4-Day Ultimate Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
(Updated: 2023)
The Olympic Peninsula is located in the Pacific Northwest in the state of Washington, US, meeting the Salish Sea and the Pacific Ocean. In this area of the state resides one of the 63 US National Parks, Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest, epic beaches, and quaint towns. You can experience all of this in a short 4-day road trip and I am going to tell you how!
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Table of Contents:
Best Time to Visit the Olympic Peninsula
How Many Days in the Olympic Peninsula?
Where to Start and End your Olympic Peninsula Road Trip
Complete 4-Day Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Olympic National Park, Drive to Port Angeles, WA
Day 2: Day on Pacific Coast, Beaches, Rainforests, Drive to Ocean Shores, WA
Day 3: Day in Olympia, WA, Tacoma, WA, Drive to Seattle
Day 4: Day in Seattle, Head home
Best Time to Visit the Olympic Peninsula
Late Spring through early Fall are the most popular times of the year to visit, so you will see the most tourists and crowds. Weather on the peninsula season to season and day to day can change drastically and quickly. Here is a breakdown:
Spring
Springtime in the area is coming out of snow and into the rainy season. The landscape around the peninsula is prone to landslides and flooding during heavy rain so this is a threat during this time of year that you should keep an eye out for before and while on the road! BUT, the weather is getting warmer, seasonal campgrounds begin to open again if camping is a priority.
Summer
Summer is busy with travelers and tourists. Costs for accommodations and car rentals will be higher this time of year. The massive positive of visiting in the summer though is the weather! It’s warm and sunny and there will be little to no road and trail closures like you would experience in the winter or rainy seasons.
Fall
Fall is the start of the rainy season and the temperatures start to drop. The crowds start to thin out and costs are more attainable. Personally, I visited at the end of October and we were very lucky with incredible weather! No rain and cool nights.
Winter
Winter attracts people for different reasons. There are winter activities you can do in Olympic National Park but it is important to keep in consideration that this entire road trip itinerary has the chance of not being possible depending on road closures and the safety of the roads from snow and ice. Having a 4WD vehicle with access to tire chains would be a requirement.
TIP: Depending on the time of year you visit will determine your need for a 4WD. During the Summer, a 4WD is not necessary (with the exception of some itinerary stops mentioned below where a 4WD is needed). All other seasons, I would recommend a 4WD for the added safety and comfort whether there is rain or snow in the forecast.
Note that tire chains may be necessary depending on the road conditions as well, especially within Olympic National Park.
How Many Days in the Olympic Peninsula Region
This itinerary is for 4 days and I found this timeframe worked well to fit in a good chunk of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state following the route and destinations I prioritized. As with any location, more time is always going to be better. Being confined to 4 days, we were constantly on the road or doing something. I recommend at minimum 4 days, ideally 7+.
Where to Start and End your Olympic Peninsula Road Trip
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) is the closest international airport in the state of Washington to the route for this Olympic Peninsula road trip and in my opinion, the best start and stop location if you are coming from out of state and are truly intending to stick to the peninsula. For the sake of this itinerary, I have laid out a day-by-day plan for beginning and ending in Seattle.
If you are within the state already or are driving through, pick any starting spot closest to you that makes sense!
Complete 4-Day Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
I would be remiss to not mention that there are so many various ways to adjust, lengthen, and shorten this trip. And this is just for the Olympic Peninsula region! There is much more to see in this state. Everyone’s availability and budget are different. I have done this road trip myself so I can attest to this route/itinerary I created as being one that will give you the most out of the area with only a 4-day span and limited budget.
Here is a breakdown of the road trip itinerary plus two maps; one of the route, one of all the places mentioned in this blog flagged for your convenience.
Road Trip Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Olympic National Park, Drive to Port Angeles, WA
Day 2: Day on Pacific Coast, Beaches, Rainforests, Drive to Ocean Shores, WA
Day 3: Day in Olympia, WA, Tacoma, WA, Drive to Seattle
Day 4: Day in Seattle, Head home
Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Olympic National Park, Drive to Port Angeles, WA
Beginning in Seattle, get yourself situated with a rental car (if you didn’t drive your own), pick up any needed supplies or food, and you can be on your way to Port Angeles. I recommend starting your first day as early as you can to make the most of the time you have at each of your stops.
Today’s approximate drive/ferry time: 3hrs 50mins
First Stop: Bainbridge Island
There are really two ways to get across Elliot Bay to head toward Port Angeles. You can either go around the long way South through Tacoma or you can ride the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Later in this itinerary, you will be passing through the Southern route so to mix it up and provide a unique experience, I highly recommend heading across the bay to Bainbridge Island first.
