MaryPoppppinBottles OP t1_j1wq9sx wrote on December 27, 2022 at 11:36 PM

Reply to comment by DeaditeMessiah in Sensibility Check - Ashford in April by MaryPoppppinBottles

Thank you kind Redditor! I appreciate the feedback and recommendation. I’ll take a look at Olympic NP!

DeaditeMessiah t1_j1wsqvh wrote on December 27, 2022 at 11:54 PM

It's huge and way better than Rainier anyway. Rainier is beautiful, but you can see it from half the state.

The Olympic NP is magic. But seeing the whole park requires a lot of driving. If you are wanting to just go to one place and stay in that area, try the Lake Quinault Area of the ONP.

byebyekittytreats t1_j1x81hi wrote on December 28, 2022 at 1:49 AM

If you like old cabins, I would recommend staying at Locharie Resort. It's magical any time of year (been in Jaunary and March), there are lots of trails nearby, and waking up on the lake watching the otters and eagles in the morning is a balm for the soul. You're also not too far from the ocean if you want to get some salt air in your diet.

Perenially_behind t1_j1xpagw wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:07 AM

The old cabins are great, but not the old saggy mattresses. At least the ones in the Colonel Bob cabin when we stayed there some time ago.

But you can't beat the location. It is magical.

Marmotskinner t1_j1xoots wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:01 AM

Yep. If you want to get a spot at ONP, you have to leave at 0 dark 30, on a weekday —and when you land a place, keep it. Because you won’t find jackshit if you try to head out after work on a Friday afternoon.

monkey_trumpets t1_j1y1e5l wrote on December 28, 2022 at 6:01 AM

I also don't particularly recommend the Rain Forest Village Resort. It was kinda shabby. I would suggest looking into vrbo. For only slightly more than a cabin/hotel you can rent an entire house, often on a decent amount of land. There is also the Lake Quinault Lodge, which is a more upscale standard sort of hotel. Also, if you're planning on eating in, you'll want to stock up before heading to the Lake Quinault area since the nearest grocery store is an hour away. Internet is also spotty throughout the entire area, so download any maps you'll want to use before heading out (and maybe some movies). I will also highly recommend the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail. It is like walking through a fairy tale. Also taking the scenic drive around the lake, starting at the south side of the lake. Just be aware that after a point the road turns to gravel, and the return trip on the north side of the lake (Northshore Rd) is also gravel for a good stretch, and only one lane for quite a bit, through a fairly spooky and not super exciting stretch. Also, when we were there, December 16th-20th, the only restaurant that served lunch was a bit away in Amanda Park, so that is something to take into consideration. Not sure what it is like other times of the year.