Olympic Peninsula
Olympic National Park is the dominant geographical attraction on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, and includes rugged glacier-capped mountains, over 60 miles (96 km) of wild Pacific coastline, and magnificent stands of old-growth timber and temperate rainforest. Perhaps you may catch a glimpse of a rare spotted owl or a herd of Roosevelt elk. Another key attraction is the 5.5 mile (9 km) long Dungeness Spit which was formed by the interaction between the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Dungeness River. It is the longest natural spit in the world, and a wild bird reserve – home to, or visited by, over 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals, and 8 kinds of marine mammals.
Enjoy camping, casual walks, hiking, birding, golfing, hunting for shellfish, biking, river rafting, scuba diving, sea kayaking and more. Fish for deep-sea trophies like Chinook or Coho salmon from the Pacific Ocean, or catch Cutthroat, Rainbow or Steelhead from abundant lakes and rivers. Communities like Port Ludlow, Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles, Clallam Bay/Sekiu, Forks, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and others – steeped in a rich logging, fishing and maritime heritage – offer warm hospitality, a variety of accommodations, quaint shops and galleries, and community events and festivals. In addition, several local wineries can be found along your way. At the southern end of the Peninsula, Ocean Shores’ sandy beaches are ideal for walking, kite-flying, horseback riding, or just breathing in the fresh ocean air.