The ferry is available starting at the Seattle Ferry Terminal (801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104) for car or pedestrian transportation and it takes about 35 minutes to cross. You can check on the daily departure times with WSDOT here.
Once you’ve landed on Bainbridge Island, I recommend spending at least an hour here exploring the area. Bainbridge is an easy place to park the car and walk around in the main street area. However, there are still a number of things to do and see around the island if you have the time and desire. Here are some ideas for more things to do on Bainbridge Island:
Second Stop: Ludlow Falls
Along the route to Port Angeles is a small 0.5-mile, well-maintained loop trail called Ludlow Falls located in Port Ludlow, WA that takes you to a lush waterfall. I liked stopping here after a bit of our drive because it was a chance to stretch our legs and begin to immerse in Washington’s beautiful nature. The trail is very easy to follow and leads you straight to the falls. You can follow the trail and read more about it here on AllTrails.
Cost: Free
Location: 70 Breaker Ln, Port Ludlow, WA 98365, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Third Stop: Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge - UPDATE AS OF 5/7/2023 - HURRICANE RIDGE CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO FIRE AT DAY LODGE/VISITOR’S CENTER
There is a lot to see in Olympic National Park. You can spend days here, and if you have the extra time, I definitely recommend that you do! If you have limited time as this itinerary is catered to then at the very least make a stop at Hurricane Ridge in the park.
Hurricane Ridge is the most accessible road in the park (even during the winter on a schedule and weather permitting). The drive leads you up the mountains to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor’s Center and takes about 30 minutes but allot more time for pulling off the side of the road for pictures and views because you definitely will! At the top and on a clear day you will see vast, breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains.
TIP: Take a look at the Hurricane Ridge live webcam before your ascent. It will give you an idea of your view probability by the time you get up there. But know that conditions change QUICKLY. When we visited it was clear skies the entire drive up the mountain but by the time we got to the top of Hurricane Ridge, it was a total whiteout, and it started snowing (this was at the end of October).
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Next, head to your accommodation. I recommend staying your first night in Port Angeles, WA. Port Angeles is a small town but home to the entrance to Olympic National Park so a great location to stay just outside the park. We stayed at a waterfront A-frame hut that was booked through Airbnb. You can view the listing here. I can’t rave about our experience here enough. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime stay!
A few other options around Port Angeles:
Heart O’ the Hills Campground (located in Olympic NP)
The city of Port Townsend
The city of Sequim
Day 2: Day on Pacific Coast, Beaches, Rainforests, Drive to Ocean Shores, WA
Today is a big day with 8 stops I have lined out below. I can attest (because I did this exact itinerary) that it can be done, especially when starting your day early again. There are spots you may want more or less time in or other attractions you’d prefer to see instead. This day can be catered to your preference as much as you’d like and no matter what you won’t be dissatisfied because this region of the state is breathtaking no matter how you choose to spend it.
Today’s approximate drive time: 5hrs 17mins
First Stop: Forks, WA
If you are a Twilight fan you’ll want to be sure to stop in Forks, WA! Of course, the town plays into their Twilight role quite a bit so it’s a fun and picturesque little town. It is also the rainiest town in the contiguous US so don’t be surprised if it’s a bit gloomy, especially considering its location and access to the Hoh Rainforest. Whether you decide to just drive through or stay around for a bit, there are options for your to explore in Forks.
Second Stop: First Beach
There are endless worthy beaches along the coast of Washington. Highlighting a few of them along your route from Forks first up is First Beach located in La Push, WA. La Push is special because it is home to the Quileute Nation. It is important to know while visiting here that you should be respectful of the tribe who call this beautiful part of Washington home.
This beach is free and takes no effort to reach. You can read more about First Beach and its significance here.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Third Stop: Second Beach
Next down the coast is Second Beach. This beach requires a bit more work to get to but is worth the trek! There is a 2.1-mile out and back trail that takes you from La Push Rd into the coastal forest to the rocky beach. The trail has a lot of steps towards the end of the trail leading down to the beach so keep this in mind if you have bad knees or trouble with stairs.
You can follow along on AllTrails and also visit the NPS website for trail updates.
Cost: Free
Parking Lot Location at Trailhead: Olympic Discovery Trail, La Push, WA 98350, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Other beach options around this area worth checking out:
Fourth Stop: Duncan Memorial Cedar Tree: Largest Red Cedar in the World
This was one of my favorite stops on the entire road trip! A few facts and things to note about Duncan Memorial Cedar Tree:
This tree is the largest red cedar in the world standing at 178 feet tall. Almost more impressive is its diameter of 19.4 feet so standing next to this tree feels surreal and grand.
