Pacific Northwest Olympic Peninsula Explorer

from

– Seattle | Port Angels | Vicotira, BC –

Explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the Pacific North West; hear the stories of the past, and discover Native American culture rooted as deep as the Peninsula’s ancient trees.

Start location: Seattle, WA
End Location: Seattle, WA

Product ID
Destination/Regions British Columbia, National Parks, Summer, United States, US Pacific Coast, Washington State, West to Southwest, Wildlife & Nature
Activity Level Easy
Duration 5 Days 4 Nights

All about the Pacific Northwest Olympic Peninsula Explorer.

Pacific Northwest Olympic Peninsula Explorer

Anchored by the majestic Olympic Mountains and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Hood Canal, the Olympic Peninsula cover in 3,600 square miles, from mountains, ocean and waterfall-laden rain forests to hip, artsy seaside towns, offers an unexpected experience as diverse as its terrain.

You will visit the Hoh Rain Forest, located inside Olympic National Park. At the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, learn what makes this area so unique; hike the The Hall of Mosses Trail or Spruce Nature Trail and walk amount old growth or new growth forest; The forest receives up to 140 inches of precipitation each year which results in the lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.

Then, travel to Kalaloch and discover the magical Tree Root Cave, or also known as Tree of Life. With its roots erroded by the elements, and having taken away its life supply, it has not stopped the tree from thriving on the coast and leaving people speechless from a sight that has never been seen before.

Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park

Hike the Spruce Burl Trail and enjoy a tranquil path to Beach 1 where you will wind through a grove of Sitka spruce, many of which sport spruce burls, large knobby growths on the trees that gives hikers an unique view, and as the trail emerges onto Beach 1, cross a wooden bridge over a small stream, and acres of driftwood stretch north and south as far as the eye can see.

Fisgard Lighthouse

Take the ferry across the Salish Sea on the other side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca is the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Here, you will visit the City of Victoria, voted one of the most romantic city in the world, and most importantly, it is the Provincial Capital of British Columbia. It’s past is heavily influenced by the British though 19th century, and its streets and architectures serving as a testament to its Victorian Era heritage.

You will visit the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites and learn of the region’s past histories with the 19th-century west coast artillery fortress, and step into the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. There are plenty of history to go around, or stories of the days past waiting for you to be discovered.

Also while on Vancouver Island, you will visit the Malahat Skywalk and Butchart Garden for more stories and the gorgeous sceneries of the Pacific North West. At 250 meters above sea level, this spiral tower offers some of the best views on Vancouver Island, including a sweeping panorama of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Trip Distances:

for references only

Seattle – Port Angeles ( 221km / 138mi )
Port Angeles – Kalaloch ( 146km / 91mi )
Port Angeles – Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center ( 467km / 87.5mi )
Victoria – Fort Rodd Hill National Park ( 14km / 8.75mi )
Victoria – Malahat Skywalk ( 33km / 21mi )
Victoria – Butchart Gardens ( 20km / 12.5mi )

– Trip Highlights –

in Washington State:
- Seattle
- Olympic Peninsula
  - Port Angeles
  - Olympic National Park – Marymere Falls
  - Olympic National Park – Hoh Rain Forest
  - Olympic National Park – Kolaroch
in British Columbia:
- Vancouver Island
  - Victoria
  - Malahat Skywalk
  - The Butchart Garden
  - Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rod Hill National Historic Site

be rejuvinated by nature in the PNW

– Trip Dates –

*Please contact us for available travel dates.

Note: This itinerary maybe converted to a self-drive package and modified to suit your travel interests, time frame, and budget. Please contact our travel specialists for your customized package.

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Day 1 Welcome to Seattle

Welcome to Seattle, Washington. It is also known as the Emerald City because the surrounding is filled with greenery year round. It also echos Washington State’s nickname of the Evergreen State, known for its rich evergreen trees on the West side of the Cascade Mountains.

Upon your arrival, your tour guide will greet you at the airport and help you check-in into your hotel. For the rest of the day, we recommend taking a trip to the Space Needles, a symbol and long time staple of Seattle skyline, or visit the famous Pike Place Market, a vibrant neighbourhood comprised of 220+ independently owned shops and restaurants.

