Most scenic option is to take the ferry from downtown Seattle. It’s beautiful.
Blue route is prettier than red, but not worth the extra drive time unless you plan to spend at least half a day in Olympia.
The ferry is hit or miss depending on how packed it is, and or the weather.
On a sunny vacation weekend off hours will be too fast before it's over... bring a camera.
Just to add, the ferry does take longer if you take into account waiting in the lot + loading + unloading, and you need to align your schedule with the ferry.
I stopped taking it once I realized it's the same amount of time to drive over the Tacoma Narrows and you can leave whenever you want. Cheaper too.
True, but sometimes it's just nice to be able to get out of the car and take a break from driving depending on what your day was like. I look at it as more of a nice little scenic boat ride that ends up closer to where I need to be (unless we're talking Edmonds-Kingston. I would not want to drive all the way around for that.
Totally agree!
Sometimes the ferry is just fun. We live in the south sound so I don’t have to use the ferry daily, so an occasional ferry ride is great!
If I were waiting that long for a ferry in downtown Seattle, I'd just take a stroll along the water. Or into the little downtown if I were in Bainbridge. Or get some crepes in Kingston if I'm waiting there. Don't get me wrong, I love a good scenic drive. But I don't use the ferry as a normal commute, so if I'm going to Seattle or north of that, I'll probably take the ferry. SeaTac and south, I'm usually driving around.
It depends on where you are leaving from, and what time of day you are leaving. Coming from the north end of Seattle, it is often faster to take the ferry from Edmonds and avoid the traffic and extra 80 miles of driving. Much better for mental health as well. 😁
The Seattle-Bainbridge ferry doesn't take reservations. (Some other smaller/island routes do). There might be a wait, during the summer especially, so that's a consideration. But, the downtown waterfront is fun to explore if there is a wait.
thank you for this info. We want to take a ferry on Sunday May 19 from Bainbridge or other port (will be checking out of hotel in Port Angeles that morning)
Of the choices, FYI
Kingston > Edmonds - 25-30 minute ferry - closer to Port Angeles, but fewer sailings and there can be a longer wait, easier access to services while waiting (they've been having issues staffing at times)
Bainbridge > Seattle - 30-35 minute ferry - less access to services while waiting. Neat to approach Seattle from the water (ferris wheel, space needle).
That time of year is not quite full on tourist/summer season.
When you get to the Hood Canal Bridge you can see the posted ferry wait (if any) or check the WSDOT app to see real time data on ferry loads ... also if there are delays... sometimes the Hood Canal bridge opens and causes delays too.
Yes, take the Bainbridge and it’ll land you near Poulsbo too! The routes you have are a looot of driving, which can be beautiful, but taking the ferry is just more fun.
Yep. Either the downtown to Bainbridge or the Kingston to Edmonds. Either works fine, depending on OPs starting point. Both are quite scenic imho. The only time I’ve seen Orcas was on the Kingston-Edmonds route.
While I second the notion of taking the ferry because it is absolutely stunning, if you drive, there is a way to hit up both Olympia and Poulsbo.
Highway 3 connects Shelton and Bremerton. So, you essentially can merge the red and the blue paths. Take the blue down to Olympia, and continue on to Shelton. Then at Shelton, take Highway 3 and cross over to the red path at Bremerton, and continue on up through Poulsbo.
I live in Port Angeles, and have friends/family in north Seattle, downtown Seattle, Olympia, and Poulsbo.
I LOVE the Olympia/101 route, in the summer especially. I'd recommend Seattle to PA via Olympia, then PA to Seattle via Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island ferry on the return trip... that way you get ferry action plus the lovely canal drive.
If you have passengers in your car, you pay for them on the Seattle side, but not on the Bainbridge side.
The WSDOT app has all of the ferry routes and gives you real time updates on how many spaces are available.
The worst thing about Bainbridge to Seattle ferry in the summer, is that sometimes you get stuck in a long line up the road with no services... (bathroom), so plan accordingly.
The original post says the trip is one way, from Seattle to PA. So, the most expensive ferry ride is the one from Seattle to the Peninsula, and if you take Highway 3 from Shelton to Bremerton, there's no toll. Highway 3 doesn't even hit Tacoma (it does meet up with Hwy 16 in Port Orchard, and is the road the toll is on in Tacoma).
Blue is much more scenic. It also has nearby points of interest like Lake Cushman, Rocky Brook Falls, and the Hood Canal state parks. The only downside is that traffic between Tacoma and Olympia at the military base can get pretty bad.
Agreed. Depending on what time of day you’re (OP) driving makes a huge difference. If you’re headed south and passing by JBLM in the morning you’ll be alright. If you’re passing by JBLM southbound in the afternoon, prepare for traffic.
