Explore Olympic National Park from Seattle through Van /Ferry

If you’re thinking about spending a day outside the city and want to see some of Washington’s best natural sights, this Olympic National Park tour could be worth considering. It promises a mix of ferry rides, wildlife safaris, rainforest hikes, and breathtaking mountain vistas—all packed into roughly 10 hours. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying and what’s included to help you decide if this trip matches your expectations.

What we really like about this tour is the variety of stops—from the wildlife refuge at Sequim to the serene beauty of Lake Crescent—and the fact that the guide can customize the day based on weather, crowd levels, and group preferences. Plus, the ferry ride offers a fun, scenic start to the adventure. However, potential travelers should keep in mind that, depending on the day, some parts of the trip might feel rushed, or the weather could impact certain activities.

This tour is best suited for nature lovers, those who enjoy scenic drives, and travelers eager for a guided day exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Olympics. If you’re okay with a full schedule in exchange for seeing a good chunk of the park’s highlights, it might be right up your alley. But if you prefer a more leisurely pace or are traveling with young children, some elements might need extra consideration.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary combines wildlife, rainforest, mountain, and lake visits in one day.
• Ferry ride offers stunning views of Seattle and Puget Sound, adding a special touch.
• Guided flexibility means stops are tailored to weather and group interests.
• Highlights include Hurricane Ridge, Marymere Falls, Lake Crescent, and an animal safari.
• Price point is around $335 per person, which covers transportation, ferry fees, and park entry—good value for the variety.
• Not included are the entrance fee for the animal farm and optional wine tastings, so budget accordingly.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Bainbridge Island and the Ferry Ride

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in a private van, easing you into the day. The best part? The 1-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. As you leave the city behind, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the distant mountains. It’s a relaxing start, and many reviews highlight how much travelers appreciate this scenic voyage.

One traveler mentioned, “Enjoyed sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.” It’s a peaceful way to transition from urban to wilderness, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Stop 2: Olympic Game Farm – Wildlife Safari

Next up is the self-guided Drive Tour at the Olympic Game Farm. This 84-acre wildlife park features llamas, elk, yaks, bison, deer, zebras, and even bears. The animals are quite friendly and often come right up to your car for a snack—if you bring some bread, of course.

The advantage here is the all-day access, so you can take your time, drive around multiple times, and enjoy the animals at your own pace. Many visitors have praised this part, saying “the animals at the park even closed early but they could have stayed all day,” showing how much folks enjoy the experience.

Be aware that the entrance fee isn’t included in the tour price, so plan for that if you’re keen on this stop. People often love the interactive aspect, and reviews mention how entertaining it is to see llamas, zebras, and Tibetan yaks up close.

Stop 3: Hurricane Ridge

After the safari, the group heads toward Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles from Port Angeles. This is one of the most popular spots in Olympic National Park, known for its panoramic mountain views and opportunities for hiking and snow sports in winter.

The drive to Hurricane Ridge takes roughly two and a half hours from the initial pickup point, but many travelers say it’s well worth the journey. The guide will decide the best timing for stops, balancing weather and crowd levels, to maximize your experience.

While you won’t necessarily hike here, the views are stunning, and some reviews remark that even viewing from a distance leaves a lasting impression. “The peaks are beautiful but not much to see on the way,” one review pointed out, emphasizing that the views from Hurricane Ridge itself are the real highlight.

Stop 4: Marymere Falls & Lake Crescent

Next, the tour includes a visit to Marymere Falls, a short hike on a paved trail that leads to an impressive waterfall cascading into Lake Crescent. The walk is manageable, about 0.2 miles from the parking area, and offers an excellent photo opportunity.

Many reviewers rave about this stop — “the highlight was the walk up to Marymere Falls,” and they love how accessible and scenic it is. The surrounding Lake Crescent is equally beautiful, with tranquil waters framed by forested mountains.

This stop generally lasts around two hours, giving you enough time to explore, take pictures, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Restrooms and a ranger station are nearby, making it convenient for visitors.

Return to Seattle

After soaking in the natural beauty, the group heads back to Bainbridge Island for the ferry ride, which many find relaxing and scenic—especially near sunset, when the light softens over the water. The ferry back to Seattle takes about three hours, completing the roughly 10-hour day.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture of this tour. Many highlight knowledgeable guides—one reviewer called Dwight “absolutely amazing,” and others appreciated how guides timed stops to maximize views and comfort. A common praise is the stunning scenery: “Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent were breathtaking,” and “the scenery and locations were beautiful,” as one reviewer put it.

However, some reviews mention issues with punctuality or communication. For example, one traveler pointed out that their guide arrived 50 minutes early, which was inconvenient, and another noted that a pickup address was wrong. These hiccups can happen, so it’s worth being flexible.

The wildlife safari is a fan favorite—reviewers loved the chance to see animals like llamas and zebras up close, with one calling it “so fun,” and another saying they could have stayed longer. The combination of wildlife, forest hikes, and mountain vistas offers a well-rounded day.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Great variety of stops and ecosystems
– Scenic ferry ride adds a special touch
– Flexible, guide-led itinerary that adapts to conditions
– Excellent for those who love nature and photography

Cons:
– Some reviews mention guide punctuality issues
– The trip is long and can be tiring if you’re not used to full days on the move
– Entrance fees for the animal farm are extra
– Weather can impact certain views or activities

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of around $335, you’re paying for a full day of guided exploration, transportation, ferry rides, and park access. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to see some top sights without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour offers convenience and a lot of scenic variety. The guide’s flexibility and knowledge can really enhance the experience, especially if you’re new to the area.

However, it’s not necessarily a bargain—what you pay is for the guided format and transportation. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with kids, some parts might feel rushed, so keep that in mind.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This day trip is ideal for nature enthusiasts, especially those who love hiking, wildlife, and mountain scenery. It’s best suited for travelers who want a curated, planned experience that hits many highlights without having to organize each detail. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule and enjoy guided adventures, you’re likely to find this a satisfying outing.

Those seeking a more leisurely or personalized experience might prefer exploring on their own or with a smaller, more flexible outfit. Also, if the weather turns poor, some parts of the trip could be less enjoyable, so it’s good to be prepared with waterproof gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry ride included in the tour?
Yes, the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and back is included in the tour price. It’s a scenic part of the day that many travelers find memorable.

What is the animal safari at Olympic Game Farm like?
It’s a drive-through wildlife park with animals like llamas, zebras, yaks, and bears. You can drive around multiple times if you want, and the animals are quite approachable. The entrance fee for the farm isn’t included in the main tour price.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 10 hours, typically starting with hotel pickup and ending back in Seattle after the ferry ride. The main stops include hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain vistas.

Can this tour be customized?
Yes. The guide will tailor stops based on weather, crowd levels, and group preferences, aiming to optimize your experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it involves some walking and outdoor activities that may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Water, waterproof gear if the forecast calls for rain, snacks, and comfortable shoes are recommended. The guide might call ahead to advise on weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

This Olympic National Park day trip from Seattle offers a solid mix of scenery, wildlife, and adventure. It’s a good pick if you want a guided, hassle-free way to see some of Washington’s most iconic landscapes. With knowledgeable guides, flexible stops, and stunning vistas, you’ll likely come away with memories to cherish—just be prepared for a long day and variable weather.

If you love nature, enjoy guided tours, and want a comprehensive snapshot of the Olympic Peninsula in one go, this could be a strong choice. Just make sure to pack your waterproof gear and bring a sense of curiosity—because this tour really does pack in some of the best sights the area has to offer.