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Washington Highway 101
Road Trip Guide

The Washington section of Highway 101 is the most remote region along the United States pacific coast. Despite Highway 101’s distance from the water, there are some amazing opportunities to adventure and explore. Olympic National Park provides a unique blend of alpine, rain forest, and coastal environments for hikers and sightseers while the small coastal towns of Raymond, Aberdeen, Westport, and Seaside offer delicious food, cute lodging, and fun local museums.

Here's what you'll find in the Washington Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

Washington Highway 101 Road Trip Guide pano

1) Olympic National Park

A Brief History of Port Angeles

Port Angeles is situated at the northernmost point of Highway 101, which makes it a logical starting point for the Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide. Highway 101 actually continues around the entire Olympic Peninsula, heading down the western side of Puget sound, and eventual terminating just outside of Olympia, Washington. Port Angeles has a long history of settlement, from native tribes to Spanish explorers and finally European Americans. All of the towns in this area, including Port Angeles, were slow to grow due to their remote location. It wasn’t until the development of a full scale trading post that the town began to develop in earnest. 1914 brought a large lumber operation and railroad connecting Port Angeles to the more densely populated mainland. Completion of the Hood Canal Bridge in 1961 greatly reduced travel times from Seattle and other population centers to the southeast, bringing a previously unseen level of tourism to the area. Tourism, especially to Olympic National Park, replaced the logging industry and continues to be the main economy to this day.

Fun Facts About Olympic National Park

  1. 95% of the land is designated as Wilderness, one of the highest ratios of any National Park.
  2. There are over 3,000 miles of rivers and streams fed by over 60 named glaciers.
  3. It’s the 4th most-visited park, with almost 4 million annual visitors. Most people come to experience the park’s amazing hiking opportunities.
  4. There are 3.5x more trail miles than road miles in the park.
  5. Mount Olympus, the highest peak on the peninsula, cannot be seen from any metropolitan center including Seattle.
  6. The Hoh rain forest receives between 12 to 14 FEET or rain each year! Olympic is home to the only temperate rain forest in the contiguous Unites States.
  7. The coastline is 73 miles of beaches, sea stacks, and rocks. One of the best ways to experience the park is by backpacking the entire length.

The Creation of Hot Springs

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Photo by Max Penn (on Flickr)

Local Native American lore tells a story of how Olympic Hot Springs and Sol Duc Hot Springs were formed, and it goes like this: Many years ago there were two mighty dragons. One dragon lived in the Elwha valley while the other lived in the Sol Duc valley. Neither of them knew of the other’s existence until one day, while out hunting, they came across each other at the crest of the ridge separating the two valleys. A fierce battle ensued, each dragon blaming the other for invading its territory. The dragons fought a brutal battle, each trying to reclaim their own land. This continued for many years until both dragons acknowledged that they were evenly matched. They turned and flew back down to their respective valleys and crawled into caves. The hot springs we now enjoy are from the tears of these mighty dragons, who still cry from their defeat.

Key
HOW TO READ THESE MAPS

SOME AWESOME HIKE Why you should go here Additional information FIRST Look for any TAG along your route ATTRACTIONS (Shops, Museum, and Tourism Spots) VIEWPOINTS (Free Roadside Pulloffs) EATERIES (From Seafood Shacks to Fine Dining) HIKES (Mostly Short Dayhikes) CAMPING (For Bikers, Tenters, RVers, and Yurters) LODGING (Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts) BREWERIES (Tasting, Touring, and often Food) WINERIES (Tasting and Touring) BEACHES (Some of the Best Spots to Relax) THE ICON TELLS YOU WHAT IS THERE CLICK THE TAG FOR MORE INFORMATION

