Washington’s Mountains, Rainforests & Pacific Coast

Approximate driving distance: 85 miles / 135 kilometers, plus the ferry crossing
Approximate travel time: 3 hours, including the ferry but excluding waiting time

Leave Seattle and take the vehicle ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Ferry schedules and waiting times vary, so check the current schedule before departure.

Continue across the Kitsap Peninsula and over the Hood Canal Bridge toward Port Angeles. Depending on your available time, you can stop in the waterfront town of Port Townsend or explore the small communities along the route.

After arriving in Port Angeles, check in to your selected hotel and enjoy the town’s views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Travelers who prefer not to use the ferry can drive south through Tacoma and around Puget Sound, although this route is longer.

Overnight in Port Angeles.

Approximate driving distance: 75–100 miles / 120–160 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding sightseeing stops

Today is devoted to the mountain and lake scenery of Olympic National Park.

Begin with the drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge. The mountain road climbs approximately 17 miles into the Olympic Mountains and offers magnificent views in clear weather. Take time for the viewpoints or enjoy one of the shorter walking trails.

Later, return toward Port Angeles and continue west to Lake Crescent. Stop at the lakefront, take a short forest walk or hike to Marymere Falls if time and conditions permit.

Return to Port Angeles for your second night.

Access to Hurricane Ridge depends on weather and seasonal road conditions. If the road is closed, spend more time around Lake Crescent, the Elwha Valley or the northern coast.

Overnight in Port Angeles.

Approximate driving distance: 60–110 miles / 95–175 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on sightseeing stops

Leave Port Angeles and follow Highway 101 west through Olympic National Park.

If you did not have time the previous day, stop again at Lake Crescent before continuing toward Forks. After checking in, explore one of the spectacular nearby Pacific beaches.

Rialto Beach is known for its driftwood, sea stacks and powerful ocean scenery. Alternatively, visit First Beach at La Push and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Always observe tide information and local safety warnings. Large waves and floating logs can make the coastline dangerous, particularly during storms.

Overnight in Forks.

Approximate driving distance: 155 miles / 250 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes without sightseeing stops

Leave Forks and travel into the extraordinary Hoh Rain Forest, one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States.

Enjoy a short walk beneath giant moss-covered trees before returning to Highway 101. Continue south, with an optional stop at Ruby Beach to experience another section of Washington’s dramatic Pacific coastline.

Your route then passes Lake Quinault, surrounded by rainforest and enormous trees. Stop for a walk or lunch before continuing toward Olympia.

Arrive in Washington State’s capital and check in to your selected hotel.

This is one of the longer days of the journey, so an early start is recommended.

Overnight in Olympia.

Approximate driving distance: 165–200 miles / 265–320 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 4–5 hours without sightseeing stops

Leave Olympia and travel toward Mount Rainier National Park.

Enter through the Nisqually Entrance and follow the scenic road toward Paradise. Along the way, stop at viewpoints, waterfalls and forest trails. On a clear day, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape.

At Paradise, enjoy the mountain views and choose a walk suited to your available time and ability. Parking can fill quickly during busy summer days, so consider starting early.

After exploring the park, continue to Seattle for the final part of your journey.

Mount Rainier access depends on weather, snow and seasonal road conditions. Alternative low-elevation routes and attractions may be necessary outside the main summer season.

Overnight in Seattle.

Begin at Pike Place Market, where local food stalls, small shops and the city’s famous fish market overlook Elliott Bay. Walk along the waterfront or visit the Seattle Aquarium.

Continue to Seattle Center to see the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. You might also take a harbor cruise or ride a Washington State Ferry for wonderful views of the skyline.

For a different side of the city, explore Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill or the restaurants and cafés of Ballard.

Overnight in Seattle.