The tree is over 1,000 years old and is mostly dead. BUT it is still WELL worth the drive to see it. I promise.
The drive to the tree is a bit off the beaten path. It is a mostly gravel road with patches of uneven terrain. We had a 4WD with high clearance and felt very comfortable making the drive. I personally would not recommend a 2WD, especially if it has recently rained.
Google Maps will take you straight there. There are very few signs and absolutely nothing around you on this drive but forest but trust the map and keep going! It is located only about 4 miles from the main road (HWY 101).
The road is skinny so oncoming vehicles may require you to pull a bit off to the side of the road to allow others to pass (another reason a 4WD is preferable).
Parking at the tree site is limited and compact. Luckily when we visited we were the only people there at the time so getting in and out was a breeze.
There is a sign that states a Discovery Pass is required to visit. We did not have this pass so decided to go ahead and make the drive and expect to pay our way in at the location. When we arrived we realized there are no park rangers present to talk to about this requirement. We proceeded with parking and walking around the area without this pass and were the only ones there. This experience may vary for everyone but I have read most people experience the same as us.
Location: Braden Creek Rd off, US-101, Forks, WA 98331, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Fifth Stop: Tree of Life
There are a lot of trees worth seeing on the Olympic Peninsula. The next one is the Tree of Life (aka Tree Root Cave). This spectacular tree clings on for its life on the sandy cliff of the Kalaloch Campground. The deterioration of this cliff leaves the tree’s root system exposed.
The unfortunate reality of this tree is the likelihood of its future collapse with continuous deterioration of the grounds. Visit while you can and avoid touching the roots and standing under the tree in its cave.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Sixth Stop: Lake Quinalt
Lake Quinalt is a beautiful glacial-carved lake in the Quinalt Valley. It’s an easy drive, and no hiking is required.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Seventh Stop: Merriman Falls
Just down the road from Lake Quinalt are two waterfalls. The first is Merriman Falls. It is located right off the road and again requires no hiking or effort to visit other than parking the car on the street and hopping out.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Eighth Stop: Bunch Falls
The second quick-stop waterfall in Quinalt is Bunch Falls. You don’t have to get out of the car if you don’t want to but while visiting Merriman Falls you might as well see Bunch Falls too!
Cost: Free
Location: 1224 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Well that was a busy but fulfilling day, wasn’t it? There are a number of small towns you can stay for your second night of road-tripping. We chose to stay in Ocean Shores, WA - a coastal town the perfect distance between where we were coming from and where we were headed the next day. Our hotel stay was at Wanderlust Inn and we loved it. I recommend after getting settled grab dinner and see the sunset on Ocean Shores Beach where you can park your car on the sands and enjoy the views.
Some additional accommodation options for the night in the area:
Day 3: Day in Olympia, WA, Tacoma, WA, Drive to Seattle
Start your day with one last visit to Ocean Shores Beach. We did this with some donuts and coffee from Kookamunga’s in tow. Spend some time here taking in the beautiful Pacific Coast before heading back inland.
Today’s approximate drive time: 2hrs 46mins
First Stop: Olympia, WA
Your first city stop is in Olympia, WA - the capital of Washington state. Besides Seattle, this is my favorite larger Washington city. It’s quaint enough with water access, hilly surroundings, and no tall skyline but has enough hustle and bustle to keep you on your toes. I recommend for the sake of this itinerary spending 2-3 hours here. Grab a bite to eat, walk around the boardwalks, do a bit of shopping, or explore a museum.
Here are just some of the things you can do in Olympia on a time crunch:
Second Stop: Tacoma, WA
One of the best parts of driving from Olympia to Tacoma is on a clear day you will see stunning, close-up views of Mount Rainier. Tacoma feels much more compact and industrial - much different from Olympia. There are a number of attractions in the city if you wish to spend an hour or two here along your drive with a mix of options whether in the city center or more nature-focused.
TIP: If you have a day or 2 extra to spare and are itching for more nature, detour from Tacoma and head straight to Mt Rainier National Park - just 1hr and 15mins from Tacoma. Be sure to always refer to the official NPS website for updates on potential closures and park notices.
Third Stop: Kerry Park, Seattle, WA
Coming into Seattle from Tacoma we made one special stop while Mt Rainier was showing off on a clear day. One of the best places to get a view of Mt Rainier looming over the Seattle skyline is Kerry Park. If you are lucky enough to have a sunny day, take advantage and make a stop here. Even if you don’t and it’s cloudy out, the views of the city are incredible day or night.
Cost: Free
Location: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
This is the final night of the road trip and is to be spent in the concrete jungle of Seattle. We stayed at the Hilton Seattle and had a room with epic cityscape views. We chose this hotel because of its affordability for downtown Seattle and the location of attractions we would be seeing the following day.