Accommodation suggestion
Sheraton Grand Seattle (4 ) or more selective
Day 2 Seattle - Olympia - Port Angeles

In the morning, hop on the bus and head toward Port Angeles. We’ll make a stop and visit Olympia, the state capital of Washington State.

The Legislative Building is home to the Washington State Legislature and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer. Completed in 1928, the Legislative Building is crowned with the tallest freestanding masonry dome in North America.

In the afternoon, ride up the Highway 101 will take you to Port Angeles, the gateway to Olympic National Park and epic center for the Olympic Peninsula. After checking into your hotel for the next two nights, quickly gather as we head out to Marymere Falls, one of most popular family-friendly hikes on the Olympic Peninsula. On this 1.8 miles round trip hike toward Marymere Falls, you will very soon become immersed in the old-growth, moss-laden forest that surrounds Lake Crescent.

Accommodation suggestion
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles (3 ) or more selective
Day 3 Hoh Rain Forest - Kalaroch Beach & Tree of Life

The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park’s most popular destinations. As a result of the unique characteristics of Pacific Northwest, through the winter season, the Hoh Rain Forest receives yearly average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation each year that results in a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.

We will be visiting the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center where you will learn more about this diverse region, and there are two easy two short loop trails as well as an out-and-back trail through the forest near the Visitor Center for you to explore.

– The Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles/ 1.2 km) is an iconic loop that takes you through old growth forest and features a grove of maple trees draped with abundant club moss.
– The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles/ 1.9 km) is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.

After a picnic lunch in the park, we will head to Kalaroch and visit Tree Root Cave, aka, The Tree of Life by the sea. Later, Hike the Spruce Burl Trail and enjoy a tranquil path to Beach 1 where you will wind through a grove of Sitka spruce, many of which sport spruce burls, large knobby growths on the trees that gives hikers an unique view, and as the trail emerges onto Beach 1, cross a wooden bridge over a small stream, and acres of driftwood stretch north and south as far as the eye can see.

Accommodation suggestion
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles (3 ) or more selective
Day 4 Port Angeles - Malahat SkyWalk - Butchart Gardens

In the morning, we will take the Coho Ferry and across the Salish Sea and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, BC. The Ferry sail directly into the inner Downtown Harbour, so have your camera ready for an amazing view as the ship approaches shore. Also be on the lookout as Orca Whales are often seen in these waters.

Be ready to breath in the beauty when we visit Malahat SkyWalk, a must do when you visit Victoria. Walk on the Spiral Tower that stood 250m above sea level, which offers you a 360 degree view that offers an unique view of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, the Strait of Georgia, or as far as Mt. Baker into the distance. This unique attraction further enhances your Pacific Northwest experience, offering a view that is truly breathtaking.

Afternoon visit to 119 year old Butchart Garden will offer you a gimps into one woman’s passion and vision. With what was once a limestone quarry for her backyard, Jennie Butchart envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place. Over the years, the vision slowly took place, and generations of the family inserted different elements to the garden that hones the same passion, and honours the region. Today, the Butchard Garden stood as an internationally-renowned 55-acre display garden, and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, in 2004 for its one hundredth birthday. Spent a pleasant afternoon exploring the garden, and enjoy an afternoon tea in the garden dining room in the beautiful setting.

Late evening is a great time to take a leisure stroll in Victoria’s inner harbour and watch the many Seaplane or boaters coming in and out of the harbour. Take a walk down Government street and embrace the city’s Victorian vibes, all present from the BC Legislature building, Empress Hotel, and its surrounding buildings.

Accommodation suggestion
Hotel Grand Pacific (4 ) or more selective
Day 5 Victoria - Seattle

After an evening spent in one of the most romantic city in the world, it is time to depart and head back to Seattle.

Before taking the Coho ferry back to Port Angeles, visit the Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. This 19th-century west coast artillery fortress was on active duty from 1895 to 1956 as one of the main defence for the region during the World-Wars. Step inside Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. Be touched by the personal stories of soldiers and lighthouse keepers of their lives spent here in the Pacific Northwest.

Head back to Seattle via Port Angeles, and your tour will conclude upon drop-off at Sea-Tac International Airport.