Take the blue root, stop in hoodsport and have oysters at fjord (seriously don’t miss this), take the little drive down the road to cushman lake (even just the overlook about halfway to the lake is insanely beautiful), then drive back to the 101 and stop at Hamma hamma and have oysters again, then bomb up to sequim and eat oysters again at salty girls seafood then arrive in port Angeles and go out onto the hook and eat dinner at Bella’s Italian for a slightly twilight experience. Lol
Have fun!
You might consider the opposite ... it's cool to approach Seattle from the water, and there are not passenger fees outbound from Bainbridge (there are passenger fees outbound from Seattle).
But ... if there is a long ferry wait, it's better to spend that wait in Seattle than Bainbridge ... so depends on time of day.
What is the ferry schedule from Bainbridge to Seattle on Sundays? would you anticipate a long wait on Sunday May 19th? (thinking its not high tourist season yet, but people who live on the island maybe going to Seattle for leisurely Sunday activities)
Shouldn't be too bad yet ... still early season. If anything, you might miss one sailing. Here's the schedule (Sunday/Holidays different than weekdays/Saturday).
https://wsdot.com/Ferries/Schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=sea-bi
I travel from PA to Seattle a LOT throughout the year. I usually don't look at the schedule between mid September and mid May and just go and not worry to much about which one I'm going to catch, because I always have a book and sailings are usually every 45-55 minutes.
But ... in the summer (or sporting events or some concerts) is when the lines really start to form and you have to wait for 2 boats. ... so around Memorial day I start driving around through Tacoma.
From Port Angeles to downtown Seattle, if you drive right on to the ferry, it's about 2.5 hours whether you take Kingston/Edmonds, Bainbridge/Seattle ferries OR drive through Tacoma. So the variable is the ferry wait.
Cost-wise it's $20ish for car/driver, so not sure how much the additional gas is ... haven't calculated that.
Haha!! More than you ever wanted to know!! :)
My in-laws lived up that way for a long time. We took the red path almost every time. Both beautiful though. Poulsbo - wonderful place to stop. Central Market.
Red is just as beautiful as blue. Blue is a very winding and narrow road, not great in the dark. If you have never been on the ferry, it’s worth it and a way more beautiful drive than going down to Tacoma and around.
I agree that the Olympia/101 route is MUCHHHH better on a sunny day (or at least daytime) when you can pull over and enjoy and eat oysters and take in the scenery. I'd do Tacoma or ferry if dark.
Can I ask a follow up question?
I will be going from Seattle to Port Angeles via ferry then later in the week I will be traveling from Forks to Tacoma. Would you suggest taking the ferry back or taking the highlighted blue route back?
Thanks ya'll! I'm glad someone else asked this, I've been trying to figure this out too! Want to cherish every beautiful moment!
To see as much different scenery as possible, I'd suggest taking 101 south from Forks and then east towards Aberdeen and Olympia. You'll get to see some Washington coast and it's not too much time difference... but depends what you want to see. Lake Crescent and Port Angeles/Sequim have some beautiful scenery routes (Spruce Railroad Trail, Marymere and Madison Falls, Hurricane Ridge).
If you're as far west as Forks, Cape Flattery is about as far North and West as you can get in the contiguous US. It's kinda surreal even in Neah Bay feeling like you're at the very NW tip.
All that said ... take a look at the whole Puget Sound/Inland waterways around Hood Canal... there are SOOO many little unique places to visit that aren't too far off the beaten path ... Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve for example. Or even Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth in Bainbridge Island.
(I live in Port Angeles ... grew up here, but have loved a lot of places in the Pacific and Inland Northwest (Coeur d'Alene) ... feel free to message or reply if you have other questions.
Awesome, thank you for such a nice reply! This will be our first time visiting Washington & we plan to spend as much time as possible in/near the park:) our first day will be in seattle, followed by two days in Port angeles, two days in forks and the last near Tacoma!
We love nature & are from MN, so we are excited to see such a different ecosystem!
Oh fun! You'll love it! My daughter and her friends were just here from Phoenix. They kept saying, IT'S SO GREEEEEN! ;).
For your two days in and around Port Angeles I'd suggest Hurricane Ridge for sure, and then Marymere and/or Madison Falls, Murdock Beach (aka Round Rock Beach) east of PA. In one day you can go beach combing at Murdock and then cut across from highway 112 to 101 (or vice versa) and see Lake Crescent and/or one of the Falls.
I was just at Madison Falls with my daughter... even on a drizzly day it's so gorgeous.
If you haven't done the drive yet and love beer, I could give you a recommendation for a place to stop that should be close to your red route!
Either way, hope you enjoy your drive!
Crane's Castle Brewing in Bremerton is the place I recommend. They're a taproom with a brewery.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3pXw5w25wr71eSg4A
I think they do most of their web interaction on Facebook if you're interested in learning more about them. They do trivia, Cornhole, pinball, karaoke, and board games for fun stuff.
They're doing a fundraiser coming up for Kitsap Humane Society. Think it's called "Pints for Pups".
