Kalaloch Lodge at sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what you need to know about Kalaloch Lodge and Olympic National Park.

Q: Why is the Staircase to the Beach sometimes closed?
A: Kalaloch Lodge sits along a scenic coastline that experiences a natural cycle of erosion. Winter brings higher tides and strong waves that can damage the staircase leading down to the beach. To ensure the safety of our guests and the longevity of the stairs, the National Park Service typically rebuilds them in May, once the tides recede and fair weather arrives. To access the beach, please use the trail at the Kalaloch Campground.

For the best experience, we recommend planning your visit during the summer season (June to October), when the stairs are fully accessible.

Q: When is check-in?
A: The registration desk at Kalaloch Lodge is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m., and check-out is 11:00 a.m.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kalaloch Lodge?
A: Kalaloch Lodge is a pet-friendly property with a number of cabins available for guests traveling with their dog or dogs (up to 2 per cabin; pets are NOT permitted in the Main Lodge or Seacrest House).

Olympic National Park allows dogs on specified trails, paved or dirt roads and in campgrounds and picnic areas. Get more details from NPS here.

  1. Olympic National Forest (separate from the park) has more than 250 miles of pet-friendly trails to explore.
  2. The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch area) are pet-friendly and the perfect place to take a sunset walk on the beach with your fur baby.
  3. The 433-acre Fort Worden State Park is a great spot to stretch your paws and take in some history.
  4. The charming seaside town of Port Townsend has many patio-dining experiences to accommodate you and your pup.
  5. Sequim Dog Park is a one-acre, fenced-in dog park perfect for getting some energy out.

Q: Is there Internet or Wi-Fi access at Kalaloch Lodge?
A: Kalaloch Lodge does have limited WiFi access. WiFi is currently available in the Main Lodge guestrooms, lobby, restaurant, and patio. WiFi is NOT currently available in the Cabins or Seacrest House.

Q: Do you have non-smoking rooms?
A: Yes, all of our lodge rooms and cabins are non-smoking.

Q: Are reservations required for dining?
A: Reservations are recommended only for parties of six or more, and can be made by calling 360-962-2271, ext. 4007.

Q: When is Olympic National Park open?
A: Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just be aware that the weather here is dynamic. For example, snow sometimes shuts down some roads, campgrounds and other visitor facilities during the winter. See Olympic National Park's website for current park conditions, or visit our weather page to learn more.

Q: What is the National Park Service (NPS) entrance fee at Kalaloch Lodge?
A: There is no NPS entrance fee to stay at Kalaloch Lodge. However, if you enter Olympic National Park in areas other than Kalaloch Lodge, there will be an NPS entrance fee.

Q: What's there to do in Olympic National Park?
A: There are miles of beautiful beach to explore at Kalaloch, wonderful lake fishing and canoeing at Quinault and Lake Crescent, and inviting hot springs at Sol Duc. Hike a trail, fly a kite, explore the rainforest, build a sandcastle, fish - or just sit, relax, and take in the most stunning panoramas in the Pacific Northwest.

Q: Which ferry service do you recommend if traveling from Seattle?
A: The most direct route from Seattle and SeaTac Airport is via the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, operated by the Washington State Ferry System. A driving route can be chosen from Interstate 5 through Tacoma and Bremerton to the Olympic Peninsula.

Q: Do you recycle glass and aluminum?
A: Please use the recycling containers provided throughout Kalaloch Lodge, and in your room to help us divert waste from the landfills and reach zero waste! Glass is particularly difficult to recycle in our region, please consider bringing beverages in aluminum and avoid Styrofoam products.

Q: How far in advance should overnight accommodations be reserved?
A: We recommend that you make reservations at least four months in advance for stays during the summer months, and six months in advance for extended stays. However, with a little flexibility, we often are able to accommodate guests with little advance notice, so please always check online or give us a call.