Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Welcome to Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula! We invite you to explore this area that offers miles of puzzle-like shorelines, dense rainforest valleys and alpine meadows crowned with glaciers.

Located in the northwest portion of Washington State, the Olympic Peninsula is home to the wondrous Olympic National Park. The Park, 1,400 square miles (nearly a million acres), is often referred to as “three parks in one” because of its three distinctly different ecosystems: the Pacific coastline, the primeval forests, and the rugged mountains. These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine due to its wilderness designation and the fact that the interior of the Park is only accessible by trail. Roads enter into the Park at locations around the Peninsula like spokes on a wheel.

The rainforest is one of only three temperate rainforests on earth. Mt. Olympus is the highest peak in the Park and receives over 200 inches of precipitation each year, mostly as snow. Mt. Olympus and it’s surrounding peaks are a photographers dream, showing off the third largest glacial system in the contiguous US. Seventy-three miles of wild Pacific Ocean beaches also are protected by Olympic National Park and the Park is home to the largest unmanaged herd of Roosevelt elk in the world. This is a special place.

Port Angeles, the largest town (19.000) on the Peninsula is about three hours west of Seattle by car and ferry. It is south about 90 minutes by ferry from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. And, about an hour and fifteen minutes east of Forks, Washington, home of the Twilight series.

We have a rich history of native culture and pioneering spirit; an abundance of local culinary treats (Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, berries, salmon, halibut, mushrooms, as well as human-created cheeses, wines, breads and chocolates); access to crazy, great outdoor activity Here you can surf in the morning and go snowboarding after lunch. Or, downhill ski in the morning and play a round of golf in the afternoon. Kayak, backpack, golf, bird watch, eat, hike a wild beach, watch for whales, listen to some first-class music or view art everywhere, including Webster's Woods outdoor art gallery (you kind of have to see the field of sweaters art exhibit to understand it!), we have it all here. Come visit! Request a travel planner and you’ll be ready to plan your visit … Who knows? You may even find a place to call home!

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National Parks

Olympic National Park is 922,000 acres of stunning alpine and coastal wilderness. Over 3 million people visit it every year, and yet the park still retains an untouched, natural feel. It's known as the focal point of the Olympic Peninsula, and Washington State in general. Glacier capped mountains, wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth forests, including temperate rain forests -- at Olympic National Park, you can find all three. About 95% of the park is designated wilderness, which further protects these diverse and spectacular ecosystems.

Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, and later the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and 15 kinds of animals are found on the peninsula but no where else on Earth.

State Parks

Sequim Bay State Park is a year-round, 92-acre marine camping park with 4,909 feet of saltwater coast in the Sequim "rainshadow," just inside Puget Sound on the Olympic Peninsula. The bay is calm, the air is dry and interpretive opportunities await visitors.

Fort Worden State Park is a 433-acre multi-use park with 11,020 feet of saltwater shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th century military fort.

Bogachiel State Park is a thickly forested 123-acre camping park on the banks of the Bogachiel River. It is remotely located on the northwestern tip of Washington state.

County Parks

Dungeness Recreation Area has 67 campsites, three restrooms (two with showers), group camping with a shelter, playground, hiking and equestrian trails, on 216 acres. The County Park, with sweeping views of the shipping traffic as they make their way through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, serves as the trailhead for the Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge.

Salt Creek Recreation Area includes upland forests, rocky tide pool shoreline, sand beach, and panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Crescent Beach, and Vancouver Island on its 196 acres. Visitors will find 92 campsites, including 39 utility sites, three restrooms (two with showers), hiking trails, playground, sandlot baseball field, dump station, reservations-allowed picnic shelter, five shoreline access points, a marine sanctuary, and basketball, volleyball, and horseshoe courts. Salt Creek has been voted the "Best Campground for Clallam County" by the readers of the Peninsula Daily News in 2006.

