I visited the Seattle area several times but never made it to Olympic National Park, partly because of the long drive and partly because I didn’t know what I was missing.
This time, in July 2023, I joined Evergreen Escapes for a full-day small-group tour that took us from Seattle by ferry, across Bainbridge Island, through tribal lands and port towns, along lakes and national forests, and up into the mountains.
The tour starts here
We met our guide at the Evergreen Escapes Adventure Hub in Seattle at 7 am, picked up a few more guests, and set off in a comfortable van.
Evan was both our guide and driver, and he excelled at both. We reached the ferry in time for the 7:40 am sailing. If we’d missed it, the next departure was roughly 50 minutes later.
On the passenger deck, we enjoyed French-press coffee and pastries prepared by Evan, then explored the boat.
On the upper deck, we watched the Seattle skyline recede and the forested island come into view with mountains in the distance.
Interesting fact: Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States. The Seattle–Bainbridge route typically uses Jumbo Mark II vessels that carry about 202 vehicles and up to 2,500 passengers. Crossing time is about 35 minutes.
The drive
The drive from Seattle to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is about three hours without stops, but with viewpoints and short walks, it took us closer to seven hours, which felt just right.
From Bainbridge, we crossed the steel Agate Pass Bridge onto the Kitsap Peninsula, then continued over the floating Hood Canal Bridge to the Olympic Peninsula. We rolled through small ports, past rivers and waterfalls, and into mixed forests that changed with elevation.
Interesting fact: The Hood Canal Bridge is one of the world’s longest floating bridges and spans a saltwater fjord, linking the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
The drive never felt dull. Evan timed the stops well for views, leg-stretches, and mini-hikes.
Jamestown S'Klallam Indian Reservation
Our first stop was on Jamestown S’Klallam lands near Sequim, more of a cultural and services campus than a residential settlement. The S’Klallam use this area as a seat of government and to provide community services.
The reservation has a remarkable origin. In 1874, S’Klallam families pooled $500 in gold to purchase 210 acres at Dungeness, establishing Jamestown and maintaining community sovereignty during a period of forced removals. Read more.
We stretched, used the restrooms, and browsed the gift shop before continuing.
Interesting fact: The Olympic range took its name from Mount Olympus, so named in 1788 by British mariner John Meares, who thought it looked like a suitable home for the Greek gods.
Lake Crescent and Lodge
Glaciers carved Lake Crescent and its basin. With an official maximum depth of about 624 feet, it is Washington’s second-deepest lake after Lake Chelan. The water’s blue-green color comes from low nitrogen levels that limit algae growth, increasing clarity.
Traveler tip: On calm days you can often see 60 feet down into Lake Crescent’s clear water. Endemic “blueback” Beardslee trout and Crescenti cutthroat trout live here—angling is catch-and-release with special regulations.
The historic Lake Crescent Lodge dates to 1916 and sits on Barnes Point with a dining room, lounge, coffee bar, and boat rentals. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited in 1937, a year before the park’s creation. Details
From the lodge area, we walked the popular trail to Marymere Falls. The route we took was mostly shaded beneath old-growth, with bridges and a short stair climb near the end.
The Marymere Falls hike is roughly 1.8 to 1.9 miles round-trip from the Storm King Ranger Station area, with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Expect 45 to 75 minutes, depending on crowds and photo stops.
Traveler tip: Start before 9 am or late afternoon to avoid congestion on the final stairs to the falls. Trails here can be slick after rain. Trail info
After the hike, we relaxed at the lodge, took a break, and did a little souvenir shopping.
Madison Falls and lunchtime
Our picnic stop was near the Elwha River and the Madison Falls trailhead, about 16 minutes from Port Angeles along Highway 101 and Olympic Hot Springs Road.
The paved path to the falls is wheelchair-accessible and only about 0.1 mile one way. The setting is lush with Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar, and we spotted plenty of birds.
Traveler tip: Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles beyond the Madison Falls parking area due to flood damage, but it remains open to pedestrians and cyclists. Facilities are limited past the gate. Current conditions | Accessibility
Hurricane Ridge
From Madison Falls, we drove through Port Angeles and up to Hurricane Ridge for classic views of the Olympic Range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Hurricane Ridge remains open for hiking and winter recreation with limited services after the loss of the day lodge in 2023. When the main parking fills, rangers meter entry, which can create waits during peak times. Check current guidance.
Traveler tip: Arrive early or later in the day. A seasonal Hurricane Ridge Shuttle runs on select days from Port Angeles for a small fare and helps avoid parking delays. Shuttle info
We walked a short paved loop near the parking area for big views, then some of us continued toward Hurricane Hill for a panoramic vantage point over Port Angeles, Vancouver Island, and the interior Olympics.
Traveler tip: The Hurricane Hill trail is about 1.6 miles each way with roughly 650–700 feet of elevation gain on a mostly paved path. Save time for wildflowers and wildlife spotting in summer. Trail details
Back near the lot, we watched a doe and two fawns in the meadow. The fawns hid in the shade while their mother dashed off, then rejoined them.
Interesting fact: The Olympic Mountains formed from uplifted marine sediments and oceanic crust scraped off the subducting Juan de Fuca Plate, which is why you’ll often hear that these mountains were “born in the sea.”
The return trip
After our Hurricane Ridge highlight, we started back to Seattle. It’s a long day because of the distances involved, and I napped for a good part of the ride.
We reached the Evergreen Hub around 8 pm, wrapping up a 13-hour tour. Despite the miles, I enjoyed every minute and appreciated Evan’s knowledge and care in making it memorable.
Evergreen Escapes
2960 4th Ave S #115, Seattle, WA 98134
Website: https://www.evergreenescapes.com/
Traveler tip: Olympic National Park entrance fees are $30 per private vehicle for seven consecutive days, or you can use an America the Beautiful annual pass. The park is cashless. Fees and passes
Other points of interest
Although our tour lasted 13 hours, we couldn’t see everything. Here are a few more places to consider on another visit.
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach, near the mouth of the Quillayute River, mixes surf, sea stacks, and coastal forest. The famous Hole-in-the-Wall is best visited at low tide via a beach walk.
Traveler tip: Always check the tide chart and beware of sneaker waves and rolling drift logs on coastal beaches.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles sits on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and serves as a gateway to the park, with shops, restaurants, and access to the Port Angeles–Victoria ferry.
Traveler tip: The Black Ball Ferry Line connects Port Angeles to Victoria, BC. Bring a passport and check schedules and customs requirements. Ferry info
Enchanted Valley
The Enchanted Valley, reached via the East Fork Quinault River Trail, is a classic backpacking destination of old-growth forest, waterfalls, and Roosevelt elk.
Traveler tip: Overnight trips require wilderness permits year-round, and bear canisters are required in several popular areas of the park. Enchanted Valley uses nightly quotas during the main season.
What other travelers say
“Top-tier tour company that takes care of every detail.” — Tripadvisor reviewer
“It’s a long day, but you see a great variety of scenery and wildlife.” — Viator traveler
“Arrived around 8 am and parked without a wait; the lot was almost full by late morning.” — Reddit trip report