4 day itinerary for Olympic National Park

Itinerary

Olympic National Park is a stunning gem in Washington State, offering a diverse range of landscapes from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines and majestic mountains. Here’s a fun and adventurous 4-day itinerary that includes some popular sightseeing areas around the park. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival and Hurricane Ridge

Morning:

• Arrive at Olympic National Park and settle into your accommodation. If you’re staying in Port Angeles, it’s a great base for exploring the park.
• Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for some delicious pancakes!

Midday:

• Head to Hurricane Ridge (about a 30-minute drive from Port Angeles). The views are absolutely breathtaking!
• Take a short hike on the Hurricane Hill Trail (3 miles round trip) for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Don’t forget your camera!

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Hurricane Ridge picnic area. Bring some snacks or grab a sandwich from a local deli before you head up.
• After lunch, visit the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s ecology and history.

Evening:

• Drive back to Port Angeles and have dinner at a local seafood restaurant. The “Ocean 5” is a great choice for fresh catches!
• If you’re up for it, take a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the sunset.

## Day 2: Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach

Morning:

• Start your day early with breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
• Drive to the Hoh Rain Forest (about 2 hours from Port Angeles). The lush greenery and towering trees are like stepping into another world!

Midday:

• Explore the Hoh Rain Forest Trail (a 1.2-mile loop) to see the famous moss-covered trees and vibrant ferns. It’s a magical experience!
• Have a packed lunch at the Hoh Rain Forest picnic area.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, head to Rialto Beach (about a 30-minute drive). The dramatic coastline and sea stacks are perfect for a leisurely walk.
• Take the Rialto Beach Trail to the Hole in the Wall (about 4 miles round trip) if the tide is low. It’s a stunning sight!

Evening:

• Return to Port Angeles and enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant. “The Landing” offers a great atmosphere and delicious food.
• If you’re not too tired, consider stargazing at Hurricane Ridge or along the beach!

## Day 3: Sol Duc Hot Springs and Lake Crescent

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast and then head to Sol Duc Hot Springs (about a 1-hour drive).
• Spend the morning soaking in the hot springs. It’s a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate!

Midday:

• Have lunch at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort or pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings.
• After lunch, take a short hike on the Sol Duc Falls Trail (1.6 miles round trip) to see the stunning waterfall.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Lake Crescent (about 30 minutes). The lake is known for its deep blue waters and scenic beauty.
• Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake, or take a leisurely walk along the Marymere Falls Trail (1.5 miles round trip) to see another beautiful waterfall.

Evening:

• Have dinner at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge. The views of the lake at sunset are simply magical!
• Spend the night at the lodge or head back to Port Angeles.

## Day 4: Cape Flattery and Departure

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States (about 1.5 hours from Port Angeles).
• Enjoy the short hike to the viewpoint for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island.

Midday:

• Have a picnic lunch at Cape Flattery or head to the nearby town of Neah Bay for a local bite.
• Explore the area a bit more, perhaps visiting the Makah Cultural and Research Center to learn about the local indigenous culture.

Afternoon:

• Start your journey back, stopping at any scenic viewpoints along the way. If time allows, you can visit Forks, the town made famous by the “Twilight” series, for a fun photo op!

Evening:

• Depending on your travel plans, you can either head home or spend one last night in Port Angeles, soaking in the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.

And there you have it! A delightful 4-day adventure in Olympic National Park and its surrounding areas. Make sure to pack your sense of adventure and enjoy every moment! Safe travels! 🌲🏞️🌊