Let’s start with a small truth: no place — no matter how wild, famous, or spectacular — is safe from the one-star review.
Not even Olympic National Park.
This post exists because, somewhere along the way, a number of visitors left Olympic National Park feeling dissatisfied enough to write it down. Publicly. Permanently. On the internet.
Instead of skimming past those reviews and pretending they don’t exist, I did the opposite. I read them. All of them. Then I gathered the most memorable, dramatic, and unintentionally funny ones into a single place.
Consider it a reminder that expectations are powerful things, and that even a park as varied and iconic as Olympic can’t please everyone.
If you love national parks, this will entertain you.
If you’re planning a trip to Olympic, it may make you more thoughtful.
And if you’ve ever wondered how someone can visit a place like this and still leave unhappy — read on.
Hilarious Bad Olympic National Park Reviews
Its all trees, greenery so what don’t you find elsewhere? I don’t think this is something too great just another forest … I would never come back to see this stuff again. Probably you have never seen greenery anywhere else if you are awestruck about these.
TripAdvisor
It is more appropriate for people who just want to look at the beauty of trees! Lots of trees!!!
TripAdvisor
There are definitely lots of trees in the forest …
It was a waste of time…. Pretty much like every other forest except for some hanging moss and the bugs (mosquitos, flies, etc)
TripAdvisor
I’m going to let the picture say a thousand words.
Just don’t. Absolutely not worth it.
TripAdvisor
There are literally 1000’s of better view spots and hiking trails in Washington.
TripAdvisor
Yes, I know it is a Rain Forest and so the chances are it can rain however please prepare yourself for torrential downpours…. the rain and the heat made it very uncomfortable.
TripAdvisor
At least they acknowledge that is is a RAIN forest. Though, in fact, most of the rain falls in the winter.
The rainforest and its several easy strolls from the visitors’ centre consist of a walk through spruce, hemlock, ferns and moss. That’s it. I felt like I was taking photographs because I should, rather than to savour the moment.
TripAdvisor
The forest itself is no more impressive than other forests around the coast, or in the rest of Washington state. If you are passing, and want to part with $25, fair enough.
TripAdvisor
Read about the top Hoh Rainforest hikes here if this actually looks good to you.
Came to hurricane ridge but nothing could be seen because of the fog so it was a bit disappointing. there wasn’t much to do here because the trails were closed because of the fog.
Yelp
We paid 30$ to drive this road only to see absolutely nothing but clouds and/or fog.
TripAdvisor
Just got back from Hurricane Ridge. It was a fairly clear day – so we thought. As we were driving up it began to get foggy until you could not see a foot in front of you. There was absolutely no opportunity to turn around and we kept climbing higher.
TripAdvisor
The weather at the top of Hurricane Ridge is often very different from that at the coast. You can check the NPS Hurricane Ridge webcam to see the weather live before you set out (though it can always change, of course). Read my Guide to Hurricane Ridge for more details about this part of the park.
Beat up, sparse and lacking investment are the best words to describe Olympic.
TripAdvisor
If you’re still interested in Olympic National Park, you can read more here:
➡️ Guide to Olympic National Park
➡️ 1-4-day Olympic National Park Itineraries
What did you think of these reviews? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Olympic National Park? Read my Guide to Olympic National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Olympic? Get a detailed 1 – 4-day Olympic National Park Itinerary
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.