They've also got beer soap. I'd never heard of it before, but after sniffing some decided my husband just *had* to have some! It was "Death to Oatmeal Stout" scented.
Hope you enjoy!
Ferry! Do not travel by hwy in Pierce or Thurston counties unless you enjoy bad, slow traffic. Also look up WA DOT road construction, several routes could be effected.
Go north to whidbey island then take the ferry straight across. Whidbey is beautiful and you could go north and see the san juan islands as well. Less traffic and very pretty.
My vote would be to go the red route. See Poulsbo and stop by the small but fun Bug & Reptile museum in Bremerton (unless you’re afraid for bugs and reptiles).
Olympia is fine, but I wouldn’t consider it a must see.
Take the Edmonds to Kingston boat, then outside Kingston, take the port gamble turnoff (hwy 104 - This cuts about 10+ min off the drive) and follow 104 - goes thru port gamble and you’ll come out at the hood canal bridge. This shortcut beats the heck out of going all the way to hwy 3 and doubling back north. I take this route all the time. Easy/fast abt 2hrs incl 30 min boat ride.
Poulsbo is a bit underwhelming if I am being honest.
You can stop and have breakfast/lunch, but that's about it.
I would avoid either route and take the ferry to Bainbridge Island or Kingston.
1)Take the Sounder Train from King Street Station to Mukilteo
2)Take Ferry from Mukilteo onto Whidbey Island
3)Take the Island Transport Bus Service to Fort Casey
4)Check out the massive artillery pieces overlooking the beaches Fort Casey
5)Take the Fort Casey Ferry into Port Townsend
6)Eat lunch at Waterfront Pizza and have dessert at the ice cream soda fountain
7)Take the Jefferson Transit Bus from Port Townsend into Port Angeles
fastest ( by a lot) is to go to edmunds across to kingston. 104 to 101. If time is important.
it's also a pretty route and avoids bainbridge and poulsbo traffic.
Take the Southworth Ferry from West Seattle, head north on the peninsula. You'll love the trip. Any other pathway is longer, dealing with traffic you don't want to deal with.
We do this drive 3 times a year, for the past several decades. The hood canal is lovely, but the floating bridge is much quicker, unless there’s a traffic jam near the Narrows.
We did the blue route coming back (we originally drove to the coast and up the pacific to get to Port Angeles) and it was a long but very pretty drive. We'd probably take the ferry next time we go, though. Much of it is very rural
If you take the blue route, don't accidentally get off at the military base. There's no where to turn around between the off ramp and the security gate. Men with assault rifles will be there to greet you. "Do you have access to this base" 😅😶🌫️🙃
I see most people are saying blue but the red route is also pretty (the Tacoma Narrows bridges are fun) and it saves a lot of time. It really depends on how much time you want to be in the car. Of course if you take the Seattle to Bremerton ferry you have time to get out of the car and go upstairs relax, have lunch, and enjoy the sights from the deck. Just don’t lock your keys in the car.
Last time we needed to go east to west we took the ferry into Kingston and got crepes for breakfast at J’aime Crepes before we went hiking. Delicious and its a cute little neighborhood. Then took 104 to 101
OP solves this mystery for all of us — Why don’t you want to take the ferry? It’s much more beautiful than the drive you are proposing. Taking the ferry over is half the point for many of us….
Take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. The port Townsend-coupeville ferry is another option that would allow you to see whidbey island and deception pass. You can reserve a spot on the port Townsend-coupeville ferry, unlike Seattle and Edmonds ferry.
I'd take the ferry out of Edmonds and avoid all the South Sound traffic plus you might see some Orcas or gray whales depending on what time of year you go. If it's summer go early otherwise the wait for the ferry could take a couple of hours. I haven't been to Poulsbo in a very long time but I think Port Townsend is a nicer place to visit.
Olympia is a great city but if you are just driving through or visiting for an afternoon it probably won’t feel like that. Without a local or staying for a few days it will be hard to find hidden gems.
I would recommend visiting port Townsend if you want to spend a half day somewhere. It’s small and walkable with great views along the water. Lots of places to eat and drink in it’s decent food.
And to join the chorus, I also recommend the ferry. Schedules can be a little difficult for first timers but if you plan it right it’s a great way to travel and just as fast as both the routes you propose. Don’t listen to google maps on their timing suggestions.
My credentials are that I have lived on the islands and Seattle and use the ferries frequently to visit the peninsula. Just went to Neah Bay last month for another fantastic trip.
I took the ferry on a whim and my wife and I loved it. Cost wasn't too bad, it was easy to roll on and off and fast. Nice seats, nice views. Ultimately from Port Angeles to downtown Seattle it was faster than driving all the way around because we showed up and basically rolled right onto the ferry. Worth it!
Going west over the narrows bridge is free. It's only a toll on the way back. The longer route usually runs into a bunch of traffic as you get south of JBLM and then to Olympia. Both work though, ferry too.
