5 Days on the Olympic Peninsula

Explore Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, Pacific beaches and other delights of the Olympic National Park; hiking, fishing, boating, birding, skiing, cycling. Come enjoy Sol Duc Hot Springs, Tongue Point Tide Pools, the Olympic Game Farm, Wineries. Take a day trip to Victoria, Canada or a short drive to historic Port Townsend, the possibilities are endless. We also boast two, year-round golf courses and a casino. Take a drive, cycle or hike the Dungeness Scenic Loop to the national Wildlife Refuge. Along the way enjoy the most beautiful views of the Olympic Peninsula, Canada and the San Juans. Hike the longest natural sand spit in the country; you'll encounter shorebirds, deer, otters, sea lions and perhaps a whale! Then for a grande finale, tour the Dungeness Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the northwest. Below are links to area attractions and some more ideas for day trips or if you plan to stay a week.

Day Planner

• Day One : Hurricane Ridge
• Day Two : Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Area
• Day Three : Hoh Rain Forest and Wild Coastal Beaches
• Day Four : Neah Bay, Cape Flattery, Makah Museum
• Day Five : Victoria, BC, Canada
• Olympic National Park
• More Activities

Day 1: Hurricane Ridge

The must-see jewel of the Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge is an easy seventeen mile drive taking you up to 5,200 feet elevation. The spectacular mountains are beauty beyond words. The day lodge and many trails offer breathtaking views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Olympic Mountains, panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the alpine meadows.  Numerous trails range from easy to very difficult, making it possible for all people to enjoy the area's beauty. One can take a picnic lunch and spend the day at Hurricane Ridge and cap off the day by watching an awesome sunset.

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Day 2: Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Area

Lake Crescent is a crystal clear 12-mile long lake located 17 miles west of Port Angeles on Highway 101. The glacier-carved lake offers swimming, boating and fishing. There are numerous places to get away from it all and to soak in the awesomeness of nature. Marymere Falls is a mostly level one mile hike from Storm King Ranger Station. This walk takes you through the forest of moss covered trees and large ferns. The Pyramid Mt. Trail reached from the North Shore Road offers an excellent view of Lake Crescent, Mt. Storm King and the blue-green slopes of Aurora Ridge. One can also hike along the north side of the lake on the Spruce Railroad Trail (named after the railroad that was there during WWI). The rail was used to haul out spruce to make airplanes for use in the war.

There are numerous places around the lake to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Dining is available at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort.

Driving west on Highway 101 takes you to the Sol Duc Valley road just west of Lake Crescent. The approximate 12 mile drive winds through the valley. Two areas of interest along the way are the Salmon Cascades and Ancient Forest Trail. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers dining, a small store and gift shop and three mineral pools and a fresh water pool. Soaking in the hot mineral pools is a great way to relax those sore muscles after hiking all day.

The spectacular Sol Duc Falls are a must see!! The trail head is located a short drive past the resort and campgrounds. Several trails take off from the Sol Duc Falls Trail taking you up into the Seven Lakes Basin.

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Day 3: Hoh Rain Forest and Wild Coastal Beaches

The Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction here on the Olympic Peninsula. Moist ocean air from the Pacific brings over 150" (record of 211") of annual rainfall to this area, which, along with presence of Sitka spruce and "colonnades" (row of trees that grew atop downed trees called "nurse logs"), qualify the west-facing valleys of the Olympics as the only temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere! The park was established in 1938 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited and was duly impressed with the region and its wildlife. Three loop trails near the Hoh Visitor Center are easy to stroll and give a great sampling of the area: The Hall of Mosses Trail is 3/4 mile and shows the moss-draped maples, magically green in the spring, spectacular with color in the fall and a treat any time of year; the 1 1/4 mile Spruce Trail follows the Hoh River along red alder and maple "bottom", and shows the landscape carved by this glacier-fed river; and a paved 1/4 mile path suitable for a wheelchair or stroller. The year- round Visitor Center is the starting point for many longer and more challenging hikes up to the alpine meadows and glaciers.

The Hoh Rain Forest is located 100 miles west of Port Angeles taking Highway 101 through the town of Forks.

Scenic shores with easy access are found in the Kalaloch (pronounced kalay-lock) area, just fifteen miles south of the Rain Forest Road. Beach Trail 4 is a pebble beach with a dramatic surf (beware of the strong undertow), tidal pools and is a popular place to dip for smelt. Picturesque Ruby Beach with a meandering creek and dramatic sea stacks is named for the garnet-colored sand. Miners panned for gold here earlier in this century.

Rialto Beach, north of the Quillayute River, is one of the few drive-to beaches in the area and a beautiful spot to enjoy the surf and watch shorebirds, eagles and seals. On the south side of the river, at the Quilleute village of La Push, First Beach is a mile-long crescent known for surfing-size waves and great whale watching. Kayakers, surfers and seals add to the view. Second Beach, just east of La Push, is popular with photographers and is reached by way of a .6 mile forested trail that leads to a two- mile long sandy stretch of beach with sea stacks and tidal pools - watch for the eagle nest above the tree line. Third beach, a mile east of Second B each, is a mostly-level 1.5 mile trail through natural second growth forest, a result of winds up to 170 mph in January 1921. The "21 Blow" leveled nearly 8 billion board feet of timber, enough to construct 600,000 3-bedroom homes. In the fall, mushrooms flourish under the forest canopy, be sure to take along a guide book.

