Gapu0407's New Itinerary

Olympic National Park

The majesty of the Olympic Mountains, the fairy-tale quality of the rain forests and the pristine wilderness coastline are great reasons to visit Olympic National Park. This World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly one million acres and also includes glacier-carved lakes, waterfalls, over 600 miles of hiking trails, dozens of campgrounds and scenic vistas. Highlights of the Park include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest and 60 miles of unspoiled coastline.

Location

Olympic National Park Visitor Information Center
600 E. Park Ave.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
United States
48° 6' 6.0048" N, 123° 25' 59.6748" W
See map: Google Maps

Miles of Saltwater Shorelines

Clallam and Jefferson Counties combined have over 400 miles of saltwater coastline. The inland waters of the 61-mile glacial fjord of the Hood Canal, the glacier-carved Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit and the wild, rugged Pacific Coast comprise differing habitats and nearly endless opportunities to explore.

Tide pooling, beach hikes and days-long backpacking excursions are a grat way to experience the calming rhythms of waves and tides and the view the wildlife and sea creatures of the tidal zone.

Location

Rialto Beach
United States
48° 13' 14.8224" N, 124° 7' 6.186" W
See map: Google Maps

Port Williams Beach Is a Hidden Gem

Port Williams is a great beach for families, lovers, birdwatchers, dog lovers and kayakers. Usually, overlooked, it is seldom busy except for the birds. Be sure to keep an eye out for an elk herd along the way.

Port Williams official name is Marlyn Nelson County Park at Port Williams. This 1-acre gem was deeded to the Clallam County Parks in 1976. The state owns tidelands to the north that link with 1,000 feet of County tidelands ending at the privately-owned Graysmarsh Farm property.

Location

Marlyn Nelson County Park at Port William
Port Williams Road
Sequim, WA
United States
48° 5' 51.1548" N, 123° 4' 31.08" W
See map: Google Maps

Jefferson Art & History Museum

Located in historic City Hall (1892), the museum continues to discover, collect, preserve and promote Jefferson County heritage, including Native American history, Victorian life and military and maritime memorabilia. Additional history exhibits at Olympic Gateway Visitor Center at junction of Hwy. 104 and Hwy. 19.

540 Water St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
tel: 360-385-1003

Location

Jefferson County Historical Museum
540 Water St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
United States
48° 6' 57.3588" N, 122° 45' 10.2096" W
See map: Google Maps

Moments in Time Trail

The Moments in Time Nature Trail is an easy 0.5-mile trail that meanders through the woods and along the shoreline of Lake Crescent offering a variety of environments from breathtaking views of Lake Crescent and Pyramid Mountain to tiny fern and wildflower meadows to lush woods with towering evergreens and spectacular mosses and fungi. Appropriate for the entire family, it begins just off the parking area of the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park.

Location

Storm King Ranger Station
U.S. Highway 101
Port Angeles, WA 98362
United States
48° 3' 27.468" N, 123° 47' 14.7696" W
See map: Google Maps

Kalaloch Beaches

Scenic ocean shores with easy access are found in the Kalaloch (pronounced clay-lock) area, 15 miles south of the Rain Forest Road on Hwy 101. Beach Trail 4 is a pebble beach with dramatic surf (beware of the strong undertow), tidal pools and is a popular place to dip for smelt (schools of small fish that spawn in the surf in warm, calm weather and can be caught with a large net). Picturesque Ruby Beach with a meandering creek, dramatic sea stacks, and drift logs is named for its sometimes garnet-colored sand. A gold mining operation was located here in the early 1900’s.

Location

Kalaloch Beaches
United States
47° 36' 16.92" N, 124° 22' 15.96" W
See map: Google Maps

Dungeness Spit and Lighthouse

At 5.5 miles in length, the Dungeness Spit is the world's longest naturally occurring sandspit and home to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a sanctuary for over 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals and eight species of water mammals. Its trails and picnic areas offer breathtaking views of the beaches, Dungeness harbor and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Location

Dungeness Spit and Lighthouse Sequim, WA 98382
United States
48° 4' 46.3332" N, 123° 6' 6.6384" W
See map: Google Maps

Rothschild House Museum

The 1868 Greek Revival style home, now a Washington State Park, was the home of German immigrant and early Port Townsend merchant Henry Rothschild, wife Dorette and their four children. The house is filled with the objects and furnishings of the Rothschild family's life for over 90 years. This home is on the National Register of Historic Places. Call or visit the website for hours and information.

Corner of Franklin & Taylor
tel: 360-385-1003

Location

Rothschild House Museum
404 Taylor Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
United States
48° 6' 56.952" N, 122° 45' 27.9072" W
See map: Google Maps

Twilight self tour in Forks

If you are a fan of the Twilight book series, you can come to Forks and tour the sites that are featured in the books written by Stephenie Meyer.  Just stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce visitor center (1411 South Forks Ave.) to receive your free Twilight packet.  It includes trivia tests from all four books along with a Forks Twilight map showing where the sites are located. Hours are 10am to 5pm Monday - Saturday and 11am - 4pm on Sundays.

Location

Forks Chamber of Commerce
1411 South Forks Ave.
Forks, WA 98331
United States
47° 55' 37.2648" N, 124° 22' 45.5988" W
See map: Google Maps

World's Largest Red Cedar Tree

World Champion Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata)

Section 36, Township 26 North, Range 13 West, W.M.  Jefferson County

19.4 feet in diameter, 178 feet tall, estimated 1000 years old.

Location

Jefferson County WA
United States
See map: Google Maps

It's Time for Tidepooling!

Take time to discover and explore the miniature world of tide pools on the Olympic Peninsula's Pacific coastal and Strait of Juan de Fuca beaches. As breezes blow away the morning mist, you'll discover dozens of fascinating tide pools with sea stars and urchins and other critters scurring about in the tide pools.

Location

Ocean Beaches WA
United States
See map: Google Maps