Olympic National Forest

Unfortunately much of the interior of the Olympic Peninsula, which hosts the Olympic National Forest, is really off-​limits to driving. Unlike the North Cascades, where myriad fire access roads can be traversed by autos with stunning effect, the Olympic Peninsula makes accessing those incredible peaks you see from Hurricane Ridge next to, if not, impossible. Additionally US 101, the only real road on the Peninsula stays far inland most of the time, leaving you to wonder what that wild Washington coast might truly look like. Contrast this with the access the motorist gets to the Pacific up and down the Oregon coast and it’s a severe letdown.
The Queets River Road is probably one exception, but the day was getting late so I didn’t get to explore it as it traces the river and heads into an Olympics rain forest. Would love to know whether that is a trip worth blocking out a couple of hours for, if any other Unilocalers can share their experiences.

The Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office is a convenient location to pick up permits for The Olympic National Forest. While I was there I saw quite a few people buy permits for harvesting Christmas trees. The staff member at the front desk was very helpful and did a great job answering all of my questions.
This location is also home to: The USDA Service Center, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, and is a cooperative extension of the Washington State University.