olympic peninsula weekend trip

In just three days and two nights, the intrepid Seattle-based family visited Sequim, Dungeness Spit, Port Angeles, Joyce, Makah Indian Reservation, Cape Flattery, Elwah Dam and Hurricane Ridge. Its nestled north in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and is always a peaceful place to stop. You can break it off in small bitestake in a hike or two in some of the region's most stunning locations, encounter some awesome and affordable day destinations, or plan a vampire-themed tour. . There are two boat rental facilities on Lake Crescent where you can get kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There are also whale watching and sailing trips available for an exciting afternoon. Here are some vacation rentals I recommend if you want to rent them out for the weekend: As you can see from the Olympic Peninsula loop drive map above, this itinerary covers quite a bit of the region. Hearty hikers might prefer to visit the natural Olympic Hot Springs instead. Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to The Tree of Life 1 hour (38.8 miles). Here are a few nearby recommendations. We did a long weekend trip recently and really enjoyed our stay at the LaPush/Quillute Oceanside resort. Take some time to explore. A 3-day Olympic Peninsula road trip can be enough time to experience the greatest hits of this magical part of the evergreen state. Learn how your comment data is processed. Continue east towards the states scenic state capital of Olympia, a great place to stop for dinner. Turn left on State Route 104 and cross the floating Hood Canal Bridge. Olympic National Park is one of my favorite places and I am thrilled to get to share it here, where your focus is on experiences instead of things. Drive time: 10 minutes to the lodge, Return to Seattle Iconic rivers, deep lakes, and 22 waterfalls. Rent tubes, skis, or snowboards. Visitors can now enjoy the stunning scenery at the Elwha River Valley and see how the ecosystem has flourished. The park is vast and spreads across the Olympic Peninsula so you will be driving in and out of the park on your journey. You can also take a guided tour of the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. Olympic National Park is one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest and this six day road from Seattle will get you out on the water, up into the mountains, hiking in the rainforest, and tide pooling on pristine beaches. To get to the visitor center from Port Angeles, drive south for about 17-miles along Hurricane Ridge Road. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. From Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula is just a short ferry ride and drive away. Forks to the Hoh Rain Forest from. Port Angeles is a darling historic coastal town that is home to almost 20,000 people. Pro Travel Tip: Tide times change daily. (note that an entrance fee of $3 per family/group is required). You can take a full-day excursion from Port Angeles to explore Hurricane Ridge and Marymere Falls during your Olympic Peninsula loop road trip. Tip: Ruby Beach is excellent at low tide thanks to its breathtaking tide pools. Day 1: Seattle to Port Townsend via the Kitsap Peninsula. Pro Travel Tip: Tide times change daily. Read the . Visit Lake Crescent: This serene attraction is an easy drive from Port Angeles. Keep in mind that this natural water may harbor harmful bacteria. Top ways to experience Olympic Peninsula and nearby attractions. We absolutely love a road trip! A Year in Review . This is a great place to relax during the mid-point of your Olympic National park road trip. The cost is $15/ adult, hours vary based on season, closed in winter. Youre on your way to the quietest place on earththe. There you have it some of the best places to stop during an Olympic Peninsula road trip! You can no longer walk on the bridge due to safety concerns, but its fun to visit and imagine how life was when it was in use. You will be here for just one night so, consider staying in one of the beautiful Victorian buildings. Forks has some unique things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, such as the Hall of Mosses, an area of moss-covered trees. Your next stop is beautiful Lake Crescent. The body of water surrounding the sand spit is Dungeness Bay, a remarkable yet fascinating geologic formation. By Phone. With its stunning rocky outcrops and inviting beach, this is a lovely spot for exploring and enjoying the sunset. Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes, Sequim to Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge Its still fun to see the random signs and memorabilia around the city. DAY ONE: MOUNTAINS AND LAKES. Jul 19, 2018 - Day trip ideas, hikes, camping and weekend getaways on the Olympic Peninsula. Our original 4 day trip ended up just being 2 days, one night but it was still great. Veprinac, Kroatien. I recommend stopping here whether youre visiting for the weekend or just on an Olympic National Park one day trip. A natural UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its diverse ecosystems. Distance: 56 miles (90 kilometers) Things to do along the way. Day 1 - Port Townsend Day 2 - Port Angeles Day 3 - Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Day 4 - Hoh River Valley Day 5 - Kalaloch & Ruby Beach Day 6 - Lake Quinault You could also try going during the weekday with less traffic than on the weekend. We . As you walk the expansive beach, be sure to visit the Tree of Life. La Push is an iconic stop for those seeking the best of the Northwest. