Alisastein's New Itinerary

Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway - Hwy 112

One of the nation's newest National Scenic Byways, it follows the shoreline of a glacial fjord that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean, separating the Olympic Peninsula from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This dramatic stretch of coastline with rugged cliffs and forests, reaches farther into the cold waters of the North Pacific than any other mainland point in the lower 48 states. Eagles, otters and gray whales are common sights, depending on the time of year.

Location

Highway 112 Scenic Byway Clallam Bay, Sekiu, Neah Bay
United States
48° 9' 38.9448" N, 123° 57' 14.1624" W
See map: Google Maps

Port Townsend

A Day Trip to Port Townsend It can be a life-time memory. Most of our city is easily accessible on foot. Cuisine choices are outstanding and include several award-winning restaurants—take time to enjoy a meal. Touring the historic homes and buildings can be done by foot or by car. while the history of Port Townsend is young by world standards, we are proud of restoring out heritage. Port Townsend is only one of three Victorian Seaports on the National Register of Historic Places. There are over 15 unique art galleries featuring classic to innovative visual arts.

Forks

Surrounded by rain forest valleys and within minutes of the rugged Pacific Coast, Forks is a friendly little town full of recreation opportunities. Within an hour of Forks, one can be strolling a rain forest trail, kayaking a tidal estuary, surfing a wilderness beach, soaking in natural hot spring waters or canoeing a clear blue glacier-carved lake.

From Coast to Forest

Neah Bay & Cape Flattery

To the west  - Follow Hwy. 112 to Neah Bay and the Makah Indian Reservation where you will find a world-class cultural museum and the best smoked salmon ever!   

West of Neah Bay at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula lies Cape Flattery, the most northwest point in the continental U.S.   Walk the boardwalk to Cape Flattery.  There are amazing views of ocean sea caves, Tatoosh Island's lighthouse and a fantastic marine wildlife viewing spot!  

Hoh Rain Forest

Among the only protected temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction on the West Side of the Olympic Peninsula. Moisture-laden air from the Pacific brings an average of 140 inches of annual rainfall to the Hoh Valley,(record of 190 inches) in addition to condensed mist that contributes another 30 inches. Nineteen miles inland from Hwy 101 you’ll find the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center.

Location

Hoh Rainforest WA
United States
See map: Google Maps

Waterfalls and Scenic Walks on Hood Canal

Spend an hour, and afternoon or a week exploring our local treasured places. Clean air, clean water and spectacular scenery combine to create an unforgettable visit. Here are some of our favorite places:

Falls View Trail Waterfall in Quilcene, right off US Highway 101 (US Forest Service)

Rocky Brook Falls Waterfall in Brinnon, Dosewallips Road

Location

Rocky Brook Falls
3000 Dosewallips Rd
Brinnon, WA 98320
United States
47° 43' 32.7468" N, 123° 0' 17.2404" W
See map: Google Maps

The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail

A Magical Misty Tour
A delightful way to explore the Olympic Peninsula, the Waterfall Trail offers year-round adventure and dramatic beauty. From the cliffs of Cape Flattery, to the glacial fjord of the Hood Canal to the Enchanted Valley of the Quinault Rainforest, waterfalls of all sizes and shapes abound! Some are easy walks on fores trails, others reached via paved, wheel-chair accessible paths, still more are in the backcountry of Olympic National Park. Two falls can only be reached by boat.

Location

Waterfalls WA
United States
47° 57' 38.1168" N, 123° 32' 58.0632" W
See map: Google Maps

The Extraordinary Shi Shi Beach

Perhaps the most dramatic beach in Washington State.

Shi Shi Beach is located west of Neah Bay. Shi Shi (pronounced shy-shy) was named "best nature beach" by the Travel Channel. It's a day trip you'll remember. Shi Shi is an unspoiled beach and is reached by driving 66 miles from Port Angeles, through ClallamBay-Sekiu and on through Neah Bay, then followed by a 3.3-mile hike. The trip is well worth the time and one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Hwy 112.

Location

Shi Shi Beach WA
United States
See map: Google Maps