Activity Detail: Kalaloch Lodge, Olympic National Park, WA

Your Pacific Northwest adventure begins here.

Hiking and walking
Whether hiking or taking a leisurely stroll, there’s no better way to experience the Olympic Peninsula than on foot. Take your pick of seven unique beaches, well groomed hiking trails, meandering creeks and magnificent ancient forests (all nearby) to explore.

Ask at the front desk for beach trail maps and hiking maps. “Easy access” hiking trails are designed for people of all ages and abilities...ideal for families. NOTE: Trails to the beach are not wheelchair accessible - most are 500 to 1000 feet long and several are steep.

Take the trail to Ruby Beach to see its garnet colored sand and towering sea stacks. Try Beach Trail 4 to access surf fishing, tide pools and seal or whale watching. To explore deeper parts of the coastal forest, try the Kalaloch Nature Trail. Or travel 20 miles north to the turn off into the Hoh Rainforest and 18 miles in to the Rainforest Visitor Center, where you’ll find three easy loop trails, a trail that is wheelchair accessible, and one longer trail for those wishing to camp overnight.

Bicycling
Coast the Pacific coast! Bicycling is another great way to experience this area. Ask at the front desk for the best places for bicycling. Bike rentals are available from the Peak 6 Adventure store (located about 6 miles up the Hoh Rainforest road). Please note that in Olympic National Park, bicycles and other wheeled devices are not permitted on Park trails, meadows, beaches or undeveloped areas.

NOTE: Highway 101 is a popular place to bicycle during the summer. Please be aware that in some places shoulders do not exist. Bicyclists should ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Fishing

The cool, clean waters of this area’s plentiful creeks and rivers offer some of the country’s best fishing. Ask at the front desk about making arrangements for a guided fishing trip, or about surf fishing at nearby beaches. Fishing supplies are available at the mercantile. Please check with us about regulations and licensing requirements; licenses are not sold at Kalaloch.

Interpretive tours

Fun and informative tours are offered during the summer season, Olympic National Park Service interpretive rangers lead seasonal beach and tide pool walks, as well as tours of the coastal forest. You’ll gain fascinating insights into this area’s flora, fauna and natural history on these guided tours that will make your visit more meaningful. Ask about these tours at the front desk.

Storm watching

Kalaloch was ranked one of the “10 Best Places to Storm Watch” by Seattle Magazine. During the storm season (November to April), guests visit just to experience the power of a Pacific storm - few things are as thrilling. Check “Specials & Packages” for our special storm watching packages and plan your trip!

Clam digging

Digging for clams is great fun on the Kalaloch beaches. The National Park Service opens the beaches at certain times of the year for clam digging. A license is required, and the harvest of clams or any other marine life at any other time is illegal unless posted and approved by the Park Service.

Whale watching

This is a popular seasonal activity at Kalaloch as some of the world's largest creatures migrate past coastal points. Among the most commonly seen are grey whales. Over 20,000 grey whales swim past the west coast twice a year, traveling between summer feeding in the Bering and Chukchi Seas and their nursery and breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico.

Visit our sister property on the Olympic Peninsula

You’ll find more to discover not far from the Lodge. Just 35 miles from the Pacific Coast, Lake Quinault Lodge is located on the shore of beautiful Lake Quinault in Olympic National Forest. Stay in the historic Lodge, enjoy fine dining, shopping, an indoor pool and sauna, and explore the rainforest.

Take the Olympic West ArtTrek

This is a self-guided driving tour of gift shops, galleries and studios where you can see delightful art, collectibles and antiques including Native American crafts, fine art, sculpture, quilts, wildlife prints and more.

Visit Forks

The town of Forks, roughly 35 miles northeast of the Lodge, is home to the Forks Timber Museum and the Forks Loggers Memorial. The Timber Museum has historic exhibits including an authentic fire lookout tower and is open seasonally or by appointment.

See the world’s largest Western Red Cedar

Grab your camera and take a scenic drive north to see this amazing tree. It is located approximatley 13.6 miles north of the Lodge. Ask the front desk for detailed directions.