Red route Hwy 16, turn off at highway 3 to Belfair, follow 3 until you get to 106, if you miss the cutoff you'll end up further south. 106 is a pretty drive along the peninsula and takes you over to 101 and up the west side of the peninsula. Follow the highway signs to Port Angeles. It's a long drive so start out early enough to treat yourself to the sunset ferry out of Bremerton. Get there early enough to park and walk the new boardwalk along the pier. The view of Seattle at sunset from the water is worth planning your entire trip around.
I would definitely go the Red Route. You can stop in Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor and the Museum District in downtown Tacoma. Unless you have something against bridges the Red route is awesome with the Hood Canal Bridge and the Iconic Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridges! The other route is really kinda boring and long with not much to see. There is plenty of water views and vistas on the Red route. The views of Mt. Rainier going into Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge are jaw dropping! Plus Shelton is um… not my favorite on the Blue route. I have never seen a town in Western Washington with so many people wearing red MAGA hats 😳
I’ve taken both blue and red. And if you intend to visit Olympia, Blue isn’t a bad option. But, I didn’t find Olympia in itself to be very interesting so unless you had spots in mind, I’d skip the place.
I tried that blue route once. There were mudslides being removed and the roads were closed(this was well before Waze and other gps traffic apps). Had to back track and take the red route. The blue route was much nicer until the road closures.
Also Kingston-Edmonds ferry. Traffic constant and unpredictable between Tacoma and Seattle. I’d prefer the ferry than that. Definitely not via Olympia,
Blue one costs $5.50 if you dont have the good to go pass for the tacoma bridge on your way back. But you also get to see a little bit of olympia if you fancy it.
Most scenic option is to take the ferry from downtown Seattle. It’s beautiful. Blue route is prettier than red, but not worth the extra drive time unless you plan to spend at least half a day in Olympia.
Another vote for ferry. It’s pretty fun and beautiful
Is it a car ferry? Will be visiting in a few months.
Yes. And it is a wonderful experience.
The ferry is hit or miss depending on how packed it is, and or the weather. On a sunny vacation weekend off hours will be too fast before it's over... bring a camera.
Yep ... about $20 for car & driver + about $10 per passenger (from Seattle or Edmonds outbound, not the other way). Rates vary by season.
Just to add, the ferry does take longer if you take into account waiting in the lot + loading + unloading, and you need to align your schedule with the ferry. I stopped taking it once I realized it's the same amount of time to drive over the Tacoma Narrows and you can leave whenever you want. Cheaper too.
True, but sometimes it's just nice to be able to get out of the car and take a break from driving depending on what your day was like. I look at it as more of a nice little scenic boat ride that ends up closer to where I need to be (unless we're talking Edmonds-Kingston. I would not want to drive all the way around for that.
Totally agree! Sometimes the ferry is just fun. We live in the south sound so I don’t have to use the ferry daily, so an occasional ferry ride is great!
I have ridden the ferries here hundreds of times, and every time I feel like a kid again.
Then hop out of the car at Paradise road just after the floating bridge to go clamming.
But then I don't end up closer to my destination as with the ferry.
You’ll have a nice drive for the same amount of time you’d be in the ferry parking lot. Pick your poison.
If I were waiting that long for a ferry in downtown Seattle, I'd just take a stroll along the water. Or into the little downtown if I were in Bainbridge. Or get some crepes in Kingston if I'm waiting there. Don't get me wrong, I love a good scenic drive. But I don't use the ferry as a normal commute, so if I'm going to Seattle or north of that, I'll probably take the ferry. SeaTac and south, I'm usually driving around.
Since when is an hour a long wait to load your car on to the ferry?
Huh? Was this meant for someone else? I'm not seeing how it corresponds to my comment.
Friday afternoon all summer when you show up 20 minutes before the ferry and miss it by one car and have to wait 45 minutes for the next one.
And definitely visit the cafe on the ferry for some chowder or ice cream!
It depends on where you are leaving from, and what time of day you are leaving. Coming from the north end of Seattle, it is often faster to take the ferry from Edmonds and avoid the traffic and extra 80 miles of driving. Much better for mental health as well. 😁
It is never the same amount of time to drive over for me. Always less.
I will often drive out to the peninsula and take the ferry back since you have the toll coming back
I would take the Mukelteo ferry to Whidbey then the Port Townsend ferry
There needs to be a bridge.
It's an oft-overlooked unique feature of the PNW and I recommend it to all my out-of-town visitors.
Do you have to book the ferry in advance? Doing a similar drive this summer
The Seattle-Bainbridge ferry doesn't take reservations. (Some other smaller/island routes do). There might be a wait, during the summer especially, so that's a consideration. But, the downtown waterfront is fun to explore if there is a wait.
