Olympic National Park is one of those rare places that feels almost unreal — a million acres of wild coastline, ancient rainforests, glacier-cut lakes, and deep cultural history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. And for us, it became one of the most memorable chapters of our 48-state EV road trip in our all-electric VW ID. Buzz, which we lovingly call Sunbus.
This blog post walks you through our full week on the Olympic Peninsula, the places we explored, and what it’s really like road-tripping an electric vehicle through one of the most remote national parks in the U.S.
Ferry to the Peninsula: The Journey Begins
Olympic National Park sits on the far western edge of Washington State, so getting there already feels like an adventure. We drove Sunbus onto a ferry for the very first time and instantly became the most talked-about vehicle on board.
People pointed, smiled, and came over to ask questions about the ID. Buzz. One passenger even struck up a conversation about our cross-country EV trip and recommended we check out Dungeness Spit, a place we ended up loving later in the week.
After crossing, we settled into our base in Port Angeles, charging up at our usual spot: Electrify America at a Walmart parking lot. Not glamorous, but necessary and honestly part of the EV travel charm.
The Olympic Rainforest at Lake Crescent
Our first hike brought us into the heart of the temperate rainforest, one of the true wonders of Olympic National Park. Unlike tropical rainforests, this one is cold, misty, and impossibly green.
At Lake Crescent, the trail winds through moss-covered trees and dripping ferns, leading toward a wooden bridge that sits over the blue-green water. The forest feels ancient, some trees are over 1,000 years old and the silence is the kind that makes you breathe differently.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why conservation matters.
Dungeness Spit, Forks and La Push
Dungeness Wildlife Refuge
A strip of sand, driftwood, and stone stretching toward the horizon with the ocean on one side and calm waters on the other. You can literally see Canada across the water. It’s peaceful, raw, and perfect for slowing down.
A Quick Stop in Forks
Yes — the Twilight town.
Yes — there are a surprising number of vampire signs.
We attempted to charge Sunbus here, but the Blink charger required an app we couldn’t download quickly (classic EV travel moment), so we scratched the plan and moved on.
La Push
La Push is part of the Quileute Tribe’s land and the coastline here feels powerful. Towering sea stacks. Massive logs washed ashore. Gray waves rolling in with weight. It’s one of the places where the Pacific Northwest feels most wild.
Ruby Beach: Tide Pools & Adventure
Ruby Beach quickly became one of our favorites. Getting to the tide pools involved a pretty sketchy river crossing where we climbed across huge driftwood logs, balancing, crawling, laughing.
But totally worth it.
We found green anemones, watched waves crash into sea stacks, and even spotted a lone starfish. Experiences like this feel small and infinite at the same time.
We ended the day rolling back into Port Angeles with just 9% battery, which added a little spice to the adventure.
A Rainy Finale: Hiking to Sol Duc Falls
Our final day brought us to Sol Duc Falls and the rain finally caught us. But as we say in Germany:
“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”
The trail was full of melting snow, puddles, and slick pathways, but the waterfall made it all worth it. Sol Duc isn’t huge, it’s dramatic. Water crashes through a narrow canyon, splitting into multiple streams as it falls.
Halfway through the hike, we even spotted another VW ID. Buzz. EV people always find each other.
What It’s Like Exploring Olympic NP in an EV
Olympic National Park is remote and that’s part of its magic. But it does require planning when you’re traveling electric.
Here’s what helped us:
Base in Port Angeles for daily charging
Arrive at remote areas with at least 40–50% battery
Expect limited chargers on the coast (especially Forks & La Push)
Always check PlugShare before heading out
Sunbus handled everything beautifully, even the rain, steep forest roads, and colder temperatures.
Why Olympic National Park Should Be on Every Sustainable Traveler’s List
This park is a living example of why protected lands matter. You move through ecosystems that feel untouched from rainforest to coastline to alpine landscapes all in the same day.
Traveling through Olympic in an EV felt especially meaningful.
Quiet motor. No emissions. Minimal impact.
It’s the kind of trip that stays with you.
Planning Your Own Olympic NP Road Trip
Best Home Base: Port Angeles
Must-See Spots:
Lake Crescent
Dungeness Spit
Ruby Beach Tide Pools
La Push
Sol Duc Falls
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall for accessibility
Winter for moody, dramatic landscapes
EV Tips:
Charge daily
Check for Blink/EA chargers ahead of time
Carry backup charging apps
Keep a comfortable battery buffer
Final Thoughts
Olympic National Park surprised us not just in beauty, but in the variety of landscapes packed into one region. Traveling in Sunbus made the journey feel even more connected to the land around us.
If you’re thinking about an EV road trip, or simply searching for a destination that feels wild, meaningful, and unforgettable… Olympic National Park should absolutely be on your list.
