TAW

Driving from Port Angeles to Lake Quinault going west from PA then south to Quinault??
Mapquest says 125 miles, 2-3 hrs. But I keep reading that because it's one lane each direction it'll take longer. True or not? This would be mid-week Sept 14 or 15th after taking the 10:30 a.m. ferry from Victoria.
Thanks for your help!

Toucan2

True, it probably will take a bit longer. It is just very hard to tell. It is two lanes, winding roads, and the occasional logging truck. In addition, you might want to stop at Crescent Lake, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, etc, so it really can take some time if you add stops.

It's mid-week, mid-day, after prime tourist season so you shouldn't have that traffic to deal with.

Are you anxious to get there at a particular time?

happytrailstoyou

I have driven this road many times. It takes us about 2 1/2 hours unless we stop along the way to visit Marymere Falls, Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, or other points of interest along the way.

The speed limit goes down along the shore of Lake Cresent, but that's a good thing because that stretch of 101 is highly scenic.

HTTY

TAW

Thank you for your replies so quickly. No, don't have to be anywhere at a certain time except don't want to drive at night. Also trying to map out our itinerary and I have two options:

After we see the Columbia River Gorge our plan is to visit ONP & Victoria.
The plan is stay 3 nts Port Angeles to see that side of park,
2 nts in/near Lake Quinault
3 nts Victoria

My issue is - which order?

Option#1:
Columbia River Gorge - PA - Victoria - Lake Quinault, then head for home (San Jose)

------OR-------

Option#2:
Columbia River Gorge - Lake Quinault - PA - Victoria then head home.

I DO want to stop and look at things between PA & Quinault such as what you both mentioned in your responses. I wondered if there would be time if I tried to do in Option #1 because part of day is taken up with the ferry.
Any suggestions appreciated.

Toucan2

I think you will have plenty of time on your drive, including stops, and make it to Lake Quinault well before dark. So go and enjoy, and don't worry That is one of my favorite parts of the world. My MIL lives on the Taholah Indian Reservation and we would always take at least one trip up to the lodge for a dinner out on our visits there.

But, back to your itinerary, I take it you are driving up? I would probably do it in the order of Option 2, myself, just sort of hit things all the way up north to Victoria. I'm weird about backtracking, although I suppose you do have to head back south again, don't you So Option 2 really would also work.

TAW

Thanks. Yes, it's basically a question of driving around ONP clockwise or counter-clockwise. Either way I still do it.
Thanks again.