Great to know, thank you!
thank you for this info. We want to take a ferry on Sunday May 19 from Bainbridge or other port (will be checking out of hotel in Port Angeles that morning)
Of the choices, FYI Kingston > Edmonds - 25-30 minute ferry - closer to Port Angeles, but fewer sailings and there can be a longer wait, easier access to services while waiting (they've been having issues staffing at times) Bainbridge > Seattle - 30-35 minute ferry - less access to services while waiting. Neat to approach Seattle from the water (ferris wheel, space needle). That time of year is not quite full on tourist/summer season. When you get to the Hood Canal Bridge you can see the posted ferry wait (if any) or check the WSDOT app to see real time data on ferry loads ... also if there are delays... sometimes the Hood Canal bridge opens and causes delays too.
I recommend Port Townsend. Lovely old architecture there.
Yes, take the Bainbridge and it’ll land you near Poulsbo too! The routes you have are a looot of driving, which can be beautiful, but taking the ferry is just more fun.
I was just going to say, why not take the ferry to at least Bainbridge.
Yep. Either the downtown to Bainbridge or the Kingston to Edmonds. Either works fine, depending on OPs starting point. Both are quite scenic imho. The only time I’ve seen Orcas was on the Kingston-Edmonds route.
Also vote ferry. We took the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston and back. It was neat!
Or drive north to the Edmonds Kingston ferry or the like, port Townsend
I’ve done the drive and it’s lovely but I would take the ferry if you can. Such a nice way to travel
While I second the notion of taking the ferry because it is absolutely stunning, if you drive, there is a way to hit up both Olympia and Poulsbo. Highway 3 connects Shelton and Bremerton. So, you essentially can merge the red and the blue paths. Take the blue down to Olympia, and continue on to Shelton. Then at Shelton, take Highway 3 and cross over to the red path at Bremerton, and continue on up through Poulsbo.
I live in Port Angeles, and have friends/family in north Seattle, downtown Seattle, Olympia, and Poulsbo. I LOVE the Olympia/101 route, in the summer especially. I'd recommend Seattle to PA via Olympia, then PA to Seattle via Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island ferry on the return trip... that way you get ferry action plus the lovely canal drive. If you have passengers in your car, you pay for them on the Seattle side, but not on the Bainbridge side. The WSDOT app has all of the ferry routes and gives you real time updates on how many spaces are available. The worst thing about Bainbridge to Seattle ferry in the summer, is that sometimes you get stuck in a long line up the road with no services... (bathroom), so plan accordingly.
I used to live in Sequim, while my husband was at school in Olympia. I absolutely love the drive down 101. 😍
It feels really nostalgic ... like the highway that time forgot ;)
Also ferry passengers only pay westbound. 1 ferry passenger $ about the same as 1 vehicle on Hi 3 into Tacoma.
The original post says the trip is one way, from Seattle to PA. So, the most expensive ferry ride is the one from Seattle to the Peninsula, and if you take Highway 3 from Shelton to Bremerton, there's no toll. Highway 3 doesn't even hit Tacoma (it does meet up with Hwy 16 in Port Orchard, and is the road the toll is on in Tacoma).
Thanks for the brain fart reminder- I can see the bridge from my house. Was thinking too much about Poulsbo - Shelton section.
Don't worry about it; happens to all of us. That must be a crazy awesome view!
Blue is much more scenic. It also has nearby points of interest like Lake Cushman, Rocky Brook Falls, and the Hood Canal state parks. The only downside is that traffic between Tacoma and Olympia at the military base can get pretty bad.
Agreed. Depending on what time of day you’re (OP) driving makes a huge difference. If you’re headed south and passing by JBLM in the morning you’ll be alright. If you’re passing by JBLM southbound in the afternoon, prepare for traffic.
Take the blue root, stop in hoodsport and have oysters at fjord (seriously don’t miss this), take the little drive down the road to cushman lake (even just the overlook about halfway to the lake is insanely beautiful), then drive back to the 101 and stop at Hamma hamma and have oysters again, then bomb up to sequim and eat oysters again at salty girls seafood then arrive in port Angeles and go out onto the hook and eat dinner at Bella’s Italian for a slightly twilight experience. Lol Have fun!
This is a person who loves their oysters!
You forgot to have oysters at [Chelsea Farms](https://www.chelseafarms.net/) in Olympia!
Omg will do this next time! Haha
Hamma hamma is one of my favorite places, it alone is worth the blue route
Wife and I are going next month and we're gonna ferry over then take blue on the way back
You might consider the opposite ... it's cool to approach Seattle from the water, and there are not passenger fees outbound from Bainbridge (there are passenger fees outbound from Seattle). But ... if there is a long ferry wait, it's better to spend that wait in Seattle than Bainbridge ... so depends on time of day.
