Head to head
Olympic vs North Cascades: How to Choose
The short answer
Pick Olympic if you can only do one. The remarkable variety, from rainforest to alpine peaks to wild Pacific coastline, makes it the more complete and accessible first visit. The exception is the backcountry-minded traveler who wants jagged, glaciated peaks and near-total solitude: that person should choose North Cascades, one of the least-visited parks in the country and a hiker's wilderness.
Pick Olympic National Park if
- You want incredible variety: rainforest, mountains, and Pacific coastline
- Tide pools, the Hoh Rain Forest, and wild beaches appeal to you
- You want an easier, more developed park with classic highlights
Pick North Cascades National Park if
- Jagged glaciated peaks and deep wilderness are the draw
- You want near-total solitude in one of the least-visited parks
- You are an experienced hiker comfortable with rugged backcountry
Side by side
| Olympic National Park | North Cascades National Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | July to September | Mid-July through September, when the high passes are clear of snow. |
| Entrance fee | $30 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass ($15 per person on foot or bike, $25 motorcycle); $55 Olympic annual pass. Cashless, no timed-entry reservation required. | No entrance fee. The park is free to enter, with no timed-entry reservation. A free backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, and a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is needed at some adjacent trailheads. |
| Size | 923k acres | 505k acres |
| Visitors | 3.7M / year | 0.0M / year |
| Nearest airport | SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International), roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to Port Angeles including the ferry or the drive around the south end | Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), about 2.5 hours by car to the Newhalem visitor center; Bellingham International (BLI) is closer at roughly 1.5 hours. |
Who wins on what
| Decision | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for first-timers | Olympic National Park | More accessible and varied, with rainforest, peaks, and coast in one park. |
| Most variety | Olympic National Park | Rainforest, alpine, and wild coastline within a single park. |
| Most dramatic peaks | North Cascades National Park | Jagged, heavily glaciated summits give an alpine intensity Olympic lacks. |
| Fewest crowds | North Cascades National Park | One of the least-visited national parks, with deep solitude on most trails. |
| Best coast and rainforest | Olympic National Park | The Hoh Rain Forest and wild beaches are unique to Olympic. |
| Easiest access from Seattle | North Cascades National Park | Highway 20 reaches it directly, though Olympic's coast is the bigger draw for many. |
| Best for a short visit | Olympic National Park | Its mix of highlights rewards a varied multi-day loop. |
Can you do both?
Both are within reach of Seattle, so a longer Washington road trip can cover both. North Cascades sits along Highway 20, which is seasonal and closes in winter, so confirm it is open before routing through it. Allow extra days for Olympic, since its areas are spread across long drives.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Olympic or North Cascades better?
- Olympic is the more complete and accessible choice, with rainforest, mountains, and coast in one park. North Cascades wins for jagged peaks and deep solitude for experienced hikers.
- Which park is less crowded?
- North Cascades is far less crowded, ranking among the least-visited national parks. Olympic draws many more visitors thanks to its variety and famous coastline.
- Is the North Cascades road open year round?
- No. Highway 20, the main route through the park, is seasonal and closes in winter, so check current road status before planning a visit.
- Can I visit both parks in one trip?
- Yes. Both are accessible from Seattle, so a Washington road trip can cover both. Allow more time for Olympic, since its rainforest, mountains, and coast are far apart.
Plan your visit
Whichever park wins for you, here is the gear keyed to these conditions, the tools to size your trip, and related guides.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Planning either trip? Each park guide has when-to-go, what-to-pack, and camping reservation details. Browse the full national parks index.