Need advice about The Olympic National Park (Port Angeles, Pacific: hotel, live)

[Blyzzard]

Ive never lived in the Washington area but Im thinking about working at The Olympic National Park for this coming summer season.

And out of the four areas I have options for including The Sol Duc hotspring, The Kalaloch Lodge, The Quinault Lodge, or Lake Crescent Lodge which place would be the best choice?

I understand each place is more about preference but I would still love to hear others opinions about each place where they have just visited, worked at, or just heard stories.

[KAILANI]

I would personally prefer the Lake Crescent Lodge or 2nd choice, the Sol Duc HS..

Either way it's a job.. The Lake Lodge is closest to the best hiking trails, towns and beaches.

Kalaloch is on the beach, but that's all, Forks is another 40 mins away.

Sol Duc is tucked into the valley and really has no views, and the waterfall is a couple miles down the road, and the Hot Springs are basically a swimming pool, cafe and gift shop..

I'd much rather have the great views out at the lake when I'm at work, and be able to see rivers and Marymere Falls ( short hike from the lodge) and be able to get back to town quickly when needed..

Just depends on what type of amenities you need and how remote you want to be.

What about Hurricane Ridge?? Now that would be the BEST!!!

[kanhawk]

I agree with the above. Lake Crescent would be my choice.It is beautiful also not too far from civilization if you want a break.
I love going out to Kalaloch but what you have there is a very thin strip of national park along the beach, and that's it. You might get a bit bored being there for a long period of time.
I do like the Quinault Lodge. Very nice hotel. That would be my second choice.
Not too familiar with Sol Duc so I pass on that one.

[Hemlock140]

I'd swap out the last choice, first Quinault Lodge,then Lake Crescent. Either could make a really fun summer. Lake Crescent is closer to hurricane ridge on days off, but then the Lake Quinault Lodge itself is just super cool and closer to the Hoh rainforest and ocean.

[MJ5150]

You can hike into the woods at Sol Duc and find the hidden hot springs where the nudists hang out. That was an eye opening experience as a young teenager. I don't think my father was expecting to see that when he took us hiking up there.

-Mike

[Andy]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

You can hike into the woods at Sol Duc and find the hidden hot springs where the nudists hang out. That was an eye opening experience as a young teenager. I don't think my father was expecting to see that when he took us hiking up there.

-Mike

That usually occurs at Olympic Hot Springs, on the other side of the ridge from the Sol Duc valley.


As for the OP, it all depends what you like. Kalaloch is the Pacific Coast. Quinault is the rainforest. Sol Duc is an aging resort in the mountains. Lake Crescent is lake and mountains and the closest to civilization (Port Angeles, ferry to Victoria, BC). All four are very different.