Olympic National Park, nestled in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is a natural wonder that offers a rare trifecta of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, ancient temperate rainforests, and rugged Pacific coastlines—all within a single day’s drive. This 7-day itinerary is designed for travelers arriving from Seattle, providing a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a solo hiker, a family on vacation, or a couple seeking scenic escapes, this plan prioritizes accessibility, practicality, and unforgettable experiences. From navigating ferry rides to chasing waterfalls and stargazing by the lake, every detail is tailored to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Overview: 7-Day Route at a Glance
Before diving into daily details, here’s a visual breakdown of the itinerary to help you map your journey:
- Day 1: Seattle → Bainbridge Island (Ferry) → Port Angeles (Park Gateway)
- Day 2: Hurricane Ridge (Alpine Scenery & Wildlife)
- Day 3: Sol Duc Valley (Rainforest & Hot Springs) → Forks
- Day 4: Hoh Rainforest → Ruby Beach (Pacific Coast) → Aberdeen
- Day 5: Quinault Valley (Lakeside Rainforest)
- Day 6: Quinault → Sequim (Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge)
- Day 7: Sequim (Lavender Farms/Wineries) → Seattle (Ferry Return)
Day 1: Seattle Arrival & Transfer to Port Angeles
Your journey begins in Seattle, the gateway to Olympic National Park. Today focuses on seamless transit to Port Angeles—your base for the first two nights—and acclimating to the Pacific Northwest’s laid-back vibe.
Morning: Arrival & Car Rental
Upon landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), head to the rental car center (located adjacent to the terminal). Key tips for car rental:
- Choose a reliable provider (e.g., Enterprise, Hertz) with 24/7 roadside assistance—remote park areas have limited service.
- Avoid “keyless-only” vehicles (relying solely on phone apps for access/start) as cell service in the park is spotty or non-existent.
- Opt for a vehicle with good ground clearance if you plan to explore unpaved roads (e.g., some trails in the Hoh Rainforest), but a standard sedan works for most main routes.
Midday: Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry
Drive 25–30 minutes to the Washington State Ferries terminal at Pier 52 (Seattle Waterfront). Ferries are the most scenic (and popular) way to cross Puget Sound—book tickets in advance (via WSDOT Ferries) during peak season (June–August), as vehicle spots sell out quickly.
- Ferry Schedule: Departures run every 30–60 minutes; the crossing takes ~35 minutes.
- Onboard Experience: Grab a coffee from the ferry’s café and head to the upper deck—this is your best chance to photograph Seattle’s skyline (including the Space Needle) and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Afternoon: Drive to Port Angeles
After disembarking at Bainbridge Island, take Highway 104 west to Highway 101 North—a 90-minute drive through forested hills and small towns. Upon reaching Port Angeles (the largest town on the Olympic Peninsula), stop at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at Hurricane Ridge (3002 Mt Angeles Rd) first. Here, you can:
- Pick up free trail maps, wildlife guides, and updated road conditions (critical for alpine areas like Hurricane Ridge).
- Chat with rangers about last-minute trail closures or wildlife sightings (e.g., elk, black bears).
Evening: Accommodation & Dinner
- Accommodation: Olympic Lodge by Ayres (210 Olympic Lodge Rd). This rustic-chic lodge is a 5-minute drive from downtown Port Angeles, with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and mountain views. It’s family-friendly and offers free breakfast (think pancakes, local berries, and coffee).
- Dinner: Next Door Gastropub (113 W 1st St). A local favorite serving Pacific Northwest cuisine—try the Dungeness crab cakes or the salmon burger, paired with a craft beer from a nearby brewery (e.g., Port Angeles Brewing Co.).
Day 2: Hurricane Ridge – Alpine Adventure & Wildlife Watching
Hurricane Ridge is Olympic National Park’s most iconic alpine area, offering sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, glacial valleys, and even Canada’s Vancouver Island on clear days. Today is all about exploring high-elevation trails and spotting wildlife.
Morning: Hike Hurricane Ridge Trails
Arrive early: Hurricane Ridge’s parking lot fills by 9 AM in summer, leading to 1–2 hour waits to enter. Aim to leave Port Angeles by 7:30 AM to beat the crowds.
- Visitor Center Stop: Start at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (open 9 AM–5 PM) to check weather conditions—alpine weather is unpredictable, so even sunny mornings can turn windy or foggy.