** MOBILE USERS - Zoom in for more detail **

HURRICANE RIDGE OPTION Adds 1 hour Adds 36 miles OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS OPTION Adds 50 minutes Adds 20 miles SOL DUC OPTION Adds 1 hour Adds 34 miles HOH OPTION Adds 1 hour 10 minutes Adds 36 miles See page 2 for entry road E l w h a Sol Duc For 3 more BONUS PAGES #1 - PORT TOWNSEND 2 - SAN JUAN ISLANDS #3 - VANCOUVER, B.C. Purchase the complete guide L a k e C r e s c e n t CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Joyce Elwha N 2 MILES 1) OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 45 minutes Drive Time 35 miles S o l D u c SOL DUC FALLS SOL DUC FALLS TRAIL TO CAMPGROUND/ RESORT - 1.5 MILES SOL DUC FALLS Easy forest hike to stunning waterfall 1.6 miles out-and-back, 200ft gain/loss SOL DUC HOT SPRINGS Resort-style springs with various pools $13.50 per adult, $10 per child SOL DUC HOH RIVER SPRUCE TRAIL 1.2 miles HALL OF MOSSES 0.8 miles HOH RIVER TRAIL Up to 36 miles VISITORS CENTER U P P E R H O H H o h HOH CAMPGROUND Sleep in the moss covered rain forest $20 per night HOH RIVER OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS TRAIL Easy forest hike then hot spring soak 5.0 miles out-and-back, 200ft gain/loss OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS BOULDER CREEK CAMPGROUND B o u l d e r C r . OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS HURRICANE HILL HURRICANE HILL HURRICANE VISITORS CENTER HURRICANE HILL TRAIL 360 views of the Olympic mountains 3.0 miles out-and-back, 950ft gain/loss HURRICANE HILL OLYMPIC NP VISITORS CENTER Exhibits, film, and information on the park and conditions OLYMPIC LODGE Comfortable rooms & scenic property $100 - $150 per night OLYMPIC COAST DISCOVERY CENTER Learn about local marine sanctuary A great place to start - FREE FIRST STREET HAVEN The best breakfast in town $4 - $12 NEXT DOOR GASTROPUB Classy locally sourced pub food $8 - $24 PORT ANGELES HURRICANE RIDGE RACE 5TH 8TH 1ST FRONT PORT ANGELES HEART O’THE HILLS A great place to stay before you start $20 per night MADISON FALLS Easy walk to 50 ft waterfall 0.2 miles out-and-back ELWAH DAM REMOVAL SITE The worlds largest dam removal A short hike to the site overlook MARYMERE FALLS Short hike to a beautiful 90ft waterfall 1.8 miles out-and-back, 500ft gain/loss LA POEL Views of Lake Crescent Picnic area with pit toilets LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE HARBINGER WINERY Tasting room with cheese & chocolate $18 - $32 per bottle

2) Olympic Coast

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Local Advice from the Olympic Coast Discovery Center

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary represents one of North America's most productive marine ecosystems and wilderness shorelines. Significant natural and cultural resources include 29 species of marine mammals, large populations of nesting seabirds, shipwrecks, and some of the most spectacular wilderness coastline in the lower 48 states.

The wild character of Olympic Coast makes it a unique destination. The ocean shore provides endless opportunities for discovery and investigation. Hiking, backpacking and camping are popular in the coastal wilderness strip of Olympic National Park.

Respectful exploration of intertidal sea life fascinates beachgoers.  Tidepooling is exciting for all ages. When the sea recedes, it reveals a world that is both on-land and underwater for part of every day. Up-close encounters with intertidal animals require being respectful.  The sanctuary’s tidepool etiquette webpage provides tips on minimizing impact.

Ochre Sea Stars in Tidepool Humpback Whales Puffins

Wildlife watching is superb. Birding and whale watching are very rewarding throughout the year along the coast.

Diving in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is popular among expert divers. Exceptional habitats, fish populations go hand in hand with the coast's extreme conditions. A few dive charter operators serve the Olympic Coast - in general, ocean conditions and isolation require advanced skills and exposed open-water experience.

The Olympic Coast provides challenge for expert sea kayakers. Extreme conditions (and extremely changeable conditions) make this environment truly exceptional.

Locals and a growing number of surfers from Seattle and beyond have discovered the challenges and rewards of Olympic Coast breaks, fueled by big Pacific swells.

Sport-fishing charters for salmon, halibut, ling cod and occasionally, albacore tuna, are available from Neah Bay, Sekiu, La Push and Westport. Fall, winter and spring low tides are popular for razor clamming. Fishing and shellfish gathering are regulated and licenses are required.

