Larger-Group Ferry Day Trip

Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle runs through Customized Tours. Rated 4.9 across 400 reviews. Runs 13 hours. From $239.

Overview

A ferry, a van and a very full day: this 13-hour tour from Seattle packs mountains, rainforest, a lake, waterfalls and a stretch of Pacific coastline into a single loop around the Olympic Peninsula. Pickup is included, either at your hotel or at a listed pickup point, and you should check the live booking page to confirm your hotel is covered. Transport switches between vehicle and Washington State Ferries, with roughly six miles of walking spread across the day.

The route runs west across Puget Sound, past Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble and the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, then over to the northern side of the park. Hurricane Ridge gets the longest mountain stop, followed by Salt Creek Recreation Area on the coast, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Falls, the Dungeness Recreation Area and the Elwah River before the return ferry to Seattle. Landing and facility fees, ferry rides and drinks from a cooler are included, while breakfast, lunch and gratuities are not.

It suits travellers who want the park's range of ecosystems without renting a car, and who can handle a long day with plenty of uneven ground. The group tops out at 22 travellers, so it is not an intimate outing. Guides shape each day's schedule around weather and road conditions, so no two departures follow exactly the same plan.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupThe operator offers pickup at your hotel or at listed pickup points; check the live page for your hotel.
2. Ferry and peninsula driveA 30-minute Washington State Ferries crossing, with Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble and the Hood Canal Floating Bridge passed along the way. Ferry admission is included.
3. Jamestown S'Klallam ReservationA 20-minute pass-by with free admission, continuing through Port Angeles.
4. Hurricane RidgeOne hour and 30 minutes at the subalpine viewpoint, admission included.
5. Salt Creek Recreation AreaOne hour at this coastal stop, admission included. Lake Crescent is passed en route.
6. Lake CrescentOne hour and 30 minutes at the lake, admission included.
7. Sol Duc FallsOne hour and 30 minutes for the forest hike to the falls, admission included.
8. Dungeness Recreation Area and Elwah RiverOne hour at Dungeness, then a 20-minute stop at the Elwah River, both with admission included.
9. Return ferryA 30-minute Washington State Ferries crossing back, admission included, before drop-off.

What To Expect From The Tour

This is a long, active day that touches mountains, coast, forest and lake, so preparation matters more than on a standard sightseeing trip.

• Clothing and layers. The listing recommends layers because the day covers mountains, beaches and forests with changing temperatures. Several reviewers echoed this, advising comfortable shoes or hiking boots with good traction.
• Fitness level. Travellers should have moderate physical fitness and be able to walk at least six miles over uneven surfaces. The listing suggests walking sticks for anyone with hip, knee or ankle issues, especially on the beach areas.
• Food and drink. Breakfast and lunch are not included, so budget for meals on the road. Water, soda and sometimes beer from the cooler are complimentary. One reviewer recommended taking a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat for the Hurricane Ridge hike.
• Extra socks. The listing specifically recommends bringing extra socks and waterproof hiking boots. Beach and forest terrain can be wet and uneven, so dry socks make the later stops more comfortable.
• Flexible schedule. Each guide sets the day's itinerary based on weather and what is accessible in the park, and no two tours are the same. The listing advises checking the National Park Service site for road closures before you go.
• Long day, full group. The tour runs 13 hours with a maximum of 22 travellers. Multiple reviewers described it as long but well managed, with one calling it a full day but worth it.

Common issues. One reviewer felt the driving distance was too much for the length of the hikes, and wished for more time in the park. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for people with back problems, and requires a moderate fitness level. Lunch and breakfast are not included. The experience needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if either forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. Guides adjust the schedule day by day, so specific stops may vary.

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