Olympic National Park covers almost a million acres. It also covers a variety of ecosystems including glacier-covered mountains, seashores, temperate rainforests, and lowland forests. Visitors to the park can spend a day at the beach, walk through one of the wettest places in the continental U.S., or enjoy mountain peaks further inland. But Olympic National Park is also one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
It can be hard to appreciate some of the park’s natural beauty when you’re waiting in lines to park or fighting for space at an overlook. Fortunately, there are several destination dupes in the Pacific Northwest. These Olympic National Park alternatives give you the same feel as the park, but with fewer crowds and often lower prices.
This article will share places with fewer tourists, lower prices, more opportunities for pets, more options for families, and places full of outdoor adventures for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
These five destination dupes are great alternatives to Olympic National Park.
Crowd-Free Alternative: Cascade Head Preserve, OR
Cascade Head Preserve is along the central Oregon coast and includes forests, headlands, and the Salmon River estuary. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and more than 350 species of wildlife – including several endangered species – live at the preserve.
You can enjoy scenic hikes along the coast and support the conservation efforts of the preserve at the same time. Nature lovers can take in views of the Pacific Ocean and the Salmon River Estuary. There are also meadows filled with wildflowers that attract butterflies and songbirds.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cascade Head Preserve is in spring and early summer. Wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is pleasant. Fall is another nice option, especially considering some areas close in the winter to protect the wildlife.
How to Access
The preserve is accessible via Highway 101, so it’s an easy drive to the area. There is plenty of parking at trailheads, and there are no fees to visit the area. If you want to camp near the preserve, you can look in towns like Pacific City, Lincoln City, and Newport.
If you want to fly into the area, you can land at the Eugene Airport and rent an RV to drive to the coast.
Why It’s a Great Alternative
- features lush coastal forests, dramatic ocean views, and diverse wildlife
- there are significantly fewer visitors compared to Olympic National Park
- offers excellent hiking opportunities with the congestion of popular Olympic trails
Selection Methodology
- compared visitor data from the National Park Service – Olympic National Park attracts more than 3 million visitors each year, making some areas very crowded. Cascade Head Preserve provides a comparable coastal rainforest experience with fewer tourists and serene landscapes
- analyzed traveler reviews that emphasized solitude and minimal foot traffic
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Umpqua National Forest, OR
Umpqua National Forest is in a rather remote region of Southern Oregon along the northwest border of Crater Lake National Park in the Cascade Range. The forest is blanketed with trees and has numerous waterfalls and lakes as well. The Umpqua River runs through the forest from the Oregon Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean. Although you need a Northwest Forest Pass at many day-use sites and trailheads, it’s a fraction of the entrance fee for Olympic. You can also find inexpensive, or free, camping in the forest.
Hike to Toketee Falls, where you can see the waterfall gorge which is covered in basalt columns. The hike is considered an easy one, with a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail. The falls are also a popular destination for photographers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the forest is from late May through early fall. The snow is melted and the weather is pleasant for hiking, camping, and walking to the many waterfalls in the area. You can also visit in winter for skiing and snowshoeing.
How to Access
You can get to the forest from main highways including OR-138 and OR-58, although smaller forest roads lead to more remote areas of the forest. Those smaller roads can be hard for RVs to navigate, however. You may want to set up camp and use a tow vehicle to explore the narrower, smaller roads.
There is dispersed camping in the national forest. You can also look for campgrounds in Roseburg, or in towns like Sutherlin, Canyonville, or Winston. These are also good places to pick up supplies or treat yourself to a meal at a local restaurant.
Why It’s a Great Alternative
- Umpqua National Forest has waterfalls, old-growth forests, and hot springs – all similar features to those at Olympic National Park
- the forest doesn’t have expensive national park entry fees, just a nominal fee for the forest pass
- there are also more affordable camping and lodging options in and near the forest
Selection Methodology
- researched entrance fees for both destinations, along with accommodation costs and travel expenses. Olympic’s entrance fees and other costs can add up, while the national forest offers a similar Pacific Northwest feel for a lower cost.
- evaluated the accessibility for budget travelers – how close each destination was to major cities, and how easy it was to reach on a road trip
- compared the two landscapes for aesthetic and geological similarities
Pet-Friendly Alternative: Mount Hood National Forest, OR
Mount Hood National Forest includes Mount Hood itself – the iconic mountain volcano that looms in the background of Portland views. The forest is home to alpine lakes, ski resorts, and a portion of the Oregon Trail (take care not to die of dysentery).
The 1930s-era Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood is an iconic hotel. The rustic-feeling lodge is even movie-famous since it was used for exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining.” You can ski at the resort here, spend the night, or pop in for a meal or drink to experience the beautiful lodge.
In summer, you can hike more than a thousand miles of trails including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail. You can also go mountain biking, boating, rafting, and fishing. Finally, take the Mount Hood Scenic Loop to get beautiful views of the mountain and the surrounding areas.
The national forest is also pet-friendly. Olympic National Park only allows dogs on a small number of trails and beaches, and they’re not allowed in the backcountry. The national forest allows dogs on almost all trails, and if they’re under voice command they can be off-leash as well.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Hood National Forest depends on what you want to do. In summer, enjoy hiking and warm-weather outdoor activities. Winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and other winter fun. Late spring brings wildflower blooms while fall is a beautiful time for foliage and to watch the salmon spawn.
How to Access
Mount Hood is about 60 miles east of Portland, and it’s easily accessible via Highway 26. There is also a public bus that runs from the city of Sandy to the Timberline Lodge, with stops at other resorts. Winter weather can affect the drive to Mount Hood ski resorts, so it’s a good idea to check forecasts and avoid snowstorms.
