On Tuesday, January 26, it’s National Plan for Vacation Day. In anticipation of travel becoming safer this year, we encourage you to take time to dream and plan a trip for you and your family. And, of course, we hope you are inspired to visit Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. When you’re ready, we look forward to welcoming you here this year!

Ready to get out and go somewhere? National Plan for Vacation Day is an opportunity to get creative and plan a memorable vacation. Travel is valuable for inspiring creative thinking (because you’re not thinking about work or family schedules), strengthening relationships, promoting better health and simply having a blast together. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to wrap your mind around what you want to do and where you’d like to go. Been dreaming about exploring the Pacific Northwest? You can’t get any more Northwest than the Olympic Peninsula. Grab your family and friends to create your “planning committee” then sit down and organize calendars and make your reservations before things fill up. This is especially important during the summer months when popular places are booked well in advance. This month it’s time to bring those plans to life and go somewhere! LEARN MORE about Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

This year we’re going to offer a story every month about something special and unique in our area to offer inspiration for places to see or go. We are blessed here on the Olympic Peninsula to have nine Native American tribes who have called this land home for thousands of years. They include the Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Makah, Quileute, Hoh, Quinault, Squaxin Island and Skokomish tribes. We honor their presence here with their strong cultural traditions, as stewards of the peninsula’s resources and partners in preservation. LEARN MORE about the native people of the Olympic Peninsula. 

Jamestown S'Klallam totems | Photo by John Gussman

For our first story of the new year, we are introducing you to an aspect of Native American art—the magnificent totem poles carved by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. They are perhaps one of the most visible and most accessible tribes. Their many totem poles are prevalent on their campus and around the casino and hotel in Blyn, demonstrating the long traditions of Coast Salish art unique to the Pacific Northwest. LEARN MORE

The newly opened section of the Olympic Discovery Trail which hugs Lake Crescent |

Photo by John Gussman

The well-loved Spruce Railroad Trail was re-opened in early December 2020 after a multi-year collaborative trail improvement project. The 10-mile length of this portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail winds along the northern shoreline of Lake Crescent. The trail follows the historic railroad grade of the Spruce Railroad, built in 1918 to haul Sitka spruce trees from the forest that were intended to manufacture aircraft in World War I. When the demand decreased, the National Park Service converted it into a gorgeous scenic trail.

To get there, access to the Lyre River Trailhead on the eastern end of the Spruce Railroad Trail is currently via Highway 112 to Joyce-Piedmont Road. East Beach Road remains closed for public safety. LEARN MORE or take a cool VIRTUAL RIDE HERE.

Swans at sunrise near Sequim | Photo by John Gussman

Calling all birders! January 5 is National Bird Day and it coincides with the annual Christmas Bird Count where citizen scientists help monitor the health of the nation’s birds. Winter is a spectacular time to break out the binoculars and check out the bird action around the peninsula. Bundle up and head to one of our many state or county parks, which are a haven for migratory and year-round populations, or strike off on a trail near Puget Sound. Cold, clear days draw birds to fish and rocky shorelines offer sanctuary for shorebirds as well as tree dwellers. LEARN MORE

Explore a forest filled with light and art after dark at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center from now through February 28. Seek out 11 light-based outdoor sculptures from renowned artists that have transformed the outdoor Webster’s Woods art park into a magical nighttime experience. These works of art will light up the longest nights of the year and create a magical nighttime experience for visitors of all ages. LEARN MORE

Artists share their perspectives of hope, joy, and play during the pandemic through the “Youthful Expressions” virtual art exhibit. The display can be viewed online HERE or on screens viewed through the windows at the Sequim Civic Center in Sequim. The exhibit will be available through March 5, 2021.

ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

Hike to Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

From snow-blanketed mountains to evergreen forests dripping with rain and ocean beaches pounded by winter storm waves, there are so many ways to recreate in the winter on the Olympic Peninsula. With fewer visitors during the season, you can find quiet, less-traveled places to enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s an exhilarating time to explore Olympic National Park or Olympic National Forest. Be inspired HERE. We encourage you to #RecreateResponsibly and know before you go by checking out the latest conditions at the websites below.

RecreateResponsibly.org

Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner!

Again, we encourage you to know before you go and check our website for the most current information about safe travel. If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!