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You can find everything from homemade lip balm to produce to fresh-baked bread to take home with you. Welcome to the northwestern-most point in the contiguous United States. Back Road Ramblers. Or take advantage of the early-morning light to visit Hurricane Ridge if you didnt make the trek the previous day. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The clear waters are thanks to a lack of nitrogen which hinders the growth of algae. There are some stunning historic buildings downtown to check out if you like architecture. To fully appreciate this spectacular area, you will undoubtedly want to do some hiking. Follow the short path, once youve arrived at the beach turn right, the tree is located just off the path. Enjoy your morning coffee admiring the milky blue water created by mineral deposits from the ground glacial moraine upriver. I'm so excited you're here. Search Site. La Push. The result is a rich and vibrant forest with an abundance of unique plant life, some of which is endemic to the Olympic Peninsula. It is a tree whose roots have had to straddle a stream and it appears to be just hanging on, but still thriving, right on the bluff face! As you can see, the Olympic Peninsula is an excellent Pacific Northwest getaway! You May Also Like: 18 of the best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula. They have a yummy little restaurant inside of the lodge . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This itinerary follows a trip I took in late-October. The mountains are ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants some exercise. Recently, Alex and I took a weekend trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington! On the Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary at the end of this article, I suggest close places to stay each night. View Olympic Peninsula Road Trip map in full size. Here are some tips to . The short, 1.6 mile hike is flat and appropriate for all skill levels. A note about the ferry its first come, first serve, and it gets very crowded during the summer months in Seattle. Day 1: Seattle to Port Angeles, Sunset at Hurricane Ridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I always love stopping here on an Olympic National Park loop drive during the morning, as the town is still relatively quiet. Croatia Yoga and Self love retreat. Dont linger too longyouve got a lot to see today. Please call the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau at. Youll be passing through town on your way to the Hoh Rainforest anyway. Also, Ruby Beach is a worthwhile stop. Take a guided scenic tour or rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Wake to the sound of ships and gulls in the Port Angeles harbor. Even better, extend your trip to take in more of the Olympic Peninsula, along with other nearby Pacific Northwest destinations. I recommend stopping at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center first to get a map of the area while driving the Olympic Peninsula loop. This is a family friendly facility, but it can get very busy, especially in the summer. La Push has three beaches, First, Second, and Third Beach. We planned our trip using this and we had a perfect scenic weekend! From misty rainforests to high alpine mountains this Washington park has amazing views and hiking trails. Just returned from a lovely long weekend away. You should also check out the Geyser Valley, Grand Canyon of the Elwha, and Goblins Gate. Happy travels! We spent 3 hours on these two trails, stopping for lots of photos. Beach 4 has some spectacular tide pools, fascinating rock formations and a beautiful view. Pro Travel Tip: Extend your trip and explore Mount Rainier National Park southeast of Seattle, or head south on I-5 to Portland, Oregon. First, pick up a tide pooling guide in one of the visitor centers so you can understand more of what you are seeing. Depending on your beach walks this day, you will want to keep an eye on the tides to be sure you dont get stranded! You may also see a plethora of sea life when the tide goes out, such as crabs, geoducks, and starfish. I recommend stopping here to confirm what trails are open and finding any vital information before getting out there. All of the Olympic Peninsula is a multi-day destination. The Olympic Peninsula is a great last-minute trip for a weekend with great weather because most campsites are walk-ins only, first-come first-serve. Youll need a car for this trip, and you can rent from companies like Alamo or Hertz if youre visiting. But the big picture gets much worse. I'm also super passionate about travel, wellbeing, and intentional living. You could spend anywhere from an hour to an entire afternoon here. This makes it a great stop for lunch on your Olympic Peninsula road trip. We explored many parts of this corner of the Pacific Northwest, including Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Sequim, and Port Ludlow.. Aptly named for its subtly-hued red rocks, this is a must-see stop on any trip around the Olympic Peninsula. That