Olympic National Park, WA 🌲
"Glaciated peaks, temperate rainforests, and wild Pacific coastlines."
Olympic is unique because it contains three distinct ecosystems. You can explore the Hurricane Ridge mountain peaks in the morning and reach the rugged, driftwood-strewn Ruby Beach by sunset.
A breathtaking circumnavigation of the Olympic Peninsula, blending the alpine peaks of Hurricane Ridge with the prehistoric moss of the Hoh Rain Forest and the moody, sea-stack-studded Pacific coast.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Victorian Charm and Coastal Beginnings
Morning — Arrive at SEA-TAC, rent a car, and drive to Port Townsend. Stop for lunch in a local deli.
Afternoon — Explore the historic Port Townsend waterfront. Walk through the Victorian-era downtown and visit the shops on Water Street. Drive up to Chetzemoka Park for views of Admiralty Inlet.
Evening — Enjoy a seafood dinner at the Silverwater Café followed by a sunset walk along the marina.
💡 Stay in the Uptown district for quieter, historic charm away from the main tourist strip.
Day 2 · Lighthouses and Military History
Morning — A slow morning at a Port Townsend bakery. Visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
Afternoon — Head to Fort Worden Historical State Park. Explore the old batteries and walk the sandy beach out to Point Wilson Lighthouse. Spend time beachcombing for sea glass.
Evening — Dine at a local brewery and catch some live music at a local haunt like the Upstage.
💡 Bring a flashlight for exploring the dark bunkers at Fort Worden.
Day 3 · Mountain Vistas at Hurricane Ridge
Morning — Drive from Port Townsend to Port Angeles. Stop at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge to walk the long sand spit.
Afternoon — Check into your lodging near Port Angeles. Drive up to Hurricane Ridge (weather permitting) for iconic mountain vistas and hiking trails like the High Ridge Nature Trail.
Evening — Relax at a local grill in Port Angeles with views of the Juan de Fuca Strait.
💡 Check the National Park website for Hurricane Ridge webcam status before driving up.
Day 4 · Glacial Lakes and Ancient Woods
Morning — Hike to Marymere Falls, a stunning 90-foot waterfall through old-growth forest.
Afternoon — Continue to Lake Crescent. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the crystal-clear glacial water, or hike the Spruce Railroad Trail along the shore.
Evening — Dinner at Lake Crescent Lodge followed by a bonfire on the lakefront.
💡 Lake Crescent is incredibly deep and stays cold year-round; be careful when swimming!
Day 5 · Rainforest Canopies and Rugged Coasts
Morning — Drive to the Hoh Rain Forest. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail to see the lush, moss-draped canopy.
Afternoon — Drive to the Kalaloch area. Visit Ruby Beach, famous for its dramatic sea stacks and abundance of driftwood. Experience the 'Tree of Life' hanging between bluffs.
Evening — Sunset on the beach followed by a cozy meal at the Kalaloch Lodge.
💡 Arrive at the Hoh Rain Forest before 9 AM to avoid long vehicle queues at the entrance station.
Day 6 · Sea Stacks and Tide Pools
Morning — A hearty breakfast in Forks. Drive to Quileute territory at La Push to see the towering sea stacks of First Beach.
Afternoon — Visit Second Beach or Rialto Beach at low tide. This is the best time to see tide pools filled with starfish and anemones. Hike to Hole-in-the-Wall.
Evening — A casual seafood dinner in the town of Forks. Try a local burger joint.
💡 Check tide charts carefully; many coastal paths are cut off at high tide.
Day 7 · The Quinault Loop and Departure
Morning — Slow morning walk along the beach at Kalaloch. Start the drive south toward Olympia.
Afternoon — Complete the loop back toward Seattle. Stop at Lake Quinault for a view of the "World's Largest Sitka Spruce."
Evening — Arrive back at SEA-TAC or overnight in Seattle before your flight. Final dinner at a Pike Place hotspot.
💡 The drive from Forks back to Seattle via Olympia is about 3.5 to 4 hours.