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Places to Explore from the Elwha RV Park

"Best RV Park by a Dam Site!"


You can explore Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, the Juan de Fuca Straits, and more for days while camping at the Elwha RV Park! The trailhead to the grand lower Elwha River and the former dam site, starts directly from the Elwha RV Park.

Access to the Olympic Discovery Trail is just up the road from us, and only 5 minutes away from where the Elwha River meets the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The beach, the rolling of the waves, and the surfing offer a unique ocean experience. The areas to visit are too numerous to list, but some of the most popular are:

  • Hurricane Ridge
  • Lake Crescent
  • Olympic National Park
  • Elwha River Valley
  • Sol Duc River & Hotsprings
  • Hoh Rainforest
  • Pacific Beaches
  • Cape Flattery
Saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing are a big draw to this area. Public boat ramps and the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria, BC are only 10 minutes away!

The Elwha RV Park centrally located on the Olympic Peninsula. The Elwha RV Park is the ideal basecamp location to stay while visiting Olympic National Park; Victoria, Canada; and the Pacific Coast beaches.

Driving west on Highway 101 takes you to the Sol Duc Valley road just west of Lake Crescent. The approximately 12 mile drive winds through the valley. Two areas of interest along the way are the Salmon Cascades and Ancient Forest Trail. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers dining, a small store & gift shop, three warm mineral pools and a swimming pool. Soaking in the hot mineral pools is a great way to relax those sore muscles after hiking all day.

The spectacular Sol Duc Falls are a must see! The trailhead is located a short drive past the resort and camp grounds. Several trails take off from the Sol Duc Falls Trail taking you up into the Seven Lakes Basin.

Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Area

Lake Crescent is a crystal clear 12-mile long lake located 17 miles west of Port Angeles on Highway 101. The glacier-carved lake offers swimming, boating and fishing. There are numerous places to get away from it all and to soak in the awesomeness of nature. Marymere Falls is a mostly level one mile hike from Storm King Ranger Station. This walk takes you through the forest of moss covered trees and large ferns. The Pyramid Mt. Trail reached from the North Shore Road offers an excellent view of Lake Crescent, Mt. Storm King and the blue-green slopes of Aurora Ridge. One can also hike along the north side of the lake on the Spruce Railroad Trail (named after the railroad that was there during WWI). The rail was used to haul out spruce to make airplanes for use in the war.

There are numerous places around the lake to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Dining is available at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort.

Hurricane Ridge

The must see jewel of the Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge, is an easy 17 mile drive taking you up to 5,200 feet elevation. The spectacular mountains are beauty beyond words. The day lodge and many trails offer breathtaking views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Olympic Mountains, as well as panoramic views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the alpine meadows. Numerous trails range from easy to very difficult, making it possible for all people to enjoy the area's beauty. One can take a picnic lunch and spend the day at Hurricane Ridge and cap off the day by watching an awesome sunset.

Activities that take less than a full day

  • Salt Creek County Park located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca just west of the RV Park offers fascinating tidal pools (ask your hosts regarding tide tables).
  • The Dungeness Spit and Wildlife Refuge offers great beach hiking and wildlife.
  • Ediz Hook in Port Angeles provides great views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Ediz Hook is part of the 5.5 miles of Waterfront Trail; perfect for jogging, walking, biking, or roller blading.
  • The Elwha Valley Road inside the Olympic National Park offers a beautiful drive along the rushing Elwha River. Madison Falls is an easy hike. Further up the valley beyond Lake Mills is the trail head to the Olympic Hot Springs.
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