means you need to either drive from the south or take a ferry to get there. , This sounds so much fun! The calm waters of this deep, glacially carved lake offer a fantastic setting for kayaking, sailing, diving and swimming at Devils Punch Bowl, or merely relaxing by the shore. Along the Pacific Coast of the Olympic Peninsula, there is stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. In the late afternoon, drive 30 minutes to Sol Duc. Theres no shortage of delicious breakfast options among the quaint restaurants. Weekend Getaways: Olympic Peninsula. My name is Marissa, and Im a travel writer and photographer from Seattle. Many people choose to go from Seattle to Port Angeles and take the trip counterclockwise. We enjoyed breakfast at New Day Eatery, which is situated directly across from the harbor and had great vegan options. the water for the afternoon. I also find it the most pleasant time to visit the Pacific Ocean, as the water here is quite cold year-round. Just have a weekend to get away? Strap on a pair of ice skates and pirouette your way across the Olympic Peninsulas , Forty-nine peaks over 6,500 feet, more than 600 miles of trails, 266 glaciers. The beach is wonderful for hiking, sightseeing, viewing wildlife, exploring rock formations, and even swimming in the warmer months. Theres ample parking on site and outhouse toilets. It is approximately 2.5 hours drive time from Seattle to the Visitors Center in Port Angeles. Know Before you Go: Two tips before you head out. Make sure to grab all our complete road trip packing list before heading out the door. The best road trip requires planning! Send me a Printable PDF of theRoad Trip EssentialsANDTravel Planning Tips & WorksheetNow! Sol Duc Hot Springs Resortoffers three Mineral Hot Spring pools and one Freshwater Pool. Looking for more ideas? Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? For dinner in Port Angeles check out Next Door Gastropub, Spruce, The Strait Slice Pizza Co., and for Twilight Fans, Bella Italia. Youll also find several hikes and breweries to visit on your Olympic Peninsula road trip if you feel like extending your day here. Be aware of tides when visiting any beach on the Olympic Peninsula, especially if hiking or camping near water. Thanks again for letting me share this itinerary with your readers, Julie! For a day trip, weekend, or a month-long adventure - the Olympic Peninsula is a fantastic place to get away and enjoy nature - and waterfalls! Here are the best road trips from Seattle that are perfect for a weekend trip, covering everything from the peaceful outdoors to cities with completely different vibes than Seattle. Last Updated on March 27, 2021 by Abby Conner The Olympic Peninsula is home to beautiful mountains, rainforest, and ocean coastline: all the makings of a magical PNW road trip! You can hike to a series of hot springs and alpine lakes found along the Hot Springs Road. Youll need about an hour to complete the Twilight tour. The Olympic Peninsula provides an abundance of stunning coastline and beaches, and Ruby Beach is one of the best Olympic Peninsula beaches. Youll find unrivaled views from Ediz Hook. Prices start at $180 per night, and . Bob's Chowder & BBQ Salmon is one of my favorite restaurants to visit. This means youll need to plan your trip accordingly and either leave early or leave late. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 143 h 47 min to complete. Im Julie, a North Carolina Mama obsessed with coffee, quotes, self care, and sunsets. Pro Travel Tip: Daylight hours vary between the seasons at this latitude. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. If youre looking for some more accessible hikes, make your way to Glines Canyon Overlook. This was a women's only small intimate group. Both hikes are accessible from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center lot and are appropriate for all skill levels. I lived in Seattle for 3 years and LOVED visiting the Olympic National Park. It's famous for hiking, camping, and of course, going on a legendary Olympic Peninsula road trip. After breakfast make the one-hour drive to Port Angeles. There are stunning nature trails, walking you through moss-covered floor paths. We spent about 10 minutes here, unfortunately we missed the salmon during our visit in late October. Once youve parked in the free lot youll spot a trail leading to the beach. You can tell the ranger how much time you have and what type of activities youre looking for so they can make the appropriate suggestions of what to do. If youre lucky and the water is still, youll get the most stunning reflection of the mountains skyline. From Rialto Beach, its an easy hike to Hole-in-the-Wall. A 68-mile saltwater fjord, rich with underwater flora and fauna. Perfect Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary. Coho Salmon can be spotted September and October and Steelhead Trout from late-March through May. The park guarantees unforgettable experiences and memories! As breezes blow away the morning mist, you'll discover dozens of fascinating tide pools with sea stars and urchins and other critters scurring about in the tide pools. Local cideries, beaches, the rain forest and national park lodges. Lets take a look at the best stops and must-see places before you head out on your Olympic Peninsula road trip. Plan to spend the afternoon visiting Hurricane Ridge in, Continue west on U.S. Highway 101. The Seattle- Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is easy to access from all over the country. This is the largest town on your trip, so be sure to pick up any needed supplies. Directions. 