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Rainforest Road Trip – Olympic Peninsula

Rainforest Road Trip – Olympic Peninsula

Port Angeles Sol Duc Falls Forks Kalaloch Beach
Trip length3-6 days
Route distance104 mi
Stops4
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

Located in the northwest of Washington State, Olympic National Park is a place of tremendous natural diversity and breathtaking beauty with over 922,651 acres of protected rain forest and three distinct ecosystems. The Olympic Peninsula is a rugged, magical place that is one of the most diverse and alluring of all the protected spaces in the United States. With its remarkable range of elevation, rainforests, ecosystems, snow-capped mountains, old-growth, temperate rainforests, coastline, glaciers, and nearly a million acres of wilderness, there is something for every type of RVer to explore. Olympic National Park is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve for reasons you will better understand on this trip!

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest cover over 90% of the peninsula. Private towns are dotted along the coast of the peninsula and follow along Highway 101, which circumvents the peninsula for about 350 miles. Unlike many national parks, Olympic has no through roads – just roads to specific areas mostly from Highway 101. Most of the park is federally-designated wilderness where motorized traffic is prohibited. There are very few roads traversing the inner part of the peninsula, which is mostly accessible only by hiking. We recommend staying in Port Angeles or in one of the nine RV-friendly campgrounds inside the park and possibly visiting stops listed in this trip as day trips.

Summer is the busy season but Fall and Spring are also great seasons to visit.

Who will love this trip
Anyone and everyone who loves to see the diversity of nature in one single trip. From lazy days by the water to active days of intense hiking to spectacular beaches, this Olympic Peninsula road trip caters to those who crave natural beauty no matter how you choose to experience it.

Trip tips

  • Drop By the Visitor Center: The visitor center is an essential stop before exploring Olympic National Park to learn about trail difficulty, key areas of interest, and many other details.

  • Protect Wildlife: If you encounter wildlife, stay 50 yards away, never feed animals, and store your food in a locked, concealed container.

  • Watch for High Tides: Some coastal beaches and trails are only passable during low tides. If you plan to hike, check tide predictions, purchase a tide chart, and buy a topographic map.

  • Roam Remotely: Outside main cities, internet service is spotty, so get the National Park Service app and download maps, documents and other info you’ll need in remote park areas.

  • Bring Your 4WD: Many park roads are dirt or gravel, or have numerous potholes, so drive slowly and safely. Having a vehicle with 4WD is recommended.

  • Plan for Hot & Cold: Bring rain clothes, no matter the forecast—rain falls constantly here year round. While hiking in this diverse landscape, you may start on a warm beach and end on a mountaintop, so bring clothing for a variety of temperatures.

  • Expect the Unexpected: Conditions of trails, roads, and campgrounds can change rapidly, so make sure to check current park conditions on the Olympic National Park website.

Your route

Route map: Rainforest Road Trip – Olympic Peninsula
1Port Angeles2Sol Duc Falls3Forks4Kalaloch Beach
1
Stop 1 1-2 day stay

Port Angeles, WA

Port Angeles, WA

Located just outside the Olympic National Park along the northern coast, the quiet waterside town of Port Angeles is the largest town on the Olympic Peninsula and is a good home base or starting point during your time exploring Olympic National Park. From here, you can also take a passenger ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, for a fun day trip.

Top things to do

The northern section of the Olympic Peninsula offers much for the RV adventurer. Here are a few of the most popular things to see and do in Port Angeles:

1
Hurricane Ridge Scenic DriveThis very popular scenic drive is one of the most stunning and RV accessible drives in the park. The route to the top is an 18-mile winding and ascending drive that takes you through dense forests and alpine ice-covered peaks. Enjoy unbelievable interior views of the Olympic Mountains and the Straights of Juan de Fuca as you make your way to the grand prize, the vista point of Hurricane Ridge. Explore the visitors center and hike several trails of varying difficulty.
2
Lake CrescentThis sapphire-colored lake is the perfect destination for those who want to sit back, relax and take in Olympic National Park’s epic beauty without getting sweaty. There are numerous picnic areas around the lake (Fairholme, La Poel and Bovee’s Meadow are just a few) as well as a number of docks for you to sit on and kick back. If you’re looking for lake activity, fear not! You can canoe, kayak, and sail on the bluest of blue lakes.
3
Take a Ferry to Victoria, B.C.Enjoy the charm of Victoria, British Columbia, for a great day trip aboard a passenger ferry.
4
Shopping in Port AngelesThere are plenty of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind local shops, and antique shopping in downtown Port Angeles.
5
Dining in Port AngelesWith fresh seafood, farm-to-table experiences, chic wineries, and hip brew pubs, Port Angeles’ culinary scene should not be overlooked while you are exploring Olympic National Park.

