Link to for Washington State Forrests: http. I loved to read your blog- lots of great tips but most of all the 2 day itinerary. Park officials have closed the area within 1/4 mile of the land slide to the public due to unsafe conditions. Mushrooms in Taft Creek Hoh Rain Forest Olympic National Park. Hope this helps you plan out your 2-day Olympic National Park itinerary! Another characteristic of temperate rainforests are nurse logs, which are the remnants of downed trees. So many unique ecosystems thrive in this corner of the PNW the park is HUGE! Yes! The Ira Spring-Wetland Loop is a 2.9 mile loop. In just 2 days, we had sun, fog, overcast skies, mist, light rain, heavy downpours, and everything else in between. Each day was well-planned out and I felt all our needs were taken care of. Click the below map image to go straight to the directions and start your journey. This climate creates the perfect conditions for towering trees draped in vibrant green mosses and lichens (over 130 species of these Epiphytes plants that grow upon plants), a magical environment that words truly cant capture. We'll pick you up where you're staying in downtown Seattle (hotels, Airbnbs, hostels). Its kinda like 3 (or 4!) [1] It includes 24 miles (39 km) of low elevation forest 394 to 2,493 feet (120 to 760 m) along the Hoh River. These three beaches (unique names, am I right?) In just two days, we saw giant banana slugs and massive Roosevelt Elk in the rain forests, bald eagles flying near the beach, tons of deer everywhere, and even a black bear and the cutest little baby bear cub on the side of the road! My advice? rainier national park, Click here to Learn more about private suv tour seattle city tour, Click here to Learn more about seattle team building corporate outing, Click here to Learn more about group tours & seattle charter bus rentals, Click here to Learn more about view all tours, Click here to Learn more about contact us, Click here to Learn more about join our team, Renting a car, of course, wasnt an option for everyone (especially international travelers), and the rental car shortage of the last couple of years made it difficult and cost-prohibitive for just about everyone. If youre renting a car, is it equipped for some of the gravel roads and dirt roads in the park or equipped for the season you are going (winter can be tricky as many parts of the park may not be plowed)? Distance - 1.2-mile loop Isnt Washington just spectacular?! Southern Pacific Coast: This region stretches south down the coast from La Push, where you'll find Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Beach and Lodge (including the Tree of Life), and Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rainforest. Well be heading to two of the most popular today, but theres countless others if youre a true waterfall fanatic. On this week's episode of Traveling While Black in Seattle, we check out the Hoh Rainforest. Visiting the Hoh Rain Forest - U.S. National Park Service Evan Noonan from Evergreen Escapes was so knowledgeable about the geology and na, Had a great day exploring Olympic National Park. Is it ok to drive an RV around the park or is it too steep and curvy? Its honestly kinda like 4 parks in one, encompassing nearly one million acres of the Olympic Peninsula. Dont forget water. Its chilly everywhere in Olympic during winter definitely pack appropriately. Get our free travel planner to make the most of your visit. This river flows from the Hoh Glacier on mighty Mount Olympus (7,980 feet), and travels 56 miles before ending at the Pacific Ocean near Oil City. Theyre super cute and pretty similar to the marmot Ive seen in Jasper National Park in Canada. Rainier and now explored Olympic, guess I need to cross North Cascades off my list as well! This is, in part, due to the fact that you may need to scale some of this driftwood to reach the beach. Kalaloch Lodge is located about an hour from the Hoh and offers beachside lodging and cabins. The snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains beckon. Then a slight right onto Hurrican Ridge Road where there is the entrance that will ask for your entrance fee or park pass. The hiking backpack wasnt in the cards for us this trip. There is no direct connection from Mount Rainier National Park (MRNP) to Hoh Rainforest. An overnight trip is better. The churning waves, mysterious sea caves and abundant wildlife make it unforgettable. On tours that allow us to reach the Pacific coast at low tide, youll get a chance to discover the microcosm of marine life in the, sea stars, anemones, and urchins among the many life forms calling. so youll never cover all of it no matter how long you stay. You can definitely do Hoh Rainforest, Kalaloch, and Quinault Rainforest in 1 day due to their close proximity (definitely recommend you spend . As always, thanks for the support. waterfalls in one depending on the water flow. Lush greenery abounds, thanks to an average 168 inches of annual rainfall. Head west on U.S. Highway 101. Dont have time and live in the San Francisco Bay Area?! I found it 2 days before we went and it took very little effort to plan from. I am happy to hear your family connected so well with this mission! We saw girls jump into the water from the bridge they were brave, it looked absolutely freezing! The majestic Hoh Rain Forest is one of the natural wonders of Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Elevation Gain - Flat, paved, accessible-with-assistance loop in an old-growth rain forest. We alsopickup on Bainbridge Is. Your email address will not be published. On these trails, youll discover moss and ferns carpeting the forest floor with towering conifers, bigleaf maple and vine maple trees creating a dense canopy overhead. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Olympic National Park | PlanetWare Youll probably recognize them if youre a fan of the series. