I am wondering about suggestions for things to do and see, and places to eat, while visiting the Olympic National Park this August. My husband and I are staying in a Bed and Breakfast near Port Angeles, which will be our "home base" for 3 whole days. I will be almost 6 months pregnant, so more active pursuits (such as hiking, sea kayaking, etc.) are, unfortunately, not an option. Any suggestions? Tips on Seattle also welcome.

Just returned from that area....we stayed at the Doubletree, which was wonderful, because of the location on the straits....I really like Port Angeles...great walking town...path along water is beautiful. In the park (nearby) is Hurricane Ridge...which is a MUST! Breathtaking alpine views! A drive along Lake Crescent is beautiful. A visit to the Pacific would be great, if you have time. I wouldn't drive all the way to the Hoh Rain Forest...you see alot of the same where you will be driving around. I recommend Port Townsend if you have time. The boat ride over to Victoria is fun, but, Victoria was a disappointment. The Butchart (spell?) was terribly crowded. A good restuarant is near the dry docks near Ediz Hooks, west of town....specialize in seafood and reasonable.....The wonderful thing about Port Angeles is, the mountains are 5 mins. to the south and the Strait of DE Fuca is to the north.

The amazing thing about Olympic National Park is that there are three separate, completely different attractions within its boundaries. Any of these can be visited with a car; no hiking is necessary.

1) Drive up the road to Mount Angeles towards Hurricane Ridge. The mountains are amazingly rugged considering how close to the ocean they are.

2) Drive to and walk amongst the Hoh Rain Forest, the world's most northerly tropical rain forest environment. Wear mosquito repellent!

3) Walk along the Pacific Ocean beaches, admiring the rocky shores and driftwood. OBEY ALL WARNINGS about tides!!! Every year people DIE because they refuse to believe the unambiguous signs not to hike along certain areas when the tide is rising!

I've never been, but I've heard that taking the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria would be quite a trip as well. Suggest a six-month pregnant women do so only on a calm weather day!!

We've made 2 trips to Port Angeles in June - both times to catch the ferry to Victoria. We stayed at the state-owned lodge at Lake Crescent one time and loved the area. There is a nice, easy hike to a beautiful waterfall that begins near the lodge. Hurricane Ridge is a must. Poulsbo was interesting as was Port Townsend. We love Victoria - stayed at Beaconsfield Inn both times, but our favorite was to drive north from Victoria towards Nanaimo and staying at Yellow Point Lodge - very laid back, all meals included - a great place.

ANY WHERE YOU GO HERE - YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. YOU HAVE THAT BEAUTIFUL PARK, QUAINT TOWNS AROUOND THE PARK, THE OCEAN, FERRIES THAT TAKE YOU TO OTHER PLACES. ALL THE ABOVE SUGGESTIONS ARE CORRECT BUT PLEASE DO NOT MISS THE HIKE ON THE CREST OF HURRICAN RIDGE I BELIEVE IT IS CALLED DEVIL'S BACKBONE. IT IS SHORT, NOT STEEP BUT WOW!!!! I HIKED ON MT RAINER AT 6 MONTHS PREGNANT AND KNOW YOU CAN HIKE ON THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE. THE VIEW IS BREATHTAKING.

marking for my trip. thanks