Kayaking the Olympic Coast Spelt Fishermen Surfing

All coastal visitors should monitor conditions before departing, knowing weather, tides and currents and, above all, exercising caution in this extreme and remote environment.

The Olympic Coast Discovery Center is a family-friendly visitor center that offers interactive interpretive exhibits about the animals and habitats of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, marine research and conservation.

Olympic National Park Travel Tips

Olympic National Park is a unique place in many ways. Here you’ll find a beautiful trifecta of rugged coast, moss draped rain forest, and glaciated alpine. Unlike most national parks, there are no roads that connect through the park. Instead, the intrepid traveler must circumnavigate and puncture the outskirts where roads are available.

Hurricane Ridge provides roadside access to the high alpine areas and is the most popular place in the park. The road to Hurricane Ridge is open year-round, making it a great snowshoeing destination in the winter. The Hoh rain forest is famous for it huge trees and Tolkien-esque ambiance. The Hoh river trail is the main access route for mountaineers wishing to climb 7,980 foot tall Mount Olympus. The coastline is a mixture of rugged rocky and beautiful sandy beaches. Ruby Beach is the best easy-access beach but some of the true gems, like Shi Shi and Second Beach, require longer hikes.

If you only have a day to visit Olympic National Park, it’s best to choose just one region to explore. A full trip around the park required 4 days minimum to see the sights. Of course, the longer you have to spend the better you’ll get to know this beautiful place.

U P P E R H O H HOH OPTION Adds 1 hour 10 minutes Adds 36 miles See page 1 for details LA PUSH OPTION Adds 35 minutes Adds 24 miles Q u i l l a y u t e H o h S o l D u c Q u e e t s Beaver Sappho Forks La Push Kalaloch Queets N 2 MILES 2) OLYMPIC COAST 2 hours 15 minutes Drive Time 115 miles Hole-In-The-Wall Tidepools E l l e n C r . Q u i l l a y u t e RIALTO BEACH MORA HOLE-IN-THE-WALL Beach hike with huge logs & tidepools 4.0 miles out-and-back, rocky beach RIALTO BEACH Second Beach SECOND BEACH SECOND BEACH TRAIL Wooded hike to sandy beach 4.0 miles out-and-back, 250ft gain/loss SECOND BEACH FORKS TIMBER MUSEUM “Logging Capital of the World” $3 per person QUILLYAUTE RIVER RESORT Cute, fully outfitted riverside suites $125 - $195 per night RUBY BEACH The most beautiful easy-access beach 0.25 to the beach, up to 6 miles KALALOCH LODGE Beautiful waterfront rooms $129 - $205 per night KALALOCH CAMPGROUND Beach-side camping and hiking $22 - $44 per night LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE MORA CAMPGROUND Secluded and wooded campsites $15 - $22 per night LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE

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  • Hundreds of the best places to eat, sight see, and stay along the Pacific Coast Highway from Port Angeles WA to San Diego CA.
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3) Grays Harbor

About Estuaries

Grays Harbor is the third largest ria estuary located along the United States pacific coast (after San Francisco Bay and Willapa Bay). An estuary is partly enclosed coastal bay with fresh water flowing into it. This mixture of fresh and salt water creates nutrient rich brackish water, which is why estuaries are one of the most productive natural habitats in the world. A ria is a type of coastal inlet formed by a drowned river valley. A treelike outline, caused by smaller valleys stretching outward, is the classic look of a ria. Ria are caused by either global sea levels rising or local land sinking. The final result is a disproportionately large bay for the size of the river.