- Recommended Hikes:
- Hurricane Hill Trail (3.2 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty): This well-maintained trail climbs 700 feet to a summit with 360-degree views. Look for marmots (small, furry rodents) sunning on rocks and bald eagles soaring overhead.
- Meadow View Trail (1 mile round-trip, easy): Perfect for families or casual walkers, this flat trail winds through wildflower meadows (blooming July–August) and offers views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Midday: Lunch Options
- Picnic: Pack a lunch from Port Angeles (try Junction Diner for sandwiches) and use the Hurricane Ridge Picnic Area—tables are shaded by fir trees, and views complement every bite.
- On-the-Go: The visitor center has a small café selling pre-made sandwiches, chips, and hot drinks (ideal for cold or rainy days).
Afternoon: Marymere Falls & Crescent Lake
After descending from Hurricane Ridge, drive 30 minutes west to Marymere Falls—a 90-foot waterfall tucked in an old-growth forest.
- Hike to Marymere Falls: The 1.8-mile round-trip trail is easy, with boardwalks over streams and interpretive signs about the forest ecosystem. The waterfall’s pool is a popular spot for photos (bring a waterproof camera!).
- Crescent Lake: After the hike, drive 5 minutes to Crescent Lake—a glacial lake known for its crystal-clear, deep-blue water. Stop at Lake Crescent Lodge (a historic 1915 lodge) for a slice of huckleberry pie, or walk along the lakeshore path for sunset views.
Evening: Dinner in Port Angeles
- Ivar’s Salmon House (2801 W 10th St): A Seattle-based chain with a Port Angeles location, specializing in fresh, sustainable salmon. Try the cedar-planked salmon (cooked over an open fire) with a side of roasted vegetables.
Day 3: Sol Duc Rainforest & Hot Springs – Relaxation in Nature
Today shifts from alpine peaks to temperate rainforests—one of Olympic National Park’s defining features. You’ll explore the Sol Duc Valley, soak in natural hot springs, and head to Forks (made famous by the Twilight books/movies).
Morning: Sol Duc Falls Hike
Drive 45 minutes west from Port Angeles to the Sol Duc Valley—home to old-growth Douglas firs, western red cedars, and ferns that carpet the forest floor.
- Sol Duc Falls Trail: The 2.2-mile round-trip trail is moderate, with gentle elevation gains. The highlight is Sol Duc Falls—a 48-foot waterfall split into three streams, surrounded by moss-covered rocks. Bring bug spray (mosquitoes are common in summer!) and wear waterproof hiking boots (trails can be muddy).
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk (the largest subspecies of elk in North America) in the meadows near the trailhead, especially at dawn or dusk.
Midday: Lunch at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Café (1207 Sol Duc Hot Springs Rd): A casual spot serving burgers, salads, and soups. Try the elk burger (locally sourced) or the veggie wrap with hummus. Outdoor seating overlooks the forest, making it a peaceful place to refuel.
Afternoon: Soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs
No trip to Sol Duc is complete without a soak in the natural hot springs—heated by geothermal activity to 104°F (40°C).
- Hot Springs Details: The resort has three outdoor pools (varying in temperature) and two indoor pools. Day passes cost 18foradultsand12 for children (ages 6–12). Bring a towel (or rent one for $5) and a swimsuit—lockers and changing rooms are available.
- Tips for Soaking: Avoid soaking for more than 15–20 minutes at a time (to prevent overheating), and drink plenty of water. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds—weekends can get busy by midday.
Evening: Drive to Forks & Accommodation
Drive 1.5 hours west to Forks—a small logging town with a quirky Twilight-themed tourism scene.
- Accommodation: Pacific Inn Motel (1411 S Forks Ave). A budget-friendly option with clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. It’s within walking distance of downtown Forks, where you’ll find Twilight-inspired shops (e.g., Twilight Tours and Bella’s Diner).
- Dinner: Hard Rain Café (110 S Forks Ave). A cozy, family-owned restaurant serving comfort food like meatloaf, fried chicken, and homemade pie. Try the “Bella Burger” (topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese) if you’re a Twilight fan.
Day 4: Hoh Rainforest & Ruby Beach – Coastal Wilderness
Today combines two of Olympic’s most beloved attractions: the Hoh Rainforest (one of the largest temperate rainforests in the contiguous U.S.) and Ruby Beach (a rugged Pacific coastline with sea stacks and tide pools).
Morning: Hoh Rainforest Exploration
Drive 1 hour north from Forks to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center (18650 Upper Hoh Rd)—the starting point for most rainforest hikes.
