Weekend getaway from Seattle · #4 of 10
Olympic Peninsula
Hurricane Ridge panoramas, the Hoh Rain Forest's mossy giants and wild Pacific beaches - three ecosystems in one national park.
Imagine alpine peaks, mossy rainforests, and wild Pacific beaches all packed into one trip along US-101. It is a massive loop, so take two days and crash near Lake Crescent or Forks to truly soak it all in without rushing.
Getting there
Grab a coffee and enjoy the 35-minute cruise with stellar skyline views, then gear up for a scenic two-hour drive to Port Angeles.
Your best bet if you are starting in north Seattle. Heads up: summer ferry lines get crazy, so book ahead or show up early!
Day 1
Alpine heights and crystal-clear lake vibes- 17:00 AMDrive
Ferry across Puget Sound
Cruising from Seattle to Bainbridge starts the adventure. Then, drive across the Kitsap Peninsula and Hood Canal bridge to hit US-101, arriving in Port Angeles by late morning.
📍 Seattle-Bainbridge ferry
- 210:30 AMSight
Hurricane Ridge
Wind your way 17 miles up to spectacular alpine country. You will get mile-high views of jagged peaks, sweet ridge trails, and maybe even some grazing blacktail deer.
📍 Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
Tip · Since the day lodge burned down in 2023, facilities are pretty basic. Crowds can cap entry on busy days, so go early! Pack chains Nov-Apr.
- 31:00 PMFood
Lunch in Port Angeles
Head back to sea level to fuel up. Port Angeles is packed with great waterfront spots, from fresh harbor-view seafood to local brewpubs and bakeries.
📍 Port Angeles, Washington
- 42:30 PMActivity
Lake Crescent
This stunning, crystal-clear glacial lake sits 18 miles west of town. Grab a picnic spot at La Poel or Bovee's Meadow, or rent a rowboat from the historic lodge.
📍 Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
- 54:30 PMSight
Sol Duc detour (optional)
Detour up Sol Duc Road to wander through ancient old-growth forests. If you visit in late October or early November, watch coho salmon leap up the cascades.
📍 Sol Duc Valley, Olympic National Park
- 6Stay
Overnight lakeside or in Forks
Rest up at historic Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, or Sol Duc Hot Springs. Or, push on to Forks to get a head start on tomorrow's rainforest drive.
📍 Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park
Day 2
Ancient mossy forests and wild Pacific shores- 78:00 AMDrive
Drive to the Hoh Rain Forest
From Forks, it is a scenic 45-minute drive: head south on US-101, then follow Upper Hoh Road 18 miles deep into one of the country's grandest rainforests.
- 89:30 AMActivity
Hall of Moss Trail
Stroll this easy loop under massive, mossy maples and giant spruces. With 140 inches of annual rain, it is incredibly lush. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk!
📍 Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park
Tip · Do not let wet weather stop you! The rainforest actually looks its absolute best when it is drizzling.
- 912:30 PMSight
Rialto Beach
WA-110 leads you to a dramatic coast of giant seastacks and driftwood. If the tide is low, hike 1.5 miles north to see the awesome Hole-in-the-Wall arch.
📍 Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park
Tip · Always check a tide table first! High tide completely cuts off the path to Hole-in-the-Wall.
- 101:30 PMFood
Picnic on the coast
Food spots are sparse out here, so pack a lunch. Munching on a giant drift log with epic seastacks in front of you beats any diner in town.
- 113:00 PMSight
Ruby Beach and Kalaloch (if time allows)
An extra 40 minutes south brings you to the gorgeous Ruby Beach and Kalaloch shoreline. They are stunning, but skip them guilt-free if you are tired.
📍 Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park
- 124:00 PMDrive
The long drive home
Expect a 3.5 to 4-hour drive back to Seattle. Grab a bite on the way and either catch a ferry or drive around the Sound through Olympia.
Where to eat
The peninsula's prime foodie spot, perfect for fresh seafood with harbor views or a celebratory post-hike pint.
Enjoy delicious dishes right on the water at this historic 1915 lodge, featuring a cozy lounge and coffee bar.
Grab a meal in the dining room or deli, then treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the warm mineral pools.
A laid-back lakeside spot with an old-school soda fountain that's perfect for a sweet treat.
When to go
Perfect sunshine and open roads (like the high-alpine Obstruction Point). Just be sure to book your lodging months in advance.
Catch the autumn salmon runs at Sol Duc in late October, or watch wild storms kick up massive, theatrical waves on the coast.
Green and rainy on the coast, but a winter wonderland up high. Pack chains for Hurricane Ridge, which opens when weather permits.
Spring hiking starts early here as snow melts, and the rainforests are glowing in their most vibrant greens.
Good to know
- Do not underestimate the driving: it is about 2 hours from Port Angeles to the Hoh, and the whole loop is over 6 hours behind the wheel.
- Cruising US-101 is free, but you will need a park pass or entry fee for the main detours like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest.
- Always check the tides before you beachcomb! High tide can easily trap you against the cliffs.
- Gas up and stock your cooler in Port Angeles or Forks. Once you are between towns, services completely disappear.
