Olympic National Park Adventure (May 5‑8)

Day 1 (May 5): Arrival & Port Angeles

Morning: Arrive at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and pick up your rental car. Drive 2 hours to Port Angeles, checking into a budget‑friendly motel ($90/night) for a comfortable first night.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Port Angeles waterfront and visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center for maps and trail advice. Grab a quick lunch at a local café.

Evening: Set up at the nearby Olympic National Park campground (Hoh Campground) if you prefer camping ($15/night) and enjoy a sunset walk at Rialto Beach, one of the park’s best sunset spots.

Day 2 (May 6): Hoh Rainforest & Coast

Morning: Drive to the Hoh Rainforest. Wander the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 mi loop) and the longer Hoh River Trail (3 mi round‑trip) for a lush, mist‑filled experience (2‑3 hours).

Afternoon: Head to the rugged coastline at Ruby Beach for a scenic walk and beachcombing. The beach is a hidden gem for tide‑pool exploration and offers a stunning sunset view.

Evening: Return to Hoh Campground for a night under the stars; the area’s cool (but not cold) early June weather makes car camping comfortable.

Day 3 (May 7): Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent

Morning: Drive early to **Hurricane Ridge** for the best sunrise spot in the park. Walk the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center loop (1.2 mi) and then the moderate **Skyline Trail** (1.2 mi) for panoramic mountain views (2‑3 hours).

Afternoon: Descend to **Lake Crescent** for a relaxing lakeside lunch and a gentle stroll around the shoreline. Enjoy a picturesque sunset over the lake, a perfect photo opportunity.

Evening: Camp at the **Sol Duc Campground** ($15/night). Take a short evening walk to **Sol Duc Falls** (1.5 mi round‑trip) for a gentle, mist‑filled hike.

Day 4 (May 8): Departure

Morning: After a quick breakfast, drive back toward Seattle. Stop at the **Visitor Center** for any last‑minute souvenirs and a final glance at the park’s signage.

Afternoon: Return the rental car at Seattle‑Tacoma Airport and fly back to Charleston (CHS). Enjoy the memories of sunrise on Hurricane Ridge and sunset at Ruby Beach.

Evening: Arrive home refreshed after an unforgettable Olympic National Park adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hoh Rainforest – 2‑3 hours – $0
• Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 mi) – 1 hour – $0
• Hoh River Trail (3 mi) – 2 hours – $0
• Ruby Beach (Sunset) – 1 hour – $0
• Hurricane Ridge Sunrise – 1 hour – $0
• Skyline Trail (1.2 mi) – 2 hours – $0
• Lake Crescent (Sunset) – 1 hour – $0
• Sol Duc Falls (1.5 mi) – 1 hour – $0
• Hoh Campground (3 nights) – 3 nights – $45
• Sol Duc Campground (1 night) – 1 night – $15
• Budget Motel (Port Angeles, 1 night) – $90
• National Park Vehicle Pass – 7‑day pass – $30
• Round‑Trip Flight (SEA‑CHS) – $350
• Car Rental (4 days) – $280
• Food & Snacks (4 days) – $120
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,026

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, add a full day at the **North Shore** for **Cape Flattery** (the farthest point in the continental U.S.) and a hike on the **North Coast Trail** (shorter section). To shorten the itinerary, skip the **Lake Crescent** stop and head straight from Hurricane Ridge back to Seattle, saving a few hours of driving. Car camping is recommended in Hoh and Sol Duc campgrounds for a budget‑friendly stay; the summer nights are mild, but bring a warm sleeping bag just in case.