Towns

Port Townsend - Port Townsend runs down to the waters edge on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula. With spectacular views of the Olympics to the south and a stretch of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, Port Townsend seems like the edge of wilderness, despite the close proximity of the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island and the Seattle-metro area. Port Townsend has plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied. The area is chock with orca's and whales. Sign up with a charter trip to head out on the open water for a chance at spotting a spout. Sailing is popular all through the area and a good way to appreciate the west coast waters in solitude.

Port Angeles - Port Angeles is the self-proclaimed “Center Of It All” for the Olympic Peninsula. It’s the place to start for a day trip to Hurricane Ridge. The 45-minute drive into Olympic National Park offers views of the mountains, valleys and the San Juan Islands, as well as Vancouver Island, Canada. The largest town on the Peninsula (19,000 population), Port Angeles is the center of a trip to Victoria, Canada; a trip to the Pacific beaches; or a trip to the lavender fields of neighboring Sequim. Start your Twilight tour here, too. The restaurant where Bella and Edward have their first date is here, as are other locations from the books.

Forks - Located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, and the heartbeat for all things Twilight, Forks and the surrounding area provide recreational options of all sorts. Whether you are looking for fictitious vampires or werewolves, or simply looking for an other-worldly natural experience, Forks is a good place to start. Over 200 miles of wild rivers criss-cross the region, providing unforgettable fishing. Rialto Beach, the Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch Beach, Lake Ozette, Cape Flattery and the Northwest Coast, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort and Sol Duc Falls are all located within easy travel distance from Forks. And, of course, Twilight. You can take a self-guided tour or join an organized tour at Dazzled by Twilight. Stop in at the Chamber of Commerce office to have your photograph taken with a replica of Bella’s truck and check out the map of the world with pins indicating from where in the world Twi-hard visitors have come.

Neah Bay - Located at the very northwest tip of the continental United States, Neah Bay really is at the beginning of the road. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, steep rugged cliffs, lush sustainably managed forests and unbelievably gorgeous sunrises and sunsets grace the area.

The Makah people have lived in the area of Neah Bay for thousands of years. Visitors are privileged to be able to view a portion of Makah heritage at the Makah Cultural and Research Center. Artifacts recovered from a Makah village that was covered by a mud slide 500 years ago near Ozette are housed in this world-class museum. Tribal elders are often available to accompany visitors through the displays and to explain the significance of the recovered objects to the Makah culture. Exhibits are rotated periodically so visit often.

Clallam Bay/Sekiu - Experience the peace and quiet of northwest coastal lifestyle. This historic fishing town, is known for record setting salmon, as well as halibut, lingcod and bottom fish. Sekiu means "quiet waters" and is a great place for fishermen and boaters alike. Kayak the Strait of Juan de Fuca or charter a boat for fishing, diving, kayaking, whale or wildlife tours. The shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the adjacent rivers, lakes, forests and the area surrounding Cape Flattery provide habitat for hundreds of species of birds. In the fall and spring, thousands of Canadian geese, trumpeter swans, falcons, hawks, and sand hill cranes migrate through this area, and can be easily sighted.

Between January and April, hundreds of bald eagles 'winter over' from British Columbia, on the coastline between Clallam Bay and Neah Bay. On a typical day, 50 or more eagles can be seen perched in the trees along Hwy. 112. Depending on the weather in April, hundreds of the migrating raptors will 'pool up' over Cape Flattery, awaiting the right time to fly north.

Sequim - Sequim offers small-town charm with big city amenities. You will find unsurpassed natural beauty and a unique Northwest identity alongside the conveniences of large retail stores and coffee shops with high speed Internet. Sequim is the Lavender Capital of North America with many lavender farms and a world-known festival held every July. Sequim’s ideal weather, created by the Olympic Mountains rain shadow, is the envy of other coastal towns and all of Western Washington.

