Side Trip Olympic Peninsula
 

We will be staying on Whidby island for a week in August and will be taking at least one day trip to Olympic Peninsula. Does this itinerary sound doable without being rushed?

8:45 ferry to Port Townsend, sightsee in town
Drive to Dungeness Split with early lunch in Sequim
Drive to Hurricane Ridge with time to explore
Back to Port Townsend for dinner
Return on ferry to Coupeville

Provided you have reservations on the ferry, sounds doable, but a full day.

Ferry - 40 min.
PT to Dungeness, 50 min.
Sequim to Hurricane Ridge, 60 min
Hurricane Ridge to PT, 90 min.

So you can do the math.

I assume you're aware that there are no cars allowed on the spit, and the hike to the lighthouse takes a full day. I'd frankly be inclined to have a late breakfast at Port Townsend, then go directly to Hurricane Ridge, have a late lunch in PA or Sequim, then return to PT.

Sounds fine. Be sure to double check the ferry schedule as it is limited AND if there is a low tide the Pt Townsend ferry sometimes does not go.

Also in summer the ferries are all very busy so be sure not to count on getting on the very last one...or you may be left behind.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/pdf/2013Summer.pdf

My choice would be Port Townsend-Hurricane Ridge-Lake Crescent-Hike to Marymere Falls-Port Townsend.

In my eyes, Lake Crescent is one of the most beautiful places in the state, and the driving time for this itinerary is about the same as what you propose.

I would have lunch in Port Angeles, at Lake Crescent Lodge, or I would pick up makings for a picnic in Port Angeles.

HTtY

Thanks for the information. I will be making ferry reservations. I just looked into Lake Crescent and hike. That may be an alternative to Dungeness. Would you make a return ferry reservation or just try for an early evening spot?

I would definitely make a reservation, and I would not make the trip if I didn't have reservations both ways. If you don't get on a return ferry, the other options for getting back to Coupeville will make for a very unpleasant ending for your outing.

If you can't get reservations, consider going to San Juan Island. You can park your car at Anacortes and go as a foot passenger. There is bus transportation on San Juan Island and much to see.

HTtY

Thanks for the San Juan suggestion. That may be another day's outing.