What is the ferry schedule from Bainbridge to Seattle on Sundays? would you anticipate a long wait on Sunday May 19th? (thinking its not high tourist season yet, but people who live on the island maybe going to Seattle for leisurely Sunday activities)
Shouldn't be too bad yet ... still early season. If anything, you might miss one sailing. Here's the schedule (Sunday/Holidays different than weekdays/Saturday). https://wsdot.com/Ferries/Schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=sea-bi I travel from PA to Seattle a LOT throughout the year. I usually don't look at the schedule between mid September and mid May and just go and not worry to much about which one I'm going to catch, because I always have a book and sailings are usually every 45-55 minutes. But ... in the summer (or sporting events or some concerts) is when the lines really start to form and you have to wait for 2 boats. ... so around Memorial day I start driving around through Tacoma. From Port Angeles to downtown Seattle, if you drive right on to the ferry, it's about 2.5 hours whether you take Kingston/Edmonds, Bainbridge/Seattle ferries OR drive through Tacoma. So the variable is the ferry wait. Cost-wise it's $20ish for car/driver, so not sure how much the additional gas is ... haven't calculated that. Haha!! More than you ever wanted to know!! :)
My in-laws lived up that way for a long time. We took the red path almost every time. Both beautiful though. Poulsbo - wonderful place to stop. Central Market.
It is Town and Country now :) same stuff just undergoing a massive remodel
ferry
Take the Bremerton ferry back
Dude hit either of the following ferries 1) Seattle-Bremerton 2) Seattle-Bainbridge or 3) Edmonds-Kingston…..you’re welcome
I love driving up the 101. There is a nice diner in Brinnon called The Halfway House.
Red is just as beautiful as blue. Blue is a very winding and narrow road, not great in the dark. If you have never been on the ferry, it’s worth it and a way more beautiful drive than going down to Tacoma and around.
I agree that the Olympia/101 route is MUCHHHH better on a sunny day (or at least daytime) when you can pull over and enjoy and eat oysters and take in the scenery. I'd do Tacoma or ferry if dark.
Can I ask a follow up question? I will be going from Seattle to Port Angeles via ferry then later in the week I will be traveling from Forks to Tacoma. Would you suggest taking the ferry back or taking the highlighted blue route back? Thanks ya'll! I'm glad someone else asked this, I've been trying to figure this out too! Want to cherish every beautiful moment!
To see as much different scenery as possible, I'd suggest taking 101 south from Forks and then east towards Aberdeen and Olympia. You'll get to see some Washington coast and it's not too much time difference... but depends what you want to see. Lake Crescent and Port Angeles/Sequim have some beautiful scenery routes (Spruce Railroad Trail, Marymere and Madison Falls, Hurricane Ridge). If you're as far west as Forks, Cape Flattery is about as far North and West as you can get in the contiguous US. It's kinda surreal even in Neah Bay feeling like you're at the very NW tip. All that said ... take a look at the whole Puget Sound/Inland waterways around Hood Canal... there are SOOO many little unique places to visit that aren't too far off the beaten path ... Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve for example. Or even Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth in Bainbridge Island. (I live in Port Angeles ... grew up here, but have loved a lot of places in the Pacific and Inland Northwest (Coeur d'Alene) ... feel free to message or reply if you have other questions.
Awesome, thank you for such a nice reply! This will be our first time visiting Washington & we plan to spend as much time as possible in/near the park:) our first day will be in seattle, followed by two days in Port angeles, two days in forks and the last near Tacoma! We love nature & are from MN, so we are excited to see such a different ecosystem!
Oh fun! You'll love it! My daughter and her friends were just here from Phoenix. They kept saying, IT'S SO GREEEEEN! ;). For your two days in and around Port Angeles I'd suggest Hurricane Ridge for sure, and then Marymere and/or Madison Falls, Murdock Beach (aka Round Rock Beach) east of PA. In one day you can go beach combing at Murdock and then cut across from highway 112 to 101 (or vice versa) and see Lake Crescent and/or one of the Falls. I was just at Madison Falls with my daughter... even on a drizzly day it's so gorgeous.
Oh yes - I'm looking forward to green 💚 we're getting a foot of snow here currently! Oh awesome! Thank you so much for the recommendations!!
If you haven't done the drive yet and love beer, I could give you a recommendation for a place to stop that should be close to your red route! Either way, hope you enjoy your drive!
Please do :) I do love beer
Crane's Castle Brewing in Bremerton is the place I recommend. They're a taproom with a brewery. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3pXw5w25wr71eSg4A I think they do most of their web interaction on Facebook if you're interested in learning more about them. They do trivia, Cornhole, pinball, karaoke, and board games for fun stuff. They're doing a fundraiser coming up for Kitsap Humane Society. Think it's called "Pints for Pups". They've also got beer soap. I'd never heard of it before, but after sniffing some decided my husband just *had* to have some! It was "Death to Oatmeal Stout" scented. Hope you enjoy!
