping to experience Olympic National Park before the crowds arrive, National Geographic recommended an early morning hike through the Hoh Rainforest to hear the area’s famous dawn chorus.
The magazine highlighted the park as home to more than 300 bird species, noting that spring migration fills the forest with birdsong before sunrise.
In the dense rainforest, the towering canopy helps carry and amplify the sounds, creating an immersive experience as calls echo throughout the forest.
Visitors looking to experience the phenomenon can plan a before-sunrise hike on trails such as the Hall of Mosses Trail, while dedicated birders can also attend the annual Olympic Bird Fest Dawn Chorus event each April.
How to visit Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park spans nearly one million acres on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged Pacific coastline, alpine peaks and one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
Visitors planning an overnight trip can choose between staying inside the park or booking accommodations in nearby communities.
Lodges within the park provide easy access to popular trails and attractions, while nearby towns such as Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim offer a wider selection of hotels, vacation rentals and dining options.
To compare hotel prices and availability, browse accommodations in and around Olympic National Park here.
Written by Ginnie Sandoval, a news and travel writer for Pacific Northwest Crossing. Sandoval covers travel tips, news, destinations, places to eat, and hidden gems across the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at pnwcrossing@ramsanmedia.com.