- Must-See Trail: Hall of Mosses: A 1-mile round-trip loop trail that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Old-growth trees are draped in thick moss, and ferns grow as tall as humans. Interpretive signs explain how the rainforest ecosystem works (e.g., how moss retains water and provides habitat for small animals).
- Longer Hike Option: The Hoh River Trail (starts at the visitor center) is a 17-mile trail to Glacier Meadows, but even a 3-mile out-and-back hike offers stunning views of the Hoh River and ancient forests.
Midday: Lunch in the Rainforest
- Picnic: Pack a lunch from Forks (try Forks Outfitters for deli sandwiches) and use the picnic area at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. The sound of the river and birdsong make it a serene spot to eat.
- Snacks: The visitor center has a small gift shop selling granola bars, fruit, and water—perfect if you forgot to pack lunch.
Afternoon: Ruby Beach Sunset
Drive 1 hour west from the Hoh Rainforest to Ruby Beach—one of Olympic’s most photogenic coastal areas.
- Explore the Beach: Walk along the shore to see sea stacks (tall rock formations rising from the ocean), tide pools (teeming with starfish, anemones, and hermit crabs), and driftwood logs (some as large as cars). Check the tide table (available at visitor centers or via apps like Tide Chart) before going—tide pools are best explored at low tide, and high tide can make parts of the beach inaccessible.
- Sunset at Ruby Beach: Stay until sunset— the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple, casting a golden glow on the sea stacks. Bring a jacket (coastal winds are chilly, even in summer!) and a blanket to sit on.
Evening: Drive to Aberdeen & Accommodation
Drive 1 hour south from Ruby Beach to Aberdeen—a larger town with more dining and accommodation options.
- Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen (2100 E Wishkah St). A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour convenience store. It’s located near Highway 101, making it easy to get back on the road tomorrow.
- Dinner: The Keg Steakhouse + Bar (1900 E Wishkah St). A casual steakhouse with a waterfront view. Try the prime rib (slow-cooked and tender) or the seafood chowder (made with local clams and salmon).
Day 5: Quinault Valley – Lakeside Rainforest Serenity
The Quinault Valley, in the southern part of Olympic National Park, is a hidden gem—less crowded than the Hoh Rainforest but equally stunning. Today, you’ll explore its rainforests, kayak on a glacial lake, and stay in a historic lodge.
Morning: Quinault Rainforest Hike
Drive 1 hour north from Aberdeen to the Quinault Rainforest—part of the Olympic National Forest (adjacent to the national park).
- Quinault Loop Trail: A 3.3-mile round-trip trail that winds through old-growth forests and along the Quinault River. The trail is easy, with boardwalks over wet areas and benches for resting. Look for “Big Cedar”—a 1,000-year-old western red cedar with a trunk over 18 feet in diameter.
- Nature Center: Stop at the Quinault Rainforest Nature Center (open 10 AM–4 PM) for interactive exhibits about the rainforest’s ecology and the history of the Quinault Indian Nation (the original stewards of the land).
Midday: Lunch at Lake Quinault Lodge
Drive 15 minutes to Lake Quinault—a glacial lake surrounded by mountains and forests.
- Lake Quinault Lodge Dining Room (345 S Shore Rd): A historic lodge built in 1926, with a dining room overlooking the lake. Try the Quinault Lake trout (fresh-caught and pan-seared) or the salad with local berries and goat cheese. The lodge’s porch is a great spot to enjoy a post-lunch coffee while watching boats on the lake.
Afternoon: Lake Quinault Activities
- Kayaking/Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe from the lodge ($35/hour for a single kayak) and paddle along the lake’s shoreline. The water is calm, and you’ll get up-close views of bald eagles nesting in the trees and loons swimming in the distance.
- Scenic Drive: Take the 31-mile Lake Quinault Loop Road—a winding road that circles the lake, with pull-offs for photos and short hikes. Stop at Merriman Falls (a 10-minute walk from the road) for a small but picturesque waterfall.
Evening: Stay at Lake Quinault Lodge
- Accommodation: Lake Quinault Lodge (345 S Shore Rd). The lodge’s rooms are cozy, with wooden furniture and lake or forest views. Some rooms have fireplaces—perfect for chilly evenings. The lodge also has a gift shop selling local crafts and Twilight merchandise (the Quinault Valley was featured in the books).
