Olympic Peninsula, WA

[pdq_bc]

Hi
we are considering a tour around the Olympic Peninsula (WA) and wonder if anyone here has already done this?

Always interested in learning other people's experiences:
- the must sees
- best RV places for motorhomes
- things to watch out for....

Thanks!
pdq

[JazzZen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdq_bc Hi we are considering a tour around the Olympic Peninsula (WA) and wonder if anyone here has already done this? Always interested in learning other people's experiences: - the must sees - best RV places for motorhomes - things to watch out for.... Thanks! pdq

I haven't done it in my RV yet, but I love that part of Washington. Must see's are Port Townsend and Fort Worden, Horseshoe Lake, Staircase, Kalaloch, Quinalt rain forest. I haven't been there in a while, but there used to be (and hope there still is) a wonderful little country store in Hoodsport. Sells local arts and crafts along with staple foods. From what I remember, hwy 101 is full of RV parks. There are some roads that are twisty, but nothing to avoid - just watch the signs.
Have a great time. It's beautiful country. Wish I could be more specific help.

[zagguy]

The trip down the Washington Coast is awesome. The Hoh Rainforest is like a trip back to prehistoric time. On the peninsula we like to stay at the top in Ocean Park. The Ocean Park Resort is where we like to stay. It is an older park but the staff is friendly, quiet,lots of trees and full hookups for $25 per night. If you have a 4 wheel drive there is great access to the ocean beach and you can drive from the top almost to the bottom. (Don't try it with a two wheel drive or any kind of rv!!) Great surf fishing, clamming and ocean scenery. You can make a side trip down the Oregon Coast from here easy in a day...have fun!

[Flossy]

Lots of things to see and do on the peninsula. Sequim is a nice town along the way. Dosewalips park on the Hood Canal is very nice and down along the canal you can pick oysters and dig clams or buy them very reasonably. I would suggent websites like: Welcome to the Olympic Peninsula! | Olympic Peninsula to start. Rialto Beach up near La Push is beautiful.

[pdq_bc]

thanks everyone
great information
most appreciated
peter

[paz]

We spent some time on the Olympic Peninsula last summer. We stayed at Forks 101 Campground in Forks, WA, on the western side of the peninsula. From here, you can easily get to the Hoh Rain Forest and to the rugged beaches along the coast like Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach.

If you can make the time, drive to the far northwestern corner of the peninsula to see Cape Flattery near the little town of Neah Bay. There is a hiking trail out to the cape with some beautiful views of the rugged coast. The town and the cape are on a Indian reservation, and you will need to stop in town for a permit that costs $10 per car.

We then moved to the north side of the peninsula to Salt Creek Recreation Area, which is a county park in Port Townsend right on the Straights of Juan de Fuca (the waterway that separates the U.S. and Canada). From here, we visited Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc, and Sequim.

We also took a day trip to Victoria, Canada to see Butchart Gardens. We bought a package deal that included a passenger ferry from Port Townsend, transportation to the gardens and admission to the gardens. The gardens have some of the most spectacular displays of flowering plants I have ever seen.

[MaverickBBD]

Do this trip at least every other year. Go to the coast about a half a dozen times a year. Remember don't go to the rain forest and complain if it rains. Hood Canal side can be a bit better in summer. The ocean side is still 57 shades of gray looking for a home. If near Copalis stay and Sunrise Resort and walk to the GLT (Green Lantern Tavern) for dinner. Always order their special. It is close enough you can crawl home.

[pdq_bc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD ...Remember don't go to the rain forest and complain if it rains...

LOL - with vancouver (bc) as home, we are very familiar with rain and grey!
the weather will NOT be a problem!

peter

[Chemtchr]

I have to agree wit paz about the Salt Creek Recreation Area. It is located right off the man highway just west of town. It is secluded enough that you don't hear any traffic. There are numerous pull through sites and the view of the strait is awesome. We planned on only two days there and spent 4. It is centrally located to all of the major sites to visit you need to visit.
Fort Townsend campground sits right on the opening to Puget Sound. You are at sea level and have a great view of the large ships passing by. The fort itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through forested land. There are old army batteries located through out the area. Can get a little chilly. We were there in late July and it was a bit breezy. On the flip side, we we visited the Ho Rain Forest, we were wishing it would rain. 85 degrees and bone dry is not my idea of a rain forest.