Olympic National Park sights for those who cannot walk far (Pacific: fit in, cabin)

[Jumpindogs]

My parents and I are visiting Sequim in mid-October and I'd love to show them the best of the drivable Olympic National Park sights. My dad cannot walk long distances and stops to rest frequently during his daily San Diego beach walks. Even the purportedly easy 0.8 mile hike from the trailhead to Sol Duc Falls is prolly too much walking for him.

They've already seen Hurricane Ridge and I'm guessing weather might not allow that drive in mid-October anyway. From the map it appears that 101 along Lake Crescent is nice. Any other recommendations would be much appreciated!

We can always do the Olympic Game Farm and the Dungeness River Audubon Center in Sequim if there isn't anything we can drive to in the ONP.

[Dendrite]

Originally Posted by Jumpindogs

My parents and I are visiting Sequim in mid-October and I'd love to show them the best of the drivable Olympic National Park sights. My dad cannot walk long distances and stops to rest frequently during his daily San Diego beach walks. Even the purportedly easy 0.8 mile hike from the trailhead to Sol Duc Falls is prolly too much walking for him.

They've already seen Hurricane Ridge and I'm guessing weather might not allow that drive in mid-October anyway. From the map it appears that 101 along Lake Crescent is nice. Any other recommendations would be much appreciated!

We can always do the Olympic Game Farm and the Dungeness River Audubon Center in Sequim if there isn't anything we can drive to in the ONP.

The drive along Crescent is indeed nice with several turn outs along the way offering spectacular views of the lake (in good weather). The easiest and shortest trail in the park that I can think of is Madison Creek Falls which is near the Elwha River entrance to the park off of Hwy 101. It's a very easy little paved walk up to the falls but even at that, it may be near the limit of what your dad can do.

Otherwise as you mentioned, outside of ONP you could show them the city parks around Sequim (Railroad Bridge, Carrie Blake). The state parks are nice too: Sequim Bay, Dungeness Rec Area and maybe even out to Salt Creek. Remember your Discover Pass (which can be bought on site or on line).

One last thought, October and (more so) November traditionally tend to be our rainiest months here, so you'll want to dress for that possibility. Although this summer we seem to have had a lot more sunshine and "hot weather" than usual, so you may luck out weather wise ( we actually had a summer here this year! ). It's just hard to predict maritime weather patterns. As I sit here sipping coffee and looking out my den window this morning, it's now gray and drizzling. Maybe sun later though?

[CrazyDonkey]

If you can catch a nice, or at least dry, day to go, Rialto Beach in the La Push area, about a 1 and 3/4 hours drive from Sequim, has a parking lot right on the beach. A short walk through the driftwood (there is a disabled walkway) and you're on a beautiful wilderness beach, with sea-stacks and hard pounding surf. Just find a log and sit and enjoy.

[elkotronics]

Rialto Beach and La Push are truly beautiful and worth the drive over there. The Pacific Ocean is only 13 miles northwest of Forks and is a relaxing place to visit.

[Jumpindogs]

Originally Posted by Dendrite

The drive along Crescent is indeed nice with several turn outs along the way offering spectacular views of the lake (in good weather). The easiest and shortest trail in the park that I can think of is Madison Creek Falls which is near the Elwha River entrance to the park off of Hwy 101. It's a very easy little paved walk up to the falls but even at that, it may be near the limit of what your dad can do.

Otherwise as you mentioned, outside of ONP you could show them the city parks around Sequim (Railroad Bridge, Carrie Blake). The state parks are nice too: Sequim Bay, Dungeness Rec Area and maybe even out to Salt Creek. Remember your Discover Pass (which can be bought on site or on line).

One last thought, October and (more so) November traditionally tend to be our rainiest months here, so you'll want to dress for that possibility. Although this summer we seem to have had a lot more sunshine and "hot weather" than usual, so you may luck out weather wise ( we actually had a summer here this year! ). It's just hard to predict maritime weather patterns. As I sit here sipping coffee and looking out my den window this morning, it's now gray and drizzling. Maybe sun later though?

Dendrite, that Madison Creek Falls trail looks perfect. And right on the way to Lake Crescent. Thanks so much!

Yes, we are packing rain gear and planning to use it.

[Jumpindogs]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

If you can catch a nice, or at least dry, day to go, Rialto Beach in the La Push area, about a 1 and 3/4 hours drive from Sequim, has a parking lot right on the beach. A short walk through the driftwood (there is a disabled walkway) and you're on a beautiful wilderness beach, with sea-stacks and hard pounding surf. Just find a log and sit and enjoy.

Thanks CrazyDonkey. Looks like an awesomely gorgeous area! We are only in Sequim for a day and have a couple other commitments so that drive might be a bit much to fit in. But I will definitely save this for our next visit.

[Hemlock140]

Just this side of Sequim stop by the John Wayne Marina, it's scenc itself but also you won't find a better dinner than at the Dockside Grill there (not cheap but worth it).

[Jumpindogs]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Just this side of Sequim stop by the John Wayne Marina, it's scenc itself but also you won't find a better dinner than at the Dockside Grill there (not cheap but worth it).

Hemlock, we are staying at a JWM cabin our one night in Sequim. I wanted to check it out cause it is so close to the lot we purchased. If we feel like spending money we'll try the Dockside...that's on my list of to-dos. We will for sure lunch at Nourish or Pacific Pantry on the way to Madison Creek Falls/Lake Crescent. Fell in love with both on our July visit.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I would say up Deer Park to the top but the road will probably be closed by then.

Or my favorite, what made me love the Olympic Peninsula, would be Lake Quinault & the rainforest there. It's clear around the peninsula, but there is lodging there. You can drive on the north and south shores through the rain forest and not get out to walk at all, or take some of the easy nature trails there.

[TrueTimbers]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

I would say up Deer Park to the top but the road will probably be closed by then.

Or my favorite, what made me love the Olympic Peninsula, would be Lake Quinault & the rainforest there. It's clear around the peninsula, but there is lodging there. You can drive on the north and south shores through the rain forest and not get out to walk at all, or take some of the easy nature trails there.

Deer park..... Ha..great mind think alike... I DM'ed her with that one.. But the road might be a little too thrilling, for a worried elderly man.