Impenetrable by vehicle, the Olympic Mountains dominate the center of the park. U.S. Highway 101 skirts the mountains, and some roads follow drainages to points of interest. Driving times from one point to another can be very long. For instance, driving from park headquarters in Port Angeles to Lake Quinault typically takes 3 hours.

Also, the park's diverse landscape, from beaches and tide pools to rain forest to snowcapped peaks, begs for time to explore. The best way to see everything is to plan overnight stays in campgrounds and lodges in strategic locations. If you want to explore the coastal environment, Kalaloch is the best option. Sol Duc is an excellent choice for soaking in the hot spring and exploring the lowland forest. Memorable lake experiences are at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort. They also offer close access to the alpine and subalpine life zones on Hurricane Ridge. If you want to explore the abundance and diversity of a temperate rain forest, Lake Quinault Lodge is the best choice. The National Park Service operates campgrounds near each lodge and resort.