Port Angeles, WA activities

BeachesKayaking, Canoeing, & PaddlingHikingBikingWatersportsDiningShopping

RV campgrounds near Port Angeles, WA

We recommend staying in Port Angeles or in one of the nine RV-friendly campgrounds inside the park. Most of the in-park campgrounds have size limits (21’-35’ feet depending on the campground). Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Hoh Rain Forest, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Log Cabin Resort campgrounds accept reservations. Heart O’ the Hills, Staircase and South Beach campgrounds are all on a first-come, first-served basis. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for your road trip to Port Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula, and Olympic National Park!

Next stop: Sol Duc Falls
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

Sol Duc Falls, WA

Sol Duc Falls, WA

As you head west into Olympic National Park, the scenery becomes greener and lusher. Sol Duc Falls Hot Springs and Resort consists of three hot mineral pools, a swimming pool, restaurant, poolside deli, gift shop, RV park, and modest cabins. It opens for the season in late March. In winter, the Sol Duc River Road can close because of snowfall, so check online before you head this way. From Sol Duc, there are plenty of hiking trails, nature walks and scenic drives.

Top things to do

Here are some popular things to do in the area:

1
Mineral Spring BathsTake a healing soak in the natural mineral springs at the Sol Duc Falls Hot Springs Resort RV Park and Campground. They offer massages if you are sore from hiking or driving!
2
HikingSeveral trails are available in this area, but the easy trail to Sol Duc Falls starts just past Soll Duc Hot Springs and Resort. At 0.8 mile the falls come into view.
3
Marymere FallsThis 90-foot waterfall is one of the most popular landmarks in Olympic National Park. The meandering trail to the falls is easy and peppered with beautiful old growth.
4
Lover’s Lane LoopThis 6-mile loop connects the resort and Sol Duc Falls. The trail starts at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and follows the river upstream, through lush forests of Douglas Fir and Hemlock, before crossing the footbridge at the falls, and looping back to the resort.
5
Hiking the Remote Inland WildernessThere are also some longer day hikes to remote alpine lakes, like Mink Lake (5 miles roundtrip from the resort) and Deer Lake (8 miles roundtrip from the Sol Duc Trailhead). These should only be attempted by more experienced hikers with adequate food, water, and equipment.
6
Olympic Loop Birding TrailThis trail features more than 200 of Washington State’s 346 known bird species. Begin at the Nisqually River Delta in south Puget Sound and end at Cape Flattery in the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula, tracing the route of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Sol Duc Falls, WA activities

HikingScenic DrivesBirdwatchingHot Springs

RV campgrounds near Sol Duc Falls, WA

There are several in-park camping options if you wish to stay in the Sol Duc area. Sol Duc Falls Campground is located next to the Sol Duc Falls Resort of the same name, with 17 RV sites on a gravel lot. Access to the hot springs and pool is not included; a separate ticket is needed and can be purchased at the front desk of the Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort. Nearby Fairholme Campground features 88 RV sites suitable for campers up to 21 feet. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground for your road trip to Sol Duc Falls and Olympic National Park!

Next stop: Forks
3
Stop 3 1-2 day stay

Forks, WA

Forks, WA

Our journey continues along Highway 101 as we round the corner and head down the western part of the peninsula. We recommend you stop and/or stay in the town of Forks as you explore the park. Forks is a charming village and the fictional setting of the popular Twilight book and movie series. The town takes full advantage of this notoriety, selling souvenirs and offering tours to popular filming locations. There is even a Forever Twilight in Forks Festival in September. Its other claim to fame is that it Is the rainiest town in the lower 48 states. Bring rain gear!

