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If you’re looking for the perfect mix of rugged coastline, snow-capped peaks, and lush rainforest in one trip, this 5-day Olympic National Park road trip itinerary from Seattle is the adventure for you. Traveling by campervan gives you the freedom to wake up next to trailheads, chase sunsets, and skip the daily hotel shuffle, all while exploring one of the most diverse national parks in the United States.

Why Explore Olympic National Park by Campervan?

Olympic National Park covers nearly 1 million acres of vastly different ecosystems: from driftwood-covered beaches to glacier-clad mountains to moss-draped rainforests. Having the flexibility to move between them without backtracking is key. A Seattle campervan rental is ideal for:

Sunrise and sunset access without long drives
Staying close to trailheads for early starts
Saving on accommodation compared to hotels
Immersive nature experiences without packing/unpacking daily

We rented ours through Outdoorsy and can’t recommend it enough.

Day 1 – Seattle to Kalaloch: Rainforests & Rugged Pacific Coast

Drive Time: ~3 hours
Overnight: Kalaloch Campground
Highlights: Lake Quinault, Merriman Falls, Tree of Life, Ruby Beach Sunset

Kick off your road trip by heading south from Seattle and entering the Olympic Peninsula through Lake Quinault. Stop at the Quinault Ranger Station to pick up a bear canister and explore the Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail, Merriman Falls, and the World’s Largest Spruce Tree.

By afternoon, make your way to Kalaloch Campground, one of the few oceanfront campgrounds in the park. Before dinner, visit the Tree of Life, a Sitka spruce suspended over an eroded bluff, and end the night with a golden-hour stroll at Ruby Beach, famous for its sea stacks and tide pools.

Day 2 – Hoh Rainforest, Forks & Rialto Beach to Sand Point

Drive Time: ~3.5 hours total
Overnight: Backcountry camping at Sand Point Beach
Highlights: Hall of Mosses, Rialto Beach, Hole in the Wall, Ozette Triangle

Start your morning in the Hoh Rainforest, one of the quietest places in the U.S. and home to the short but magical Hall of Mosses Trail. Then head north to the logging town of Forks for a quick “Twilight” filming location tour.

By afternoon, tackle the Hole in the Wall Trail from Rialto Beach (check tide tables before you go). End the day with a three-mile hike on the Ozette Trail to Sand Point for a remote night of beach camping under the stars.

Day 3 – Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent & Hurricane Ridge

Drive Time: ~4 hours
Overnight: Heart O’ the Hills Campground (First-Come, First-Serve)
Highlights: Sol Duc Falls, Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, Hurricane Hill

After hiking back from Sand Point, visit Sol Duc Falls, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the park. If you’re up for a challenge, take on the steep Mount Storm King Trail for panoramic lake views.

Cool down with the easy Marymere Falls Trail before making your way to Hurricane Ridge for a jaw-dropping drive and sunset. Nearby hikes like Hurricane Hill or Cirque Rim Trail make for great golden-hour photography.

Day 4 – Whale Watching & Scenic Ferry Return to Seattle

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours + ferry
Overnight: Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Highlights: Sunrise at Hurricane Ridge, Orca sightings, Bainbridge Ferry

Catch sunrise at Hurricane Ridge, then drive to Port Townsend for a full-day whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands. Sightings may include orcas, humpback whales, and seals. On your return, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry back to Seattle, a stunning way to see the city skyline with Mount Rainier in the background.

Day 5 – Seattle Exploration & Departure

Spend your last morning at Pike Place Market before returning your campervan and flying home with memories of one of the best Pacific Northwest road trips you can take.

Olympic National Park Road Trip Tips

Reserve campsites early, and know which sites require advance reservations vs. first-come, first-serve.
Pack layers as temperatures vary by elevation.
Bring a bear canister (available at ranger stations).
Download offline maps as cell service is limited.
Check tide charts for coastal hikes.
Follow Leave No Trace principles when camping.

From moss-covered rainforests to wild Pacific shores and alpine ridges, this 5-day Olympic National Park itinerary from Seattle packs in the park’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, exploring by campervan lets you experience the magic of the park on your own terms.

Let’s start planning your Olympic National Park road trip today!

The Ultimate 5-Day Olympic National Park Campervan Road Trip from Seattle