Timeline
09:00
Arrive at Elwha Valley. The dams are gone, leaving the river to flow freely as one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park Service history. Head west on US-101, then turn onto Olympic Hot Springs Rd to begin your sightseeing through the forests.
09:45
Continue along Olympic Hot Springs Rd or Whiskey Bend Road. These routes offer excellent sightseeing opportunities through the valley's lowland and montane forests, allowing you to observe the natural landscape at your own pace.
10:30
End your visit by finding a quiet spot along the river or road to reflect on the scale of the restoration. The area is open for exploration, so take your time to absorb the view.
Local tip
The valley is best explored during the day when visibility is clear. Check the route for US-101 and Olympic Hot Springs Rd access before heading out.
Check before you go
- Ensure you have a vehicle to navigate US-101 and the connecting roads.
- No specific opening hours are listed for the valley itself, but plan to arrive when daylight is ample for forest sightseeing.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Port Angeles (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).