Top things to do

Here are some fun things to do in and near the Forks, Washington, area:

1
Hoh RainforestThis is one of the most popular places to visit in the park. The Hoh Rainforest is the largest temperate rainforest in the United States. Its hiking trails are riddled with old-growth, lush flora, and a low hum of the Sol Duc River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the unique ecosystem and allow your senses to take in the overload of greenery. The trails are accessible to folks of all ages.
2
Twilight TourFor all things Twilight, consider a self-guided tour of key filming locations. The Forks Chamber of Commerce offers a free five-day Twilight tour guide. There are several private tours available as well.
3
Logging & Mill TourConsider taking a tour to learn about logging and milling wood. The tours start at the Forks Visitor Center.
4
John’s Beachcombing MuseumThis charming museum is a great place to go for all things beachy. The museum has been collecting items from local beaches and beyond since 1976. It’s one of the more unique attractions in the area.
5
Neah BayExplore pristine beaches and the rainforests on the northwestern tip of Olympic Peninsula at Neah Bay, home to the Makah tribe. An estimated 1,500 Makah people live in and around Neah Bay today. You can learn about Makah traditions and history at The Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum.
6
Rialto BeachHike the 2-mile Hole-in-the-Wall trail from Rialto Beach. Begin at the Rialto Beach parking area and watch for whales, sea lions, and otters offshore, while a variety of sea birds hover overhead. Depending on the time of year, you may have to get your feet wet as you cross Ellen Creek.
7
La PushOne of several Native American beachside locations that is adjacent to Olympic National Park land. The Quileute tribe has an oceanfront lodge and two RV campgrounds here. The views at nearby Rialto Beach (accessible via parkland) are beautiful as well. The fishing here is excellent.
8
Lake QuinaultOne of several large lowland lakes offering many fishing and watersport activities.

Forks, WA activities

HikingSwimmingMuseumsBeachesFishingWatersportsMuseums*Twilight* Tours

RV campgrounds near Forks, WA

Consider staying at Hoh Campground which is on a first-come, first-served basis. Another option is the Quilette Oceanside Resort with 66 RV sites. Private campgrounds are available outside the Park. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campground for exploring the town of Forks and Olympic National Park!

Next stop: Kalaloch Beach
4
Stop 4 1-2 day stay

Kalaloch Beach, WA

Kalaloch Beach, WA

Arguably the most visited section of Olympic National Park, with a wide variety of activities, the Kalaloch Beach area on the western coast of the peninsula offers a plethora of unique scenic opportunities and water-centric adventures. The area is teeming with marine and animal life and is home to three national marine wildlife refuges and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Top things to do

Kalaloch Beach is a popular area and here are some fun activities to consider:

1
Ruby BeachJust south of where the Hoh River meets the Pacific Ocean, this beach offers several miles of maritime exploration, with unique rock formations. During low tide, starfish, crabs, and other sea life come into full view.
2
Hiking the Southern CoastThe Olympic Peninsula provides some amazing sights of pristine beaches and marine wildlife. North of Ruby Beach, the Hoh River creates a natural boundary.
3
Bird WatchingKalaloch is a great place for bird watching. Western gulls, bald eagles, and other coastal birds can be spotted nesting and feeding along the southern coast.
4
Exploring TidepoolsBeach Four is an excellent location to look for sea stars and anemones of various colors in tidepools. When hiking the coast, always check the tide tables for safety. Low tide is the best time to see tidepool treasures.
5
Third Beach HikingThis moderate trail meanders through coastal forest with a 200-foot descent to the beach.
6
Second BeachIs a stunning natural space that is special for a number of reasons. It offers easy RV parking, accessibility (a mere 0.7-mile trail to the ocean), unique sea stacks, and bird watching opportunities!
7
The Tree of Life a/k/a Tree Root CaveSee the 1,000-year-old Sitka Spruce located on the beach near Kalaloch Lodge. It is an anomaly since its roots are above ground, and the entire tree seems to hover over the ground, with a small cave underneath.

Kalaloch Beach, WA activities

Tide PoolsHikingBoatingCanoeing, Kayaking, & PaddlingBeachesBirdwatching

RV campgrounds near Kalaloch Beach, WA

The only RV camgrounds are located in the park. Kalaloch Campground is a stunning place to camp. It is one of the few Olympic National Park campgrounds that can accommodate larger rigs. The campground sits 40 feet above the Pacific Ocean and has stairs to the beach. If you are not able to book here, consider heading south to Quinault with several private campgrounds. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campground to explore Kalaloch Beach and Olympic National Park!

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