The La Mesa RV Food Guide to Four Days in Olympic National Park

Aug 9, 2019 | 8 min read

 

Olympic National Park is the epicenter of America's most diverse natural treasures. The park covers nearly one million acres and features four distinct regions - alpine, rainforest, Pacific coastline and old-growth forest. Simply put, you can't begin to touch the surface of what this impressive national park has to offer without exploring by foot for a few days. With endless terrain to cover and no time to waste, you'll want to plan your meals in advance. Luckily, we've done that work for you! Enjoy our comprehensive food guide to four days in Olympic National Park. From where to grab your groceries to the restaurants you can't skip, and the instant camp meals worth eating, we've got you covered for nearly a weeks worth of meals. Sink your teeth in the guide below.

 



 

LOCAL MARKETS & GROCERY STORES
REI
Address: 625 Black Lake Blvd SW | Olympia, Washington 98502
Details: This REI location is the closest one en route to Olympic National Park. Stop by to grab all your last minute camping items as well as instant camp meals, trail snacks, fuel packs, insulated coolers, rain gear, and more.

Thriftway
Address: 950 S Forks Ave | Forks, Washington 98331
Details: Thriftway is a one-stop shop for RVers. Not only can you stock up on high quality groceries, you'll also be able to find camping gear, clothes, hardware, sporting goods and more. Be sure to check out their local deli (perfect to make turkey sandwiches for your day hikes into the park) and their jelly filled twist donuts for your breakfast fuel! They really know how to do seafood as well - don't forget to get some of their made in-house krab salad!

 



 

Discovery Bay Village Store
Address: 282332 US-101 | Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Details: This crunchy-granola store is ideal for those RVers looking to buy organic groceries, beer, wine and spirits! The store is family owned and features a great assortment of locally made treats (ginger cookies and ice cream cookie sandwiches included) as well as high-quality snacks. Right next door is an amazing, locally run coffee shop and taproom. Get your caffeine fix or grab a local beer before making your way into the park.

Country Aire Natural Foods
Address: 200 W 1st Street | Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Details: This natural grocery store is known for their local organic produce, bulk grains, aisles of natural supplements, no waste products (shampoo, conditioner, soap), fair-trade coffee and teas, as well as dozens of wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free meal options. Best of all, they sell avocado-based ice cream!

 



 

BREAKFAST & LUNCH | RESTAURANTS
Fairmount
Address: 1127 US-101 | Port Angeles, Washington 98363
Details: Fairmount is known for their incredibly fair prices and wide menu selection. Enjoy everything from a traditional American breakfast to huevos rancheros in this small town diner. Best of all, breakfast is served all day so if you're too busy hiking but want eggs in the late afternoon, this is the place for you!
What to order: Denver skillet, eggs Benedict and three pigs in a blanket.

Quinault Internet Cafe
Address: 6094 US-101 | Amanda Park, Washington 98526
Details: This quaint cafe serves light fare and espresso. Located inside the Quinault Rainforest visitor center, this cafe is the ideal place to hide out from the rain (which is quite common in the rainforest) and fuel up for the day.
What to order: Espresso and Country fried steak. Elevate any breakfast order for $1 and you'll enjoy a delicious local egg from hens that are raised right in Quinault Valley.

 



 

Cafe Garden
Address: 1506 E 1st Street | Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Details: This relaxing, seafood-Italian restaurant is perfect for breakfast or brunch! Anything you can dream up is yours for the eating. Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, french toast, traditional breakfast, six types of scrambles, house specials that include bacon florentine, biscuits and gravy, and a continental fruit plate are only a small lineup of what's offered on the menu!
What to order: Crab Benedict, Mexican omelette or Italian scramble.

Chestnut Cottage Restaurant
Address: 929 E Front Street | Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Details: This old-fashioned breakfast spot brings the charm. Patrons rave about the incredible staff and eclectic menu and with good reason. From homemade bakery items (scones, coffee cakes, strudel) to a daily breakfast "fresh sheet" that offers local and seasonal options like French toast, egg dishes, and more - there is truly something for every pallet! If you're a coffee addict, check out their espresso menu!
What to order: NW scramble - the owner catches and smokes the salmon herself!

 



 

LUNCH & DINNER | RESTAURANTS
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

Address: Hurricane Ridge Road | North Bend, Washington 98362
Details: Enjoy lunch with what is no exaggeration, the best view in the park! The visitor center at Hurricane Ridge is a great place for grab and go quick bites. The center has cafeteria fare, like hamburgers and chicken tenders. Watch deer wander by as you eat outside overlooking the valley. The items are on the more expensive side, but it's what you can expect from a highly populated area of an extremely popular national park.

Granny's Cafe
Address: 235471 US-101 | Port Angeles, Washington 98363
Details: Enjoy quality home-style food located in the heart of Olympic National Park. This rustic restaurant has perfected American food. Enjoy everything from a cheeseburger to homemade chili. They also have a great assortment of veggie options - from salads to a chickpea burger, so every type of eater can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal.
What to order: Whirley burger (1/3 pound burger topped egg, cheddar and bacon) or the Calamari salad.

 



 

Blakeslees Bar and Grill
Address: 1222 S Forks Ave | Forks, Washington 98331
Details: This down-to-earth pub grub is home to delicious fried food, pool tables and you guessed it, beer. Located in the famous town of Forks (for all you Twilight fans), this eatery serves extremely large portions (perfect to take home to your RV refrigerator) and is less than an hour from visitor favorites, the Hoh Rainforest and Second Beach (also known as driftwood beach.)
What to order: Seafood platter (great to share with the entire table) and the local bison burger!

Home Slice Take N Bake
Address: 110 S Forks Ave | Forks, Washington 98331
Details: Don't let its small stature fool you. This pizza joint is what many have said is the best take and bake pizza ever made. You can choose one of the pies off the menu or build your own! The thick crust and extra melty cheese will have you leaving very satisfied. Sizes comes in medium, large and family. They also offer sandwiches and dessert pizza.
What to order: Ranch chicken pizza, Forks favorite (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives) or the Mombo combo.

 



 

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER | INSTANT MEALS
If you're more interested in exploring and don't want to venture out of the park to grab a meal, you'll love our guide to instant meals. Last week we brought you an in-depth look at the top instant campground meals out on the market. From oatmeal to southwest scrambles, stews, meal bars, and hash brown dishes, check out our list featuring the perfect meals for all your hiking and day trip adventures!

Are you heading to Olympic National Forest but don't know what to pack? Check out our recent post featuring Everything You Need to Pack for a Hike in the Rainforest and be sure to leave us a comment in the section below sharing your favorite rainforest hike!