C h e h a l i s W y n o o c h e e Q u i n a u l t G r a y s H a r b o r H u m p t u l i p s Amanda Park Quinault Neilton Humptulips Ocean Shores New London Grays Harbor City Hoquiam Cosmopolis Junction City Central Park Markham Cohassett Beach Westport Bay City N 2 MILES 3) GRAYS HARBOR 1 hour 20 minutes Drive Time 66 miles WESTPORT LIGHT “DUNE” TRAIL Explore the coastal beaches 2.5 miles round trip, paved GRAYS HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE Tallest lighthouse in Washington $5 per person WESTPORT MARINA COTTAGES New cabins right on the water $139 - $179 per night BENNETT FISH SHACK Great dungeness crab melts & cakes WESTPORT MARITIME MUSEUM Lighthouses, shipwrecks & whaling $5 per adult, $2 per child ODYSSEUS Greek food right by the lighthouse $10 - $14 NYHUS FORREST MONTESANO OCEAN G r a y s H a r b o r WESTPORT WESTPORT ABERDEEN MUSEUM OF HISTORY Blacksmith, Model “T”, general store $5 per family, $1 per individual SUCHER & SONS STAR WARS SHOP Thousands of collectibles For the true Star Wars fan KURT COBAIN MEMORIAL PARK Famous Nirvana frontman Take a driving tour of his home town C h e h a l i s LADY WASHINGTON TALL SHIP As seen in Pirates of the Caribbean Click tag for tours & current location BROADWAY F ST MARKET STATE WISHKAH HERON ABERDEEN ABERDEEN SALMON HOUSE Baked, smoked, & blackened salmon $16 - $22 8TH STREET ALE HOUSE Rustic tavern serving hearty pub grub $8 - $17 LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE WESTPORT OPTION Adds 30 minutes Adds 24 miles QUINAULT BIG CEDAR The worlds largest western red cedar 1/2 mile round-trip hike BIG SPRUCE TREE The world largest 58’ 11” circumference, 191’ tall WESTPORT WINERY Tasting room, bakery, and gardens $20 - $31 per bottle

4) Willapa Bay

The Corps of Discovery

Corps of Discovery at Columbia River

On May 14th, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began a two and a half year journey from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River. Their task was to chart the land and collect information for future expansion. The Corps of Discovery faced many challenges along their one and a half year trek to the Pacific, but miraculously only lost one man along the way. In mid-November of 1805, the Corps was nearing the mouth of the Columbia. Their hope was to meet up with the last trading ship of the season for valuable supplies and to send their notes back home to President Jefferson. However, on November 10th a fierce storm whipped up, forcing the Corps off the river at a site they named Dismal Nitch. The Corps was trapped here for 6 brutal days, missing their chance to meet up with the trader ship.

Finally, the weather cleared, which allowed the Corps to establish Station Camp and finish their trek to the Pacific. The Corps stayed at Station Camp in order to create an accurate map of the mouth of the Columbia and surrounding region. On November 24th, 1805, cold rains and brutal weather forced the Corps to seek a winter camp with more protection and nearby game than Station Camp could provide. The party crossed the Columbia to the Oregon side and established Fort Clatsop where they spent the winter.

Long Beach

Local Advice from Carol Zahorsky

This 28-mile finger of sand has long been a vacation destination for Portland families and Seattleites. Long Beach is known for a concentration of outstanding restaurants which draw inspiration and ingredients from...

  • Willapa Bay - oysters & butter clams
  • Columbia River - dungeness crab
  • Pacific Ocean - salmon, tuna, & halibut
  • Willapa Hills & Fields - chanterelle, matsutake, porcini
  • and Bogs - cranberries

Miles and miles of wide, sandy public beach, an ocean-front paved interpretive trail, a boardwalk, lighthouses, parks, museums, and charming communities make it Washington's most prized beach destination.

Biking along the Long Beach Discovery Trail

Biking along the Discovery Trail, photo by Mark Downey

Not to be Missed
  • The 120-year old Shelburne Inn, Restaurant, and Pub
  • The Chef's Table at The Depot Restaurant
  • The view & music at Pickled Fish
  • The restored vintage trailers at The Sou'wester
  • 42nd Street Cafe

Carol Zahorsky has been sharing her favorite experiences on the Long Beach Peninsula and elsewhere in Washington with visitors and guests for 20 years. With a love of words, spacious outdoors, deftly prepared fresh food and world travel, she works as a communications professional in the Seattle/Portland region.

