Pros & cons
PROS
- Distinctive bilingual greeting in Klallam and English
- Easy photo stop with nearby parking and a paved path
CONS
- Small lot by the sign can back up during peak times
- It’s a quick photo op, not a major attraction
Overview
This is the official welcome sign by the Port Angeles Visitor Center at the start of Hurricane Ridge Road—a recognized, park-endorsed photo stop. It’s the classic first snapshot of your trip, and the park literally encourages you to pause for a photo.
What Makes It Unique
The sign greets you in two languages: English and Klallam/S’Klallam with the phrase “ʔənʔá č’ə́yəxʷ,” meaning “come, enter.” Built with a river rock base and hand-peeled log supports—and designed by the park’s landscape architect Jack Galloway—the sign was installed as part of a 2017 upgrade in consultation with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. It’s thoughtful, handsome, and genuinely meaningful.
What to Expect
You’ll find an easy, flat, paved approach and a small parking area right by the sign, with larger parking just up the road at the Visitor Center. Expect brief waits for a clean shot during busy periods; people are generally friendly about trading camera help.
Wildlife
This spot isn’t a wildlife hotspot, but you might catch deer, birds, or squirrels in the early morning or late afternoon. Save big-fauna hopes for deeper inside the park.
Make It a Stop-and-Go
Grab your photo, then swing by the Visitor Center a short walk/drive away for maps, trip advice, and to launch your Hurricane Ridge day.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning: soft light on the sign and fewer people.
- Weekdays: typically calmer than weekends.
- If you’re aiming for quick in-and-out, avoid late morning to midafternoon on peak summer weekends.
Where it is
48.1011, -123.4255Tips for Olympic National Park Entrance Sign
- 01Use the small lot by the sign; overflow is at the Visitor Center up the road.
- 02Morning light is best and crowds are lightest.
- 03Offer to swap photos with other groups to keep the line moving.
- 04Combine this stop with a quick Visitor Center run for maps and updates.
Amenities
Near Olympic National Park Entrance Sign
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayOlympic National Park Visitor CenterMain hub for permits, rangers, and a quick intro to the parkVisitor Center · Ranger Station
0.1 mi awayThe Beaumont CabinQuick peek at pioneer life behind the main visitor centerExhibit · Parking
0.1 mi awayMini TrailA tiny, fully accessible taste of the Hoh Rain Forest.Easy · 0.2 mi · 3 min
0.1 mi awayWilderness Information CenterPermit hub and ranger advice for all backcountry tripsVisitor Center · Restroom
0.2 mi awayPeabody Creek TrailShaded creekside ramble from the Port Angeles Visitor CenterModerate · 5.6 mi · 0 min
0.2 mi awayPeabody Creek LoopShort rainforest loop from the Port Angeles Visitor Center.Easy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
4.3 mi awayHeather Park TrailSteep climb to quiet alpine meadows and big Hurricane Ridge views.Challenging · 10 mi · 6 hr
4.3 mi awayLake AngelesEmerald cirque lake with a tough approach and big-view optionsScenic Viewpoint · Campground
