Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
Take a trip to the Olympic Peninsula in the United States and experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This 762 km road trip, starting and ending in Olympia, is best enjoyed over 5 days, with the best time to drive during the summer months. Along the way, you'll take in the stunning landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, including the beaches of Port Angeles, the rocky coastline of Cape Flattery, the lush rainforests of Forks and the historic town of Aberdeen. The roads are in generally good condition, making this journey suitable for all drivers. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy all that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer and create memories to last a lifetime.
5
number of days
762 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Olympia
Distance 762 km
Driving time 14.2 h
Pace: modest
198.2 kWh
Airports
SEA
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Olympia, the capital of Washington State, is the perfect starting point for the Olympic Peninsula Road Trip. Located near the Puget Sound, the city is often called the “Evergreen City” due to its lush, green landscape. Olympia has plenty of activities and attractions to offer visitors, including the Capitol Building, the Hands On Children’s Museum, the Olympia Farmers Market, and the Washington State Capitol State Park. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
For those traveling by air, Olympia is served by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (IATA: SEA). Car rentals are available from the airport, making it easy to start the Olympic Peninsula Road Trip. From Olympia, the best sights to visit include the Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest, and the beaches of the Olympic Coast. The Olympic Peninsula is also home to many charming towns and villages, such as Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and Forks.
The Olympic Peninsula Road Trip is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Start your journey in Olympia and you’ll be sure to find breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and plenty of outdoor activities.
1
Olympia
- Port Angeles
Distance 193 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
57.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Olympia to Port Angeles! This 120-mile journey takes no more than 3 hours and is filled with beautiful sights and interesting places to explore.
Start your journey in Olympia, the capital city of Washington state. Visit the Washington State Capitol Building and the State Legislative Building, both of which offer guided tours. Take a stroll through the Olympia Farmer’s Market, where you can find fresh local produce and artisanal crafts.
Continue your journey to the town of Shelton, where you can explore the Shelton History Museum and the old-growth forest at the nearby Mason County Park. From there, take a drive along the Hood Canal, where you can admire the stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Next, make your way to Port Angeles, the gateway to Olympic National Park. Explore the Olympic National Forest and the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Stop by the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center to admire the local art and culture.
Take the time to enjoy the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula as you make your way from Olympia to Port Angeles. With so much to see and explore, you’ll never be bored! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Port Angeles - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Port Angeles
- Olympic N.P.
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
7.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Port Angeles - Olympic N.P. stage of your road trip! This 19mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete, so you can enjoy the sights and attractions of both places.
Start your adventure in Port Angeles, where you can visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, the Elwha Dam and the Olympic Game Farm. The Olympic Game Farm is a great place to see some of the animals native to the area, such as elk, deer, and bears.
Continue your journey to Olympic National Park, where you can explore the stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, the Hoh Rainforest, and the Quinault Rainforest. The park also offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll along the beach, or watch the sunset from the beach. You can also visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs, which are perfect for a hot soak after a long day of exploring.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Olympic N.P. - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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3
Olympic N.P.
- Cape Flattery
Distance 154 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
46.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a captivating road trip from Olympic National Park to Cape Flattery, a journey of 96 miles that will take you less than 3 hours to complete.
Your first stop should be at the Olympic National Park, where you can take a leisurely walk through the Hoh Rainforest, marvel at the beauty of the Sol Duc Falls, or take a hike up Mount Olympus.
As you continue your journey, you'll come across the stunning Quinault Rainforest, a lush temperate rainforest that is home to some of the world's tallest trees.
Be sure to make a stop at the stunning Ruby Beach, where you can admire the rocky shoreline, explore tidepools, and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
As you make your way to Cape Flattery, you'll come across the Makah Indian Reservation, where you can learn about the history of the Makah tribe and take in the stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Finally, arrive at Cape Flattery, the northwestern-most point in the contiguous United States. Here you can explore the Cape Flattery Trail, take in the breathtaking views of the sea stacks, and observe the diverse array of wildlife.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Cape Flattery - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Cape Flattery
- Sappho
Distance 71 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
21.3 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Cape Flattery to Sappho! This is one of the most beautiful and interesting stages of the route, with a distance of 44mi and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours.
Start your tour in Cape Flattery, an incredible spot to watch the sunset, located at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It is a great spot for whale watching and offers spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Continue your journey to the beautiful coastal town of Sappho. Here you can explore the nature trails of the Sappho State Park and the breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Visit the local beach, perfect for fishing and kayaking, or explore the nearby Lake Pleasant.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Sappho - United States - North America - Road Trip - National Park Service
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5
Sappho
- Forks
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
5.9 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Sappho, United States to Forks! This 12-mile journey will take you less than an hour, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Start your adventure in Sappho and explore the stunning beaches and the incredible wildlife. Don’t forget to take a walk along the boardwalk and capture the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue your journey to Forks and explore the Olympic National Park. This park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. You can also take a drive to the Hoh Rainforest and take in the beauty of the lush greenery and the majestic trees.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Sappho to Forks!
