About This Trip
The Olympic Peninsula in northwest Washington is one of the most ecologically diverse places in North America — a single national park that contains a temperate rainforest, a rugged Pacific coastline, glaciated mountain peaks, and old-growth forest. The loop route circles the peninsula via Highway 101, connecting the major landscapes and visitor areas into a cohesive two-day family itinerary.
The drive begins in Port Angeles, the main gateway to Olympic National Park. A 17-mile spur road climbs from sea level to Hurricane Ridge at 5,242 feet — a dramatic ascent through forest into subalpine meadows with close-up views of the Olympic Mountains. Olympic black-tailed deer graze in the meadows year-round and are extraordinarily tame around visitors.
Heading west along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and then south down the Pacific coast, the route enters Forks and the Hoh Rainforest — the wettest temperate rainforest in the contiguous United States, receiving up to 14 feet of rain per year. The Hall of Mosses trail is a half-mile walk through big-leaf maple draped in clubmoss that has become one of the most photographed landscapes in Washington.
The coast section includes Ruby Beach, Kalaloch, and a series of sea stack beaches accessible by short trails. Tidepools along this stretch support extraordinary density of marine life — starfish, anemones, hermit crabs, and sea urchins are all commonly visible.
Best time: June through September. Winter is wet and some facilities close. The Hurricane Ridge road may close in winter and on bad weather days — check park conditions before the spur drive.
Stops
Port Angeles, WA — Gateway
The main city on the Olympic Peninsula and the ferry connection to Victoria, British Columbia. Fuel up and stock provisions here — services inside the park are limited. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center on the edge of town has current road and trail conditions.
Hurricane Ridge
A 17-mile spur road climbs from Port Angeles to 5,242 feet through old-growth forest into subalpine meadows ringed by Olympic Mountain peaks. Olympic black-tailed deer graze beside the trails with no fear of humans. The ridge has short family-friendly trails with mountain views, a visitor center, and a snack bar. Snow sometimes lingers into June.
Hoh Rainforest — Hall of Mosses
The Hoh receives up to 14 feet of rain per year, producing a temperate rainforest unlike anything else in the contiguous US. The Hall of Mosses trail is a half-mile loop through big-leaf maple draped in hanging clubmoss — cathedral-like and deeply quiet. Roosevelt elk move through the Hoh Valley in herds of 30 to 60; they are often visible from the access road.
Ruby Beach
One of the most dramatic beaches on the Olympic coast — stacks of dark sea rock rise from the sand amid driftwood logs and tidal channels. A short trail leads down from the parking area. Tide pools at low tide reveal dense communities of sea stars, anemones, mussels, and hermit crabs. The sunset views from the beach are exceptional.
Kalaloch Lodge & Tidepools
The Kalaloch area has the most accessible Pacific tidepool habitat on the Olympic coast. The lodge (reservations months in advance) sits on the bluff above the beach. Beach 4, a short walk from the main road, has the park's best tidepooling — the low-tide zone exposes sea urchins, chitons, and ochre sea stars in their natural habitat.