Olympic Peninsula: Small-Group Day Trip & Scenic Ferry Ride

Summary

Seattle to Olympic Peninsula day trip with ferry, forest hikes and lakeside picnic

You’ll cross Puget Sound by ferry with your small group and guide before wandering through Olympic’s ancient forests and glacial lakes. Enjoy a local picnic lunch outside if weather allows, plenty of snacks along the way, and stories from someone who knows these trails by heart. Expect quiet moments under towering trees and views you’ll want to hold onto long after you’re back in Seattle.

What’s the experience like?

Steam rose from my coffee as the van rolled onto the Bainbridge ferry — I caught myself grinning at the skyline slipping away behind us. Our guide, Jamie (who somehow knew every tree by name), handed out pastries and pointed out where orcas sometimes show up in the Sound. I didn’t see any, but the air had that salty tang that wakes you up better than caffeine. The group was small enough that everyone got a window seat for the ride west. Somewhere past the floating bridge, moss started taking over everything in sight — even the road signs looked greener.

I still think about how quiet it got when we stepped into Olympic’s old growth forest. There’s this hush under those giant trees, like you’re walking into a cathedral made of cedar and fern. Jamie stopped to show us a nurse log covered in mushrooms — I tried to remember their names but gave up after “artist’s conk.” At Lake Crescent, we ate our picnic lunch by the water (local cheese and something called marionberry jam — not sure what berry that is, but it tasted like summer). Someone skipped stones while a bald eagle circled overhead. It felt like we’d wandered into someone else’s postcard.

If you’re lucky with weather, Hurricane Ridge is wild — clouds moving fast enough to make you dizzy, mountains showing up one minute and gone the next. We hiked just enough to feel our legs burn a little; snow in June surprised me (Jamie had extra gloves for anyone who forgot theirs). On the way back, everyone was quiet in that good way — tired but happy. Seattle’s skyline came back into view right at sunset, all orange and blue against the water. I didn’t expect to miss the moss so soon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Olympic National Park highlights

• Take ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island
• Drive across Hood Canal floating bridge
• Scenic drive toward Olympic National Park
• Visit Elwha River ecosystem (weather permitting)
• Enter Olympic National Park and observe nature
• Visit Lake Crescent and surrounding forest
• Nature walk to hidden waterfall
• Visit North Coast tidepools (weather permitting)
• Drive to Hurricane Ridge for views and trails
• Return ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle
• Drop off at original meeting point

Top questions

How long does this Olympic Peninsula day trip from Seattle take?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours including pickup and drop-off in downtown Seattle.

Is hotel pickup included for this Olympic day tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your downtown Seattle hotel or Airbnb is included.

What meals are provided on this small-group Olympic tour?

A seasonal local lunch is included along with coffee, tea, pastries in the morning, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day.

How many people are on each Olympic Peninsula group tour?

The group size is limited to 10 travelers per tour for a more personal experience.

Will we visit Hurricane Ridge on this day trip?

If weather and road conditions allow, Hurricane Ridge is included; otherwise your guide will choose another highlight in Olympic.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated for lunch?

Yes, let them know 48 hours before departure if you have dietary restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 10 years old for all travelers on this public group tour.

What should I wear for an Olympic Peninsula day trip?

Dress for changing weather; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Waterproof shoes are required November–April.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your downtown Seattle hotel or Airbnb, all transportation (including scenic ferry rides), entry fees to Olympic Park areas visited that day, guided hikes or snowshoe treks tailored to your group’s ability level, morning coffee with pastries, plenty of snacks and drinks throughout the journey, plus a seasonal local picnic lunch outdoors when possible before returning you safely back to Seattle in the evening.