The wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest is vast and expansive, especially on the Olympic Peninsula. The area has towering evergreens, moss-draped rainforests, alpine peaks, and coastal solitude. But you can explore many of the offerings without taking a week off work. With Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest side by side, it’s possible to sample the region’s most iconic landscapes in a single Saturday—with just enough time left over for a relaxing evening in a nearby town like Port Angeles.
Whether you’re driving in from Seattle, Tacoma, or Olympia, this 24-hour itinerary captures the essence of the peninsula for anyone making the most of a short but soul-refreshing getaway.
7:00 A.M. — Hit the Road Early
To maximize your day, leave before sunrise. From Seattle, you can either take the Bainbridge Island ferry (an experience in itself) or drive around the southern end of Puget Sound via Tacoma and Olympia. Both routes take about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Port Angeles — your base camp for the day. Fill your gas tank, pack your layers, and grab some road snacks; you’ll want to stay flexible, as weather can shift quickly in this wild corner of Washington.
10:00 A.M. — Begin with Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park)
Located just 17 miles south of Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, wildflower meadows, and deep green valleys. The drive itself winds upward through thick forest until you burst above the treeline. On clear days, you can see all the way to Canada across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Once at the top, choose from several trails. For a short and scenic hike, the Hurricane Hill Trail is a 3.2-mile round trip with sweeping vistas and a good chance of spotting deer or marmots. If time is tight, simply wander the ridge near the visitor center and soak up the views. Either way, you’ll start your day with a literal breath of fresh, high-altitude air.
12:00 P.M. — Picnic Lunch in the Forest
On your way back down from Hurricane Ridge, detour into Olympic National Forest for a more relaxed lunch stop. The Heart O’ the Hills area, located along Hurricane Ridge Road, offers picnic areas under tall trees and beside mossy trails. It’s a great place to experience the dense, lush atmosphere of the forest, which contrasts sharply with the alpine views you just left behind.
If you didn’t pack a lunch, consider heading into Port Angeles for a quick bite. Local spots like New Day Eatery or First Street Haven serve up fresh, hearty options that will refuel you for the afternoon.
1:30 P.M. — Choose Your Next Adventure: Lake Crescent or the Rainforest
Depending on your interests, now is the time to dive deeper into either the watery tranquility of Lake Crescent or the dripping green wonder of the Sol Duc Rainforest — both within a 45-minute drive west of Port Angeles.
Option 1: Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls
Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake framed by steep forested mountains, is a picture-perfect destination for those craving serenity and natural beauty. Rent a kayak at Lake Crescent Lodge, or simply stroll along the shoreline. The Marymere Falls Trail, a 1.8-mile round-trip hike through old-growth forest, leads to a stunning 90-foot waterfall. The entire area feels timeless, as though little has changed in a hundred years.
Option 2: Sol Duc Falls and the Rainforest
If you’re drawn to lush, mossy wonderlands, drive to the Sol Duc Valley within Olympic National Park. The Sol Duc Falls Trail is a short (1.6 miles round trip) but stunning journey that winds through a rainforest setting to a dramatic waterfall that spills into a narrow canyon. This part of the park is especially magical on misty days, when the forest seems to breathe with moisture and mystery.
4:00 P.M. — Coastal Golden Hour at Salt Creek or Ediz Hook
Begin making your way back toward Port Angeles and cap off your nature immersion with a sunset or golden hour stroll near the coast. Salt Creek Recreation Area, located just 20 minutes west of town, offers dramatic tide pools, coastal cliffs, and views of Crescent Bay and Vancouver Island. It’s technically part of the Clallam County park system, but it blends beautifully with the surrounding national forest land.
If you prefer something closer to town, Ediz Hook, a long, narrow spit extending into the harbor, provides a peaceful waterfront experience with panoramic views of Port Angeles, the Olympic Mountains, and the sea.
6:00 P.M. — Dinner in Port Angeles
After a full day of exploring, reward yourself with dinner in Port Angeles. This charming town has grown into a destination in its own right, with cozy restaurants and waterfront views.
- Next Door Gastropub: Known for its creative burgers, craft beer, and laid-back vibe.
- Bella Italia: A local Italian favorite, famously featured in the Twilight books.
- The Strait Slice Pizza Co.: Perfect for something quick and satisfying before a quiet night in.
Take a stroll around downtown afterward. Many shops and galleries stay open late on weekends, and you might catch live music or pop-up events depending on the season.
8:00 P.M. — Check In & Unwind
Book a stay at one of Port Angeles’s charming accommodations. Popular options include:
- Olympic Lodge: A cozy, lodge-style hotel with beautiful landscaping and mountain views.
- Airbnbs and Cabins: Many locals rent out unique spaces, from forest cottages to modern lofts.
After settling in, enjoy a nightcap, a book, or simply reflect on how much beauty you packed into one day. If you’re staying somewhere with a view, even better—the Olympic Peninsula stars are something to behold.
Sunday Morning — The Departure
Wake up refreshed and perhaps sneak in a short walk along the waterfront before hitting the road. Whether you’re heading back across the ferry or driving around the Sound, you’ll carry the quiet magic of the peninsula with you—a blend of alpine air, rainforest mist, and the soft crashing of waves.
Final Tips for Your 24-Hour Getaway
- Pack Layers: Weather can vary wildly between mountain, forest, and coast.
- Plan for Entrance Fees: Olympic National Park has a $30 per-vehicle entrance fee (valid for 7 days).
- Download Maps Offline: Cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the natural beauty so others can enjoy it too.
This itinerary was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology as the result of reader-submitted parameters and input. A member of the A Weekend In team has reviewed and edited the output for accuracy, clarity, and readability. However, it is still advisable to cross-reference the information before making definitive travel plans. Readers are encouraged to consider this content as a starting point for modifying and/or creating their own personalized itineraries using our free AI-Powered Travel Planner.