WESTPORT OPTION Adds 30 minutes Adds 24 miles C o l u m b i a R i v e r W i l l a p a B a y Cohassett Beach Bay City Grayland North Cove Tokeland South Bend Raymond Willapa Menlo Holcomb Lebam Nemah Seaview Holman Chinook McGowan Frankfort Naselle Deep River Rosburg Grays River Megler Ilwaco N 2 MILES 4) WILLAPA BAY 1 hour 15 minutes Drive Time 64 miles 38TH C I F I C A P 17TH SID SNYDER DR LONG BEACH SOU’WESTER LODGE & CABINS Mix of cabins, trailers, and suites $50 - $125 per night THE DEPOT RESTAURANT Classy farm-to-table fare + wine $22 - $29 LOST ROO Seafood & burgers, great atmosphere $12 - $18 STREETSIDE TACOS Moderately priced tacos and burritos DISCOVERY TRAIL Paved beachside recreation trail 8+ miles one-way SHELBURNE INN Antique furnished bed & breakfast $149 - $199 per night LONG BEACH GRAYLAND BEACH STATE PARK Stunning beach front camping $25 - $35 per night PITCHWOOD ALEHOUSE Burgers, pulled-pork, beer! $10 - $13 + stay overnight at the Inn NW CARRIAGE MUSEUM Over 40 historic carriages on display $6 per adult, $3 per child WILLAPA NWR SALMON TRAIL Self-guided boardwalk trail Short loop hike with salamanders ASTORIA-MEGLER BRIDGE Steel cantilever truss bridge 4.1 miles long - completed 1966 LIGHTHOUSES North Head & Cape Disappointment Coastal views and trails CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT SP Great views, not much privacy $25 - $35 per night LEWIS & CLARK INT. CENTER Exhibits about the Corps of Discovery $5 per adult, $2.50 per child DISMAL NITCH Corp of Discovery historical site picnic tables & restrooms LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's One Way to Do It

Day 1

  • Grab breakfast at First Street Haven before driving up to the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center.
  • Hike up Hurricane Hill, then cruise back down to town for lunch.
  • Choose to explore either the Washington Lavender Farm, hike to Olympic Hot Springs, or relax at Harbinger Winery in the afternoon.
  • Eat dinner at Next Door Gastropub and enjoy the evening in Port Angeles.
  • Stay at the Olympic Lodge or Heart O’The Hills Campground for the night.

Day 2

  • Head west on Highway 101, stopping at Marymere Falls and the La Poel picnic area along the way.
  • Drive up to Sol Duc for the hike and/or a soak in the resort hot springs.
  • Continue to the town of Forks, where the popular book/film franchise Twilight was based.
  • Choose to explore the tidepools and sea stacks of Rialto Beach or the sand expanse of Second Beach.
  • Stay at either the Quillayute River Resort or Mora Campground for the night.

Day 3

  • Drive into the Hoh valley.
  • Take a peek inside the visitors center before hiking one of the area’s trails.
  • Choose to either stop at the Big Cedar and Big Spruce at Lake Quinault or enjoy the quirky museums and history of Aberdeen.
  • Stop at Westport Winery for a relaxing evening tasting.
  • Take the Westport option and stay at either Westport Marina Cottages or Grayland Beach State Park.

Day 4

  • Take a sunrise hike along Westport’s Light Trail.
  • Visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse and the Maritime Museum.
  • Head south on Highway 105, stopping to enjoy the beach at Grayland Beach State Park.
  • Grab lunch at Pitchwood Alehouse and stop at the Northwest Carriage Museum if you’re interested.
  • Take a short walk along the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Salmon Trail before continuing into Seaview.
  • Explore the Discovery Trail, Cape Disappointment State Park, and various eateries found in town.
  • Stay at the Shelburne Inn for a classic bed & breakfast, the Sou’wester Lodge for quirky trailers and suites, or Cape Disappointment State Park for camping.

Day 5

  • Continue your journey south into Oregon across the Astoria-Megler Bridge or circle back north via Oregon Highway 30 to Interstate 5.

Top Rated Places to Stay

Hoquiam/Aberdeen

Airbnb

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Washington coast has to offer.
** Get $35 off your first night if you sign up with this link **

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Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen (www.sarahjeagen.com), Carol Zahorsky, and Valerie Stimac (www.valisemag.com)

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