You can make Seattle to Olympic National Park in about 2.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 120 miles on WA-104 and US-101, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Seattle
Aim to clear Seattle before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 29 miles to Kingston.
The headline stop on this route is Hurricane Ridge. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Kingston, the last stretch
Kingston sits about 29 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Lake Crescent is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Rolling into Olympic National Park
The final 91 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Hoh Rain Forest detour; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent and Hoh Rain Forest detour, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Port Angeles, WA is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along WA-104 and US-101 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
