Olympic National Parks Itinerary
Capping our three-park itinerary is one park you won’t want to miss. Did we save the best for last? Maybe.
It’s time to relish a photogenic trip across the Salish Sea on a Washington State Ferry to the only actual rainforest in the United States. It’s the relatively isolated peninsula that’s the last, more Northwestern stop on the contiguous United States before the Pacific Ocean. Grab your camera and pack your light rain gear (yes, even in summer -– just in case) and let’s head to the awe-inspiring Olympic National Park. It’s home to herds of elk, mossy giants, and enormous rocks that just out of the surf like solitary trolls. Or something. You’ll just have to see it to believe it.
AirBnB in Edmonds
The seaside town/arts community of Edmonds, WA is the best jumping-off point for an Oly Peninsula adventure. It’s the place to catch a ferry across the Salish Sea (known better locally as the Puget Sound) to the Olympic Peninsula. But before you leave, you’ll need to eat.
Note that there aren’t any hotel options in this seaside town. Your best bet is to book an AirBnB for the night.
Breakfast and coffee – to-go options
Chantrelle – You've got to trust a place that serves a dish literally called “The Camper’s Bowl.” Chantrelle doesn’t skimp on fresh ingredients. They offer basics like breakfast sandwiches and omelets in a way that is refreshingly basic and straightforward. Eat solid food. Then go hike.
Walnut Street Coffee – Let's say you’re not a traditional big breakfast eater (we see you). You’ll still want to fuel up with a cup of coffee where the locals go. And that’s this for sure this tiny boho coffee house near the sea.
Ferry riding 101 – everything you need to know
If you’ve never been on a Washington State Ferry, you’re in for a treat. But there is a learning curve here. Here’s how to make sure your trip across the Edmonds-Kingston ferry line runs smoothly.
Tickets – Buy tix online in advance or at the tollbooth on the day of your trip.
Loading/disembarking protocol – Ferry lines come in two lengths: long and longer. Weekday mornings and late afternoons are busiest because of commuter traffic. Aim for an early ferry (think 5 a.m. or hit it mid-morning to early afternoon. In either case, be prepared to wait a bit. You can drive directly onto the ferry. A helpful attendant will guide you into the right lane for parking during the crossing.
On board amenities and photo ops – Washington State Ferries serve snacks, coffee (uh yeah, it’s Washington), and even beer and wine. The best photo ops are on the open-air decks. But be warned: gusts on the deck can be epic. Best to anticipate a crazy-hair pic than to capture the perfectly coiffed look. From the Edmonds-Kingston ferry line you can get photos of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. Perfect.
This lush, rainy corner of the country is in pristine condition. It was cordoned off by the federal government early in the twentieth century before it could be logged. Today the Olympic Peninsula is 95% wild land.
Please remember that you’re treading on national park soil. A preserve of all that’s wild and free. Please recreate responsibly. Tread lightly. Pack out garbage and make it a good experience for others.
Entrance fee - $25 for vehicles, $10 for individuals.
Olympic Park by the numbers – 922, 650 acres of primordial forest. 3.4 million visitors annually. Established in 1938.
Best bets
Sol Duc Falls – A 1.6. mile out-and-back trail leads you to a cascading waterfall favored by migrating coho salmon. Sol Duc Falls is located on the northwest part of the park, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular spot. Maybe you'll catch a rainbow over the falls -- it's a common occurrence.
Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses – Yes, it’s every bit as Lord of the Rings as it sounds. This side of the Olympic Mountains receives record amounts of rainfall. It’s apparent in draping moss. Take it in on a .8-mile walk. There’s virtually no elevation gain on this looped path, making this quite an accessible hike for folks looking to experience walking in a world of greenery.
Coastal experiences/Ruby Beach – Some of the last wild coastline on the West Coast. Haystack rocks jut out of the surf. Looking west to catch a sunset, you discover that you’re peering out over the very cusp of the continent and there’s nothing out there until you basically hit Hawaii. You feel small, humbled, grateful to be alive in such a mysterious, beautiful world.
Fly Seattle Paine Field International Airport
Caring for Our National Parks and Forests: How Visitors Can Help
Responsible recreation is at the core of Snohomish County’s mission and encourages you to learn more about taking care of our National Parks and reminds you to secure reservations where required.
Our national parks, forests, and public lands are some of the most beautiful places to explore — but they need our help. With staffing and resources limited in many areas, visitors can play an important role in keeping these special places clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a longer adventure, here are a few simple ways you can make a positive impact.
