We hope this finds you and your family well. We understand that right now the world feels upside down, especially with our West Coast (Washington, Oregon and California) governors' mandates to stay home and stay healthy. Tending to the health and safety of our world family is the most important thing, and discretionary travel is not currently an option. But things will change, and, at times like these, we all need something to look forward to.
 
In the words of Rodgers and Hammerstein, "When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad." With that in mind, we've reached out to our Olympic Peninsula family and asked them to share with you some of their favorite things to see and do here, to inspire dreaming. When Washington's Governor Jay Inslee says it's okay to travel again, we will look forward to sharing some of these things with you in person.
 
For now, stay home, stay well. We'll be here, ready to welcome you, when we have the "all clear" for future travel.

Marsha Massey, Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
DAYDREAMING ABOUT FUTURE TRAVEL
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Ruby Beach at Sunset | Photo by Michael Matti

They say nearly everyone is caught daydreaming at least once a day, and for the most part, it's about travel - getting away and taking a vacation. With all this time on our hands, sitting at home and wondering how to stay busy, daydreaming reduces stress and anxiety, which you may be feeling in spades about now.
 
Let us help inspire you! It's the perfect time to dream about where you'd like to visit next and the things you love to do. Of course, we think the Olympic Peninsula has something for everyone. We have a few ideas for you to ponder while you imagine yourself here.
Quinault Rain Forest

Lake Quinault in the Spring

Why not embrace the solitude and distance from the crowds at stunning Lake Quinault? A great day trip awaits. If you're seeking a place of peace, enjoy fishing area streams for winter steelhead, cycling the peaceful roads and hiking the enchanting rainforests. Experience the Maple Glade trail in its springtime lushness. Discover the Quinault area and recharge your sense of calm.  LEARN MORE 

Sea Kayaking near Port Angeles | Photo by Lynnette Braillard

Sea Yourself Kayaking in Port Angeles

Paddle the calm waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Port Angeles harbor where you'll spot playful seals alongside Olympic mountain views. Or head to Freshwater Bay where you'll glide along the rocky coastline looking in sea caves and crevices. The rich ocean waters and currents of the Olympic Peninsula coast create an ideal ecosystem and habitat for a vast number of marine mammals, seabirds, sea life and fish. You can bring your own kayak, rent one or book a guided tour with Adventures Through Kayaking.  LEARN MORE
New Dungeness Lighthouse | Photo by John Gussman

Hike Sequim's Dungeness Spit to  the Lighthouse
 
Stretching into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit is a 5.5-mile hike and the longest natural sand spit in the nation. It's part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and a haven for wildlife. More than 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals and eight species of marine mammals have been recorded at the refuge, including several that are threatened or endangered. Hike to the New Dungeness Lighthouse near the tip of the spit, one of the oldest in the Northwest operating continuously since 1857. Be sure to check tide reports before you go as high tides can make it difficult to reach the lighthouse or easily return.  LEARN MORE  
A Found Cache on the Olympic GeoTour

Go Geocaching with Your Family
 
If you're looking for an activity that can help you discover new places and provide fun for the whole family, consider giving geocaching a try. This unique outdoor activity uses GPS coordinates to take you on a real-life scavenger hunt. Geocaches range in sizes and are full of interesting treasures placed by previous visitors. The Olympic Peninsula even has its own "Geotour," with over 40 geocaches spanning four counties and prizes awarded to geocachers who find every cache on the tour. Geocaching is a great way to discover new and exciting places and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. LEARN MORE  
Larry Scott Trail | Photo by Steve Mullensky

Cycling the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend
 
The trailhead for the Larry Scott Trail is also the eastern beginning of the Olympic Discovery Trail, which when it's finished will extend 126 miles from Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean near La Push. The LST, as locals call it, starts near a parking area in the Port of Port Townsend's Boat Haven on the waterfront. A gentle hill slopes upward hugging the shoreline for the first mile to the paper mill where the trail then veers off into the woods. Explore the area's natural wonder on two wheels under a forested canopy of evergreens. Meander alongside farmland where you may catch a glimpse of horses, cattle or even goats. The trail is 7.3 miles one way and makes a nice roundtrip ride.  LEARN MORE   
Port Ludlow Golf Course | Photo by The Resort at Port Ludlow

Golf the Olympic Peninsula

As the weather warms up and we relish lovely sunny days, if you're a golfer the fresh air and beauty of a golf course beckons. Clean your clubs, dust off your shoes, call your golfing buddies and maybe even buy a sleeve of new balls. It's time to tee it up on one, or all, of these stunningly gorgeous Olympic Peninsula golf courses:
 
Cedars at Dungeness, Sequim - Voted Best Golf Course in KING5's "Best Northwest Escapes" five years in a row, this is not your average golf course.

Port Ludlow Golf Course, Port Ludlow - Play this 18-hole championship course ranked 11th in Washington with spectacular water and mountain views.

Discovery Bay Golf Club, Port Townsend - Featuring 18 holes on the shoes of Discovery Bay, this 94-year-old course, formerly called Chevy Chase, has a rich history with rural charm.

Alderbrook Golf Club, Union - This beautifully maintained course is a hidden gem that is gaining fame with breathtaking views at each hole. 

Salish Cliffs Golf Club, Shelton - This par-72 championship course will test your skills while exciting your senses with over 300 acres of lush bentgrass tees, fairways and greens.
To inspire your daydreaming for your trip, check out the
Download or request your FREE copy  to be mailed 
directly to you.
CURRENT STATUS UPDATES


Please note at this time, Olympic National Park has temporarily closed all park visitor centers and campgrounds as well as most park entrance roads until further notice, following guidance from the CDC and state, local, and NPS public health officers. All park lodges, shops and restaurants are closed. LEARN MORE
 
Olympic National Forest  has closed all developed recreation sites through April 8, 2020, or until the Governor's Executive Order is lifted. This includes trail heads, day use areas, campsites, cabins and picnic sites. LEARN MORE 
 
All Washington State Parks Ca mpgrounds are closed through April 30, 2020. All state-managed parks, wildlife areas and water access areas are also closed for at least two weeks beginning March 25 in response to Gov. Inslee's "Stay Home. Stay Healthy" order issue March 23. LEARN MORE

Things will change, and these beautiful public lands and delightful towns will reopen.  When they do, we look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula with open arms.
EVENTS
Most Olympic Peninsula events for April have been canceled or postponed at this time. May and June events are pending, and we'll keep you apprised of any changes as they arise. You can find updated information on our Events Calendar.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula this year!
Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission | 360-452-8552 info@olympicpeninsula.org | OlympicPeninsula.org