This will most likely be an ongoing list since there are so many things to discovery while doing this loop, but I will list some of my top favorites so far. I will even share links and points where I can.
This loop can be done in one day BUT it will be a very long day with a lot of driving. It is best to do in two days or even three if you really want to hit all the sweet spots or want to hit all the amazing hikes there are.
Since most people are going to be starting near Olympia or near I5, that is where I shall start and we will go clockwise around the loop. Here goes!!
To start the loop from the I5 area you will head west on the Olympic Hwy 8 this changes in Hwy 12 at Elma but you will continue to head west at this point.
Aberdeen does hold some treasures many don't know about Nirvana Coffee Shop, Star Wars store, and several great food joints; Humdingers, Happy Teriyaki, Billy's Bar & Grill, and a Mount Olympus Brewery has amazing in house brewed beers!!
Taking Hwy 101 north the Lake Quinault loop holds so many treasures and hikes I could make a post for itself (maybe I will). For starters, the lodge is a beautiful historic building and if you plan ahead you can book a stay there. The world's largest spruce is a short jaunt to the east of the lodge and there are beautiful views of the lake from the lodge. Continuing along the loop going counter-clockwise there are several large, beautiful waterfalls. The north section of the loop hold a very unique rainforest hike (Maple Glade Rainforest Trail) to an old abandoned homestead (Kestner Homestead). Mind you there are MANY hikes to do in the Lake Quinault area from very easy and family friendly to difficult, Alltrail is a great resource for the area's hikes.
Continuing out of Lake Quinault and towards to coast one of the first stops and another great lodging option is Kalaloch Lodge, along with many campsite near the beaches. The Tree of Life currently sits north of Kalaloch at the next beach parking and Kalaloch campsite. The tree has taken some brutal beatings over the last few winters and the storms we have had some only time will tell how much longer it will remain in its current standing. If you get the chance to stop and see it I highly suggest you do ASAP. Further north is another large tree, the biggest cedar tree. Ruby Beach is one of my favorite very unique beaches, during the summer months you can see the bioluminescence from these beaches. Ruby Beach has some amazing rock formations and depending on how much the winter changes the beach there is generally a large runoff that children love playing and swimming in.
Further north is the HOH Rainforest- Olympic National Park (I will add more to this as I have not explored much in here.
Careful blinking because a bit further north is Forks where some of Twilight was filmed! It is a very small town but if you are a fan you don't want to miss out on that.
Another area I have not had the chance YET to explore is the northwest corner (Neah Bay area) of the peninsula. Stay tuned for updates.
Lake Crescent again has many treasures hidden away within its boundaries. Devil's Punchbowl on the northern side of the lake, Marymere Falls trail starts right at the Lake Crescent Rd ranger station and beach access, if you want a challenge there is a fork in the trail to Marymere Falls that will take you to Mt Storm King's peak!
Just south of Port Angeles is Hurricane Ridge- Olympic National Park the views are breathe taking and there are a plethora of hikes to venture on. In the winter you can ski and snowboard! Port Angeles has so many good places to eat and for cheap lodging.
The Olympic Game Farm is fun for all ages, this is like a drive through animal reserve. The experience is awesome make sure to buy the beard they offer and with that being said by several loaves as one or two will not get you to the end. You will see so many neat animals. For a unique beach walk and sites the Dungeness Spit has a lighthouse all the way out at its tip but please plan accordingly and pay attention to the tide levels. There is a very unique stop called the Troll Haven, in the summer months they have little farmers market style sales and a lavender field in the back.
Honestly this portion of the loop could be a day trip all in itself and if timed right you can have an amazing sunset location. Port Townsend!!! One of my favorite little towns in the peninsula. North Beach is a great beach area where you can find sea glass and sometimes shells, again please watch the tides! Fort Worden is another very unique, historic location, while some of the fort does have lodging, a campsite, and even a small cafe, there are are so many abandoned batteries, memorials, and other old base buildings you can venture within. Bring a flashlight because some of the buildings are dark and creepy. There is also a very old lighthouse at the far east side of the fort. The old downtown area has so much mysterious history, I love browsing the shops and eating well anywhere down there.
Once done in Port Townsend and if you time thing just right during the summer months you can scurry down to Mt Walker and drive up to the view points. On the west view point you can stay and watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountains, then hurry over to the east view point and watch the Seattle skyline light up!! That's right! On a clear summer evening is can be seen. You can see the Ferris wheel and the Space Needle. It is a wonderful experience.
Lake Cushman is a wonderful location to camp and explore. This location also holds a great many hikes in all difficulty level plus a lake to swim, kayak, and play in. There is several campsites and rentals around Cushman. I have done several hikes in this are including Little Big Creek and Mt Ellinor and have plans to hike several more soon.
I will continue to update this as I explore more of what the loop has to offer. Stay tuned!!
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