Day 4: Day in Seattle, Head Home
If you can try to book a flight back home later in the day, I recommend doing so in order to make the most of your day in Seattle. There is obviously so much that this city has to offer, it’s difficult to choose what to prioritize. The very small area of Seattle we decided to spend our last day in surrounds many of the larger tourist attractions in the city. If this is your first time here, this is a good place to start. If it isn’t, there are certainly more diverse and unique options to choose from. I also like this itinerary because it can be walked which is a great, immersive way to experience the city anyways.
First Stop: Pike Place Market
One of the most notable attractions of Seattle and I believe it to be worth the hype. Pike Place Market is a market with vendors selling food, produce, fish, flowers, jewelry, etc. It is a great way to support the local community and small businesses of the area. Even if you don’t buy anything, just being here is a spectacle.
Cost: Free to visit unless making a purchase
Location: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Be sure to not miss:
Second Stop: The Gum Wall
I’ll be honest, not my favorite tourist trap. But because it’s right there with the bustle of Pike Place Market we thought we might as well give it a shot. I’m a bit queasy about the idea of being surrounded on all sides by chewed-up gum but hey! The alley smelled great.
The famous Gum Wall is walls covered in chewing gum and you can even contribute to the wall!
Cost: Free
Location: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Third Stop: Waterfront Park/The Seattle Great Wheel
You’ve probably heard of or seen The Seattle Great Wheel - the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast standing at 175 feet tall. If heights aren’t your thing, still visit Pier 57 where it is located, and Waterfront Park right next door.
Cost: $17/adult - purchase your tickets online here
Location: 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Fourth Stop: The Space Needle
Tickets are required to visit The Space Needle but you won’t find a better place to view the city of Seattle. There are both observation deck viewpoints and a restaurant at the top.
Cost: $32.50-$39/adult - purchase your tickets online here
Location: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Fifth Stop: Chihuly Garden and Glass
The often skipped but awe-inspiring museum in Seattle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass. You won’t believe what artists can make out of glass and you can even watch live demos of glass blowing.
Cost: $30-$64/adult - purchase your tickets online here
Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
READ ALSO: How to Spend 24 Hours in Seattle, Washington
More Things to Do on an Olympic Peninsula Road Trip
Dosewallips State Park
Dosewallips State Park is where the Dosewallips River empties into the Hood Canal. What makes this state park even more interesting is the shoreline is split between freshwater and saltwater. This a great place for hiking and camping.
Dungeness Spit
The Dungeness Spit is a narrow strip of land jutting into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A stop here could be added in between your drive from Bainbridge Island to Port Angeles. You can hike the length of this unique stretch of land following this AllTrails guide.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a deep glacial lake in Olympic National Park perfect for canoeing and hiking around.
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous US. This is an epic spot to say you visited with no shortage of breathtaking coastal views. The area of Cape Flattery is located in the Makah Indian Reservation. Be respectful of the natives that live here and of the surrounding nature. The Cape Flattery Trail is an easy 1.2-mile trail that takes you to the coast and is a popular spot for sunset.
Lake Cushman
If you are interested in taking a dip in a popular swimming lake surrounded by mountains, Lake Cushman State Park is the place to visit. Of course, swimming here will be a summer activity, even during the other seasons the park offers hiking and expansive views.
Tips & Things to Know
Before hitting the road and while you still have cellphone service, download the Google Map route of the peninsula for offline routing. You will not have service on most of the drive!
Keep an eye on road conditions in Olympic National Park by visiting the national park website for twice-daily updated road condition news. I recommend doing this no matter what time of year you are visiting to ensure you are up to date with any closures, precautions, or re-openings.
Depending on the time of year you visit will determine your need for a 4WD. During the Summer, a 4WD is not necessary (with the exception of some itinerary stops mentioned above where a 4WD is needed). For all other seasons, I would recommend a 4WD for added safety and comfort whether there is rain or snow in the forecast.
Note that tire chains may be necessary depending on the road conditions as well, especially within Olympic National Park.
Take a look at the Hurricane Ridge live webcam before your ascent. It will give you an idea of your view probability by the time you get up there. But know that conditions change QUICKLY. When we visited it was clear skies the entire drive up the mountain but by the time we got to the top of Hurricane Ridge, it was a total whiteout and it started snowing (this was at the end of October).
If you have a day or 2 extra to spare and are itching for more nature, detour from Tacoma and head straight to Mt Rainier National Park - just 1hr and 15mins from Tacoma. Be sure to always refer to the official NPS website for updates on potential closures and park notices.
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