Uncover a Hidden Gem: A Family's Guide to the Olympic Peninsula
This week Ashley Daley joins us to discuss why your family needs to visit the Olympic Peninsula! You’ll want to add this beautiful National Park to your bucket list!
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I haven’t personally been to the Olympic Peninsula, but I definitely want to visit. It sounds so magical and beautiful! The peninsula is made up of Olympic National Park.
Here is the basic information you need to know about visiting the Olympic Peninsula!
Where is the Olympic Peninsula?
The Olympic Peninsula is the most Northwestern section of Washington.
Olympic National Park takes up this area. It’s special because it’s protected land with various animals and plants.
How to get there
If you are traveling from out of state, you’ll likely fly into or drive near Seattle. Depending on where you are going on the peninsula, the drive times vary.
To get to the western coastal area is about a 3 hour drive from Seattle.
If you’re only visiting the northern part of the peninsula it’s about an hour drive. There are also ferry options from Seattle.
You can also fly into Portland and drive north!
You will need a car to get around the Olympic Peninsula. There isn’t really public transportation and everything is pretty spread out.
Where to stay
Ashley’s family loves to camp when visiting the Olympic Peninsula.
If you want to camp, you’ll need to make campground reservations about 6 months in advance.
There are a few first-come, first-serve spots, but they fill up super fast.
There are also options to park RVs with reservations.
If camping isn’t your thing, there is a lodge available. You can stay in the actual lodge or in cabins.
There are multiple lodges throughout the National Park!
Book these ahead of time!
Besides lodges and camping, there isn’t another option as this is a more remote location. (Unless you stay outside of the National Park.)
You could stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Forks, WA. However, it’s about an hour from all the destinations!
Port Angeles also has some hotels and is also outside of the park.
Understanding Olympic National Park
Know that Olympic is a huge National Park. You will need at least a few days to see everything.
You will probably want to think of visiting Olympic National Park as a road trip and want to stay in different locations each night.
There is the most to do on the west coast of the Park. You might want to stay a couple of nights here.
Best things to see and do in the Park
Ashley’s family loves to camp at Kalaloch Beach campgrounds every year.
Easy access to sandy beach
Driftwood to play on
Tree of Life (huge tree with roots hanging down)
Ruby Beach
Beautiful tide pools and haystacks
Amazing views
Beach Four
Not very busy -- secluded!
Tide pools
Hoh Rainforest
One of the wettest places in the continental U.S.! It is so lush and green.
Moss hangs from the trees and is so magical.
Crescent Lake
This lake is in the north end of the park and is so pretty.
Hike to Cape Flattery
Do the Junior Ranger Program with your kids
Weather
Ashley suggests visiting from late spring to the end of summer to get the best weather.
Washington does get a lot of rain, so be prepared for rain.
Expect foggy mornings.
Be sure to pack layers! Bring base layers, sweaters, and jackets to be prepared for different weather.
Ashley’s kids wear Crocs to play in the water.
Food to expect
Since the Park is pretty remote, you’ll probably need to bring most of your food.
There are small markets near the campgrounds to grab some items, but not a ton.
If you drive into Forks, there will be a few restaurants and grocery stores.
Port Angeles is just north of the Park and has tons of restaurants and grocery stores.
On your drive from Seattle or Olympia, you might pass fish and chips stands! These are delicious.
Camping with kids tips
Ashley’s family has been camping for about 5-6 years with little kids.
Camping with little kids can seem super daunting, but it’s easier than you’d think once you start doing it.
Get good gear! Check out REI’s “garage sale” for discounts. Costco also sells fair-priced camping gear.
Make sure that everyone has a warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow.
Involve your kids! Let them help set up the tent, cook food, and build fires.
Just try it out! Maybe your family will love it!
Get in touch with Ashley Daley!