I'm taking my parents to see the Olympic Peninsula for an overnight trip this week. This is my first trip and I would really appreciate some suggestion on places to visit and the route to take, from Portland.

Is the park accessible at this time? I want to drive along Hoh River and also drive around the park on 101. Is weather a factor in traveling at this time of the year? I have a 4x4. Thanks in advance.

I live on the Olympiv Peninsula alnog the Hood Canal. Going to be tuff to try and see anything and drive around the Peninsula. But... hurricane ridge would be a nice place to head for. You can drive up through Aberdeen, whichsucks right now cause of the bridge consruction. Or head up through Olympia and along the hood canal. Teh Aberdeen way lets you drive up the Washington coast.
If you get to a small town by the name of Brinnon, stop for lunch at the Halfway House. Great little restraunt.
Good luck and I hope you have fun.

Sorry for all the mis-spellings, I was in a hurry.
What I meant be going to be tough is your time limit.

Peace.

I would recommend overnighting at the Kalaloch Lodge.

If you have enough time after you check out the Hoh rain forest make sure to visit the Makah Nation in Neah Bay...The Cape Motel is right across the street from the ocean

I visited the Makah Tribal Museum this past summer and it was well worth the admission. Pay special notice to the old pictures... no shoes anywhere. Imagine living in this area barefoot your entire life.

Hwy 101 up the coast is great once you enter Olympic National Forest. Hurricane Ridge out of Port Angeles is pretty awesome too.

Quite a drive the entire way around on 101 though. Enjoy.

Just read your post again. You said an overnight trip from Oregon to the Olympic Pennisula? You had better plan your trip well cause you have some serious time behind the wheel ahead of you. Six-eight hours per day? I would probably skip Neah Bay. It is just too far out there. Stay on 101 the entire way around.