tbbeach

We are visiting Seattle (issaquah)and have Sun-Tuesday to visit Olympic National park. Plan on taking the ferry from Edmunds then staying at Crescent lodge Sunday night, exploring the park Sol Duc hot springs, hopefully Ho rainforest . Should we spend the night or circle back to the lodge. Suggestions on Where? Think we will stay on Northern section- not make it as far as Quinalt (too much driving) thanks!!

Gardyloo

When will this visit take place? Is Hurricane Ridge an option or are you coming in snow season?

I am quite underwhelmed by Sol Duc; YMMV but regardless, I'd return to Lake Crescent after visiting the Hoh rain forest; the alternatives are Forks or La Push, both rather bleak IMO.

I'd swap Marymere Falls for Sol Duc, and include a visit to one of the beaches near La Push, such as Rialto Beach. Hoh + Rialto will be a longish day starting and ending at Lake Crescent, but a rewarding and gorgeous one.

tbbeach

We are going end of April may 1, so stay 2 nights at Crescent lodge? Nothing planned - been to San Juan islands, just thought thus would be nice but open to suggestions. Is there still a lot if snow in the area?

Gardyloo

There will still be a lot of snow up at Hurricane Ridge, but not in the lowlands. IIRC the National Park Service wants people to carry chains if they're going up to Hurricane Ridge; I think the restriction ends May 1 but am not sure. If it's a rental car, the companies don't allow chains, so Hurricane Ridge might be off the table.

If you're coming from Issaquah I'd probably take the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry rather than going up to Edmonds. Less traffic, bigger boats, nicer view, more frequent sailings.

Yeah, 2 nights at Crescent Lake rather than splitting the stay.