Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula: Day Trips from McCleary

The Olympic Peninsula is known for its rainforests, rugged coastline, and small towns shaped by logging, fishing, and the sea. For many travelers, however, reaching it means navigating crowded highways, urban traffic, and long travel days.

The McCleary Hotel offers a quieter alternative. Located in the historic mill town of McCleary, Washington—just 20 minutes from West Olympia—the hotel serves as an ideal gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, allowing guests to explore the region while avoiding the congestion of major cities and Interstate 5.

McCleary sits at a natural crossroads between Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. From the hotel, guests can head west toward the coast, north toward forested parklands, or south and east back toward Olympia—all without passing through dense urban traffic.

Staying at the McCleary Hotel means:

• Easy access to Highway 8 and key westbound routes
   
• A peaceful overnight base before or after Peninsula excursions
   
• No need to battle rush-hour congestion in Olympia or Tacoma
   

For travelers planning multiple day trips, this location saves both time and energy.

From the McCleary Hotel, guests can comfortably explore some of Washington’s most iconic destinations as day trips:

• Olympic National Forest: Quiet forest roads, hiking trails, and scenic drives
   
• Pacific Coast beaches: Wide-open beaches and coastal towns without committing to overnight coastal lodging
   
• Peninsula communities: Small towns shaped by logging, fishing, and maritime history
   

After a full day of exploration, guests return to a calm, historic hotel rather than crowded tourist centers.

Even without leaving town, the McCleary Hotel is surrounded by natural amenities. Within a quarter-mile walking distance are:

• A scenic pond and Wildcat Creek
   
• Forested trails and a local park
   
• Pickleball courts and open green spaces
   

The trail to the creek and pond is directly across the street from the hotel, making it easy to begin or end each day outdoors.

Unlike highway hotels or busy coastal accommodations, the McCleary Hotel offers a slower pace. Guests often choose the hotel specifically because it allows them to explore the Olympic Peninsula while returning each evening to:

• Quiet guest rooms
   
• Inviting common spaces like the Fireside Room
   
• Gardens and outdoor gathering areas
   

This balance of access and calm is what makes the hotel especially appealing to travelers who want depth, not crowds.

Whether you’re planning day trips to the Olympic Peninsula, coastal drives, or forest hikes—or simply want to avoid the stress of city traffic—the McCleary Hotel provides a thoughtful and well-located home base.

It’s a place to arrive, explore, and return—just as travelers did when the hotel first opened its doors in 1912.

 Plan your stay at the McCleary Hotel and experience the Peninsula from a quieter point of entry.