Where To Stay On Olympic Peninsula?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Kalaloch Lodge. Photo Source: Kalaloch Lodge. ...
  2. Lake Crescent Lodge. ...
  3. Lake Quinault Lodge. ...
  4. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. ...
  5. Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles. ...
  6. Quality Inn & Suites at Olympic National Park, Sequim. ...
  7. The Pacific Inn Motel, Forks. ...
  8. Glen Ayr Resort, Hoodsport.

How long does it take to drive around the Olympic Peninsula?

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

Where should I stay for easy access to Olympic National Park?

  • Lake Crescent Lodge. ...
  • Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. ...
  • Olympic Lodge. ...
  • A Rustic Cabin Getaway On the Strait of Juan de Fuca. ...
  • A Unique Treehouse in Port Angeles. ...
  • lakefront houses on Lake Sutherland. ...
  • Heart o' Hills Campground. ...
  • Fairholme Campground.

What is the closest city to Olympic National Park?

  • Port Angeles, WA. 1.8 mi / 6 mins.
  • Sequim, WA. 17.3 mi / 26 mins.
  • Port Townsend, WA. 47.5 mi / 1 hour 5 mins.
  • Forks, WA. 56.5 mi / 1 hour 9 mins.
  • Neah Bay, WA. 70.6 mi / 1 hour 41 mins.
  • Seattle, WA. 82.4 mi / 2 hours 32 mins.
  • Hoodsport, WA. 83.6 mi / 1 hour 43 mins.

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 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.

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, , or backpacking.

Can you drive thru 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.

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.

What town is closest to the Hoh Rainforest?

The closest town to the Hoh Rainforest is Forks (which is 10 miles north of the turnoff to Upper Hoh Valley Road if you're coming from the south).

Is the Quinault Rainforest Open?

Open year-round and maintained. Passes: A valid Recreation Pass is required at Quinault Rain Forest Trailhead.

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.

What towns are on the Olympic Peninsula?

  • Hoquiam.
  • Ocean Shores.
  • Port Townsend.
  • Sequim.

What is the best entrance to Olympic National Park?

The most popular entrances are the Hurricane Ridge Entrance outside of Port Angeles, the Elwha and Sol Duc Entrances on the northern side of the peninsula, the Hoh Rain Forest Entrance on the west side, and the Mora Entrance on the coast.

Is Hurricane Ridge open right now?

It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year .

Do I need bear spray in Olympic National Park?

You don't need bear spray . We have black bears in ONP, not grizzlies.

Is Lake Quinault worth visiting?

For the last day of your Olympic Peninsula road trip, I suggest visiting the spectacular Quinault Rainforest. You'll have to drive an hour and a half from Forks to get to this southern region of the Olympic National Park, but I promise you it's worth it .

Is it safe to hike in Olympic National Park?

Olympic is a wilderness park filled with natural wonders and potential hazards. Your safety is not guaranteed . Regulations are strictly enforced to protect you and the park's resources.

Is Olympic National Park crowded in summer?

All trails and parking lots are busy June-August . Peak summer visitation time is from 10am – 5pm. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive before 10am or visit after 5pm, and after 6 pm during holidays. June, July and August are the three busiest months for visitation.

Are there bears in the Olympic National Park?

The black bear is a common inhabitant of Olympic National Park, and North America, in general . They are smaller and darker than the grizzly bear and the brown bear. Females typically weigh between 100 and 400 lbs, while males weigh between 250 and 600 lbs.

When should I go to the Hoh rainforest?

The best time of year for sightseeing in Olympic National Park is spring through fall . This time of year is ideal because the rainforests can experience up to 50 inches of rain in the winter, and by late spring, the landscape is lush and vibrant with life.

Do I need an SUV for Olympic National Park?

Most of the roads in the area are fine for a regular road car this time of year. 4WD or just SUVs with all-wheel drive are advisable from November-April in the mountain passes .

Do you have to pay to get into Hoh rainforest?

There is no entrance fee to this beautiful forest, but a Discover Pass is required to get into the Olympic National Park which costs $11.50 per day, or $35 for the year . The Hoh Rain Forest is open to visitors year-round, but it's recommended by those who have visited multiple times — go on the damp days!

Do you need a pass for Sol Duc Falls?

Seasonal tip: Permits are required for all overnight stays . Quotas and reservations are in effect May 1 through Sept. 30 for the Sol Duc—Seven Lakes Basin area.

Are there gas stations inside Olympic National Park?

Gas stations are scarce within the park , so plan wisely by watching the fuel gauge.

Is the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive open?

This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

How do you get around 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.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.