Olympic National Park, with its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, attracts visitors from around the world. Choosing the right city to stay near the park can greatly enhance your experience. This guide explores the best cities to stay near Olympic National Park, including Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Each city offers unique advantages in terms of proximity to park attractions, accommodation options, and local amenities.
What Makes Port Angeles an Ideal Base for Olympic National Park Visitors?
Port Angeles stands out as a top choice for visitors to Olympic National Park due to its strategic location and comprehensive amenities. Here’s why it’s a favorite among park-goers:
Proximity to Park Attractions
- Hurricane Ridge: 17 miles (30-minute drive)
- Olympic National Park Visitor Center: Located in Port Angeles
- Lake Crescent: 30 miles (40-minute drive)
Accommodation Options
- Hotels:
- Olympic Lodge
- Red Lion Hotel
- Quality Inn Uptown
- Motels:
- Flagstone Motel
- Royal Victorian Motel
- Bed & Breakfasts:
- George Washington Inn
- Eden by the Sea
Amenities and Services
- Restaurants: Numerous dining options from casual to fine dining
- Shopping: Downtown area with local shops and boutiques
- Transportation: Coho Ferry to Victoria, Canada
- Activities: Olympic Discovery Trail, local museums
How Does Sequim Compare as a Lodging Option?
Sequim, known for its sunny climate, offers a quieter alternative to Port Angeles while still providing easy access to Olympic National Park.
Distance to Key Park Areas
- Hurricane Ridge: 45 miles (1-hour drive)
- Dungeness Spit: 10 miles (15-minute drive)
- Lake Crescent: 45 miles (50-minute drive)
Types of Accommodations
- Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express
- Quality Inn & Suites
- Vacation Rentals:
- Sequim Bay Lodge
- John Wayne Marina Condos
Unique Features
- Lavender Farms: Sequim is famous for its lavender production
- Dungeness Valley: Known for its agricultural products
- Olympic Game Farm: Wildlife viewing experience
What Makes Forks a Good Choice for Western Olympic National Park Access?
Forks, while smaller than Port Angeles and Sequim, is ideally situated for exploring the western side of Olympic National Park.
Proximity to Western Park Attractions
- Hoh Rainforest: 31 miles (45-minute drive)
- Rialto Beach: 14 miles (20-minute drive)
- Sol Duc Hot Springs: 47 miles (1-hour drive)
Lodging Options
- Motels:
- Pacific Inn Motel
- Forks Motel
- Lodges:
- Kalaloch Lodge (23 miles south)
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (47 miles north)
Local Attractions
- Twilight Movie Sites: Popular among fans of the Twilight series
- Forks Timber Museum: Showcases the area’s logging history
- Beaches: Easy access to several Pacific Coast beaches
What Are the Best Accommodation Options in Each City?
| City | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Angeles | Flagstone Motel | Red Lion Hotel | Olympic Lodge |
| Sequim | Quality Inn & Suites | Holiday Inn Express | Juan de Fuca Cottages |
| Forks | Pacific Inn Motel | Forks Motel | Kalaloch Lodge (nearby) |
How Do Transportation Options Differ Between These Cities?
Port Angeles
- Olympic Bus Lines: Connects to Seattle and other Olympic Peninsula towns
- Coho Ferry: Service to Victoria, Canada
- Car Rentals: Several agencies available
Sequim
- Clallam Transit: Local bus service
- Olympic Bus Lines: Stops in Sequim
- Limited taxi services
Forks
- West Jefferson County Rural Transit: Limited bus service
- Personal vehicle recommended due to limited public transportation
What Unique Experiences Does Each City Offer?
Port Angeles
- Waterfront Trail: 3.5-mile paved trail along the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Port Angeles Fine Arts Center: Features local and regional art
- Olympic Coast Discovery Center: Educational exhibits about marine life
Sequim
- Sequim Lavender Weekend: Annual festival celebrating lavender farms
- Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge: Home to diverse bird species
- Olympic Game Farm: Drive-through wildlife experience
Forks
- Twilight Tours: Guided tours of locations from the popular book series
- Forks Logging and Mill Tours: Learn about the area’s timber industry
- Storm watching: Dramatic winter storm viewing on nearby beaches
By choosing the right city to stay near Olympic National Park, you can tailor your experience to your interests and preferences. Whether you prefer the amenities of Port Angeles, the sunny climate of Sequim, or the proximity to rainforests in Forks, each location offers a unique gateway to the wonders of Olympic National Park.
References:
1. [Olympic Lodge | Port Angeles, WA Hotels][1]
2. [Search hotels in Olympic National Park, United States of America][2]
3. [Book Lodging & Accommodations | The Olympic Peninsula, WA][3]