The easiest way to get around the Olympic Peninsula is by
car
. Just like many other iconic scenic drives in Washington state, the trip is best taken slow, with options for detours and side trips!
How long does it take to drive Olympic Peninsula?
If you’re wondering how long does it take to drive around the Olympic Peninsula, the answer is
about 12 hours
. However, this will vary depending on where you stop and how long you stop there for. You can customize your road trip from Seattle as much as you want.
How do I get to the Olympic Peninsula?
The best way to see the Olympic Peninsula is
by car
. Many visitors like to drive from Aberdeen on northbound US-101 and “do the loop”, ending in Olympia, taking three or four days to visit the Olympic National Park and Forest area.
Is the Olympic Peninsula Loop drive open?
Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive [
CLOSED
]
Can you drive through the Hoh Rain Forest?
Getting to the Hoh is a long drive from
anywhere
! You will definitely need a car to get there. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, it’s a solid four hour drive from Seattle, 3.5 hours from Tacoma and five hours from Portland.
Is it better to stay in Forks or Port Angeles?
Port Angeles
: This is an area you will want to stay at if you want quick and easy access to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. Forks: This town sits on the Western side of the Olympic Peninsula and is an excellent jumping-off point to get to La Push Beaches and the Hoh Rainforest.
What is the Olympic Peninsula known for?
Today, the Olympic Peninsula is a dramatic and beautiful setting for
hiking, boating, fishing, beach combing and reconnecting with nature
. The vast and varied landscape includes a temperate rainforest, radiating mountain range, large lowland lakes, wild rushing rivers, tidelands and saltwater beaches.
Is Shi Shi Beach still closed?
The coastal wilderness area north of Cape Alava, including the Ozette reservation and Shi Shi Beach,
remains closed to all park visitors until further notice
. The Kalaloch area is open.
Is La Push open now?
LA PUSH
IS OPEN
!
Where should I stay in the Olympic Peninsula Loop?
- Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park. © Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park. …
- Lake Crescent Lodge. © Lake Crescent Lodge. …
- Lochaerie Resort. …
- Lost Mountain Lodge. …
- Olympic Lodge. …
- Olympic Suites Inn. …
- Quinault River Inn. …
- Red Lion Inn & Suites Sequim at Olympic National Park.
What do you wear to the Hoh Rainforest?
Bring at
least two layers of pants, several shirts and sweaters
that you can wear at the same time, and gloves on day hikes in Olympic National Park, especially for longer day hikes and backpacking adventures.
When should I go to the Hoh Rainforest?
The best time of year to visit Olympic National Park for wildlife viewing is during
spring (May & June)
yet summer is the most popular – find out why: April, May, June, July, August, and September usually brings warmer, drier weather to the Olympic Peninsula.
How much time do you need in Hoh Rainforest?
This park is gigantic, which means there’s a lot of driving between the different regions. For example, if you want to get to the Hoh Rainforest from Port Angeles, it’s going to take you
at least two hours
. One way. That’s why I recommend at least three solid days to hike around, camp, and enjoy the park.
How many days do you need in Olympic National Park?
Moreover, you’ll want to spend at
least two to three days
in Olympic National Park because there is truly just so much to see and do. When spending time in nature, it’s always best to take time to soak up the atmosphere and allow some leeway for impromptu adventures off the beaten path. Plus, there are logistics.
Where should I stay when visiting the Hoh rainforest?
Kalaloch Lodge
is the perfect choice for Hoh Rainforest lodging. Filled with every imaginable shade of green, Hoh Rainforest is one of the most spectacular temperate rainforests in the world.
Do I need reservations for Olympic National Park?
No, you don’t need reservations to visit Olympic National Park
. However, if you plan to spend the night in or around the park, you should have reservations for lodging, camping, or backpacking.