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together! Our guide Sean was amazingly knowledgeable about everything to do with the park's plants and animals and history. A few beaches were closed during our visit, so we had to quickly change around our Olympic National Park itinerary on the fly, but that was ok! You drive up to the pay station, pay your fee (usually per car and per passenger), and then drive the car right onto the ferry! Tree in Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, Park visitor walking Graves Creek Nature Trail in the Quinault Rain Forest. Lake Quinaults north shore is in Olympic National Park while the south shore is managed by the forest service, so be aware that your park pass is not transferable to the forest service fee stations. Your email address will not be published. One of the largest temperate rainforests in America, the Hoh Rain Forest offers a tranquil nature escape surrounded by lush greenery, old-growth trees, and abundant wildlife. Pacific Beaches Kalaloch Beach - Olympic National Park Forget whatever visions of a sandy, tropical paradise the word "beach" might evoke for you and imagine something far more rugged, dramatic, and thrilling. Being able to see Mt. Theres caves to explore, huge rocks with holes (some with strange shapes youll see what I mean, wink wink), and even streams to cross. He checked the web cameras to optimize our viewing experience at the top. 3 Days in Olympic National Park from Seattle: Silent Forest - Hoh Rainforest provided by Evergreen Escapes, Hotels near International District/Chinatown, Hotels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Hotels near Lake Union Sea Plane Base (LKE), Hotels near Boeing Field Intl Airport (BFI), Motels near Lake Union Sea Plane Base (LKE), Motels near Boeing Field Intl Airport (BFI), Motels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Hotels near Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass: Tickets & Tours, Washington State Ferries: Tickets & Tours, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks: Tickets & Tours, Smith Tower Visitor Experience: Tickets & Tours, Daytime Kyoto -Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour, Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks, ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta, Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfer, Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa - Sky Waka Gondola Return Trip, Musandam Dibba Tour with Dhow Cruise, Buffet Lunch & Transfers, Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls, and Bamboo Beach Club Tour, Teatro Colon Skip-the-Line plus Palaces of Buenos Aires Tour, Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo, Discover and book 3 Days in Olympic National Park from Seattle: Silent Forest - Hoh Rainforest on Tripadvisor. Unlike other waterfalls, you view Sol Duc Falls from above, and watch it fall 50+ feet into the slot canyon below. Hi there! The Hoh Rain Forest gets as much as 14 feet of rain a year. Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park. And we werent even in the rainforest just yet! Elevation Gain - 100-foot elevation gain. Plus, just another reason to come back in the future, right?! Olympic National Park Olympic National Park Tourism Olympic National Park Accommodation Olympic National Park Holiday Rentals The tribe closes certain beaches off to the public, so you just gotta understand you may not get to visit all three. Its 45 minutes to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center (where the iconic Hall of Mosses is located), an hour to Sol Duc Falls, and roughly 20-30 minutes to Rialto and Ruby Beaches. If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. Of course when we left we learned about the new NPS App! If youre looking for the waterfall, make sure to follow the right path! If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. Your email address will not be published. Majestic alpine landscapes. I hope we get to travel with you again in the future, but in the meantime, Happy Trails! Log Cabin Resort is approximately an hour and 45 minutes away on the shores of Lake Crescent. Hurricane Ridge is also where youre most likely to see (or hear the unique whistle) of the Olympic Marmot, a species found nowhere other than the Olympic Peninsula. Be aware that heavy rain and snowmelt make river crossings extremely dangerous, so check with the visitor center before you head out. Pets are not allowed on trails in the Hoh Rain Forest. We were planning to drive up and hike our first morning but pushed it back until the last day because the rest of the trip the mountains were completely covered in fog. Plan for the drive to take roughly 45 minutes in the summer, a bit longer in the winter. Hurricane Ridge is the most popular hiking destination on the Olympic Peninsula (so get here early, especially if youre visiting in peak summer). Some ferries you need to reserve in advance, but not to get to Olympic! Beyond there, it is closed. