Last week, we embarked on an unforgettable Girls Only Adventure Trip to Olympic National Park. For five days, we soaked in the beauty of nature, bonded over shared experiences, and embraced the stunning landscapes that only the Pacific Northwest can offer. Here’s a recap of our trip, from the misty mountains to the moody rain forest, and everything in between.
Day 0: Pre-Trip Arrivals
Since the flight to Seattle can be quite the long haul, several of our adventurers flew in the night before to ensure there were no travel delays. We all arrived about 5pm, picked up our 15 passenger van, and headed to our downtown Seattle hotel – The Charter Hotel by Curio Collection. Due to time zone differences and getting settled, we opted for a quick bite for dinner in the hotel’s Patagon restaurant before turning in for an early bedtime.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Our adventure began with a quick walk around Pike Place, taking in the sights of the fish market and gm wall, before heading to the airport to pick up the rest of our adventurers. We took the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, and we all experienced a first of seeing the majestic orcas spouting out of the water. It brought some of us to tears! Once we arrived on Bainbridge Island, we took a scenic drive to our cozy Airbnb on the shores of Lake Sutherland. With breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests, it felt like the perfect base for our trip. We spent our first evening relaxing, getting to know each other, and making plans for the week ahead. Our homemade spaghetti dinner hit the spot – our bellies and hearts were full!
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls and Cape Flattery – The Edge of the World
On our first morning in Port Angeles, we picked up a quick breakfast at Fogtown Coffee before heading out to chase waterfalls. The first stop was to hike the 2 mile round trip trail to Marymere Falls. This really gave us our first rain forest-esque experience, and we all admired the towering trees and gushing waterfall. After a quick break, we continued our drive west and hiked about 2 miles round trip to Sol Duc Falls. In the afternoon, our journey took us to the northwestern-most point of the continental U.S.—Cape Flattery. Walking along the cliffside trails, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of sea stacks, crashing waves, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. There’s something humbling about standing at the edge of the continent, gazing out at the vast expanse of water. Afterward, we headed back to Port Angeles for dinner at Sabai Thai – a perfect nightcap on a fun day!
Day 3: Hurricane Ridge – Above the Clouds
We kicked off our second full day with a visit to Hurricane Ridge, and it did not disappoint! The winding drive up the mountain revealed sweeping views of the Olympics, and once we reached the top, we were treated to miles of trails and jaw-dropping vistas. The crisp autumn air, combined with the golden hues of the season, made for perfect hiking conditions. We spent the morning hiking up the Cirque Rim to Sunrise Point and taking photos, capturing memories in one of the most iconic parts of the park. We then returned back down to Port Angeles for a stop at the visitor center and lunch at Little Devil’s Lunchbox. We can never turn down tacos! Following a hearty lunch, we drove back to Lake Crescent for an afternoon hike to the Devil’s Punchbowl. This 2 mile round trip hike gave us beautiful scenery and a perfect place to jump in the water for a polar bear plunge. We each took turns cheering each other on as we jumped in, admiring how clear (and cold!) the water was! We returned to the cabin for dinner, enjoying a hearty autumn chili and relax in the hot tub and by the fire pit.
Day 4: Into the Hoh Rain Forest
The next day, we entered the lush, green wonderland of the Hoh Rain Forest. It felt like stepping into another world—the towering trees, moss-covered branches, and ferns carpeting the forest floor created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. We wandered along the Hall of Mosses trail, marveling at the beauty of this ancient ecosystem. The rain, a common visitor in the area, surprisingly held off, but the fog had the forest feeling even more magical as we hiked through the misty surroundings. After a quick lunch in Forks and taking in the all of the Twilight sights, we headed towards Rialto Beach for a misty walk to Hole in the Wall. Since the weather was a bit unforgiving, we returned back to the cabin for dinner. On all Girls Only Adventure Trips we have an official closing ceremony where we can reflect on the adventure, celebrate each other, and have one final fun evening together.
Optional Seattle Night: Hot Tub Boats and Pike Place
For those of us who weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to the trip, we spent an extra night in downtown Seattle at the Thompson Hotel. After an adventurous ride on the Seattle Train, we were sad to learn our Hot Tub Boat ride had been canceled due to weather. We quickly pivoted and explored Pike Place Market and dinner at Alibi Room. The juxtaposition of urban excitement with our wilderness adventures was the perfect way to end the week.
Final Thoughts
Our Fall in the Olympics trip was a blend of outdoor exploration, relaxation, and connection with nature—and each other. Olympic National Park offered us a little bit of everything: towering mountains, lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and rejuvenating hot tub and relaxation. It’s safe to say that this adventure will be remembered for years to come, and we’re already planning our next trip!
If you’re looking to experience breathtaking landscapes, connect with an incredible group of women, and embrace the beauty of nature, be sure to join us on our next Girls Only Adventure Trip. There’s always something new to explore!