If you want to fly into the area, you can land at Portland International Airport and then rent an RV to use on your trip. There are plenty of campgrounds from Portland to Mount Hood as well.
Why It’s a Great Alternative
- allows dogs on most trails and in campgrounds and there are fewer pet restrictions than at Olympic
- features towering forests, alpine lakes, and scenic hiking trails
- there are many pet-friendly accommodations nearby
Selection Methodology
- analyzed national park policies on pet accessibility – Olympic National Park has strict pet restrictions and limits access for dog owners while Mount Hood National Forest offers a comparable outdoor experience with more freedom for pets
- reviewed pet-owner testimonials on the safety and difficulty of hiking trails in the forest
Family-Friendly Alternative: Moran State Park, WA
Moran State Park in Washington is a family-friendly state park on Orcas Island in the Puget Sound. Kids can explore wetlands, lakes, hills, forests, and bogs. Cascade Lake has a beach, a swim area, and plenty of space to play. You can also rent paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and other small boats. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout which increases the possibility of catching a fish. Kids will also enjoy visiting the salmon hatchery.
The Summit Visitor Center has exhibits on the geology of the San Juan Islands, and families can learn about the islands’ original inhabitants and the history of the area. You can also drive to the top of Mount Constitution – the highest point on the island – and learn about former Seattle mayor Robert Moran. Finally, take the self-guided interpretive trail to learn more about the environment of the park.
After a day of exploring, you can treat everyone to an ice cream sandwich from the Sugar Shack.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the best time to visit the park with a family, although there are things to do all year round. In summer, you can swim, camp, boat, fish, go horseback riding, and much more. Spring brings wildflowers and is a great time for birdwatching. Fall is a lovely time to visit and see the autumn foliage. Some facilities are limited in winter, and it’s the least popular time to visit. However, you can do some winter activities like snowshoeing in the park.
How to Access
The most common way to get to Orcas Island is by catching the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. You’ll want to make reservations, especially during the summer months. RVs are allowed on the ferry as well. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation to bring an RV. RVs need to be under 14 feet tall to have proper clearance. Ferry fees are based on vehicle length, so longer RVs may be charged more. Also, during low tide, loading ramps have steeper angles. It may be easier to drive your RV onto the ferry during high tide. Arrive at the ferry early so you have plenty of time to get your RV ready for the boat ride.
Why It’s a Great Alternative
- features lush forests, waterfalls, and accessible trails that are perfect for families
- easier, kid-friendly hikes compared to Olympic’s rugged terrain
- offers opportunities for lake activities like kayaking and paddleboarding
Selection Methodology
- evaluated park accessibility and ease of hiking trails that are suitable for families – Olympic’s vast and remote nature can be overwhelming for families with young children. The state park provides a similarly stunning Pacific Northwest experience with more family-friendly amenities
- reviewed family travel blogs and visitor testimonials about kid-friendly experiences
Outdoor Adventure Alternative: North Cascades National Park, WA
Washington state has both one of the most-visited and one of the least-visited national parks in 2024. Olympic National Park was one of the top choices with 3.7 million visitors, while North Cascades National Park had just 16,485.
One of the reasons that North Cascades is less popular than Olympic is its remote location and the wilderness of the park. The park has fewer amenities, along with more challenging trails and fewer things to see with a short drive or walk. North Cascades also has the highest death rate among visitors in the U.S. with 60 deaths per 1 million visits. Almost half of those are due to falls while hiking or climbing.
You’ll want to arrive at the park prepared for outdoor adventures and with some outdoor experience and training. This isn’t a beginner park. Many of the trails or climbs are in the backcountry, so you’ll want to have some skills to survive in the wilderness just in case. But the pristine wilderness and amazing views while in the park are a great reward for all of your efforts and preparation.
The Sahale Glacier is a popular stop for park visitors, but make sure you get a backcountry permit. The trail to the glacier is an off-shoot of the Cascade Pass Trail – a beautiful day hike in its own right. Backcountry permits can be limited during the popular summer months, so be sure to get one as soon as you know your plans.
While there are lots of advanced hikes in the park, there are some options that are not in the backcountry as well. Drive the North Cascades Highway, stopping at the Diablo Lake Overlook and enjoying the scenery all along the way. Go boating on Ross Lake or Lake Chelan, or enjoy fishing in the lakes or the Skagit River.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit North Cascades is from May to September. If you want to do higher elevation or backcountry hikes, aim for late July or August and be prepared even then for lots of snow. The park is closed in winter.
How to Access
You can drive to the park via the North Cascades Scenic Highway (WA-20), which connects with I-5 in the west and U.S. Route 97 to the east. The highway is closed during the winter. If you want to fly to the area, land at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or Vancouver International Airport – both are about 130 miles from the park. You can rent an RV in either of those cities to drive to the park. There are lots of campgrounds in Seattle where you can stay and explore Seattle for a few days before heading into the wilderness.
Why It’s a Great Alternative
- features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and glacial valleys
- offers exceptional hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering for outdoor lovers
- has significantly fewer crowds compared to Olympic National Park’s popular destinations
Selection Methodology
- evaluated the activities offered at the park beyond sightseeing
- analyzed reviews from outdoor enthusiasts. who were seeking intense experiences
- looked at Olympic’s adventure spots, which are often crowded – especially in peak season. North Cascades provides a similarly thrilling outdoor experience with more solitude.
Olympic National Park is a beautiful area for outdoor activities and admiring the Olympic Mountains. But the park can get crowded and it can be hard to appreciate the beauty of the area when it’s teeming with people. Fortunately, there are several Olympic National Park alternatives you can try that give you the same feel as Olympic without the crowds.
If you want suggestions for other destination dupes for popular national parks and attractions, check out our full list!