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience Julie! Know what to do in case of a bear encounter (bear spray is always a good idea) in short, do NOT run, avoid direct eye contact, and walk away slowly if the bear is not approaching. Its all up to you how much you wanna do and at what speed. Parking lots fill up fast and its much more peaceful in the park with less people! There is no point in going if you arrive at high tide as the lovely tide pools and much of the beach will be under . The Hoodsport location consists of the Staircase Ranger Station, Lake Cushman, gorgeous views of mountains, tons of hiking trails, and the Skokomish River. Cat-tail moss and licorice ferns are two types of epiphytes you will find in Olympic. This is when the landscape (which is usually lush and green) starts changing colors bright reds, oranges, and yellows are common! But what makes a temperate forest? are all found off of La Push Road / State Route 110. The parks four rainforests are part of a huge Pacific Northwest rainforest that once stretched from Oregons southern coast to southeastern Alaska. We treasure moments like the Dawn Chorus where we get to soak in the place with out anyone else there, or spontaneous roadside stops to take in a secret waterfall, so easily missed when focusing on your destination. Learn more about Park Ranger John. Travel south on U.S. 101 through the towns of Hoquiam and Aberdeen. If you get an early start you may even have time to stop by the Purple Haze Lavender Farm in Sequim its never too early for some lavender lemon ice cream! I would have preferred to go on a second hike in Hoh instead of all the extra car time (possibly the 1.2 mile Spruce Trail at Hoh). We have visited in July when it is 88 degrees outside and so dang hot it is hard to enjoy your time in the park. Dont expect to find any 5* accommodations here youll see your standard cheap motels. Make sure to keep tire chains in the car, as its a requirement during the winter season. What a special treat to be able to experience this place in such a a new and unique way. If you are visiting in the middle of the summer don't be surprised if it is hot and humid while exploring the Hoh. Here youll find a water-carved sea arch probably one of the most photogenic spots on the wild Olympic coast. Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on the weekends for snow activities in the winter. A Wheelchair is available for checkout from the visitor center. Located two hours from Port Angeles . You either access the Hoh Rainforest by going north on 101 from Kalaloch or from the other direction driving on 101 South from Forks, WA. Turn east on South Shore Road and travel 3.2 miles to the Big Spruce Trailhead. I am gluten free and dairy free and they were able to accommodate without a problem. And when I say all, I mean ALL. Im guessing youre here because youre planning your own Olympic National Park itinerary, and I couldnt be more thrilled for you! (If you're departing from SeaTac International Airport, you can also take I-5 South to U.S. Highway 16 and cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.) Drive time: 45 minutes, Sequim to Port Angeles Make sure youve got your layers and rain jacket in your backpack! If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers, Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff, Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized, Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms, I loved that you guys provided all the food and transportation. Some other tour highlights include mesmerizing waterfalls (Marymere and/or Madison Falls), pristine Lake Crescent and the fascinating Elwha River, site of the largest dam removal project in US history which is also one of the greatest success stories of ecological restoration. I would definitely do a tour with Evergreen Escapes again! Not staying downtown? And why would you wanna? I have been a Park Ranger for almost 20 years and can't wait to share with you National Park Travel Tips, Recipes, and so much more! Im so excited! The trailhead is across the road. 3 Days in Olympic National Park from Seattle: Silent Forest - Hoh Rainforest is hosted by Evergreen Escapes. All Right Reserved. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. In my years as a professional tour guide, Ive noticed one recurring question which I had no good answer for: My usual answer included an explanation of how even though the park is relatively close to Seattle, public transit on the Olympic Peninsula is nearly non-existent. Im kind of ashamed to have not recognized this more in-depth before visiting, but Olympic National Park sits on the homeland of the Klallam, Makah, Skokomish, Quileute, Hoh and Quinalt people. Seattle, WA 98108, 2-day Olympic National Park tour from Seattle, How to Visit the Hoh Rain Forest from Seattle (and why were making it easy). You wont see anything and that long drive will have been a total waste! Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington state. Theres also some one way roads/bridges so bring along some patience for the ride and give yourself extra time to get everywhere. 1. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I actually recommend to get the America The Beautiful Annual Pass that covers entrance fees to all national parks in the U.S. for a one time fee of $80. I will give you a few different options! Morning is a great time to visit Hurricane Ridge in. We try to pre-spray our clothes and gear with permethrin spray so we know we have bug spray all the time. The area actually gets its name from the hurricane-type gusts that occasionally happen (up to 75 mph whoa!). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For information on current road conditions visit wsdot.com. Thanks for this awesome post! On your way there, be sure to stop at the Lake Cushman Lookout spot and catch the below view. Recommended option Ferry, bus Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island Once youre on the ferry, you can leave your car (remember to lock it), and walk around on the passenger decks. Basically, green as far as the eye can see! Even our 2-day tour can only scratch the surface of this parks spectacular 922,650 acres, but hopefully, you can recognize what a shame it would be to only visit one of these three distinct biospheres on a single-day tour. Its 191-feet-high with a 96-foot spread. From there, take 104 westand101 northtoNorth Race StreetinPort Angeles, a left on North Race Street then continue on Mt. In comparison, Seattle receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall. Make