A PacWesty Weekend in the Olympic Peninsula

Day 1: Bainbridge Island to Fort Worden

Begin your northwest adventure by picking up the van at the PacWesty Bainbridge Island hub. Quaint Bainbridge Island is a short 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, and provides a perfect launching point for all Olympic National Park experiences. PacWesty takes pride in our ever growing network of friends and partners on the Olympic Peninsula.

In partnership with our friends at Town & Country Markets, you can pre-provision your van and have your grocery shopping done in advance so you can hit the road to Olympic National Park in a fully stocked van. (Ask us about this unique add-on option once you’ve completed your booking.)

Kick your day off with a 35 minute drive towards the Hood Canal Bridge for a stop in Port Gamble, a 120-acre National Historic Landmark complete with picturesque, turn-of-the-century buildings. Be sure to Butcher and Baker for a locally sourced bite to eat and a great espresso.

Start your journey into the Olympic Peninsula by heading to Port Townsend, a quaint town steeped in maritime history and Victorian era appeal. If you’re a coffee fanatic like our crew, grab a coffee at Sunrise Coffee Company with a small town feel and a great cup of Joe. Grab some extra snacks and a picnic lunch at The Food Co-op and walk through downtown Port Townsend before heading to Fort Worden to set up camp and catch the sunset.

Be sure to make reservations at Fort Worden to ensure a campground spot, especially in the summer months. Select the beach campground for views of Admiralty Inlet or the Upper Forest Campground for a more wooded feel.

Day 2: FORT WORDEN TO FAIRHOLME

Head West into the Olympic Peninsula, stopping first at Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the nation. If the New Dungeness Lighthouse is your goal, walk 5.5 miles along the sand until you reach the very end of the spit.

After your exploration of Dungeness Spit, head to Lake Crescent for another quick hike to Devil’s Punchbowl (2.4-mile). End your lakeside adventures at Fairholme Campground on the west side of the lake. Campsites at Fairholme can typically be reserved online for the May - September months.

Alternatively, head to Crescent Beach & RV Park if you’re craving more ocean views along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

 
 

Day 3: FAIRHOLME to HOBUCK

Brew coffee in your french press and enjoy your morning cup of coffee at your lakeside campground before heading over to the picturesque Storm King Ranger Station, if you’d like to stretch your legs take a quick morning hike at Marymere Falls (1.9 miles).

As you head to the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States, Cape Flattery - stop at the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum to learn more about the lands you’ll be exploring, and grab lunch at a local eatery in Neah Bay on your way.

Explore the Cape Flattery trail (1.5 miles round trip) until you reach the observation deck. Look out onto the ocean lined with rugged sea stacks and magnificent views of the Cape Flattery Lighthouse.

End your adventurous day at Hobuck Beach Resort. This beachfront oasis is part of the Makah Tribe’s Reservation, so be sure to get a Makah Recreational Use Permit while enjoying this land.

Day 4: HOBUCK to BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

Stop at the Olympic Peninsula must-see – Hurricane Ridge and explore the 3.4-mile out-and-back Hurricane Hill trail for the ultimate views of the sweeping vistas of the Olympics and subalpine terrain.

After your morning hike, take a short drive to the seaside-meets-mountain town of Port Angeles for a bite to eat at New Day Eatery and a shopping stop at a local favorite, MOSS.

Complete your journey 1 hour 40 minute drive back to PacWesty Bainbridge Island Hub, where the warm welcome of your Adventure Coordinator awaits your arrival.

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A PacWesty Weekend in Southern California

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Our try at Vanlife: Fall in Washington State