A Guide to Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

Many people visit with the intent of exploring Olympic National Park, but there is more to see besides the National Park. We spent a week in the area, and here are some of favorite things to do and see.

Inside Olympic National Park

-Devil’s Punchbowl – This picturesque spot, with very blue water and a metal bridge, is a place where people like to jump off the rocks into the water. They usually have someone on a paddle board making sure people are safe. Even if you aren’t feeling courageous, or just want to avoid getting wet, it’s still fun to watch others jump. To get there, take Spruce Railroad Trail, which is an easy paved trail along Lake Crescent. Roundtrip distance is 2.4 miles. There are restrooms at the trailhead, but not at Devil’s Punchbowl. Trailhead is 34 minutes from Port Angeles. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

-Hoh Rain Forest – 2 hours from Port Angeles, this forest is on the west side of the National Park. The Hall of Mosses Trail is an iconic loop through old growth forest. The trail is .8 miles around with a gentle 50ft elevation gain. Dogs are NOT allowed.

Don’t Miss These Places Outside of the National Park

-Lavender Farms in Sequim – Sequim (pronounced squim) is the self-proclaimed North America Lavender Capital, so there are about 30 farms to choose from. We went to Jardin Du Soleil Lavender Farm, and it was very picturesque. You can hand-pick lavender, shop for lavender products, eat lavender ice cream, etc. Many of the farms have events, so check online for current activities. Also, every year in the 3rd week of July they have a Lavender Festival.

-Cape Flattery – This is the most Northwestern point of the lower 48 US states. At the end of the .7 mile trail (each way) you arrive at the top of a seaside cliff with amazing views. If you’re lucky you might even see some puffins. It is within the Makah Indian Reservation, so you need to stop at the visitor’s center in Leah Bay (or other business listed online) to pay the $20 entrance fee. The trail is easy, with a gradual elevation gain of 200 ft, and portions of it are on a boardwalk. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Where To Stay

-John Wayne’s Waterfront Resort, Sequim – We stayed here with our big rig RV, but you can also tent camp or stay in one of their cabins. As the name implies, it overlooks the water, namely Sequim Bay.

-Hoh Rainforest Campground – Good for tent or RV camping. But there is no electric or sewer hookups.

-Riviera Inn, Port Angeles – This is a good, relatively inexpensive option in Port Angeles. This is also a good location to easily access the National Park, and has a lot of restaurant options.

Notable Restaurants and a Brewery

Barhop Brewing and Pizza, Port Angeles – Great beer, and delicious pizza. And a bonus is that it is right along the coast!

-First Street Haven, Port Angeles – Great breakfast and brunch restaurant.

-Doc’s Marina Grill, Port Townsend – Casual seafood restaurant with a view. Great orca-viewing spot. If the restaurant is full you can get the food to-go, and eat it at one of the picnic benches overlooking the water. See the view below