Olympic Peninsula Trip Planner

Getting outdoors, braving the rain and, if you can, peering into the state’s clearest skies

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

Since the early 1900s, the Olympic Peninsula has been a popular destination for outdoor recreation. In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mount Olympus National Monument, which would later become Olympic National Park in 1938. As a result, tourism slowly began to play an essential role in the area’s economy.

Today, the Olympic Peninsula is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife and rich cultural history. It remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and kayaking drawing visitors worldwide. It’s also known for its clear skies, making it an excellent place for stargazing. Especially during the summer months, it rains less frequently, which can improve visibility. As a result, visitors can ogle the Milky Way, which is exceptionally bright and prominent during the season.

Here are some of the best places to get outdoors and soak up the night skies on the Olympic Peninsula:

Day 1

HIKING • STARGAZING • HOT SPRINGS

Start your day by driving to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The area is named for its strong winds and fierce storms, which can whip through the ridge and surrounding peaks during winter. Then, take the Hurricane Ridge Trail to the visitor center, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Canada. If you have time, you can also hike on one of the many trails, ranging from short nature walks to longer, more challenging hikes. The Hurricane Hill trail is an intermediate 3.4-mile hike (round-trip) that’s well-suited for kids and families. Visitors can also spot various wildlife, including deer, elk and black bears.

Make sure the weather is clear when hiking the High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge.
Photo by Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Hurricane Ridge offers some of the best views of the night sky. The ridge is at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, which makes for clear skies and little light pollution. The park also offers a Star Party event during the summer, when visitors can view the night sky through telescopes with park rangers.

After hiking, head to Lake Crescent, a crystal-clear lake in the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore, then rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake’s calm waters.

The placid Lake Crescent is ideal for kayaking or SUPing.
Photo by Adam McKibben/Visit Port Angeles

End your day by driving to Forks, a small town in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula. First, check into Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. While not technically in Forks, this historic resort is located nearby. It offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins and lodge rooms. (For simpler digs, check out the Dew Drop Inn Motel, a charming roadside motel with affordable rooms and a convenient location near the town’s restaurants and shops.)

The small town of Forks is a good spot for lunch or dinner after a long day on the trail.
Photo by Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Then head into town for delicious, hand-tossed pizzas, wings, nachos, pasta dishes and panini sandwiches at Pacific Pizza. Hungry meat eaters swear by the hearty House Special, topped with salami, pepperoni, sausage, beef, mushrooms and olives.

After dinner, enjoy the resort’s three mineral hot springs soaking pools, which vary in temperature from 99 to 104 degrees. The spring water comes from rain and melting snow, which seeps through cracks in the sedimentary rocks, mingling with gasses from cooling volcanic rocks. (There’s one freshwater pool, too.) In addition, the property serves up a unique stargazing experience in that visitors can soak in the hot springs while gazing up at the stars. The resort also offers guided night walks to view the stars and constellations.

Day 2

RAINFOREST HIKING • BURGERS • BEACHES

Start your day by exploring the Hoh Rainforest, one of the most pristine temperate rainforests in the world. Fun fact: the Hoh Rainforest receives an average of 12 to 14 feet of rain annually, making it one of the wettest places in the United States. Take a hike on the Hoh River Trail, which offers hikers the opportunity to experience a diverse range of ecosystems, from the lush Hoh Rainforest to subalpine meadows and glaciated peaks. Along the way, hikers will pass by crystal clear streams, cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas.

The entire Hoh River Trail from the trailhead at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to Glacier Meadows is approximately 17.3 miles long and typically takes two to four days. The trailhead starts at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center at the end of Upper Hoh Road. It is generally flat for the first 13 miles before gradually gaining elevation as it winds through the forest to Glacier Meadows. Typically, most hikers complete the trail in two to three days, spending one or two nights at one of the backcountry campsites. Some hikers, however, choose to complete the trail in a single day. For a weekend getaway, you can explore as much or as little as you have time for before turning around.

The Hoh River Trail is among the true bucket list hikes in the U.S.
Photo by Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

One of the highlights of the Hoh River Trail is the chance to see wildlife, such as elk, deer, black bears and various bird species. The trail also offers access to backcountry campsites, allowing hikers to extend their journey and spend multiple days in the wilderness.

It’s worth noting that the Hoh River Trail is a popular route and can become crowded during peak season. Visitors are therefore encouraged to plan ahead and make reservations for campsites in advance.

Additionally, hikers should come prepared for changing weather conditions and be aware of park regulations, such as food storage and waste disposal.

Return to Forks for dinner at Sully’s Drive-In. This classic drive-in restaurant is known for nearly a dozen kinds of burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as their friendly service.

If you’re feeling adventurous after grabbing a bite, head to Rialto Beach, a rugged and wild coastline on the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula, to watch the sunset over the ocean and stargaze. Remember to check weather conditions before heading out and bring warm clothing, blankets, and a red flashlight to preserve night vision. Remember, you can always take a warm soak when you return to the resort.

Rialto Beach has a rugged and stunning coastline on the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula.
Photo by Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Day 3

BREAKFAST • LOCAL HISTORY • PUB GRUB

Check out of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and head to Port Angeles, a little over an hour away, located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula.

Do not miss breakfast at Chestnut Cottage Restaurant. This cozy cafe serves up creative breakfast dishes like banana bread French toast and Irish pigs, house-made corned beef wrapped in buttermilk pancakes and served with Bourbon syrup.

Next, visit the Museum at the Carnegie. This small but super interesting museum showcases the history and culture of the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Peninsula has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has been inhabited by various Native American tribes for over 10,000 years, with the most prominent being the Quileute, Hoh and Makah tribes.

Then, stroll along the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail, a scenic walking and biking path that runs along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Port Angeles is a working port and lovely at dusk.
Photo by Nate Wyeth/Visit Port Angeles

Before you head out of town, swing by Next Door Gastropub, a popular spot serving creative pub bites and craft beers. The Frickles, fried ale-battered dill pickle with Creole aioli, is a tasty beer pairing. For something more substantial, order a burger. The Not Your Average Joe is a coffee-rubbed beef patty on a bun piled with bacon, pepper jack, fried onion straws and aioli.