Solo_wolf

I have booked a flight into Seattle and will rent a vehicle to visit the Olympic National Park. I would like to see Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh River Rainforest and then the sea stacks on the coast.

1. Where should I set up my base camp/hotel?
2. Would three nights suffice?
3. Rialto or Ruby Beach (which is more scenic)

As this is primarily a photography trip (landscape - NO SELFIES), any sites that I MUST see?

Thanks in Advance.

happytrailstoyou

Favorite places to stay include Port Angeles, Forks, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Lake Quinault Lodge.

The park is huge. Port Angeles has the biggest selection of hotels and restaurants. Forks is a small town with Mom and Pop motels, family restaurants, and a good grocery store.

You can see a lot of the Olympic Peninsula in three nights.

Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are both scenic.

There are easy hikes to Marymere Falls (from Lake Crescent) and to Sol Duc Falls (from Sol Duc Hot Springs).

The native towns of Neah Bay and La Push may give you photo opportunities.

The drive into Neah Bay along the Strait of Juan de Fuca is quite beautiful.

Ozette Lake may appeal to you.

HTtY

Solo_wolf

Thanks for the response and the suggestions. I will look into them. This is also a retirement scouting trip.

kperaka

Lake crescent is nice. We went there last November and stayed in Sequim. Worked out well for us. We were also interested in photography and if interested, you can read our trip report and photos in the link below which may give you some idea.

http://www.lifeasweexplore.com/home/...tional-park-wa

Solo_wolf

Kperka - VERY NICE! THANK YOU for sharing. I hope to get at least 1/2 as many nice photographs as you did. I cannot wait now.

Solo_wolf

Just wondering at this time of the year, should I just visit Hurricane Ridge and then move on to Lake Crescent and then to base camp in Forks OR would it be worthwhile to drive to the end of Obstruction Road? Again this trip is for photographic purposes.

Thanks again...

happytrailstoyou

I can't advice about driving 8 miles (each way) on an unimproved road to Obstruction Point, but you will have plenty to photograph if you go to Hurricane Ridge and then use Forks as your base to visit places recommended above.

Check out Elwha on your way to Lake Crescent and Sol Duc as you leave that area.

HTtY

Clousie

We stayed in Forks at Manitou Lodge before Forks was really on the map so it's been a while. Very nice lodge with a variety of rooms. http://manitoulodge.com

Because it's close to Rialto Beach, we went out every night for great sunset photos. Also close to Second Beach, which I highly recommend. Stayed 4 nights and did day trips into Rain Forest and Crescent Lake

On way to Sequim, went up to Hurricane Ridge although we had been there previously so didn't spend a lot of time. Also stayed in Sequim, which is known as a retirement area if you want to check that out. We had good photo ops of blooming lavender, but don't know when you'll be there.

happytrailstoyou

If you want to have cooking facilities, take a look at this place: http://qriverresort.com/suites/

There is a good supermarket in Forks.

HTtY

Solo_wolf

Thank you, HTtY and Clousie.

Three weeks out and planning in the final stages. Sunrises and sunsets. Sun placements and tides. Also backup plans....in case of rain or fog. Above locations were booked. I have a base camp/hotel reserved. Thank you.

volcanogirl

Great photos, k, thanks for posting.