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Day 4: Neah Bay, Cape Flattery, Makah Museum, Lake Ozette

Head to the most Northwestern tip of the lower 48, visiting Cape Flattery on the Makah Reservation located 75 miles Northwest of Port Angeles on Hwy 112. Cape Flattery is located approximatly seven miles from Neah Bay. The newly constructed wooden walk way takes you to some of the most gorgeous, rugged and wild scenery on the Pacific Coast.

Be sure to take time to explore the internationally known Makah Museum. The museum is open every day during the summer months and closed Mondays and Tuesdays from Sept. 16 through May 31. Hours are 10AM-5PM. The Makah Museum is the nation's sole repository for archeological discoveries at the Makah coastal village of Ozette. The centuries old village was located 15 miles south of present day Neah Bay. Ozette served the Makah people as a year-around home well into the 20th century.

In 1970 a tidal erosion exposed a group of 500 year old Ozette homes that have been perfectly preserved in an ancient mud slide. The thousands of artifacts subsequently discovered have helped recreate the Makahs' rich and exciting history as whalers, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, crafts people, basket weavers, and warriors. Lake Ozette is located off Hwy 112 on the Hoko-Ozette Road. Follow the road 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger Station.

Three miles of planked trail lead the hiker to Sand Point, one of the most beautiful and primitive beaches on the coast. Continuing north along the beach you will find dozens of Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks. Ask for the interpretive handout at the ranger station. The northern point of this nine mile triangular trail is Cape Alava, with a rocky shore and reefs to explore at low tide. Cape Alava is also the site of an ancient Makah village. The site is now closed and marked with a small sign. Be sure to check a tide table and bring lots of film as seals, deer, eagles and perhaps osprey, otters and whales may be there, rain or shine! Hike north to Cape Alava along the beach to keep the ocean breeze at your back, and avoid vibram-soled shoes as the cedar plank walkway can be slick!

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Day 5: Victoria, BC, Canada

By day , take a ferry over to Victoria and enjoy the friendly, flowered English -flavored city.

The M.V.Coho Ferry operates all year except for two weeks in January. The 18 mile crossing time is 1 1/2 hours. For information, phone 360-457-4491. The M.V.Coho Ferry operates all year except for 2 weeks in January. The Victoria Express is a passenger only ferry between Port Angeles, Victoria and Friday Harbor. Crossing time to Victoria is 1 hour. Phone 360-452-8088. Reservations accepted. Dates of operation: end of May thru end of September. Early morning breakfast is served for guests going to Victoria. A vehicle is not necessary for a day trip. There are numerous tours available as well as excellent public transportation.

While in Victoria, you'll have a vast array of activities to choose from including the world famous Butchart Gardens founded in 1904. From the exquisite Sunken Garden (once a limestone quarry) to the charming Rose, Japanese and Stalion gardens, this 50 acre showplace still maintains the gracious traditions of the past. The Royal B.C. museum is located in the Inner Harbour area. The well designed museum offers something for everyone. Also located in the Inner Harbour is the grand old Empress Hotel; be sure to browse thro the many intriguing shops and perhaps linger awhile and enjoy High Tea. Another interesting part of Victoria's history is the Craigdarroch Castle built in the late 1800's by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

Remember , you leave the U.S. to visit Victoria, and a picture ID is required to enter and leave Canada. The U.S. Customs phone number is 360-457-1221.

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Olympic National Park

Park fee: A pass is required to enter the Olympic National Park. The fee is $10.00 per car load and is good for seven days. It can be attained at any of the Park entrances. No pass is required during the winter months for the Elwha Valley or the Sol Duc Valley. The phone number for Olympic National Park Visitors Center in Port Angeles is 360-452-2713.

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Activities that take less than a full day.

• Salt Creek County Park located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca West of Port Angeles offers fascinating tidal pools, (ask your hosts regarding tide tables).
  
• The Dungeness Spit and Wildlife Refuge offers great beach hiking and wildlife.
  
• The Olympic Game Farm in Sequim is great for children of all ages.
  
• Ediz Hook in Port Angeles provides great views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Ediz Hook is part of the 5.5 miles of Waterfront Trail; perfect for jogging, walking, biking, or rollerblading.
  
• The Elwha Valley west of Port Angeles is a beautiful drive along the rushing Elwha River. Madison Falls is an easy hike. Further up the valley beyond Lake Mills is the trail head to the Olympic Hot Springs.
  
• Port Townsend, known as "Washington's Victorian Seaport" is located about 55 miles east of Port Angeles. Victorian homes and commercial buildings erected during the late 1800s are still the city's trademark, along with Fort Worden State Park.

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