This 323-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Washington, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
By Jessica Wick|Published January 14, 2022
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Washington has some beautiful scenic byways, but many of them are seasonal drives. The North Cascades and Chinook Pass, for example, tend to be especially treacherous in the winter. There are few places you can go in the state where your road trip won’t be impacted by the water, but the Olympic Peninsula Highway 101 loop is definitely one of them.
Not all of Olympic National Park’s attractions are open year-round, but the majority of the Peninsula is accessible all winter. If you’re suffering from a case of cabin fever, here’s how to cure it.
While you could complete this loop in a weekend, we recommend spending a few extra days enjoying the drive if you can.
The 12-mile lake sits in between a pair of breathtaking lodges, surrounded by majestic mountains and tall trees. This is definitely one of the most iconic places in Olympic National Park.
The short, easy Trail of the Cedars is a great way to experience the area. Winters are fairly mild, and there's even a campground here that stays open all year.
No matter what time of year you visit Ruby Beach, you should stay for the sunset—especially if the sun comes out first.
