The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Black Diamond, WA to Port Angeles, WA

If you're planning a road trip from Black Diamond, Washington to Port Angeles, you're in for a wonderful drive! The Olympic Peninsula has stunning mountain ranges, serene forests, and breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. But before you hit the road, you'll need an estimate of how long the drive will take. Here's everything you need to know!

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest way to Port Angeles is via the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry, followed by US-101 N. This scenic route takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and covers a distance of 119 miles. However, the ferry can be crowded and waiting times can be long, especially during peak season. If time is of the essence, you may prefer to take the slower 165-mile route via WA-18 and US-101 N.

Distance and Drive Time

The distance between Black Diamond and Port Angeles is approximately 130 miles. The driving time varies depending on the traffic conditions and the route you take. During peak traffic hours, the drive can take longer than usual. But if you're lucky enough to hit the road during off-peak hours, you can save yourself some valuable time.

On average, expect to take about 3 hours to drive from Black Diamond to Port Angeles during peak traffic hours. This includes time spent waiting for the ferry, traffic congestion on the road, and rest stops along the way. If you choose to drive without the ferry, you can expect to spend around 3 hours and 30 minutes on the road.

Peak Traffic Time vs Low Traffic Time

Traffic on US-101 can at times be slow-moving. In general, the traffic is heaviest in the summer months and during tourist season. So if you plan on taking the ferry, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid long waits.

If you want to avoid the crowd, we suggest starting the drive early in the morning or late at night. This way, you can avoid the hassle of heavy traffic and enjoy a more peaceful road trip. Additionally, traffic on the ferry tends to be lighter early in the morning and later in the evening.

Conclusion

In summary, the drive from Black Diamond to Port Angeles is definitely worth the effort. Whether you choose to take the ferry or take the longer, but slightly less busy route, you'll get to experience nature at its best. And by knowing the best times to avoid traffic and how long your trip will take, you can plan accordingly to make the most of the journey. So pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and hit the road!