Washington local Jeff Burlingame shares his expert tips for making the most of the diverse landscapes, small towns, and unique history of the Olympic Peninsula, with options for short getaways and a full-region tour
Charming small towns, verdant rainforests, rocky coastline, and mountain meadows: experience the surreal beauty and endless adventure of the Pacific Northwest with Moon Olympic Peninsula. Inside you'll find:
- Flexible itineraries, from a weekend in Olympic National Park to a weeklong tour of the peninsula
- Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Tour the oldest lighthouse on the Puget Sound, explore Kurt Cobain's hometown, or immerse yourself in the region's rich maritime history. Dig for a dinner of fresh razor clams and savor fresh-caught Dungeness crab. Stroll through a fragrant lavender farm, shop for unique handcrafted goods, or peruse small-town galleries for local art. Sample one-of-a-kind red blends and fruit wines or kick back with a local brew and some jazz music
- The best hikes of the Olympic Peninsula: Find your adventure with hike descriptions, directions, difficulty ratings, and elevation gains
- Outdoor adventures: Wander through the ethereal Hoh Rain Forest, marvel at the panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge, or hike through the old-growth forests of Olympic National Park. Take a waterfall-filled backpacking trek through the Sawtooth Mountains, camp on the banks of the Skokomish River, and soak in the restorative waters of the Olympic Hot Springs. Spot hundreds of species of birds on the largest natural sand spit in the world or study starfish and sea stacks on the rugged northern coast
- Local insight from Washington-born journalist Jeff Burlingame on when to go, where to stay, and what to bring
- Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Helpful background on the landscape, wildlife, climate, and local culture, plus tips for getting around the peninsula
With Moon Olympic Peninsula's practical tips and expert advice, you can plan your trip your way.
Want more of the great outdoors? Try Moon Washington Hiking. Exploring the Pacific Northwest? Try Moon Coastal Oregon or Moon Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
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