Route to Olympic peninsula

The 7:15 ferry crossing from Coupeville to Port Townsend is always full, get your reservation the night before and be in the waiting parking by 6:45.

I'd plan on over nighting in the camp area at Fort Cassey. it is still a 10 minute drive.

Look it up on Googlemaps.

enblethen wrote:
Best way from Mt Vernon is WA 20 across to Whidbey Island and take the ferry to Port Townsend.

X2

come right by the house :)

If taking the ferry, there are a number of state parks with camping along the way. Deception Pass is one of the most popular. I like Fort Ebey. Fort Casey is right at the ferry dock. And a couple more forts on the Port Townsend side.

I must also agree that the ferry is the best way to go, but if that sounds pricey you can come down I5 to Hwy 16 and go over the Narrows. Its a $$$ bridge, but they only collect going east, not heading west so that is good. When you get to 101 I would stay at Fort Worden State Park if you can get reservations and if you have an extra day, take the ferry (walk on) for a day trip to Victoria. (Bring your passport or Enhanced drivers licence.

Get a reservation on the ferry.

WA State Ferry Link

Take an early morning ferry from Coupeville (Keystone) to Port Townsend. If you get there early you likely will get a front row seat in your vehicle on the bow of the ferry.

Salt Creek County Park on the north end of the peninsula is magnificent when the tides are low, with lots of marine life in the tide pools.

Ferries can be expensive, but fuel is pricy!
Washington State Ferries

Obviously I live around the location. You've had some good advise, it all depends on what your want.
I often prefer the ferry from Port Townsend to WI, it's a short ride and avoids the traffic issues from Everett to Tacoma.
If you take this route, get reservations (period). If you arrive early, and there is room, they will load you on an early ferry.

Not the subject of the post but as far as campground in that areaElwha Dam RV Park Great park and if you travel with a dog they do have pet setting service.

kalynzoo wrote:
Drive right around the bend and up the 101. Nice road. We really enjoyed Rest-A-While RV park on the 101, just south of Port Angeles and Squim. It is not much to look at, more of a paved full hookup, but the view, with your front window up against the Hood River Canal is magnificent. Happy Trails.

US101 from Shelton up the west side of Hood Canal is very scenic, but not a route you can hurry on.

enblethen wrote:
Best way from Mt Vernon is WA 20 across to Whidbey Island and take the ferry to Port Townsend.

For which reservations are strongly suggested, this route has small ferries and heavy volume.

The ferries from Edmonds and Seattle do -not- accept reservations.