- Dinner (Optional): If you’re not hungry after lunch, grab a snack from the lodge’s café (e.g., huckleberry ice cream) and enjoy a bonfire at the lake’s beach (fire pits are available for guests).
Day 6: Return to Sequim – Rain Shadow Charm
Today, you’ll head back north to Sequim—a town in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains, meaning it gets less rain than other parts of the peninsula (just 15 inches per year, compared to 120 inches in the Hoh Rainforest). Sequim is known for its lavender farms, wineries, and wildlife refuges.
Morning: Drive to Sequim & Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
Drive 2 hours north from Lake Quinault to Sequim. First stop: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (554 Voice of America Rd)—a 772-acre refuge protecting the Dungeness Spit (a 5.5-mile-long sandbar, one of the longest in the world).
- Hike the Dungeness Spit Trail: The 11-mile round-trip trail to the end of the spit is challenging (sandy terrain and exposed to wind), but even a 2-mile out-and-back hike offers views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Bring binoculars— the refuge is a prime spot for birdwatching (eagles, herons, and migrating waterfowl).
- Dungeness Lighthouse: If you hike to the end of the spit, you’ll reach the Dungeness Lighthouse (built in 1857)—the oldest lighthouse in Washington state. Tours of the lighthouse are available on weekends (May–September).
Midday: Lunch in Sequim
- The Oak Table Café (143 W Washington St): A popular brunch spot with a farm-to-table menu. Try the avocado toast with poached eggs or the smoked salmon Benedict. The café uses local ingredients, including lavender from nearby farms.
Afternoon: Sequim Lavender Farms (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting in July or August (lavender season), don’t miss a trip to a local lavender farm.
- Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm (95 W Sequim Bay Rd): One of the largest lavender farms in Sequim, with over 20 varieties of lavender. Walk through the fields, take photos, and visit the gift shop for lavender products (soaps, oils, and honey). The farm also offers lavender ice cream (a must-try!).
- Alternative (Off-Season): If you’re visiting outside summer, head to Sequim Bay State Park for a walk along the bay or a picnic with views of the Olympic Mountains.
Evening: Accommodation in Sequim
- 7 Cedars Hotel & Casino (270756 US-101): A upscale hotel with spacious rooms, a casino (for adults), and a spa. The hotel’s restaurant, Seven Cedars Restaurant, serves Pacific Northwest cuisine—try the Dungeness crab bisque or the grilled halibut. The hotel also offers free shuttle service to downtown Sequim.
Day 7: Sequim to Seattle – Farewell to the Peninsula
Today is your last day in the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll enjoy a final taste of Sequim’s charm before returning to Seattle.
Morning: Lavender Wineries or Farmers Market
- Lavender Wineries: If you love wine, visit Olympic Cellars Winery (250410 US-101)—a family-owned winery that produces lavender-infused wine (sweet and fruity, perfect for gifts). Take a tour of the winery’s underground cellars (dug into a hillside) and enjoy a wine tasting.
- Sequim Farmers Market (held Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM at 132 E Washington St): If you’re visiting on a Saturday, browse the market for local produce (strawberries, raspberries), baked goods, and handcrafted jewelry. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Midday: Lunch in Sequim
- Café New Moon (141 W Washington St): A cozy café with a menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Try the turkey avocado sandwich on homemade bread or the tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Afternoon: Ferry Return to Seattle
Drive 1 hour east to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal (same terminal as Day 1) to catch a ferry back to Seattle.
- Ferry Tips: Book your ticket in advance (especially if traveling on a weekend) to avoid delays. The crossing takes ~35 minutes—use the time to relax and enjoy one last view of the Olympic Mountains.
- Seattle Departure: Upon arriving in Seattle, return your rental car to the airport (allow 30–45 minutes for drop-off) and catch your flight home.
Final Tips for a Successful Trip
- Weather Preparation: The Pacific Northwest is known for rain—pack a waterproof jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and layers (even in summer).
- Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wildlife (at least 25 yards from elk, 100 yards from bears) and store food in bear-proof containers (available at visitor centers).
- Permits: No permits are needed for day hikes, but backcountry camping requires a permit (available online or at visitor centers).
- Cell Service: Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps offline, Gaia GPS) before your trip—cell service is limited in the park.
Olympic National Park is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and this 7-day itinerary lets you experience its best offerings. Whether you’re hiking through rainforests, soaking in hot springs, or watching sunsets over the Pacific, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime. Safe travels!
