| Mileage 329 miles (531 km) | Duration 8 hours | Seasons If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. All Seasons | Roadways US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8 |
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Can you drive around Olympic National Park?
Expect to do a lot of driving in Olympic National Park
. There are no roads through the center of the park. You’ll use Highway 101 – a winding two-lane road – to access most of the park’s highlights from the perimeter. There are small towns scattered along Highway 101 where you can find lodging, food, and phone service.
How long does it take to drive the perimeter of Olympic National Park?
Spectacular views steps from the parking area. We drove on to Lake Quinault and the Quinault rainforest. The 31 mile drive around the lake took approximately
2 hours
, with many stops for photos and short hikes off the road.
Can you do Olympic National Park a day?
Many people may wonder can you see Olympic National Park in one day, and the answer is
yes
! The trip takes about three hours to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park depending on which route you take.
How do you get around in Olympic National Park?
The best way to get around Olympic National Park is
by car
. Since the park spans nearly 1 million acres, it’s impossible to cover much ground on foot, though you can take a bus to some spots.
Is there a scenic drive in Olympic National Park?
The Olympic Peninsula Loop
is a spectacular way to see the natural beauty and wildlife of Washington State. This scenic drive, which defines the perimeter of the Olympic National Park, is over 300 miles of mountains, rainforests, wildlife, waterfalls, and viewpoints to explore from start to finish.
Are there gas stations inside Olympic National Park?
Gas stations are scarce within the park
, so plan wisely by watching the fuel gauge.
Do you need a car in Olympic National Park?
Unfortunately, most of Olympic is not accessible by public transportation.
Rental cars are an option
. Please note that celluar access is spotty throughout the park. Some areas, such as the Hoh Rain Forest and the beaches, have little to no reception.
Can you drive through Hoh rainforest?
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.
How long does it take to drive the North Cascades Highway?
North Cascades National Park has no entrance fee. How Long:
At least 2-3 hours
, just to drive through with no stops. Do plan time for a few stops! Amenities: Visitor centers with restrooms, picnic areas, camping, limited dining and lodging options.
Can you take a ferry from Seattle to Olympic National Park?
The shortest route from the Seattle area to Olympic National Park requires taking a boat from Washington State Ferries
. From downtown, drive onto the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry or the Seattle-Bremerton ferry; from the northern suburbs, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry is quickest.
How do you get to Olympic National Park in 3 days?
- Day 1. Port Angeles. Madison Falls. Hurricane Ridge.
- Day 2. Sol Duc Falls. Lake Crescent. Marymere Falls. Mount Storm King.
- Day 3. Rialto Beach. Second Beach And Or Third Beach. Hall Of Mosses. Kalaloch Beach. Ruby Beach.
Are there cougars in Olympic National Park?
Cougars are common to the Olympic Peninsula.
They are widespread in the Olympic National Park
and also exist in the Olympic National Forest, primarily in the rugged mountain terrain of the Forest’s five Wildernesses.
Is Olympic National Park worth seeing?
The beautiful coastline and beaches
Olympic National Park has over 70 miles of rugged coastline that features rocky stacks emerging from the sea, driftwood lining the shore, and wide sandy beaches perfect for long walks along the ocean
.
What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is
July through August
, when temperatures are usually warm, most roads and facilities are open, and a full range of programs are available. You can find an updated list of seasonal activities in the Olympic Bugler, the park’s digital newsletter.
How many days do you need in Olympic National Park?
At a minimum, you need
three full days
in Olympic National Park, if you want to visit Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coastline, and the temperate rainforests. However, more time is better, as it allows you to hike more trails and it gives you some contingency time should it rain or snow, which is entirely possible.
What is the closest airport to Olympic National Park?
The
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
is the nearest U.S. commercial airport to Olympic National Park.
Is Olympic Hot Springs Open?
The Olympic Hot Springs Road is
open to bicycle/pedestrian traffic beyond Madison Falls parking lot to the Boulder Creek Trailhead
(7.8 miles one way). There are no visitor facilites beyond the gate at the parking lot.
Can you drive to Sol Duc Falls?
From Port Angeles, travel west on Hwy 101 for 29 miles to Sol Duc Road. Turn left and continue for 14 miles, passing the hot springs, to the parking lot at the end of the road.
How long is Obstruction Point Road?
How long is Obstruction Point Road? The well graded road is totally unpaved but navigable by all passenger vehicles. It’s narrow with steep drop-offs in places. Starting at Hurricane Ridge Ski Area, it’s
12.23km (7.6 miles)
long.
Can you drive Hurricane Ridge?
Hurricane Ridge Road:
During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is open to uphill traffic
. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must exit the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm during the winter season.
How many visitor centers are there in Olympic National Park?
There are
three visitor centers
and multiple ranger stations in Olympic National Park. See exhibits and learn about the park.
How long is the ferry ride from Port Angeles to Seattle?
The journey takes approximately
3h 15m
. How far is it from Port Angeles to Seattle? The distance between Port Angeles and Seattle is 62 miles.
How long is Hurricane Hill Trail?
| Round-Trip Length: 3.2 miles | Start-End Elevation: 5,105′ – 5,757′ (5,757′ max elevation @ top of Hurricane Hill) | Elevation Change: +652′ net elevation gain (+668′ total roundtrip elevation gain) | Skill Level: Moderate | Dogs Allowed: No |
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Do I need an SUV for Olympic National Park?
You do not need an SUV
and as Bob has said the only reason for a mini van is dependent on people and extra gear and supplies.
How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Olympic National Park?
This ferry departs from the Port of Seattle and crosses the Puget Sound to the town of Bainbridge. From there, it takes about
90 minutes
to reach the boundaries of Olympic National Park.
Do you have to take a ferry to get to Olympic National Park?
The entirety of Olympic National Park is accessible without a ferry ride
.
