Olympic National Park: Half-Day Tour

Discover the captivating beauty of Olympic National Park on a half-day tour that blends scenic drives and moderate hikes. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive adventure promises to unveil the park’s stunning natural wonders, from the cascading Marymere Falls to the lush old-growth forests. With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience as you savor provided meals and snacks along the way. Prepare to be enchanted by the Elwha River and the majestic Madison Creek Falls, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of this remarkable wilderness.

Key Points

• This half-day tour in Olympic National Park departs from Port Angeles and includes highlights like Madison Creek Falls and Marymere Falls.
• The tour is led by a local naturalist guide and features a scenic drive and moderate hiking, with a maximum group size of 12.
• The itinerary includes a short 0.1-mile walk to Madison Creek Falls, a guided hike of 2-3 miles to Marymere Falls, and a scenic drive to Tongue Point.
• Roundtrip transportation, meals, and snacks are included, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or individuals with mobility impairments, and participants should address any concerns with the tour operator prior to booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The half-day tour in Olympic National Park offers an immersive experience, taking visitors on a guided exploration of the park’s diverse landscapes.

An immersive guided exploration of Olympic National Park’s diverse landscapes.

This 4-hour adventure departs from Port Angeles, allowing participants to discover highlights like Madison Creek Falls, Marymere Falls, and the breathtaking Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Led by a local naturalist guide, the tour includes a scenic drive and 2-3 miles of moderate hiking through old-growth forests.

With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Roundtrip transportation, meals, and snacks are all included, making this tour a convenient and engaging way to take in Olympic National Park.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Port Angeles, the tour first leads participants on a short 0.1-mile walk to Madison Creek Falls along the Elwha River.

From there, the group embarks on a guided hike of 2-3 miles to Marymere Falls, passing through the area’s iconic old-growth forests.

After the hike, the tour takes a scenic drive to Tongue Point, situated in Salt Creek County Park, offering panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Throughout the journey, the local naturalist guide provides expert insights and information about the park’s unique ecosystems and natural wonders.

Inclusions

The tour includes a local naturalist hiking guide and driver who accompanies participants throughout the journey.

Roundtrip transportation from Port Angeles is provided in a modern 15-passenger van. Meals, snacks, and water are also included, ensuring travelers are well-nourished during the excursion.

This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Olympic National Park without worrying about logistics.

The inclusions are designed to enhance the overall experience, making it a seamless and enjoyable adventure for all participants.

Meeting Point and Travel Information

Olympic Hiking Co.’s tour office is located at the Port Angeles Wharf, where you will meet for the half-day tour of Olympic National Park.

This tour is easily accessible from Seattle, requiring a 3-hour drive. Travelers can take the 8:45 AM Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry and then board the 10:20 AM Strait Shot Bus, arriving at the Port Angeles Gateway Transit Center by 12:15 PM.

Once at the meeting point, guests will:

1. Locate the Olympic National Park map outside the tour office.

2. Check in with the guide and fellow participants.

3. Board the modern 15-passenger van for the day’s adventure.

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Participant Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The tour involves hiking over uneven terrain and navigating through old-growth forests. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the following participant restrictions apply:

| Restriction | Rationale |

| — | — |

| No children under 10 | Trail difficulty and length not suitable for young children |

| No mobility impairments | Hiking required to access key sights |

| No wheelchair users | Trails and terrain not wheelchair accessible |

Guests with concerns about their ability to participate should contact the tour operator prior to booking.

Customer Reviews

3 reviews provide a strong endorsement of this half-day tour of Olympic National Park.

According to customers, the tour offers an exceptional experience:

The tour offers an exceptional experience, according to customers.

1. Eryn praised the guide Eric as "excellent," highlighting the trip’s structure and flexibility for all ages.

2. Denise emphasized the "beauty of the park" and the "quality of the guide."

3. The tour has received a perfect 5/5 overall rating based on 3 reviews, demonstrating its consistently high-quality service.

With a local naturalist guide, scenic drives, and an immersive hike, this half-day adventure showcases the best of Olympic National Park.

Explore the Elwha River and Madison Creek Falls

As visitors depart from Port Angeles, the first stop takes them along the Elwha River to the picturesque Madison Creek Falls.

The short 0.1-mile walk leads to a stunning cascade plunging over moss-covered rocks. Guests can take in the serene beauty of the river and falls before continuing their journey.

The Elwha River has a significant history, as the nearby dam removal project has restored the river’s natural flow, allowing salmon to return.

This initial stop sets the stage for the day’s exploration of Olympic National Park’s lush forests and captivating waterfalls.

Hike to Marymere Falls and Old-Growth Forests

The guided hike takes visitors along a 2-3 mile route to Marymere Falls and the surrounding old-growth forests at Lake Crescent.

The lush, mossy forest canopy provides a serene backdrop for this scenic trek. Along the way, hikers can:

1. Admire the 90-foot cascade of Marymere Falls, framed by its rocky alcove.

2. Wander through ancient groves of towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce trees.

3. Spot native wildlife like Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and a variety of birds.

This immersive hike offers a glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystems and impressive natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Hiking Boots or Shoes Are Recommended?

Sturdy, well-tread hiking boots or shoes with good traction are recommended for this tour. They’ll provide support and grip on the moderate trails through the park’s rugged terrain.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The tour includes stops at designated areas within Olympic National Park that provide modern restroom facilities for participants to use as needed throughout the half-day excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Lunch on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and lunch on the tour. The tour includes meals, snacks, and water, but allowing personal food provides more flexibility and choice for travelers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and lunch. The tour is a fixed 4-hour experience focused on key highlights of Olympic National Park.

How Difficult Is the Hike to Marymere Falls?

The hike to Marymere Falls is considered moderate, covering 2-3 miles through old-growth forests. While not overly strenuous, it does involve some incline, so proper footwear and basic fitness are recommended for this part of the tour.

The Sum Up

Discover the beauty of Olympic National Park on this half-day tour. Marvel at the cascading Madison Creek Falls and Marymere Falls, stroll along the Elwha River, and learn about the lush old-growth forests. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group adventure offers a seamless and personalized exploration of this stunning natural landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: