Maxanna's New Itinerary

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

Olympic Natural Resources Center Trail

Whether you are looking for a quick hike or a more leisurely exploration of mature second growth forest and fauna, the University of Washington’s campus in Forks features a 2 ½ mile rustic trail for hiking and bird watching. The trail is well maintained with some elevation gain, giving the walker a good workout. Highlights include a scenic view of the City of Forks along one of its stretches. Bring a snack and enjoy the view from one of the two picnic tables. A favorite place to hike for local Forks residents on their lunch hour! 

Hike or Drive to Scenic Mt. Walker

The Quilcene/Brinnon area holds an abundance of magnificant scenery just waiting for that special photograph.  From magnificant mountain views at the top of one of our nearby mountain peaks, to the brilliance of the sunlite water of Hood Canal, to the soft light of forest trails winding along river banks or through wildflower meadows, this area is a photographer's dream.

Location

Entrance is 5 miles South of Quilcene on Hwy 101 - WA
United States
47° 47' 25.998" N, 122° 55' 31.2204" W

Sekiu Trail

Also known as "One-Mile Beach," this straight, relatively level saltwater beach trail connects beautiful, rugged slate caves at the east and Eagle Point two miles to the west. Boaters fish near the trail, unaware of the old abandoned railroad grade that runs the length of the hillside above. The flat and forested trail, an easy walk from Sekiu resorts, provides access to the solitude of sand and surf. Vistas from the trail stretch across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island.

Location

WA
United States

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

Clallam Bay & Slip Point Beach Park

Clallam Bay Spit and Community Beach County Park is a 33 acre park jointley managed with Washington State Parks.  The Park is located where the nutrient-rich water of the Clallam River empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, providing a constant food source for shore and marine birds.  Eagles and osprey can be seen feeding on the beach; viewing marine mammals is an added bonus.  The dynamic hydrology interaction taking place between the Clallam River and the tides provide an opportunity to witness drastic changes to the landscape each time you visit.

Location

Clallam Bay Clallam Bay, WA 98326
United States
48° 15' 21.5928" N, 124° 15' 47.1456" W

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

Fort Worden State Park

Perched at the northern entrance to Puget Sound near Port Townsend, Fort Worden State Park, a military base that was commissioned in 1902, is a legendary gathering place. With a 360 degree panorama of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the Fort's 434 acres are bordered by pristine wetlands and miles of sandy beaches.

Location

Fort Worden
200 Battery Way
Port Townsend, WA 98368
United States
48° 8' 3.1452" N, 122° 45' 52.9776" W

Rialto Beach - Spectacular sunsets and wild Pacific coast

THE BEACH IS CALLING YOU!

But not just any beach. Come visit awesome Rialto Beach. Not only is Rialto one of the most popular beaches on the Olympic Peninsula, it's also one of the most accessible. Park your car and you are there! So, if the thought of a long hike through rough terrain isn't exactly your idea of a great way to spend a relaxing afteroon, then Rialto is destined to be on the top of your list.

Location

LaPush WA
United States

Olympic Discovery Trail

A paved trail system that connects Port Townsend on Puget Sound to the Pacific beaches at La Push is 70% on abandoned Railroad grade. The trail is growing as sections are completed and is being constructed as a non-motorized corridor, including equestrian use in most areas. When completed, the trail will cover 120 miles and will be one of the longest trail systems in the US. A year-round opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery edging the northern Olympic Peninsula along the historic route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroads.

Location

Olympic Discovery Trail from Port Townsend - Pacific WA
United States

Breathe Mile-High Air at Hurricane Ridge!

Hurricane Ridge, 17 miles south of Port Angeles, in Olympic National Park, will make you feel like you're on top of the world. And, in fact, you are!  Hurricane Ridge is reached by taking Hwy 101 into Port Angeles.  Look for the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge signs.  Turn south on Race Street, and taking a slight right curve on the Hurricane Ridge Parkway. From there you will see signs leading to the Park Entrance.

Location

Olympic National Park WA
United States

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

Upcoming Events

REGIONAL DESTINATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

Want to get local? These community sites are great resources for finding even more information on local happenings, local businesses and places to stay. Take a look at these sites and plan your trip to the Olympic Peninsula!