In nearby Seattle, a visit...
In nearby Seattle, a visit to the Space Needle is worth the trip.
Winters bring a fair amount of snow to the upper elevations, and summers can range from warm and steamy to windy and cold. When visiting Olympic National Park, it's a good idea to prepare for all types of weather—because very often that's exactly what you'll experience. The park is extremely popular in summer months, with campgrounds filling up early and the hiking trails teeming with eager tourists.
Camping opportunities, from full hookups to primitive sites, abound in and around the park. Within a short drive you can find unlimited things to do. We recommend logging onto the park's website (www.nps.gov/olym) or calling (360) 565-3130. Other excellent sources are the North Olympic Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau (www.olympicpeninsula.org), the Friends of Olympic National Park (www.friendsonp.org), and the Washington State Tourism office (www.experiencewa.com).
Our time in Washington State was nothing short of amazing, and we'll certainly return to get a new look at everything we missed the first time around.
What's Nearby
Less than an hour's drive from Olympic National Park is plenty to do. Just southeast (50-125 miles) is Seattle, with a whole new set of attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Safeco Field, an aquarium, art museums, and world-class restaurants.
Just a ferry ride away are a number of islands in the Puget Sound, including the San Juan Islands, the Whidbey and Camano Islands, and Blake Island.
Victoria, British Columbia, is a short trip to the North. The Hood Canal region is a quick drive to the East of Olympic National Park and boasts scenic vistas, teeming wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Such quaint towns as Hoodsport, Belfair, Allyn, Lilliwaup, and Union all await your pleasure.
Farther is Tacoma, the suburbs of Seattle, Mount Ranier, and Cascades National Park. The Olympic Peninsula and the surrounding area are a traveler’s dream, with enough intrigue to satisfy even the most jaded RVer.
Where To Stay
Most campsites within the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees for non-hookup sites vary, usually from $10 to $18, and some campgrounds are open year-round. Hookup sites are very limited within the park, but several lodges offer comfortable rooms and full amenities.
Outside the park are a number of campgrounds for RVs, especially near the towns of Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and Forks. During our visit we stayed at the Shadow Mountain RV Park, just a few miles west of Port Angeles. This park is fairly typical of RV parks in the area, with 40 full hookup sites, fire rings, picnic tables, hot showers, a Laundromat, and a general store/snack bar. Our site had a view overlooking the 4,000-foot mountains of Storm King and Mount Baldy.
The towns of Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and Fork offer everything for the traveler: hotels/motels, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, service stations, and auto repair.
We walked the sandy, driftwood-covered...
We walked the sandy, driftwood-covered stretches of Ruby Beach.