Olympic Peninsula Tour: Ferry, Rain Forests & Coastal Beaches

Summary

Explore Crescent Lake, Sol Duc Valley & Hurricane Ridge

You’ll ride ferries, walk mossy trails, hunt for sea creatures in tide pools, and see glacier lakes—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story worth hearing.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off with a ferry ride over Puget Sound—Seattle’s skyline behind us, Mt. Rainier peeking out from the clouds. The wind was sharp but fresh, and you could smell salt in the air. We passed the world’s longest saltwater floating bridge; honestly, I’d never realized how quiet the water could be this early in the morning.

Breakfast was in Sequim. Locals swear by Oak Table Cafe for their pancakes, but we went with Black Bear Diner—coffee was strong and the place had that small-town buzz. Lavender fields lined the road out of town; even in spring you catch a hint of it drifting through an open window.

Our guide, Jamie, knew every twist of the Sol Duc Valley. We stopped at Salmon Cascades—heard the rush of water before we saw it—and took an optional hike to Sol Duc Falls. The trail wound through old-growth forest thick with moss and ferns. It felt like walking into another world; shoes got muddy but nobody cared.

Next up: Salt Creek Park on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Tide pools were full of tiny crabs and starfish—kids nearby squealed every time they found something new. If you hit it at low tide, there’s so much to see tucked between sea stacks and driftwood.

Crescent Lake was glassy and clear enough to spot logs resting on the bottom. Tall trees leaned over the trails; everything smelled damp and earthy. It’s quiet here except for birds or maybe a distant kayak paddle hitting the water.

Hurricane Ridge is where you really get those wide-open mountain views. There’s a gift shop (grab a sticker or two), some food if you’re hungry again, and sometimes deer wander right up to the parking lot. We lucked out with clear skies—the Olympic Mountains looked close enough to touch.

The last stop was Port Angeles—a working town but also your main gateway into Olympic National Park. We wandered along the waterfront for a bit before heading back, tired but happy we’d squeezed so much into one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Olympic Peninsula Highlights

• Ferry ride with Seattle waterfront and Mt. Rainier views
• Pass by longest floating bridge in saltwater
• Breakfast stop at Sequim Lavender Farms
• Visit Salmon Cascades and old growth forest, optional Sol Duc Falls hike
• Explore sea-stack rock formations and tide pools
• Hiking and wildlife viewing at Olympic Mountains viewpoint
• Pass by Port Angeles city
• Visit glacier-carved Crescent Lake

Top questions

How long does this Olympic Peninsula tour take?

The full tour usually lasts all day—including travel time—but exact timing depends on weather and tides.

Is breakfast included?

Nope—breakfast isn’t included but there are stops at local spots like Black Bear Diner or Oak Table Cafe where you can grab something tasty.

Are there any difficult hikes?

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is optional and not too tough—just bring sturdy shoes since it can get muddy.

What should I bring?

I’d suggest layers (weather changes fast), comfortable shoes for walking, maybe a rain jacket just in case—it’s Washington after all!

What’s included

Your private ride comes with bottled water, WiFi onboard (handy for sharing photos), comfy seats with AC—and our guide takes care of all driving so you can just enjoy the views.