Sequim Open Aire Market where local growers sell produce and artisans sell their handcrafted items. You might also want to bring a bucket to pick berries. Julia Child said the best berries in the world are grown on the Olympic Peninsula. Take the bucket again and hit the beach for some clam digging. Sequim is also famous for the flavorful native Dungeness crab. After picking berries and crab, visit a u-pick lavender field at one of the 30 lavender farms open most of the summer.

Pack your bike, kayak, golf clubs, and binoculars to further enjoy our lush valley. With your bike you can experience the Olympic Discovery Trail from Sequim to Port Angeles. Kayak from one of the local boat launches or public beaches and tour Sequim or Dungeness Bay. Golf one of the three lush golf courses. View our many species of birds with or without your binoculars.

Port Ludlow - This residential and recreational community has roots in the mid-1800s. Whether you find your inner bliss by relaxing by the bay, riding bikes along wooded trails, hiking to a waterfall or golfing on the 27-hole course recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, there is something for everyone here. With a rich history in the maritime industry, the Port Ludlow Marina has 300 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet. The luxury marina is perfect for a quiet getaway.

Port Hadlock - Surrounded by incredible natural beauty from the jagged peaks of the Olympic Mountains to lush green valleys and the sparkling waters of the Puget Sound, this area is rich in history, scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. This area is the gateway to Marrowstone and Indian Islands. These islands are popular with visitors and locals for camping and seafood gathering.

A few points of interests that attract visitors include: art galleries and studios, theatre, nature trails, campgrounds, crabbing, clamming, fishing, shrimping, kayaking, sailing, shopping and several excellent dining venues.

Brinnon/Quilcene - Two small towns hugging the shore of the great fjord called Hood Canal, offer sheltered, deep water marinas; abundant clam and oyster beaches; and spectacular camping locations. This area is the eastern entrance to Olympic National Park hiking trails.

Scenic Activities

Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail - One of the Olympic Peninsula's newest tours is the Waterfall Trail, a self-guided tour featuring nearly two dozen waterfalls. One falls is wheelchair accessible, some are visible from the car, while others require backcountry hiking. A few are best viewed from the water via a boat or raft.

The Waterfall Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy some of the best of the Olympic Peninsula's natural wonders.

Highway 112 Scenic Byway - The Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway leads to the most northwest point of the United States. This byway follows the shoreline of a glacial-carved Strait of Juan de Fuca that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean. While travelers venture along the remote stretch of coastline with rugged cliffs and forests, glimpses of eagles diving, gray whales spouting or otters splashing are common. Hop out of the car to walk, bike, boat or kayak to explore the wild shoreline or forests, fish for salmon or learn about Native American cultures.

Natural wonders that are rare and exciting events in other places of the world are everyday occurrences here. Traveling the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway will be an adventure to remember.

Twilight on the Olympic Peninsula - Stephenie Meyers’ plot for the popular books and movies series takes place on the west end of the North Olympic Peninsula. Find story locations through self-guided tour maps or on organized tours. Visit the high school in Forks that Bella and Edward attend, the beach at La Push where Bella learns the truth about Edward and the restaurant in Port Angles where they have their first date. Local stores and restaurants offer menu items and memorabilia for Twilight-hungry fans.

Events

Juan De Fuca Festival (May) - Located in Port Angeles, this 4 day Memorial Day weekend festival features over 125 performances of music, dance and theater from around the world, including musical workshops, a street fair, public art, and special activities for children.

Makah Days (August) - This annual celebration is focused around Makah patriotism for the US, with Makah war veterans taking a “high seat”. This Celebration spans three days with canoe races and bone games, kids races, royalty, salmon bake, traditional dancing, talent show and fireworks.

Forest Storytelling Festival (October) - The Story People of Clallam County invite you to the annual International Forest Storytelling Festival. Spend the weekend listening to master storytellers from around the world. This is a rare opportunity for children over ten and adults to experience world-class artists at work and is the only festival of it’s kind in Washington.

For more information on any of the topics above or anything else that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, be sure to

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