Forks - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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6
Forks
- Ruby Beach
- Moclips
Distance 148 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
44.4 kWh
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Welcome to the most exciting road trip stage of your journey! Starting in Forks, you will travel through Ruby Beach and end in Moclips. This 92mi stretch will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete, so you will have plenty of time to explore the beauty of the area.
Ruby Beach is one of the most beautiful spots in the Olympic National Park. Here you can find the most amazing tide pools and sea stacks, as well as a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
Moclips is a small beach town with a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can find a variety of attractions, including the Moclips Beach, the Moclips River, and the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Moclips - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Moclips
- Aberdeen
Distance 67 km
Driving time 4.6 h
Pace: slow
15.4 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Moclips to Aberdeen! This 42mi drive will take you fewer than 5 hours to complete and will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the United States.
Start your journey in Moclips, where you can visit the historic Moclips Riverwalk and enjoy its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, head to the Quinault Rainforest, one of the most unique places in the world. Here, you can explore the lush, green forests, take in the fresh air, and observe the wildlife.
Next, make your way to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, where you can take a guided tour and learn about the area's rich wildlife. Here, you can also view the stunning Grays Harbor Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1898.
Finally, arrive in Aberdeen, a charming town that is home to the Aberdeen Museum of History. Here, you can learn about the town's fascinating past and explore its many attractions, such as the Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Aberdeen Skatepark.
This is just one of the stages of this road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Moclips to Aberdeen!
Aberdeen - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Aberdeen
- Olympia
Distance 80 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
24.1 kWh
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Start your road trip in Aberdeen, United States and enjoy a 50mi drive to Olympia. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of historical sites to explore and take in the beautiful scenery. You’ll pass through small towns and rural areas, as well as larger cities. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. As you travel, be sure to take in the sights of the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound, and the Cascade Range. In less than an hour, you’ll arrive in Olympia, where you can explore the state capital and its many attractions. Here, you can visit the State Capitol Building, the Washington State History Museum, the Hands On Children’s Museum, and the Olympia Farmers Market. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Olympia
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Your road trip around the Olympic Peninsula could not be complete without a visit to the charming and historic city of Olympia, Washington.
Located in the South Sound region of the Puget Sound, Olympia is the capital of Washington State and is the perfect spot to end your journey. Olympia is home to a variety of unique attractions and activities, from the State Capitol Museum to the Hands On Children’s Museum, and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Be sure to visit the Washington State Capitol in the heart of downtown Olympia. Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history and architecture, or explore the grounds on your own. Visit the nearby State Capitol Museum to learn more about the region’s history, or get outdoors and explore the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, home to a variety of wildlife species.
If you’re looking for a fun family activity, head to the Hands On Children’s Museum, where kids can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the natural world. For a dose of culture, take a stroll through the Olympia Artswalk, or visit the Olympia Film Society for a movie night.
When it’s time to call it a day, Olympia is served by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), just over an hour away. From Seattle, you can take a shuttle or rental car to Olympia.
End your Olympic Peninsula Road Trip with a visit to Olympia, the perfect destination for exploring nature, history, and culture.
Olympic Peninsula Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Olympia
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End:
Olympia
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Distance:
762 km
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Stay:
5 days
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Getting there:
Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an awe-inspiring 762 km (473 miles) Road Trip around the Olympic Peninsula, with Olympia, Washington, as both the starting and ending point. This journey, suitable for a leisurely 5-day itinerary, offers a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest's rich tapestry of environments, with stunning coastlines, lush rainforests, and picturesque small towns.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Port Angeles: This gateway to Olympic National Park is not only a hub for exploring beautiful beaches such as Crescent Beach but also provides access to iconic hiking trails and coastal activities like kayaking in Freshwater Bay.
- Cape Flattery: The northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, Cape Flattery offers breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The area is also part of the Makah Reservation, where visitors can learn about the Makah tribe's culture at the Makah Cultural and Research Center.
- Forks: Known for its connection to the `Twilight` book and film series, Forks is surrounded by the Hoh Rainforest, an emerald enclave of old-growth trees and mossy landscapes, which is also one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S.
- Aberdeen: Explore the history and culture of this former logging town, including its ties to the grunge music movement as the hometown of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
Best Time to Go:
Experience the Olympic Peninsula at its finest during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for exploring the outdoors and engaging in various recreational activities.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should be cautious of variable weather conditions such as frequent rain, dense fog, and the occasional winter snow in higher elevations, which can affect visibility and Road conditions. Wildlife crossings are also common, so stay alert.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Olympic Peninsula is budget-friendly, with options for both cost-conscious and luxury travelers.
- Adventure-seekers can indulge in hiking, fishing, and whale watching, while those looking for tranquility can enjoy the serene beaches and soothing hot springs.
- UNESCO designated the Olympic National Park a World Heritage site, recognizing its extraordinary natural diversity and unique ecosystems, such as the temperate rainforests and alpine meadows.
A good choice for:
A Road Trip to the Olympic Peninsula is an invitation to experience the heart of the Pacific Northwest, with its enchanting natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and a myriad of opportunities for adventure, making it a journey that's bound to be etched in your memory.
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