Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle — Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in average physical condition; expect short hikes with modest elevation and periods of standing and walking.
Overview
Experience Olympic National Park in a single long day from Seattle: ferry across Puget Sound, stand on the wind-scoured Hurricane Ridge, peer into glacier-clear Lake Crescent, and walk to Marymere Falls. This guided small-group tour delivers varied terrain, local insights, and practical logistics for a one-day PNW immersion.
Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle — Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls
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The bus eases away from downtown Seattle, the skyline shrinking as the ferry cuts a silver path across Puget Sound. Salt air and the low rumble of the ferry engines set the tone: this is a day built around movement — boat, van, short walks — and a rapid succession of environments. By midmorning the forest closes in, and the Olympic Mountains rise like a hardened green wall, daring visitors to look closer.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for microclimates
Bring a lightweight insulating layer and a waterproof shell — conditions shift quickly from damp forest to windy ridge.
Footwear that grips
Sturdy hiking shoes or light boots with good traction are useful for wet roots and slick boardwalks near waterfalls.
Protect electronics
Carry a compact, waterproof case or zip-top bag for phones and cameras — mist and marine spray are common.
Timing matters
Pickup and ferry schedules are fixed; arrive early and confirm your pickup location at least 3 days before departure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Varied songbirds like winter wrens and robins
History
The Olympics were set aside as a national park in 1938 after decades of conservation advocacy; Indigenous peoples have inhabited the peninsula for millennia and continue cultural stewardship.
Conservation
Stay on designated trails to protect fragile understory and prevent erosion; pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles in sensitive alpine and shoreline zones.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Shields you from rain and wind at Hurricane Ridge and in the temperate rainforest.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Necessary for wet trails, slippery boardwalks, and rocky viewpoints.
Daypack with hydration
Holds extra layers, snacks, water, and camera gear for the long day.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
Keeps you comfortable during cold, windy ridge stops and winter snowshoe sections.
winter specific