Olympic PeninsulaAnd Away We Go!Looking west from Seattle, across Elliott Bay, you’ll see a vast mountain range. These snow capped mountains are in the Olympic National Park. 
To put yourself in the middle of these huge peaks, take a three hour drive west to the Olympic Peninsula. Bus tours are also available. You’ll need to board the Washington State Ferry at the downtown waterfront terminal and sail to Bainbridge Island. As you leave the dock, there’s a terrific view of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle.
That long stretch of beach and condos, on your left, is Alki, the location the original settlers landed. The trip to Bainbridge takes about 30 minutes and arrives at Winslow, a small, upscale community. Bainbridge Island often makes the top 10 list of places to live in the United States. As you continue, you will go over the Agate Pass Bridge and north toward the city of Poulsbo. This quaint Norwegian fishing village features a number of galleries, shops and a delicious Poulsbo bakery along its’ colorful main street. Don’t stay too long, the mountains are calling! Cross the Hood Canal floating bridge and you're on the Olympic Peninsula. This is the only floating bridge over tidal waters with as much as an 18 foot difference in water level each day.
Looking for a place for lunch? How about a stop at the Victorian town of Port Townsend? Water Street has a number of dining spots featuring northwest favorites like fish and chips and clam chowder. Go to the top of the hill to see wonderful examples of restored Victorian homes. Among several events in this charming city is Port Townsend’s Wooden Boat Festival. Featuring over 200 wooden vessels, it is hailed as the premiere wooden boat gathering in North America. Back on the main Highway the city of I always recommend stopping at the Visitor's Center at the park entry. There’s history about the Park, and you can get information about the park weather conditions. When it’s foggy on the Strait, it can be clear and sunny on the mountain. 
The 17 mile drive up to Hurricane Ridge will give you a spectacular 180 degree view of the peaks in the Bailey Range. There are hiking trails, wildlife sightings and scenic outlooks all around the Ridge. Back down to Highway 101 drive out to the Pacific Coast to see another part of the National Park. Just south of the town of Forks, go east into the Hoh River Rain Forest. You can hike along park trails through moss draped old growth trees, over little streams and into Glacier Meadows for views of Mt. Olympus. You'll find a 5-day trip planner listed under activities.
Back to Highway 101; go south to Ruby Beach for view of sea stacks, driftwood and the thundering waves of the Pacific Ocean. I think the trail to the beach is easy to manage and rewarding with great photo opts. There are 20 waterfalls to visit as you travel the Olympic Peninsula.
For a really good trip planner, check out my travel video: Washington State's Olympic Peninsula It gives you a wonderful overview of this spectacular area.
This Seattle Side Trip can be selectively done in one day. However, most travelers like to stay overnight at one of the many Olympic Peninsula accommodations available in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, or along the coast. Consider adding a trip to Canada while you’re visiting the Olympic Peninsula. The Coho Ferry sails from the Port Angeles waterfront to The Strait of Juan de Fuca crossing takes about 90 minutes and you can spend the day in this very British provincial capital. Reservations are recommended for this international ferry. Be sure to bring your passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship. Click on my Victoria B.C. link for some additional information. |
