Bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is home to temperate rain forests, rugged beaches, towering mountains, friendly communities, and a massive national park. Drive winding Highway 101 and discover fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining along the Olympic Culinary Loop, soak up history and culture in Port Angeles or Port Townsend, and so much more.
Things to do on the Olympic Peninsula
With so many attractions and things to do, you could easily spend a week or more exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Here are some of the highlights to help you plan your visit.
Visit Olympic National Park
Encompassing nearly 1 million acres, Olympic National Park is characterized by its wide variety of terrains. With three major ecosystems, it’s the only place in the United States where you can experience coastal beaches, lush temperate rain forests, and glacier-capped mountains all in one park.
Of its four rain forests—Quinault, Queets, Hoh, and Bogachiel—the most visited and well-known is the Hoh Rain Forest on the west side of the park. While many come for the moss-drapped trees, the park’s other forests offer impressive waterfalls, lakes, mountain vistas, and more with fewer crowds.
Travel tip: Aim to visit outside the busiest summer months. If visiting during the summer, time your trip for a weekday, if possible, and plan to arrive at popular trailheads early in the morning to secure a parking spot.
The Quinault in the southwestern portion of the park is a favorite among local rangers. Producing a biomass four times that of a tropical rain forest, the Quinault is home to many deep-forest inhabitants, including cougars, black bears, and bobcats.
From Port Angeles, it’s easy to explore iconic spots like Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. On a clear day, Hurricane Ridge boasts sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains from its many hiking trails as well as from the visitor center. During the winter months, snow enthusiasts can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
With stunning blue waters, Lake Crescent makes for a picture-perfect hike, bike ride, or paddle. Some standout trails include the Spruce Railroad Trail that runs along the shore and the Barnes Creek Trail to Marymere Falls.
Also See: Less-Visited Olympic National Park Hikes
Explore beaches
There’s no shortage of fantastic beaches on the Olympic Peninsula offering breathtaking sea stacks, driftwood-strewn shores, tide pools, and beachside trails.
Near the small village of La Push, you’ll find popular spots including Rialto — where you can hike to Hole-in-the-Wall, a sea-carved arch — as well as First, Second, and Third beaches. First Beach is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation, while Second and Third beaches fall within Olympic National Park.
Sample fresh seafood and more
Taste your way along the Olympic Peninsula, trying everything from local oysters to Dungeness crab and geoducks. Those looking to experience more than just seafood will find tons of local dining options. For a food-focused road trip, check out the Olympic Culinary Loop.
Soak up history and culture
The Olympic Peninsula is home to dozens of towns offering more than easy access to outdoor recreation. The quaint seaside town of Port Townsend is home to Victorian architecture, art galleries, and delicious restaurants.
In Port Angeles, explore Native American culture at the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center. The Olympic Peninsula is home to many tribal communities with rich histories and vibrant cultures.
For history buffs, don’t miss visiting Fort Worden Historical State Park and Fort Flagler Historical State Park. Both feature remnants of coastal military installations and can be found a short distance from Port Townsend.
Experience lavender in Sequim
The town of Sequim is famous for its sunny weather and its ample lavender fields, which burst with fragrant blooms from mid-June to mid-August. In July, marvel at the vast fields of purple blooms and immerse yourself in everything lavender at the annual Sequim Lavender Festival.
Watch for wildlife
The Olympic Peninsula is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including around 300 species of birds, from eagles to waterfowl. Near Sequim, you’ll find one of the world’s longest sand spits and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for shorebirds and marine life. Birders can mark their calendars for Olympic BirdFest, held annually in the spring at the Dungeness River Nature Center.
In addition to birds, the peninsula is an excellent place to spot whales, sizeable herds of Roosevelt elk, and other mammals such as Olympic marmots at higher mountain elevations. Whale watching tours depart from Port Angeles and Port Townsend, and you can also spot these majestic creatures from shore.
Also See: Where to go Whale Watching in Washington
Soak in a hot spring
Located in Olympic National Park, the Sol Duc Valley is home to Sol Duc Falls and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which also offers campgrounds. Open seasonally, the resort allows visitors a chance to soak in hot, mineral-spring pools. Nature lovers will appreciate the valley’s many hiking opportunities, including the 1.6-mile round-trip trek to Sol Duc Falls through lush forest.
Also See: Take a Dip at These Hot Spring Resorts