Day Trips From Olympic National Park: Day Trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park

1. Hurricane Ridge
2. Description: Start your journey at Hurricane Ridge, one of the park's most accessible and panoramic viewpoints. The short drive from Port Angeles rewards you with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, including glaciers and valleys. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ridge Trail for 360-degree panoramas, or challenge yourself with longer hikes like the High Ridge Trail. With an average rating of 4.8/5, Hurricane Ridge offers an instant immersion into the park's grandeur.
3. Visit Duration: Morning (approx. 2-3 hours)
4. Next Stop: Continue to Lake Crescent for lunch, where you can savor sandwiches or salads at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.
5. Lake Crescent
6. Description: Nestled among towering evergreens, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent invite you to unwind. Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside or rent a kayak to explore its tranquil surface. The lake's unique blue hue, a result of its extraordinary depth and low mineral content, makes it a photographer's delight. Don't miss the short hike to Marymere Falls, a serene 90-foot waterfall hidden amidst lush forest. Rating: 4.6/5
7. Visit Duration: Midday (approx. 1.5 hours)
8. Afternoon Delight: Sample local seafood at Forks, a small town famous as the setting for the Twilight series.
9. Ruby Beach
10. Description: Conclude your day with a visit to Ruby Beach, known for its dramatic sea stacks, tide pools teeming with marine life, and a stunning sunset view. The beach's wild beauty, characterized by driftwood scattered across a pebbled shore, offers a stark contrast to Seattle's urbanity. Stroll along the beach, listen to the crashing waves, and let the Olympic Peninsula's magic envelop you. Rating: 4.7/5
11. Visit Duration: Late Afternoon to Sunset (approx. 2 hours)
12. Must Try: Savor a cup of hot chocolate or coffee from a thermos while watching the sun dip below the horizon.