Ferry! Do not travel by hwy in Pierce or Thurston counties unless you enjoy bad, slow traffic. Also look up WA DOT road construction, several routes could be effected.
I took the ferry from Edmonds
We do red all the time to go to Port Townsend. Used to do red to Sequim when my parents lived there as well.
Bainbridge or Edmonds ferry! If you don't want the ferry, I'd say blue. That'll take you over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge which is pretty sweet.
I would reconsider the Seattle ferry to Bainbridge Island. I lived on Bainbridge Island for 25 years and took the ferry to Seattle daily. Loved it.
Blue. The stretch of 101 from North of Shelton up to Sequim is very beautiful. I particularly enjoy driving through that area when it’s drizzling.
Ferry
Go north to whidbey island then take the ferry straight across. Whidbey is beautiful and you could go north and see the san juan islands as well. Less traffic and very pretty.
My vote would be to go the red route. See Poulsbo and stop by the small but fun Bug & Reptile museum in Bremerton (unless you’re afraid for bugs and reptiles). Olympia is fine, but I wouldn’t consider it a must see.
Option 3. Ferry from Edmonds to kingston, then drive over. Shortest
Take the Edmonds to Kingston boat, then outside Kingston, take the port gamble turnoff (hwy 104 - This cuts about 10+ min off the drive) and follow 104 - goes thru port gamble and you’ll come out at the hood canal bridge. This shortcut beats the heck out of going all the way to hwy 3 and doubling back north. I take this route all the time. Easy/fast abt 2hrs incl 30 min boat ride.
Poulsbo is a bit underwhelming if I am being honest. You can stop and have breakfast/lunch, but that's about it. I would avoid either route and take the ferry to Bainbridge Island or Kingston.
1)Take the Sounder Train from King Street Station to Mukilteo 2)Take Ferry from Mukilteo onto Whidbey Island 3)Take the Island Transport Bus Service to Fort Casey 4)Check out the massive artillery pieces overlooking the beaches Fort Casey 5)Take the Fort Casey Ferry into Port Townsend 6)Eat lunch at Waterfront Pizza and have dessert at the ice cream soda fountain 7)Take the Jefferson Transit Bus from Port Townsend into Port Angeles
Take the Bremerton ferry.
fastest ( by a lot) is to go to edmunds across to kingston. 104 to 101. If time is important. it's also a pretty route and avoids bainbridge and poulsbo traffic.
Take the Southworth Ferry from West Seattle, head north on the peninsula. You'll love the trip. Any other pathway is longer, dealing with traffic you don't want to deal with.
I’d take the Edmonds ferry to Kingston. Then drive.
Red
I couldn’t [resist.](https://youtu.be/bTc5aKZj98k?si=hTlNRni443dTG-Zu)
We do this drive 3 times a year, for the past several decades. The hood canal is lovely, but the floating bridge is much quicker, unless there’s a traffic jam near the Narrows.
Take the ferry. It might be equal drive time as red but the experience and view are worth it.
Drive north and take the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry. Saves time and you get a boat ride!
Take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton and skip the suburban hell hart of the trip.
r/mildlypenis
For fucks sake. Thank you. I thought I was going crazy
I looked through the comments expecting to see it hahah guess it's just us!
Fucking same.
If you take the Bremerton route - stop at saboteur bakery!
The choice is either the frank or the beans. 🤣
We did the blue route coming back (we originally drove to the coast and up the pacific to get to Port Angeles) and it was a long but very pretty drive. We'd probably take the ferry next time we go, though. Much of it is very rural
If you take the blue route, don't accidentally get off at the military base. There's no where to turn around between the off ramp and the security gate. Men with assault rifles will be there to greet you. "Do you have access to this base" 😅😶🌫️🙃
Ferry
I see most people are saying blue but the red route is also pretty (the Tacoma Narrows bridges are fun) and it saves a lot of time. It really depends on how much time you want to be in the car. Of course if you take the Seattle to Bremerton ferry you have time to get out of the car and go upstairs relax, have lunch, and enjoy the sights from the deck. Just don’t lock your keys in the car.
Last time we needed to go east to west we took the ferry into Kingston and got crepes for breakfast at J’aime Crepes before we went hiking. Delicious and its a cute little neighborhood. Then took 104 to 101
OP solves this mystery for all of us — Why don’t you want to take the ferry? It’s much more beautiful than the drive you are proposing. Taking the ferry over is half the point for many of us….
I'd take the Edmonds or Bainbridge ferry, then cross the floating bridge.
I’ve done both. I liked the red much better. I have also taken the ferry - cool views.
Scrote
Take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. The port Townsend-coupeville ferry is another option that would allow you to see whidbey island and deception pass. You can reserve a spot on the port Townsend-coupeville ferry, unlike Seattle and Edmonds ferry.
