5 unforgettable stops in Washington State
Rainforests, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and rugged Pacific beaches—all in one national park!
We flew into Seattle, rented a car, and headed to the Olympic Peninsula for an unforgettable Washington road trip. If you’re planning your own adventure, here are our favorite stops and a few tips to make your trip easier!
Getting There & Where to Stay
Fly into: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Drive to Forks, WA: Approximately 3.5–4.5 hours from Seattle, depending on your route, traffic, and stops.
Where we stayed: Pacific Inn in Forks, Washington.
We chose Forks as our home base because it gave us convenient access to the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific beaches while still allowing us to explore Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Falls.
My tip: Rent a car! Olympic National Park is huge, and its most beautiful destinations are spread across the peninsula.
5 Must-See Stops in Olympic National Park
1. Lake Crescent
A stunning, crystal-clear lake surrounded by forested mountains.
- Approximately 1 hour from Forks
- Easy lakeside photo opportunities
- Perfect for scenic views and a relaxing stop
Don’t miss: The beautiful views near Lake Crescent Lodge!
2. Marymere Falls
A gorgeous forest hike leading to a beautiful waterfall.
- Trail: 1.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Approximately 1 hour from Forks
Don’t miss: The towering trees and moss-covered scenery along the trail!
3. Sol Duc Falls
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park!
- Trail: 1.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Forks
Don’t miss: The waterfall viewpoint and lush forest scenery.
4. Hoh Rainforest – Hall of Mosses
This place feels like stepping into a fairytale! Towering trees, hanging moss, and vibrant green scenery everywhere.
- Trail: 0.8-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Approximately 1 hour from Forks
My tip: Arrive early, especially during summer, when parking and entrance lines can get busy.
5. Second Beach
One of our favorite coastal stops! Think dramatic sea stacks, driftwood, crashing waves, and incredible Pacific Ocean views.
- Trail: Approximately 1.4–1.6 miles round trip to the beach
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some uneven terrain
- Approximately 25–30 minutes from Forks
My tip: Check tide charts before visiting. Low tide is ideal for exploring more of the beach, but always watch changing tides and avoid stranded areas.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle to Forks
Pick up your rental car and head toward the Olympic Peninsula.
Explore Lake Crescent and hike to Marymere Falls before checking into your accommodations in Forks.
Day 2: Rainforest & Pacific Coast
Start your morning at Hoh Rainforest and hike the Hall of Mosses Trail.
Spend the afternoon exploring Second Beach, ideally around low tide.
Return to Forks for dinner. We enjoyed Pacific Pizza, they have a lot of menu items, not just pizza!
Day 3: Waterfalls & Scenic Drive
Hike to Sol Duc Falls, enjoy the surrounding forest, and begin your scenic drive back toward Seattle.
Allow extra time for photo stops and traffic.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Park entrance: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days, or use an accepted national parks pass.
- Best time to visit: Summer offers generally warmer, drier conditions. Fall brings beautiful moody scenery but more rain.
- What to pack: Waterproof hiking shoes, rain jackets, layers, snacks, and water.
- Cell service: Limited in many areas. Download offline maps before leaving.
- Plan ahead: Check National Park Service alerts for road closures and trail conditions.
- Give yourself time: Two to three days is great for these highlights, but you could easily spend longer exploring!
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely!
Olympic National Park completely exceeded our expectations. Every stop offered something different, from peaceful lakes to magical rainforests and wild Pacific beaches.
We also spent time exploring Seattle, making this the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and city sightseeing.
We had originally considered Mount Rainier, but snowy conditions and cold temperatures changed our plans. That’s okay—now we have another reason to return! We’re already dreaming of a summer trip to Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks.
Happy travels!