sure you route to the Hoh Rainforest Visitors Center, as this is where youll find the trailhead to the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Trail (on the GPS it looks like Hoh Rainforest is super close, 15 minutes or so, but youll need to drive about 45 minutes from Forks to actually get to where youre going, just P.S.). In just two miles, plan a stop along the side of the road for an up-close look at Beaver Falls. A must for anyone whos itching to play in the snow for a bit! You can see Banana Slugs, Roosevelt Elk, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock Trees, and more in this old-growth forest. Find all the transport options for your trip from Seattle Airport (SEA) to Hoh Rainforest right here. Thankfully no snow, although if we had hiked at Hurricane Ridge (the mountains) thered be some of that as well! Sign up for road alerts. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. But with that being said, we were surprised we didnt need to show a pass at some stops (meaning you can see some of Olympic National Park for free)! Theres a decent amount of parking at the Spruce Railroad Trailhead (aka the Lake Crescent Trail), which is where youll start the short hike. We started north of Seattle and actually went backwards (clockwise) so our son could morning nap on the long drive out to the western beaches. The highest elevation we can drive to in the park (, 5,242 feet), the winds here (which can reach up to 75 miles per hour) are the reason for the name, . Lake Crescent Lodge is approximately 90 minutes from the rainforest and is located right on gorgeous Lake Crescent. Walking beneath a moss-covered branch in the Hoh Rain Forest Olympic National Park. Traveling to the Olympic Peninsula? Looking back I wish I had brought my waterproof Keens or something like that because it was pretty difficult walking on the rocks and pebbles in regular old sandals. Psst: theres actually 4 right here in Olympic, including Hoh, Quinault, Queets, and Bogachiel, all filled with mossy green flora and Sitka spruce. Port Townsend to Sequim Walk towards the left and continue onto the hike this part was the most difficult and we had to help each other out a bit, but as soon as you see the bridge, youll know you made it! This page contains affiliate links. Magical. Olympic Peninsula Driving Itinerary & Map - ROAD TRIP USA Somepeople attempt to see the rain forest in a day trip from Seattle, and although this isnt ideal, it can be done. This trip was Amazing! If youre traveling to Washington state, then the opportunity to road trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park is an opportunity that you cant pass up. If youre visiting in the summer youll thankfully have lots and lots of daylight (the sun sets around 9pm), giving you ample time to see everything! Day hikers can walk part of the 17.3-mile route to Glacier Meadows, on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Port Angeles to Seattle Poly Clinic 6h 29m $38 - $135 Cheapest Bus, ferry We have visited and experienced the high 80s one day and then cool and rainy the next day. Check the NPS website for any scheduled park closings. Show your support and donate to the tribes of that land, or to the. Hole in the Wall Rialto Beach Olympic National Park. What can I tell them they can do when they arrive in Seattle (headed ultimately for Yakima)? The Perfect 3-Night Getaway from Seattle - Olympic Peninsula Did you expect to find a sapphire green and aquamarine natural pool in the middle of Olympic National Park? Some stretches of the nature trails have interpretive signage. Its now one of my favorite parks in the US (yes, I loved it that much). Hi Jessica, Angeles Road. (It's not called a rainforest for nothing!) If you want to go camping, then you will need to go to NPS for reservations. Im here to fill you in on all the details from when to visit, how to get there, what to pack, and of course all the best spots to see in Olympic National Park! Roaring waterfalls. Its the most northern of all the southern beaches, and its famous for its moody nature and huge driftwood logs (which youll probably need to climb over to access the beach). It is one of the least visited locations in the park since it is farthest away from the coast, but one of the most rewarding. That worked absolutely perfect. 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods, Luxury Leavenworth Day Trip through the Cascade Mountains, 3 Days in Olympic National Park from Seattle: Silent Forest - Hoh Rainforest, Double Occupancy Lodging - Solo travelers will be paired in a room together, Private Room - solo travelers can elect to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room. 2023Hiking & Road Trips. Lettuce lichen, spike mosses and many types of ferns adorn tree trunks and branches, creating layers upon layers of verdant jungle. If youre flying, book yourself a ticket to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (commonly referred to as Sea-Tac). If you dont run out of daylight, trek the Cape Flattery Trail to where the Pacific Ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca meet. Quinault Rain Forest is home to the worlds largest Sitka spruce tree that is more than 1,000 years old. We were pretty comfortable routing ourselves by looking at Google Maps which was helpful since we completely forgot to download offline maps. Theres a whole bunch of first-come, first-served. But remember the park is massive, so expect long drives between sites. Traffic, ferry delays, inclement weather, road construction and bridge closures can affect travel times. Download the Official Olympic National Park Map PDF, 2 Easy Rainforest Hikes in Olympic National Park, 9 Things to Do with Kids in Olympic National Park.
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