David A. Antler

Olympic Peninsula Long Weekend Trip

I thought I’d share this itinerary in case anybody wants to duplicate this trip.

Olympic National Park Itinerary

3 day camping trip for May/June

Total driving: 13.5h across 3 days.
https://goo.gl/maps/HRiBCTGULJG2

A clockwise route around the Olympic Peninsula from Portland. Plenty of gas and shops along Hwy 101. Bring lots of cash.

This trip can be extended. Add an extra day between 1 and 2 if you want to check out the far NW point (Cape Flattery). Add an extra day between 2 and 3 if you want to check out Victoria, BC, Canada. Add another day at the end to see Seattle!

The Olympic Peninsula is a great last-minute trip for a weekend with great weather because most campsites are walk-ins only, first-come first-serve. Generally checkout time is 11am, so get there around then for best chances of finding a spot!

Big expenses:

ItemPriceTotal
Campsite$20/night$40
National Park Pass$25 for the week, or $80/yr$25
Firewood$5/night$10
NW Forest Pass *(ePass requires printer)$5/day, or $30/yr$5

Camping resources:

Day 1

Wake pretty early. Hit the road at 9am.

Drive 4 hours on the road to Forks or Rialto Beach.

Lodging: Find camping along the way to Mora Campground.

Stop: Walmart in Chehalis to stock up. Kalaloch Ranger Station to pick up maps.

Do:

Add another day? Cape Flattery (NW most point of USA lower 48, $10), Shi Shi Beach. Camp somewhere convenient for your Day 2 adventure.

Day 2

Wake early, hit the road around 8:30am, but earlier is better.

Drive ~2h from rainforest to hurricane ridge. The later you arrive, the longer the entrance line will be…

Lodging: Move to “Heart O’ the Hills” campground or nearby.

Do:

Add another day? Take the ferry from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC, Canada.

Day 3

Wake fairly early. Hit the road around 9am. Could sleep in if desired.

Drive ~1.5h trailhead, ~2.5h home.

Do:

Add another day? Head to Bremerton, WA to catch a ferry to Seattle.

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