Going along the Olympic Peninsula can be intimidating, as you’ll encounter massive beach rocks and big oak trees that are 10 times the size of you. Being in Olympic National Park is a good way to immerse yourself in what Washington State is all about. This article will show you how to get up and around the emerald, green-filled forests and beaches of Olympic National Park.
First off, be prepared for the drive. If you’re not a road-trip person, then this may not be for you. The drive is a staggering 4 hours, which is not too long but still long enough to become boring. One place I recommend stopping by on the way is Port Townsend. The little town has many antique and vintage shops and cool buildings. Not to mention the tiny coffee shop, Better Living Through Coffee, which overhangs the shore. I got the salted caramel latte, which was pretty good. They also have a big array of complex and interesting choices of coffee that you can choose from based on your taste.
The drive from Port Townsend to Cape Flattery is still about 3 hours, so put on your favorite album and enjoy the ride. Once you’ve arrived at Neah Bay, you’re about 16 minutes away from Cape Flattery, and all you need is a recreational permit to access the trail. You can acquire this permit at their local gas station called Makah Mini Mart. Now you’re all set to go to the most northwestern tip of Washington State and watch as the ocean waves crash against the hillsides.
If you plan to stay in the Olympic Peninsula for more than one day, a good place to stay is the Kalaloch Lodge. It has small but neat cabins that can house up to four people. Not to mention the view you get with the cabins. The cabins overlook the relaxing Pacific Ocean and give you a great view.
One other landmark that is near the Kalaloch Lodges is Ruby Beach. Ruby Beach is a short 11-minute drive. Ruby Beach is probably one of the prettiest places I’ve been to. Altogether, Olympic National Park gives many chances to explore the vast forest. Depending on what kinds of hikes you like, Olympic National Park gives you hikes from beginner to advanced. A good hike for beginners is the Marymere Falls Trail. It’s only about 1.7 miles and is great for people who don’t enjoy the harsh walking of hiking. But if you enjoy a tougher hike, Barnes Creek is an intense 17.9-mile round-trip hike, and only about half of it is maintained, so be careful.