Olympic National Park Small Group Day Tour from Seattle
- Duration11 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This 11-hour small-group Olympic National Park day tour from Seattle includes pickup from 13 locations, a driver-guide, lunch, the park entry fee and return ferry tickets to Bainbridge Island. You ride the ferry across Puget Sound, cross Hood Canal and drive to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent for mountain views, forest and water. Stops change with season, weather and road conditions, and snowshoes are included depending on the season. It is a long day with early pickup, suited to travellers who love scenery and walking.
Highlights
- Small-group day tour with a driver-guide
- Pickup from 13 locations in the Seattle area
- Olympic National Park entry fee included
- Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry crossing included
- Deli-style sandwich lunch, snack and bottled water included
- Hurricane Ridge mountain views and Lake Crescent
- Snowshoes provided depending on the season
Full Description
The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island
The day begins with the Washington State ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, a crossing of about 35 minutes with views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound. It is a scenic start that replaces a long drive around the sound, and the return ferry ticket is included.
People searching for how to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park often ask about the ferry: it is part of the route, and the guide handles the timing so you do not have to book the crossing yourself. Stand on deck for the best views.
Hood Canal and the Olympic Peninsula
After the ferry, the road crosses the Hood Canal Bridge, one of the longest floating bridges in the world, and continues across the Olympic Peninsula toward Port Angeles. The landscape changes from water and farmland to forest and mountains, and the guide gives commentary on the region.
This is the long part of an Olympic National Park tour from Seattle, and the early start gives you time in the park itself. A deli-style sandwich lunch, a snack and bottled water are included. Use the drive to rest, because the day is long and the walks come later.
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is the most famous viewpoint in Olympic National Park, about 1,600 metres (5,242 feet) above sea level, with wide views over the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. On a clear day the panorama is superb, and wildflower meadows or snow cover the ridge depending on the season.
People often ask whether Hurricane Ridge is worth the trip; on a clear day it is the highlight of the day. The road can close or change in bad weather, and then the guide chooses another viewpoint. Snowshoes are provided in the snowy season.
Lake Crescent and the national park forest
Lake Crescent is a deep, clear glacial lake framed by forested mountains, and it is one of the most beautiful spots on the peninsula. The tour stops for photos and a short walk by the water, where the colour of the lake changes with the light.
The park also protects temperate rainforest, rugged coast and alpine peaks, and the park entry fee is included so you can visit without extra tickets. Wear walking shoes and layers, because the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Keep your camera ready for early light on the water.
Itinerary
- Early pickupMeet the driver-guide at one of the 13 pickup locations in the Seattle area; choose yours when booking.
- Ferry to Bainbridge IslandCross Puget Sound by ferry with views of the Seattle skyline.
- Hood Canal and the Olympic PeninsulaDrive across the Hood Canal Bridge and through forest and farmland toward the park.
- Hurricane RidgeVisit the mountain viewpoint when roads and weather allow, with snowshoes available in season.
- Lunch breakEat the deli-style sandwich lunch provided, with a snack and bottled water.
- Lake CrescentStop at the lake for photos and a short walk.
- Return to SeattleReturn by ferry and road, arriving back in the Seattle area after about 11 hours.
What's included
- Driver-guide
- Transport
- Olympic National Park entry fee
- Deli-style sandwich lunch
- Granola bar and bottled water
- Seattle-Bainbridge Island return ferry ticket
- Snowshoes (depending on the season)
- Taxes and fees
Not included
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Food lovers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 11 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Not suitable for travellers who cannot manage an early start and a long day in a vehicle
- Not suitable for guests who need a flexible itinerary, because stops depend on weather and road conditions
- Not suitable for guests who cannot walk on uneven trails
Meeting point
Pickup is from 13 locations in the Seattle area, and you choose yours when booking. The pickup window is about 6:30 to 6:45 in the morning. Be ready at your chosen pickup location at the start of the window; the driver-guide cannot wait long.
Important information
- Choose your pickup location when booking and be ready by the start of the pickup window
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layers; mountain weather changes quickly
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
- Park entry, ferry tickets, lunch, snack and water are included
- Snowshoes are provided depending on the season
- Stops can change with weather, season and road conditions
- Tips and personal expenses are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Olympic National Park day tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. The tour includes pickup from 13 locations in the Seattle area, which you choose when booking.
How long is the Olympic National Park tour?
The tour takes about 11 hours, with an early morning pickup and a return to the Seattle area in the evening.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children who can manage a long day in a vehicle and short walks can join. The tour is booked per guest in the panel; check the booking panel for the booking categories.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. Lunch, a snack and water are provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes, if seats are left. The pickup is early in the morning, so book as soon as you can.
What is the difference between the options?
This page has one option: the small-group day tour with lunch, park entry and ferry. Choose your date and the number of guests.
What is included in the ticket?
The driver-guide, transport, park entry fee, a deli-style sandwich lunch, a snack and bottled water, the Seattle-Bainbridge Island return ferry ticket, taxes and fees, and snowshoes depending on the season.
What is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?
Summer has the clearest views and open roads, and winter brings snow and snowshoeing. The guide adapts the stops to conditions.
Will we definitely reach Hurricane Ridge?
Not always. Weather and road conditions can change the plan, and the guide picks the best alternative.
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