Can You Do the Olympic Peninsula Loop in One Day?
Exploring the Olympic Peninsula is like nothing else; the varying terrain of rain forests, beaches and mountains offers a unique diversity that draws many people to the Pacific Northwest. Last weekend was beautiful so we had to get out and explore, but would it be possible to do an Olympic Peninsula loop in one day? We wanted to find out.
Olympic Peninsula Loop Route Overview (Highway 101)
Our plan was simple – stay mostly on Highway 101, and drive until we saw something we wanted to stop for, focusing on places we hadn’t been before. Highway 101 winds through both the Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest, as well as tribal lands with sovereign nations, with no official entrances or stops. Our loop was 395 miles.
We did not need permits or anything special for any of the areas that we went, but if you plan on visiting longer, you may. Please check out these websites below for details:
National Park:
National Forest:
Tribal Lands:
- Quileute Reservation (La Push)
- Quinault Indian Nation (Lake Quinault area)
- Hoh Reservation (drive through near Hoh River)
Total Drive Time and What to Expect
7:30 am – Got an early start (from Gig Harbor – Highway 6 to Highway 3) and headed up to the Hood Canal Bridge (Highway 104), connecting to Highway 101 shortly after. We rolled past some favorite towns, Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles, and continued through the forested roads.
Lake Crescent
9:40am – Arrived at Lake Crescent, with one stop at Skallalum Tribe scenic stop and convenience store for a bathroom break. It’s right off the highway, easy to make a quick stop here and explore as long as you’d like. We explored the area for about a half an hour.
La Push
10:50am – Arrived at La Push First Beach. We had planned on staying on the 101, but our daughters were Twilight fans, so when we passed the turn for Highway 110 to La Push beach (werewolf territory in the story), we knew we had to turn around and check it out. It was about 12 miles off the 101. Overall, this “detour” took just over an hour and was so worth it!
Kalaloch Beach
12:50pm – Arrived at the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach. We walked down to the beach, took pictures and soaked it in for maybe 20 minutes.
1:10pm – Arrived at Kalaloch Lodge. We mostly explored the lodge, checked out the restaurant and gift shop. We spent about 25 minutes here. The menu looked great, and the views from the restaurant were spectacular. It would make a great lunch stop! It wasn’t too busy, but this was mid-April, so not peak season.
Lake Quinault
2:10pm – Arrived at the Lake Quinault Lodge. Absolutely gorgeous! The most impressive of the 3 lodges for sure. We explored the lodge, lake and found the World’s Biggest Spruce Tree. I really want to come back here and explore the area more.
3:10pm – We headed for home at Aberdeen and were back by dinner.
Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park
Highway 101 runs right alongside Lake Crescent, so you can’t miss it. The atmosphere noticeably changed as Lake Crescent came into sight. The temperature dropped, the air felt a bit heavier, with a chilly humidity, and everywhere you looked, moss loaded down the trees. The deep, glacier-carved lake is stunning, with crystal clear water, surrounded mountains. The area has hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and, of course, the Lake Crescent Lodge and cabins. Check out the video for a little look around – listen to the birds! The setting is stunning. Pro tip: If you have more time, the Marymere Falls trail is an easy 1.5-mile round trip.
The Lake Crescent Lodge and cabins line the shore, and make for a fun stop (shown in the video). They are officially open from spring until early fall, but you can visit and explore the property any time. Visit the Olympic National Park website for more details.
Go here Lake Crescent map and trails details.
La Push First Beach – The Stop that Almost Wasn’t
Heading back along Highway 101, we passed a sign directing to La Push beach – about 12 miles off 101. We made the spur of the moment decision to take that turn; sometimes it’s those impulsive stops that become the most memorable. Hopefully in a good way!
Passing La Push Third and Second beaches, the trails were already pretty busy with hikers and mountain bikers. Continuing on a few more miles, arriving at La Push First Beach was breathtaking! There are essentially two sides to the beach, the right side of the jetty is the waterway from the ocean to Quileutte Marina, a small harbor. The left side, a long sandy beach with driftwood logs and great surf. See video. There is also Rialto beach to the north that looks awesome, it’s not accessible from La Push First Beach, you take a different road in.
First Beach is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation; Second and Third Beaches just to the south are located within Olympic National Park and are part of the Olympic Wilderness Coast. Here are links to the area map and info on where to stay – there are cabins, RV and camping spots right along the beach front. We can’t wait to return and explore this area more!
Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach
One of the most iconic and beloved landmarks on the Olympic coast is the Tree of Life. The Sitka Spruce is suspended between two sides of a crevice in the side of the beach cliff. Time and tide have taken their toll, and the Tree of Life has fallen a bit, but it remains a very popular spot. To find it, park at the Kalaloch campground and take the stairs down to the beach. The Tree of Life can be found a little down the beach to the right. It’s a pretty popular spot, and you’ll see other visitors taking pictures.