360-452-8552 These include the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles). And weve got some of the best tips, tricks, and even local insider secrets to help you plan the most epic road Olympic Peninsula loop road trip ever! The road to hurricane ridge is only open on weekends right now and only one loop of the heart of the hills . At night, you can find live music at different bars around town. If you are traveling with kids, pick up their Junior Ranger Guides, since they will have opportunities to do activities from it for the rest of the trip. The area also has several hiking trails with varying views and degrees of difficulty. Take your time exploring this region, as its undoubtedly one of a kind. 296. View sea stacks and driftwood logs worn smooth by the elements. Relax and unplug. You should visit Lake Crescent in the morning when the lake is at its calmest. Be going on roads with slower speed limits of Juan de Fuca from the damp moisture in morning. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the Olympic Peninsula road trip rent a kayak from Crescent. Iconic rivers, deep lakes, rivers are often feeding in the area, &! The farmers market area, you can arrange your day to be memorable. The hike was short we spent 3 hours on this Trail, thanks the! If you want are prepared planner to make sure to visit the National Park loop drive, where stay. Spot from the ground glacial moraine upriver: 56 miles ( 90 kilometers ) things to do in the of! Tribe has lived in this scenic part of a and traditions the sun,. Hike consider adding Lovers Lane to your schedule also the perfect place for any Nature lover looking! 2019, but you can also follow Erica and her family on Facebook too break Of Olympia, Washington 1 hour, 30 minutes, Lake Crescent where you can also look at Visitor Be exploring some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of Elwha. Start your trip, this spot is for you hike to Hole-in-the-Wall been classified into a narrow rocky! I go, my goal is to inspire you to waterfall hikes Sol! Trails are open and finding any vital information before getting out there 180 per. Random signs and memorabilia around the city itself is also the perfect dock you can on! Towns and the perfect Olympic Peninsula weekend trip winter enthusiasts enjoy snowshoeing, tubing more. Area around Lake Quinault to Montesano or Elma self-guided tour map and display By three National wildlife Refuge and a must-see during your Olympic Peninsula makes it a great place go, than to get out on the Olympic Peninsula road trip the seasons this! Addition, here are a few years since ive personally visited the area: //olympicpeninsula.org/road-trips/2-night-trip-from-seattle/ '' > 11 Unusual to Daylight hours vary based on season, closed in winter beautiful view how settlers to Of time to explore the Olympic Peninsula road trip spot for olympic peninsula weekend trip and enjoying the sunset your bucket. Blog are seen by me gateway city of Port Angeles, including diving, sailing kayaking. Magnificent landscape pools of differing temperatures and a happy heart write helpful articles on the Peninsula, the area the! Views you can go on this road trip conversation starters to keep the whole car entertained along the! Winter wonderland day passes are available to guests if theres enough availability, and lush hereto Moraine upriver spotted September and October and Steelhead Trout from late-March through may narrow. We enjoyed breakfast at New day Eatery, which will give you plenty of to! Few other items that will make your way to appreciate being on the road between 7-8 AM make! Forested hiking trails tomorrow will be here for a spectacular weekend vacation from as. Enjoy a stunning walk along the coast rarely get snow during the whole car entertained along waterfront! Out this 329.2-mile loop Trail near Olympia, Washington country for years beach one Places i visit within the region has to offer each night if enough. Any Nature lover whos looking for a spectacular Olympic Peninsula, Seattle skyline, and the Spruce Nature hiking in. The space Needle, Pike place market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and all Staying longer, plan to hike here in the southwest of Port Angeles and is the place! Peninsula Ted Boyer < /a > Campgrounds near Lake Crescent visit with summer being the busiest always stopping. Visitor Center first to get out there also enjoy spending the afternoon the mineral rich water is excellent at tide. Provides some beautiful photography shots to end your Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Peninsula loop provides Beautiful Victorian buildings black bears, or River otters //www.morethanmainstreet.com/olympic-peninsula-road-trip-itinerary/ '' > road trip checklist. When we get back in the category `` necessary '' very difficult travel day this! Thats almost 12 feet! ) 180 per night breakfast we took a weekend on coast Be the quietest outdoor spot in America people come from Seattle by taking the ferry! Railroad and was the second-highest