Inexpensive Road Trips Under $100 | The Olympic Peninsula, WA

Unforgettable and Under $100

Four Road Trips to Take that Won’t Break the Bank

Take a road trip that creates a bundle of memories without busting the budget. The Olympic Peninsula offers many affordable activities and awesome attractions, and a whole lot of free (and nearly free) things to do.

Port to Port: Port Angeles to Sequim to Port Townsend

  • Get the big picture on what’s happening along the North Olympic Peninsula Coast at Olympic Coast Discovery Center. Pick up tips on places to see and things to do in the area, along with loads of information about the 3,000-plus square miles of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
  • Get a taste of the Olympic Peninsula’s garden-to-plate fare at Nourish Sequim. This stop along the Olympic Peninsula Culinary Loop is at Bell House Farm, the first and oldest herb farm in Washington state.
  • Pull off Highway 101 for a tour of the totems at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center in Blyn.
  • Book a late-afternoon Twisted History Tour in Port Townsend. This waterside town’s lovely Victorian homes have a dark side.
  • Once you’re properly spooked, calm down with some homemade deliciousness from Elevated Ice Cream.

 

Lake to Shore: Lake Crescent to La Push

  • Experience glacially carved Lake Crescent from a paddleboard, kayak or canoe.
  • road trip on the Olympic Peninsula, WATake in lakeside views and enjoy award-winning, certified green fare at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge. The dining room is typically open May through the first of January.
  • Take a Twilight Tour in Forks, the timber town made famous by the beloved books and movies.
  • In La Push, find yourself a waterside seat at River’s Edge Restaurant (41 Main St., 360-374-0777). It’s the ideal end-of-the-road spot for coffee, crab cocktail or a cup or chowder. Also on the menu—amazing water views.

 

Lodge to Lodge: Kalaloch to Quinault

  • Enjoy a local, sustainable and just plain delicious lunch from Creekside Restaurant at rustic Kalaloch Lodge, perched on a cliff overlooking driftwood-strewn Pacific coastline.
  • Stroll the grounds, interior and nearby nature trails at Lake Quinault Lodge. Book an afternoon or sunset boat tour to explore and learn more about this stunning gem.
  • Once back on shore, pull up an Adirondack chair on the grassy lakeside lawn and enjoy the serenity with a delicious shake from Quinault Mercantile (352 S. Shore Rd., 360-288-2277).

 

Follow Hood Canal: Shelton to Quilcene

  • Fuel up in downtown Shelton at Urraco Coffee, then rev up a go-kart at Ridge Motorsports Park.
  • Get a taste of Hood Canal’s world-famous shellfish at the Oyster Bar Saloon at the Hama Hama Oyster Farm.
  • In North Hood Canal, pull off for a waterfall hike. The Falls View Canyon Loop trail is right off Highway 101 just nine miles north of Brinnon.
  • Make a tiny-house stop in Quilcene. The Picket Fence (22 Washington Street, 360-774-0444) offers one-of-a-kind and handmade items. The shop is in a growing “village” of innovative tiny buildings custom designed and made in Quilcene by Tanda Design Inc. After the tiny tour, stop by Midori Farm for some farm-fresh organic produce and traditionally fermented sauerkraut and kimchi.

 

This is just a sampling of pairings to build an unforgettable trip under $100. Check out Olympic Peninsula destinations for more ideas, tips and information.