Kalaloch Lodge and Cabins
Just down the road from the Tree of Life and Kalaloch campgrounds is the beloved Kalaloch Lodge. Located on a bluff above the beach, the lodge has a nice gift shop and restaurant with fabulous views. There is public parking, if you want to have lunch, buy a trip souvenir and walk the beach.
Lake Quinault Lodge and The World’s Biggest Spruce Tree
Our last stop on our whirlwind Olympic Peninsula in a One Day road trip quest was Lake Quinault. We almost missed the turn off for it! The lodge is impressive, wrapped in the peace of the lake and stunning views, and filled with a majestic history. Built in 1926, overall it took 45 people 53 days to build it. That’s absolutely crazy to consider.
It has 92 rooms (some with fireplaces) and amenities like an indoor pool and sauna, full dining room (currently closed for repairs), lounge and gift shop. Not to mention hiking, fishing, canoe and paddle boarding. There’s a general store and a couple of restaurants right down the road.
When I posted about Lake Quinault Lodge on social media, several friends reached out telling me stories of staying there with their families, or their parents honeymooning there. All with happy memories. We’d love to come back and stay, maybe on our next anniversary! 🙂
Here are details on the Lake Quinault Lodge.
Lake Quinault – World’s Largest Sitka Spruce Tree
As we drove a bit past the lodge, we passed the this sign and had to find out more. There was parking right there alongside the road, we jumped out and headed down the trail. As we walked, we talked about which tree it might be. We weren’t sure what we were looking for until we crossed a little bridge and saw this magnificent tree. Watch the video below – wait for the end!
The World’s Largest Sitka Spruce Tree with a circumference of 58 feet, 11 inches, diameter of 18 feet, 9 inches and 191 feet tall. We didn’t miss it. It was a short, easy hike, and definitely worth the stop.
Best Stops on the Olympic Peninsula Loop
We really enjoyed all of the stops, and our goal was just to see what the Olympic Peninsula Highway 101 loop looked like. Her are a few thoughts on what we saw, and what we missed.
Lake Crescent
Such an easy, beautiful stop with lots to do, it’s a no-brainer. It’s absolutely stunning, with swimming, canoes for rent, bike trails and several short hikes in the area. Have a lunch packed or get snacks at the Crescent Lake Lodge Shoreline Kitchen, or stay for lunch in the dining room. Open seasonally, check the website for details.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
We didn’t make this stop because we’d been in the past and we were also trying to stay on the 101, but it’s just 20 minutes off the highway right after Lake Crescent. It’s a really popular stop, with a resort, campgrounds and hiking. We’ll post more about it on our next visit, here’s the website.
La Push
About 20 minutes off Highway 101, there are 3 La Push beaches. Trails take you to La Push Third Beach (1.4 miles one way) and La Push Second Beach (.7 miles one way), with small parking lots and road-side parking. They were really busy when we drove by, but you can camp on the beach and it’s really incredible, so we’ll be back!
La Push First Beach is right in town on the Quileute Indian Reservation. There’s larger parking lot, with a couple of restaurants and a convenience store nearby. It’s a popular surf spot and great for beach combing. We really loved it there and would like to spend more time.
Rialto Beach
Across the river from La Push, Rialto Beach looks amazing – camping, hiking trails and of course, the beach. We have yet to explore this area, but we will!
Ruby Beach
Highway 101 west hits the ocean at Ruby Beach and continues ocean front to Kalaloch and beyond the South Beach Campground to Queets, with pull offs for parking all along the way. Ruby Beach has sea stacks and tide pools, and apparently the sand has a red cast, which is how it got it’s name. We did not stop here, but it looks like a fun place to explore.
Tree of Life at Kalaloch
This massive Sitka spruce is literally hanging on by its roots over a cave eroded by the ocean and a little stream. The Tree of Life has been defying gravity for decades. Super short walk from the campground parking lot, take the stairs down to the beach and you’re right under it. Feels magical and a little fragile at the same time.
Kalaloch Lodge and Cabins
Built almost 100 years ago using driftwood logs (!), the Kalaloch Lodge is a Pacific Northwest favorite. Located right on the beach, it’s worth the stop for the views alone. Be sure to checkout the restaurant and gift shop.
Lake Quinault Lodge
The lodge embodies everything you think about in a 100 year old lodge. Built on the lake, the structure is massive, with open beams and wood paneling, a roaring fire and photos documenting it’s past.
There are several short hiking trails around the lake. There is a ranger station, as part of the Olympic National Forest, check out their website for more information.
Tips for Driving the Olympic Peninsula in One Day
Don’t try to do it all. I heard from people who had driven the loop and felt rushed to get it all done. This is your trip to make what you want of it. Set your expectations, but allow for adjustments where needed to fully enjoy it.
If you’re taking the ferry, make sure you know the schedule and get reservations.
Is the Olympic Peninsula Worth It in One Day?
100% yes! We live in the most beautiful region, with overall such a variety of terrain, it’s a gift to be able to get out and explore it. Hopefully our experience can give your some inspiration to plan your own trip!
