If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or nature lover, you will love the scenic drive from Portland to Olympic National Park. This drive offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest, including towering trees, snow-capped mountains, and miles of coastline. This guide will provide you with all the information you need for your road trip from Portland to Olympic National Park, including driving hours, distances, stops, and the best driving route to take.
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Portland to Olympic National Park Drive
The drive from Portland to Olympic National Park is approximately 156.3 miles long (251.5 km), and it takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete the journey. The fastest route is to take I-5 North until you reach Olympia, then take US-101 North all the way to the park. This route will take you through some of the most scenic parts of Washington State, including the Olympic Peninsula.
How Far is Portland from Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington State, about 156.3 miles (251.5 km) northwest of Portland, Oregon. The drive from Portland to the park takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
How Far is Olympic National Park from Portland by Plane?
The flight distance from Portland to Olympic National Park is 248 miles (399 km).
If you’re looking to save time on your road trip, consider taking a flight instead. The closest airport to Olympic National Park is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is approximately 120 miles away. The flight from Portland International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport takes around 1 hour, and you can rent a car at the airport to complete your journey to the park.
What is the Time Difference between Portland and Olympic National Park?
Although Portland, Oregon, and Olympic National Park are located in different time zones, they both follow the Pacific Time Zone, meaning there is no time difference between the two locations. This makes it easy for travelers to plan their road trips without worrying about adjusting to a new time zone. Whether you’re exploring the urban cityscape of Portland or the pristine natural beauty of Olympic National Park, you can be sure that you won’t have to change your watch or alter your schedule due to time zone differences.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Portland to Olympic National Park
The cheapest way to get from Portland to Olympic National Park is by car. You can rent a car from Portland and drive to the park, which will cost you around $80 to $100 per day, depending on the type of car you rent. Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank.
If you prefer not to drive, you can take a bus from Portland to Seattle, then take another bus from Seattle to the park. This option will cost you around $30 to $40 per person, but it will take longer than driving, as you will have to transfer buses in Seattle.
Portland to Olympic National Park Drive – Rent A Car In Portland
Here are some rental car companies to rent a car from in Portland:
- Alamo: starts at $55 per day
- Avis: starts at $50 per day
- Budget: starts at $45 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $55 per day
- Hertz: starts at $60 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $42 per day
- Dollar: starts at $43 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $60 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $4 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Portland to Olympic National Park – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are many scenic stops to make along the way from Portland to Olympic National Park. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is located in Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River from Portland. This site was a significant trading center for the Hudson’s Bay Company during the 19th century and played a critical role in the region’s early history. You can take a tour of the fort and learn about its rich history and the people who lived and worked there.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park is located at the mouth of the Columbia River and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park features several hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the coastline and the nearby lighthouses. You can also visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which tells the story of the famous explorers who first traveled to the area.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is a charming town located on the Columbia River, just a short drive from Cape Disappointment State Park. The town features several historic sites, including the Astoria Column, a towering monument that offers breathtaking views of the area. You can also visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which showcases the region’s maritime history.
Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault is a glacial lake located in the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. It is surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning mountain views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including steelhead and salmon, and offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking. The historic Lake Quinault Lodge is also located on the shore of the lake, providing visitors with a charming and comfortable accommodation option.
Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington State and is known for its lush greenery and mossy trees. It is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, with an average annual rainfall of 140-170 inches. The Hoh River runs through the forest and offers opportunities for hiking and fishing. Visitors to the Hoh Rainforest can also see a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the drive from Portland to Olympic National Park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest region, including towering trees, snow-capped mountains, and miles of coastline. With a distance of approximately 156.3 miles (251.5 km) and a driving time of around 2 hours and 36 minutes, it’s a perfect road trip for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Visitors can take the fastest route by taking I-5 North until reaching Olympia, then taking US-101 North to the park. For those looking to save time, flying to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and renting a car to complete the journey is also an option. Regardless of how visitors choose to get there, the scenic stops along the way, such as Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, make the trip well worth it.