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Hit the Road: Funky Family Road Trips From Seattle

5 scenic road trips around Washington, from the North Olympic Peninsula to Grand Coulee

Lauren Braden
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Published on: April 06, 2023

Hit the Road: Funky Family Road Trips From Seattle

Girl climbing on driftwood along Dungeness Spit Sequim Washington great family road trip itinieraries from Seattle
Photo:
Dungeness Spit

2. North Olympic Peninsula

Distance from Seattle: 108 miles each way, about 3 hours of driving time, plus ferry wait time

Small-town charms, breathtaking scenery and maritime history converge on this road trip that follows the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula and ends up with a close-up look at the now-dam-free Elwha River. Consider making this drive in the fall for a chance to see spawning Chinook salmon.

The route: From Seattle, drive north on I-5 to Edmonds and board a ferry that crosses Puget Sound to Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula. You’ll take SR-104 West across Hood Canal, then join U.S. Route 101 North through Sequim and Port Angeles to the Elwha River.

Stops along the way

Mile 32: Port Gamble General Store (Port Gamble): Stroll around the small national historic district “downtown,” where you’ll find an old-fashioned general store and café — below the general store is a history museum that unveils the story of a town built on the timber industry.

Mile 65: Purple Haze Lavender Farm (Sequim): Stop here for a family photo op among the 15,000 aromatic lavender plants. Lavender fields are open to visitors (along with a gift shop and an ice cream and beverage stand) in the summer, from mid-June through August.  

Mile 69: Pane d’Amore Artisan Bakery (Sequim): Stop here for rosemary bread, cheese sticks, kid-favorite cinnamon twists and morning glory muffins.

Mile 74: Dungeness Spit (Sequim): This hike along a 5.5-mile-long sandspit that is designated a national wildlife refuge is as flat, scenic and driftwood-tossed as they come. Bundle up the kids — it can be windy — and be wary of doing the full 11-mile round-trip hike. It’s a seriously hefty undertaking. Consider hiking part way, playing on the beach and enjoying the best view of the Olympics anywhere. A Refuge Entrance Pass is required.

Mile 91: Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park (Port Angeles): This short hike is a free outdoor art museum with more than 100 installations. Kids will be enthralled with the whimsical sculptures, from sinewy tree trunks wrapped in glittery fabric to a giant chair made of logs.

Mile 93: Sasquatch Bakery (Port Angeles): Stop by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday before 2 p.m. for your sugar rush.

Mile 108: Elwha River (Port Angeles): When two dams were built on this scenic river a century ago, the bountiful salmon runs ceased. Those dams are now removed, and a visit to this beautiful watershed reveals the fascinating story of how a vision of ecosystem restoration has become a reality. Stop at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles for information on the best observation stops along the Elwha.

Where to stay

Sunset Marine Resort (Sequim): Each cozy waterfront cabin has its own outdoor firepit and deck.

Olympic Lodge Hotel (Port Angeles): This spot is a good home base for exploring the area.

Salt Creek Recreation Area Campground (Port Angeles): This kid-friendly campground has stunning views, a playground and tide pools; half of the 92 campsites are first come, first served.

Next up: Wenatchee Valley to Lake Chelan

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