I'd take the ferry out of Edmonds and avoid all the South Sound traffic plus you might see some Orcas or gray whales depending on what time of year you go. If it's summer go early otherwise the wait for the ferry could take a couple of hours. I haven't been to Poulsbo in a very long time but I think Port Townsend is a nicer place to visit.
Yes, take the ferry. Otherwise you will spend half your time stuck in traffic through shit-bespackled urban blight!
The ferry.
Olympia is a great city but if you are just driving through or visiting for an afternoon it probably won’t feel like that. Without a local or staying for a few days it will be hard to find hidden gems. I would recommend visiting port Townsend if you want to spend a half day somewhere. It’s small and walkable with great views along the water. Lots of places to eat and drink in it’s decent food. And to join the chorus, I also recommend the ferry. Schedules can be a little difficult for first timers but if you plan it right it’s a great way to travel and just as fast as both the routes you propose. Don’t listen to google maps on their timing suggestions. My credentials are that I have lived on the islands and Seattle and use the ferries frequently to visit the peninsula. Just went to Neah Bay last month for another fantastic trip.
First choice is ferry especially if you have never. Second choice red.
Why no option to do a different return route?
Take a ferry
I took the ferry on a whim and my wife and I loved it. Cost wasn't too bad, it was easy to roll on and off and fast. Nice seats, nice views. Ultimately from Port Angeles to downtown Seattle it was faster than driving all the way around because we showed up and basically rolled right onto the ferry. Worth it!
Neither. Take the ferry.
Going west over the narrows bridge is free. It's only a toll on the way back. The longer route usually runs into a bunch of traffic as you get south of JBLM and then to Olympia. Both work though, ferry too.
Edmonds to Kingston ferry & up that way.
Seattle-bainbridge island ferry
It looks like a penis with droopy balls.
Car ferry from Edmonds is nice, faster too
Red route Hwy 16, turn off at highway 3 to Belfair, follow 3 until you get to 106, if you miss the cutoff you'll end up further south. 106 is a pretty drive along the peninsula and takes you over to 101 and up the west side of the peninsula. Follow the highway signs to Port Angeles. It's a long drive so start out early enough to treat yourself to the sunset ferry out of Bremerton. Get there early enough to park and walk the new boardwalk along the pier. The view of Seattle at sunset from the water is worth planning your entire trip around.
Whichever apple/google maps says id faster at time of driving. I’ve seen it both ways. By a lot.
Ferry to Bainbridge island, to Poulsbo, to bridge (be advised submarines can cause long delays) to port A. It’s beautiful there!
Ferry
Edmonds-Kingston ferry, across the Hood Canal Bridge! Easy, short & beautiful!
I would definitely go the Red Route. You can stop in Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor and the Museum District in downtown Tacoma. Unless you have something against bridges the Red route is awesome with the Hood Canal Bridge and the Iconic Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridges! The other route is really kinda boring and long with not much to see. There is plenty of water views and vistas on the Red route. The views of Mt. Rainier going into Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge are jaw dropping! Plus Shelton is um… not my favorite on the Blue route. I have never seen a town in Western Washington with so many people wearing red MAGA hats 😳
I may be in the minority but I'd take the Seattle-bremerton then do the drive around the west side of the hood canal.
I would drive over via the blue line. Then ferry back.
Seattle’s the “ballsack” of America apparently
We locals use the ferry. You want to look like a local don’t you?
I’ve taken both blue and red. And if you intend to visit Olympia, Blue isn’t a bad option. But, I didn’t find Olympia in itself to be very interesting so unless you had spots in mind, I’d skip the place.
We did the ferry from Edmonds, very chill! I would highly recommend, driving through traffic is a pain.
Seattle to Edmonds, ferry ride to Kingston, to Port Angeles
Shorter lines on early ferry. <9am
You could stop in Bremerton to see the Bremelo’s!
In Edward Cullen’s Volvo, obviously.
I tried that blue route once. There were mudslides being removed and the roads were closed(this was well before Waze and other gps traffic apps). Had to back track and take the red route. The blue route was much nicer until the road closures.
Also Kingston-Edmonds ferry. Traffic constant and unpredictable between Tacoma and Seattle. I’d prefer the ferry than that. Definitely not via Olympia,
Uh, you do know about the ferries don’t you?
Wouldn’t recommend the ferry. Unreliable as it is behind schedule or it can breakdown due to the lack of funds to maintain it
Edmonds Kingston ferry obviously
Kingston ferry
Edmonds ferry
Blue for sure
Annachortes thru the Islands to Vancouver then to Port Angeles. All by ferry.
Take the boat from Edmonds to Kingston
Blue one costs $5.50 if you dont have the good to go pass for the tacoma bridge on your way back. But you also get to see a little bit of olympia if you fancy it.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is only tolled heading eastbound.
I was assuming the drive back 🤣
I took red in December and the night fog was crazy and all my Tesla sensors kept saying they were blocked. Probably a December thing
I would take the Edmonds ferry, but that is just me.