Off the Grid: A 3-Day Olympic Peninsula Adventure
As real estate professionals, we’re on the go — often 24/7. And while we LOVE what we do, even we need a break from the around the clock emails, texts, and open houses every weekend. So when we finally carved out a few days for a quick getaway, Matt knew exactly where to take us: Off the Grid to The Olympic Peninsula.
It’s a nature-lover’s dream filled with charming small towns, stunning coastlines, epic hikes, and just the kind of peaceful reset we needed. We're sharing our 3-day escape with you—from ferry rides and famous pancakes to waterfalls and lakeside chill sessions. Whether you're a fellow busy bee or just looking to explore our beautiful state, we hope this inspires your own little adventure.
Day 1: Ferry Rides, Pancakes & Mountain Views
Our trip kicked off with the quintessential Northwest experience: the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. There’s something magical about cruising across the water, coffee in hand, majestic mountains in the distance, and salty sea air in your face.
Pro tip: Get out of the car and head up to the deck - wind in your face, stress in your rearview.
Lunch Stop: Oak Table Café, Sequim
After landing in Kingston, we headed straight to Sequim and the beloved Oak Table Café. Trust us: order the famous apple pancake. It's like a cross between a baked apple pie and a giant apple fritter—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the center, with just the right cinnamon kick.
Yes, it's big enough to share.
No, we didn't share. 😄
Afternoon: Dungeness Spit & Hurricane Hill
With full bellies, we took a walk on the Dungeness Spit—a narrow, surreal stretch of beach that juts into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Then we headed into Olympic National Park for an evening hike at Hurricane Hill. Panoramic views of the Olympics, fresh alpine air, and no cell service…absolute bliss.
Evening: Lake Crescent Lodge
That night, we checked into the charming, historic Lake Crescent Lodge. Nestled on the shores of one of the clearest lakes we’ve ever seen, it felt like stepping back in time. The cozy lodge restaurant delivered big—wood beams, a huge fireplace, local dishes, and a glass of wine as the sky turned lavender over the lake.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Lakeside Bliss
Morning: Marymere Falls
We kicked off Day 2 with a peaceful, short hike to Marymere Falls. It’s just a mile or so through a mossy, fern-lined trail that ends with a beautiful 90-foot cascade. It's an easy walk, even with a coffee in hand!
Afternoon: Lake Life at Its Best
After lunch at the Lodge, we recommend spending the afternoon just like this—paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Crescent, then unwinding with some serious porch sitting outside the cabin. Sun on our faces, books in hand, and not a care in the world.
After a Lakeside dinner, we cozied up in Adirondack chairs, watching the sky fade over the water and watched the twinkling stars!
Let’s just say... it was magical.
Day 3: Waterfalls, Beaches & The Final Feast
Morning: Sol Duc Falls
We kicked off our final day with a visit to Sol Duc Falls. The short, easy trail winds through old-growth forest, ending with a dramatic and thunderous waterfall. Between the mist and the towering trees, it felt like we were in a fairytale.
Afternoon: 2nd Beach
Next up was 2nd Beach near La Push. It's a bit of a walk down through forested trails, but once you step out onto that sandy shore with sea stacks towering in the distance—it’s really postcard-perfect. Kick off those shoes, explore tide pools, and soak in the salty breeze.
Dinner: Kalaloch Lodge
We wrapped the trip with dinner at Kalaloch Lodge, perched right on the bluffs above the Pacific. Incredible views, delicious food, and the sound of waves crashing below. It was the perfect ending to our trip.
Refreshed, Recharged, and Headed Home
As we made our way back home, we realized just how necessary it is to pause and recharge with nature. The Olympic Peninsula gave us a perfect mix of adventure and stillness—and we came back refreshed, reconnected, and full of apple pancake dreams.
So, if you’re looking for a quick but unforgettable trip, this one’s for you. And who knows—maybe your dream vacation home could be there too! Just give us a call, we’d be happy to make your lifestyle dreams come true!
Until next time,
Christina & Matt
Matt & Christina are Team Skally, top real estate agents in the Seattle Metro with expertise in luxury homes on the Eastside including Bellevue, Newcastle, Mercer Island, Renton and Issaquah. Their client testimonials say it all - they deliver exceptional service and record-breaking results. Recognized as top agents on social media by Property Sparks, Diamond Award winners for best client service, Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves and regularly featured in online and print publications including Greet - Newcastle & Newport Hills Magazine. In addition to serving clients, Matt and Christina love family time with their two boys and two Goldendoodles as well as volunteering in the community.