Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State offers a diverse and stunning road trip experience, from rugged coastlines and ancient rainforests to glacier-capped mountains and tranquil lakes. This guide will help you plan your adventure.

Trip Overview

Start/End: Seattle, WA (convenient for airport and ferry access)
Duration: 4–7 days
Peak Season: Summer (July-August)
Vibe: Moody coastlines, moss-draped trails, remote beaches, and charming small towns.

Best Time to Visit

The Olympic Peninsula is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

• Summer (July-August): Warmest, driest weather with the most accessible trails and services. Ideal for high-country hiking (like Hurricane Ridge). This is also peak season, so expect larger crowds and book accommodations/camping well in advance.
• Spring (April-June): Moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and lush greenery. Waterfalls are at their peak, and wildlife viewing opportunities increase. Higher elevations may still have snow.
• Fall (September-October): Cooler temperatures, vibrant fall foliage (especially in the rainforests), and excellent opportunities for viewing salmon spawning and Roosevelt Elk. Snow can start to fall in higher elevations.
• Winter (November-March): Offers solitude and a unique, dramatic landscape. Expect rain, especially on the coast and in the rainforest. Some roads (like Hurricane Ridge Road) may have limited access due to snow. Great for storm watching on the coast.

Olympic National Park Entrance Fees & Passes

Olympic National Park has entrance fees. As of July 2025:

• Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for seven consecutive days)
• Motorcycle: $25 (valid for seven consecutive days)
• Per Person (walk-in/bicycle): $15 (valid for seven consecutive days)
• Olympic National Park Annual Pass: $55 (good for one year from purchase)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (annual pass covering all national parks and federal recreational lands). Various discounted or free passes are available for seniors, military, people with disabilities, and 4th graders.

The park does not accept cash for entrance fees. Visit the National Park Service website for more information on entrance passes.

Suggested Itinerary: 5-Day Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Highlights

This itinerary follows a clockwise loop for optimal views and focuses on key highlights, offering a balance of coastal, rainforest, and mountain experiences. Flexibility is key; adjust based on your interests and available time.

Day 1: Seattle → Port Townsend

Drive Time: 2–3 hours with ferry
Stay: Historic B&B or cozy inn in downtown Port Townsend.

• Catch the Bainbridge or Edmonds ferry from Seattle (check ferry schedules and consider reservations, especially for Bainbridge).
• Stroll Port Townsend’s Victorian downtown, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
• Sip cider or wine at local tasting rooms.
• Optional stop at Fort Worden State Park for beachcombing, exploring historic batteries, and enjoying driftwood forts.

Day 2: Port Townsend → Lake Crescent & Hurricane Ridge

Drive Time: ~2 hours
Stay: Cabins at Lake Crescent Lodge (book well in advance!) or a hotel in Port Angeles.

• Drive to Lake Crescent, a stunning, deep blue glacial lake.
• Enjoy a short hike to Marymere Falls (1.7 miles roundtrip), a beautiful 90-foot waterfall.
• Consider kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Crescent (rentals available at Lake Crescent Lodge).
• Head up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain vistas (weather permitting). This mile-high viewpoint offers incredible views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island on a clear day.
• Golden hour on Hurricane Ridge is pure PNW magic—bring a thermos and take it slow.

Day 3: Hoh Rain Forest → Ruby Beach

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Stay: Forks (yes, that Twilight town!) or nearby rustic lodges.

• Drive to the iconic Hoh Rain Forest. Visit the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center for information and exhibits.
• Hike the easy, interpretive trails: Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles loop) to experience the iconic moss-draped maple trees, and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles loop).
• Picnic among giants in this UNESCO temperate rainforest.
• Catch sunset at Ruby Beach, famous for its dramatic sea stacks and driftwood. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and beachcombing.
• Rain is part of the charm—embrace it in waterproof layers.

Day 4: Kalaloch → La Push → Rialto Beach

Drive Time: Short hops between coastal gems
Stay: Oceanfront cabin or rustic lodge near the coast, or return to Forks.

• Wander Kalaloch Beach 4 and marvel at the famous “Tree of Life”.
• Walk to Second Beach near La Push (a 0.8-mile hike to a pristine black-sand beach with sea stacks and tide pools). This area is on the Quileute Reservation – be mindful of tribal rules.
• Hike the Hole-in-the-Wall trail at Rialto Beach (approx. 1.5 miles one way, best at low tide). Rialto Beach is known for its dramatic waves and sea stacks.
• Beachcomb for agates, then warm up with chowder from a roadside shack.

Day 5: Lake Quinault → Home via Olympia

Drive Time: 3.5–4 hours back to Seattle

• Explore the Lake Quinault area, home to some of the world’s largest trees, including a giant Sitka spruce.
• Optional short hike: Quinault Loop Trail (various lengths available) through the Quinault Rainforest.
• Enjoy a scenic drive down the coast (if you have time) or cut back through Olympia.
• Stop at a local café or bakery in Olympia for a break before heading back to Seattle.

Bonus Add-Ons (If you have more time!)

• Cape Flattery: The northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. – offers otherworldly views of sea stacks and the Pacific. Requires a $20 Makah Recreation Pass.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs: Soak in mineral pools surrounded by forest. Fees apply, check operating hours.
• Shi Shi Beach: A backpackers’ dream with tidepools and dramatic rock formations. Requires a permit and Makah Recreation Pass.
• Third Beach (near La Push): A 1.3-mile hike offering a more secluded experience and a waterfall at low tide.

Camping & Accommodation

Olympic National Park Campgrounds: Many campgrounds are available, with some requiring reservations (especially during peak season) and others operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Check Recreation.gov for reservation options and current status. Popular campgrounds include Hoh, Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc, and Heart O’ the Hills (near Hurricane Ridge).

Wilderness Backpacking: Permits are required year-round for overnight backpacking and should be obtained in advance via Recreation.gov.

Lodges & Hotels:

• Inside the Park: Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort (Lake Crescent), Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (cabins, RV, tent sites).
• Outside the Park: Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Forks, and other smaller towns offer a range of hotels, motels, and B&Bs.

Essential Tips for Your Road Trip

Book Ahead: Especially during summer, accommodations and popular campsites fill up quickly. Ferry reservations (especially for Bainbridge) are also highly recommended.
Dress in Layers: The weather on the Olympic Peninsula can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain, even in summer. Waterproof boots & rain jacket are essential.
Fuel Up: Gas stations can be sparse in certain areas, especially within the park.
Pack Snacks & Water: While there are some services, having your own provisions is always a good idea.
Check Road Conditions: Especially in winter and spring, snow can impact access to higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge. Check the Olympic National Park website for current road and trail conditions.
Be Bear Aware: Black bears are common in the park. Store food properly and carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas.
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in and respect wildlife and natural resources.
Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty in many areas of the park.
Tide Tables: If you plan on tidepooling (e.g., at Rialto Beach or Beach 4), check the tide tables to ensure you visit at low tide.

What to Pack:

• Layers (temperatures vary wildly)
• Waterproof boots & rain jacket
• National Park pass (or America the Beautiful Pass)
• Binoculars for birds, whales & elk
• Travel journal—you will want to remember these moments!
• Enjoy your unforgettable Olympic Peninsula road trip!