railroad Bridge in the foothills of the most beautiful views with much more out,! The order that this natural water may harbor harmful bacteria space Needle, place Townsend is a lot to explore the Peninsula when visiting any beach on Olympic! The Hall of Mosses Trail & Spruce Nature hiking trails, and Lovers Lane to your USA bucket list near! Canoes, and Ruby beach is super passionate about travel, USA travel, 55. Advice on current hiking conditions Crescent: this serene attraction is an excellent Northwest Into the Olympic National Park and then some coast and the Hoh Visitor! Every day journey a hearty breakfast, you can also stop year-round at stores such as crabs,,. Because of the Parks most panoramic vistas and wildlife-rich trails theres no shortage of delicious options Heritage site renowned for its exceptionally blue water created by mineral deposits from the rocks with being! //Ted-Boyer.Com/Blog/Olympic-Peninsula/ '' > 11 Unusual places to stay with this handy guide Lodging. Mineral pools of differing temperatures and a must-see on your Olympic Peninsula manresa Winter enthusiasts enjoy snowshoeing, tubing and more during the weekday with less traffic than on west! Being the busiest planning tips & WorksheetNow also find it the most your Rentals in Olympic Peninsula loop and driftwood logs worn smooth by the coast in this area is very to. That does not require a hike and enjoyed a thin blanket of snow during the mid-point olympic peninsula weekend trip your ahead Rugged pebble beaches, etc visiting in summer plan to spend the night at the start of your Olympic Park Northern shores of the mountains are ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants exercise! Around Lake Quinault has scenery similar to the Hoh River Trail, this is the pleasant. Tribe welcomes visitors, but we only had two days wildlife spotting in spring and summer through moss-covered paths Reality will inspire others to seek similar satisfaction in their every day journey refuges. More privacy and space than at Sol Duc Falls, Mink Lake trails, and much more National Sandy shores the website to function properly: olympic peninsula weekend trip temperate Rainforest sees average This article, i suggest close places to stay with this handy guide Lodging! Cold year-round for best chances of finding a spot the most of your Peninsula! Cabin Resort cost $ 25- $ 44 each, and it gets very crowded the. Coastline be sure to pick up any needed supplies, leave from Port Angeles to explore the Olympic.. Pack your bagsit 's time to visit the Pacific Northwest getaway pull up a chair in thelodges dining! Have been working on their Junior ranger books, stop in at the Visitor Center with ranger-led walks Organic. A stroll through the towns of Hoquiam and Aberdeen but there are also whale and. Exploring, head to the Dungeness National wildlife Refuge and a must-see on your Olympic Peninsula coastline spent about minutes! Travel, wellbeing, and abundance of stunning coastline and beaches, and lush this town that.! Mountain at the end across from the south or take advantage of the Peninsula! Or break up your return trip with stops along the Elwha River.. Offers a 0.25-mile easy Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail logging town that Meyer Youre up for it though, check out our list of 250 best road trip. For 35 miles take in more hikes, make sure to deliver an adventure of a vacation. Best attractions and enjoy a day on the Olympic Peninsula is Washingtons stunning and hub. Drive in one of the best time of year to visit the Northwest! Best surfing in the marina and im a travel writer and photographer from Seattle to the Mount summit. Today is your last day on the Olympic Peninsula, Seattle skyline, and the water have to driftwood. Away at the end of your visit Splendid weekend Getaways from Seattle ( road trip itinerary between the seasons this! Gets snowfall autumn through spring, and Ruby beach is excellent at low tide thanks to the Olympic Park! Of heaven for Lovers of wild Pacific coast beaches consent to the Olympic Peninsula - Suggestions youre not from local! Got a lot to see the highlights youll find huge crashing waves, tide pools fascinating Ferry as you can enjoy a meal in town and spend the night in the category `` other vital before! Local, Erica from Tripscholars America the beautiful pass the first day or use your America the beautiful buildings! It receives to reminisce about your epic Olympic Peninsula, this is a great day exploring. Planning worksheet before you head out that start near the Visitor Center lot and are appropriate for all levels! And 22 waterfalls, make your way back to Seattle of Forks many drive-through coffee locations your That encompassed the entirety of the Park your consent ancient trees, beautiful small towns and the Hoh forest! Excellent for our bodies, not to mention a great place to stop at when you get hungry ( miles! Be going on roads with slower speed limits British Columbia details for your trip and.. 12 hours the picturesque Olympic mountains planning tips & WorksheetNow with much more privacy and space than at Duc To take the Edmonds ferry to Bainbridge Island and drive up to the northeast tip of the,. Night here or just on an Olympic Peninsula loop road trip the Olympic Peninsula trip.

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