Olympic National Park

Elk Lake

Olympus Guard Station

Lunch Lake

Five Mile Island

Washington’s Olympic National Park is renowned for its diverse and dramatic scenery. From its rugged Pacific coastline to its glacier-capped peaks, the park possesses four distinct ecosystems, including lowland forests, temperate rainforests, and alpine meadows. It’s entirely possible to see each of these distinct areas, and much of the flora and fauna they have to discover, by visiting some of the park’s popular tourist destinations. The best location for this is arguably Hurricane Ridge, which can be accessed via Port Angeles. But the best way to immerse yourself in this abundance of nature is to go for a hike in the park and camp in the backcountry. In the Sol Duc region of the park, 40 miles west of Port Angeles, Deer Lake is a fairly easy overnight backcountry destination for roaming the park’s forests, or as a stopover en route to the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin.
   
The backcountry camp area at Deer Lake offers a number of designated sites dispersed around the wooded lakeshore. The lake can be accessed via a 3.3-mile direct route from the Sol Duc Trailhead, or a 7.3-mile roundabout route from the Mink Lake Trailhead. Sites are primitive with no amenities, and campfires are prohibited. There is a backcountry privy and seasonal ranger station located in the area. Campers should exercise Leave No Trace camping practices, and store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers. The park has a limited quantity of containers available to borrow. Camping in the Olympic backcountry requires a wilderness camping permit. Permits can be reserved in advance, or acquired in person at one of the park’s Backcountry Information Centers. Overnight camping permits cost $8/person/night, plus a $6 fee.

Deer Lake

Boulder Lake

Mount Tom Creek

Lillian

At this time, campers will not have access to the Mineral Hot Springs & Pool or The Springs Restaurant. Take out from The Springs Restaurant will not be available. Day passes will not be available for the Mineral Hot Springs & Pool. Sol Duc Campgrounds will open July 1st, 2020. Located along the Sol Duc River, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground is on the "edge of the backcountry in the heart of the Olympic National Park" with hot spring pools and access to many hiking trails. In the late 1800s, settlers found the hot springs and called them "Sol Duc" a mispronunciation of the Quileute word for sparkling waters. The first hotel was built at Sol Duc in 1912 but burned down in 1916. The resort was rebuilt on a more modest scale in the 1920s, and completely rebuilt in the 1980s, which reflects how the resort looks today. Recreation.gov offers reservations for 62 of the resort's 82 tent sites and for all 17 of the resort's RV campsites, all nestled under a lush green canopy of old growth forest. Reservations for the remaining 20 tent sites are made directly at the resort as walk in reservations. Advanced reservations are recommended to guarantee a campsite. Multiple hiking trails are accessible directly from the property, with the most popular taking guests to spectacular Sol Duc Falls. There are also onsite massage therapists. Book tent and RV campsites here on Recreation.gov (using the buttons on the right to view sites and availability). Visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort website to book reservations for the cabins. Recreation Reinvigorate your spirit: Hike through dense, old-growth forest to Sol Duc Falls or explore the famous Lover's Lane Loop Trail. The Olympic Peninsula is prized for its wide assortment of hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Multiple treks are available, such as a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) round-trip hike to Sol Duc Falls from the resort. \- Watch salmon fight their way up the Sol Duc River at the Salmon Cascades Overlook during autumn. Facilities The campground currently offers two tent camping loops including a walk-in area that accommodate 82 tent campsites plus 17 RV campsites. Nearby comfort stations in the campground or lodge loops offer flush toilets and potable water. Each site offers a picnic table, fire ring and paved access. Campers do not have access to the resort facilities at this time. Natural Features Sol Doc offers three mineral hot spring pools heated between 98-107F (37C - 40C) and a large freshwater swimming pool that ranges from 50-85F (10C - 29C). Purchase daily passes at the front desk of the main lodge. Mineral Water Wading Pool: approximately: 98F / 37C / 6-8' deep Large Mineral Fountain Pool: approximately 101F / 38C / 3' deep (meets accessibility standards) Medium Mineral Pool: approximately 104F / 40C / 3' deep Freshwater Pool: Varies seasonally between 50F - 85F / 10C - 30C (universally accessible) Nearby Attractions Guests can visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Port Angeles. Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park: Experience self-guided hikes at Marymere Falls Trail, Mt. Storm King, or the Moments in Time Trail, or makes plans for a guided kayak tour, or a meal at the lakefront restaurant. Log Cabin Resort, Olympic National Park: Park visitors can rent a canoe/kayak, stand up paddle boards, and bicycles. Hurricane Ridge: From this area, enjoy hiking, food and beverage services and spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Lake Quinault Lodge: Plan to join a rain forest tour and finish the day with lakefront dining. Forks: Movie buffs will enjoy this town -- the setting of the famed Twilight series, as well as the Timber Museum. Ruby Beach: Don't miss a Pacific Coast beach walk with tide pools and sea stacks. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations must be submitted within 48 prior of your arrival. ADA Access: N

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground

Sol Duc Campground - Olympic National Park

Hoh Campground - Olympic National Park

National Park Service

I had a great time up near the trailhead. Being injured, I could only car camp, but it was a great weekend.

Good car camp

This is a pretty simple camping area along the backpacking trail in the Hoh rainforest. 

The lake is small but lovely and means there is a pretty consistent water source.

The whole area is full of wonderfully large trees and moss.

Small spots along Hoh backpack route

The name of this campground is slightly misleading in that it is not actually at the lake, its about .5 miles below. There is a good water supply nearby though from the waterfall coming from the lake. The sites are all very level and clear, some have been claimed by a massive rainstorm a few years back though. Sites are large and there is a bear wire strung up in the middle somewhat near the beginning. Camping beneath massive old growth and near a waterfall makes for a chilly and dew laden morning, but peaceful nonetheless. There are fire pits that are put together but I do not believe you are allowed to have fires. We left our packs here and walked up to elk lake with a water bottle and some snacks and enjoyed the sunshine on some logs in the water.

Elk Lake

Save more with PRO

Do you own or manage this property?

About This Campground

Access

Stay Connected

Site Types

Features

For Campers

Reviews

2022 Explorer Giveaway

Good car camp

Small spots along Hoh backpack route

Elk Lake

Location

Coordinates

Nearby Campgrounds

Olympus Guard Station

Lunch Lake

Five Mile Island

Deer Lake

Boulder Lake

Mount Tom Creek

Lillian

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground

Sol Duc Campground - Olympic National Park

Hoh Campground - Olympic National Park