Buffy9297

Okay, I wasn't aware of this until I started looking for lodging, but I've been reading there is no cell phone coverage at places like Kalaloch Lodge, so I'm assuming other places in the vicinity also do not have coverage? Is this correct? Can anyone give me some insight on exactly where there is cell phone coverage or is it the entire peninsula?!

lindsyb

We went to ONP last year but were staying at Lake Crescent Lodge and I did have cell coverage there. It was spotty in certain areas but I was able to use my cell phone.

Buffy9297

I'm looking for lodging right now for my September trip and the reviews for Kalaloch Lodge aren't great, so I thought about using Lake Crescent for 'base camp' and going from there each day to visit areas of ONP. Is that what you did? If so, did it work out well for you? Also, can I ask what room/lodge you stayed in while at Lake Crescent? Any problems you had while you were there? Thanks!

NWWanderer

I had coverage out in Forks last summer (which is just north of Kalaloch) although it may have been on digital roam.

It's definitely not the entire peninsula that won't have service--it's going to vary by location though.

I think staying at Lk Crescent and using it as a base camp is a good idea. The quality of the rooms is not the reason to stay there though--it's all about the location. If you can get a Roosevelt cabin, great, that's the best choice IMO. The only ones I'd avoid altogether are the ones in the Lodge itself but that's because I don't like not having a private bath.

Buffy9297

NWW - thanks for the heads up on bathrooms -- I didn't read the descriptions well enough my first visit to their site. I don't believe I'd like to share a bathroom with other people (and hubby would definitely discourage it!) We're really only looking for a place to sleep and shower. As my original post stated, I was unsure about cell phone coverage in ONP. I would assume no WiFi either? Only reason I can think to bring my laptop would be to watch movies at night, if there is no WiFi.

lindsyb

I had to look back at the site to remember which type of room/lodge we were in at Lake Crescent - it was in the Pyramid Mountain rooms. NWW is right though there is nothing special about the rooms - it is definitely the location.

There was wi-fi in the main lodge but I could not get it out in the area that we were in. I saw people in the lodge in front of the fireplace using their laptops though.

We were there for 2 nights (and wished it was longer) on our way to business in Seattle. We did day trips to the Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest and also to the beaches. It probably wouldn't be convenient to the Southern part of the park but we enjoyed ourselves.

There aren't a lot of food options so we ate most breakfasts/dinners at the lodge and lunches on the road.

Hope that helps and that you enjoy your trip there as much as we did!

Buffy9297

lindsyb....that was my next question..the food. I was reading somewhere there are very few options in and around the park or few and far between. Did you find this to be true or not?

china_cat

we really liked Kalaloch lodge, although I can't answer your question about cellphone coverage. The rooms was simple, but the ocean view was unbelievable. we spent 2 nights at Kalaloch and 2 or 3 at Lake Crescent. its a long distance in between, so if you want to do the coast, and the Hoh rainforest, Lake Crescent is pretty far for a base.

I agree that food options are limited. the food at Kalaloch was pretty bad. We went to the grocery store in Forks and picked up stuff for dinner and breakfast. Food at lake Crescent Lodge was very good, but dinners there were a bit pricey.

Buffy9297

china_cat.....I read reviews over on tripadvisor about Kalaloch and they were not flattering...I'm almost afraid to book there. How long ago did you stay? Is Kalaloch Lodge the only place in the area to stay or will we have other options?

NWWanderer

It's under 2 hours from Lk Crescent to the Hoh Visitors Center, less to the beaches, so I guess it depends on your definition of too far to be a good base for the Hoh and the beaches, but I don't think it is.

Buffy9297

NWW - this is getting away from my original topic, but should I concentrate my trip on the north and east sides of ONP? I thought about driving around the park and going as far south as Aberdeen - basically making a loop and ending back in Seattle the night before our flight leaves. Too much?

NWWanderer

You could--if so I'd stay at Lk Quinault for at least a night. But most of what you want to see is on the north and NW sides (did you mean to say west rather than east?). How many days do you have altogether for the park?

china_cat

NW Wanderer, you are right it does depend on your tolerance for driving. For me, I don't like to spend 4 hours in the car on a day trip. we end up doing so much driving as it is. Certainly its not impossible, and it depends on how many days you are spending in one place as well. But we were able to spend 2 nights in Kalaloch and 3 in Lake Crescent, and that worked out very well for us. (We were coming from Mt Ranier, and then headed to Seattle afterwards).

Buffy, we stayed in Kalaloch in September of 2004, so it was a few years ago. I haven't read the TA reviews, so I'm not sure what they are saying is so bad. I didn't find anything objectionable. The room was very plain, and the bathroom was small. but everything was clean and fairly comfortable.

I do think there are other places to stay in and around Forks, I can't remember from my research if we found any we particularly liked.

I believe we were in a "Storm King" cabin in Lake Crescent. Again the room was pretty plain, but it was good sized and did have a good bathroom. It didn't have a view of the lake, being kind of in a corner. But you could walk out the door and look right and see the view. I did like Lake Crescent better than Kalaloch, so if I had to choose one or the other, I'd go with lake Crescent.

Buffy9297

Yes, sorry, NWW, I got the directions wrong. I meant to say west side which would also be the beach side. I would imagine we'll do quite a bit with the beaches since the hubby and I love the ocean. Regarding our time in WA, we are arriving late Sunday morning and I had planned on spending most of that day making our way west to Port Angeles. Our flight back home leaves Saturday morning, so we have to be back near the airport Friday night. That gives me 5 days in and around ONP.

NWWanderer

Ok, in that case I'd probaby spend 3 nights at Lk Crescent and 2 at Lk Quinault. But if you want to emphasize the beaches, then maybe staying out at Kalaloch or in Forks would work better for you than Quinault--it depends on whether you're ok with driving an hour or two from Lk Crescent or not.

I've stayed in the housekeeping units at Brightwater House in Forks a couple times for trips focusing on the Hoh and Neah Bay/Lk Ozette and liked it. It's nothing fancy but it's clean and comfortable and in a nice quiet setting.

elbegewa

A nice place to stay towards the south end of the ONP (but a detour off of Hwy 101) is Ocean Crest Resort near Moclips. We've enjoyesd its mix of forest and sand beach - its a good solid 3 stars

Buffy9297

elbegewa...thanks for the recommendation. It's always great to hear personal experience from fellow Fodorites....it will definitely be added to my list of possible places to stay!