I went to Seattle on a business trip and loved exploring the city for a day. I'm the type of person that would rather leave the city to see the sites to actually get a feel of the area. I know not all cities are the same, but when you come to a landscape beauty like Washington, it's hard not to go out and explore. This is a bit ambitious, but I rented a car (a little fiat) and drove the entire rim of the Olympic National Park perimeter in one day! I absolutely loved my day. I started from the south of the park and drove the 101, stopping for a hike here and there. It was stunning. I barely even saw any people, which was surprising for a national park in the summer! After going to Yosemite in May, this was so tranquil to see the beauty of the park without people photo bombing all of my pictures. I definitely do not suggest doing this trip in one day like I did, but unfortunately I was limited for time. If you want to visit this park and want to drive around and explore, I'd definitely recommend this route. Also, there's so much to do, I'd recommend staying in different towns around the park to get the whole experience. If you're looking for a scenic drive with no plans on the bill, this is the drive for you!
Highway 101 is a great way to see the Olympic Peninsula and National Forest. It is a good two lane road through the forest, around Lakes and by the Beach. The road provides access to interior area of Olympic National Park. Services and Attractions are frequent and convenient.
Highway 101 is so scenic that I can't help taking pictures throughout the drive. Lakes, autumn leaves, trees, bushes, fallen trees, flying leaves, mountains, clouds, rain drops, beaches, country roads on and on. One drive is not enough. Looking forward to more to come.
This scenec drive is well worth traveling through in car alone or with family. I went through it with nephews and nieces 5 at once of variety ages from 1yr old to 12 and we all had so much good time. Was going through highway by myself many times and last one was with my husband and we adore it.
We took 101 around most of Olympic National Park/Forest but didn't quite complete the loop. Started in Seattle, through Olympia, to Ocean Shores, Forks, Port Angeles then to Bainbridge Island. There wasn't a bad view, even if you never got out of the car. You SHOULD get out and see the sights but in a pinch, just the drive was very scenic.
We started on Highway 101 from Olympia and took up to Port Angeles and to the coast and all the way down to Oregon. So very much to see along the way. Of course the best part is going thru Olympia National Park/s along the way. You hit all the beaches on the west coast to add to the treat. Plan to drive it but allow plenty of days to enjoy it:)
It's a way long drive. It's nice looking. I actually saw some elk which was cool. But it's an all day event. And it's a lot of windy small road driving. I liked it but it is probably not for everyone.
Lots of evergreens (I bet that's where the state nickname came from). Towns along the drive appeared run down, destitute and in survival mode.
This highway goes through bigger cities and places so remote that you have no clue if you'll see another vehicle again. There are a lot of places to get out and hike and some to get out and walk to the beach a few feet away. The gas stations can be sparse so fill up when you can.
Highway 101 seems to a bit of everything, beach views, serious mountain driving, and more. I certainly was never bored driving down this northern California coastal highway.