Olympic National Forest
 

Hello,

We have 4 overnights in Port Townsend and 3 full days to see Olympic National Forest & surrounding areas. We are "locked in" to this itinerary & would appreciate any advice on the best way to spend our days.

Thank-you in advance for suggestions.

2-adults & 2 late teens w/our trusty Trailblazer.

Hurricane Ridge
Lake Crescent
Hike to Marymere Falls from Storm King Ranger Station
Sol Duc Hot Springs
La Push
Rialto Beach
Ruby Beach
Hoh Rain Forest
Drive from Clallam Bay to Neah Bay on the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Neah Bay
Day trip to Victoria from Port Angeles
Ozette Lake Hike
Ferry to Coupeville, Deception Pass, and La Conner

HTtY

Presumably you mean Olympic National <i>Park.</i>

The good news is that three days is sufficient, the bad news is that you're going to be doing a lot of driving.

Two of the main "target" areas in Olympic NP are located on the west edge and "Pacific strip" of the park, around a three-hour drive in each direction from Port Townsend, so it's good your Trailblazer is trusty.

Those targets are the Hoh Valley rainforest and any number of beaches on the coast - Rialto, First Beach, Second Beach, etc. near La Push, or Ruby Beach near Kalaloch.

You can certainly visit one of the beaches and the Hoh Valley in the same day, but it will be a VERY long day - probably 6-7 hours on the road, not counting time actually <i>seeing</i> the sights.

Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles is around 2 hours from PT, so that's a different day's outing.

Of course Port Townsend itself has lots to see and do - great Victorian architecture, whale watching excursions, visits to Whidbey Island by ferry (Deception Pass, Fort Casey) and so on. Or you could take one day, park the car at the ferry terminal in Port Angeles (around an hour) and travel to Victoria BC as foot passengers (for which you'll need passports.)

There's also a lavender festival around Sequim ("Skwim") if you're there at the right time.

There's lots to do and see, but be prepared to see a lot of it through the car's windows.

Thanks! Yes, National Park it is. We'll do a PT day and hope to relax @ least for one day. This trip w/have lots of windshield time; for sure.

These can be done in one day from Port Townsend without excessive driving: Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Hike to Marymere Falls from Storm King Ranger Station, and Sol Duc Hot Springs. There is a popular hiking trail at Hurricane Ridge and a spring fed swimming pool at Sol Duc. The trail to Marymere Falls passes through a rain forest.

I believe a day trip to Victoria on the ferry from Port Angeles would be a memorable experience for your family.

HTtY

Thank-you! The 'without excessive driving' tips are attractive. I appreciate the advice.

Rialto Beach is a great place to hang out if it is sunny.

I should add that though Sol Duc Hot Springs is only 20 miles from Lake Crescent Lodge, it is slow going. I would probably take an hour each way. On the other hand, Sol Duc has a spring-fed pool and there is an easy hike from the campground to Sol Duc Falls.

The Elwha River area is between Crescent Lake and Port Angeles. At the end of the drive is what remains of the dam that was recently demolished, and a platform is provided for views into the gorge through which water once gushed.

HTtY

PS Rialto Beach and La Push (Native American Village) are 50 miles east of Crescent Lake Lodge.

HTTY: Didn't you mean WEST of Lake Crescent?

My favorite things to do on my trip to ONP was hiking at Hurricaine Ridge- absolutely beautiful.

Loved a morning kayaking at Lake Crescent when the water was smooth as glass. Really enjoyed staying at Lake Crescent Lodge too. It is a beautiful spot.

Enjoyed an afternoon in PT just shopping, watching the boats come in etc.

I did not enjoy Sol Duc. Too many people crowded in the pools.

Enjoy your trip. It's a beautiful part of the country

“OH, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet...."--Rudyard Kipling

Yes, by all means, west. Thank you. Fifty miles east of Crescent Lake Lodge is the town of Gardiner where nothing much seems to be happening.

HTtY