While September may be back-to-school month for some, for others it heralds “Road Trip!” Here on the Olympic Peninsula, the open road calls out to all – solos, couples, families – with promises of new places to discover, yummy fall farm stands, less crowded trails and beaches, fun festivals, and at the end of the day, a cozy inn or lodge to rest up.
As summer wanes, there are still many lovely hours of slanted sun rays and warmth to be enjoyed. This month, our feature destination is Port Townsend. You’ll also find some fun activities coming up to inspire that getaway. So grab your bike, your running shoes, your best pal, your sense of adventure, and hit the road – to the Olympic Peninsula!
While traveling, we encourage you to recreate responsibly, to care for yourself, others, and this great outdoors. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
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Driving Highway 101 | Photo by BreeAnn Gale |
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Visit Port Townsend this Fall
- Upcoming Events
- Olympic Culinary Loop
- Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Visit Port Townsend this Fall |
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Kayaking Port Townsend's waterfront | Photo by Ashley Courter |
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Summer may be wrapping up, but in Port Townsend, the fantastic events never end. There’s an abundance of things to see and do, especially this fall. For history buffs, check out the Hidden History Tours featuring a Key City Public Theatre actor highlighting the new Port Townsend History Signage Project. The tours are held on September 4 and 18. And, if you’ve ever been to the Jefferson County Farmers Market, you’ll know what great local food the county offers. To see where it comes from, check out the Jefferson County Farm Tour September 18-19, celebrating locally grown food, fiber and farm-made products. READ IT HERE
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We’re excited that events are returning to the Olympic Peninsula and encourage you to check for the latest information about each event before attending since things can change quickly. Please follow the latest CDC and Washington state protocols to assure everyone stays safe. LEARN MORE
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16th Annual Bluegrass from the Forest
Shelton
Sept 10-12
Camping, jamming, workshops, and great bands are hallmarks of this annual event. With two stages, a beer and wine garden, workshops and kids activities along with food and vendor spaces near the stages, enjoy bands from all over the Northwest. Grab some lawn chairs and hunker down with fantastic music and food.
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GOAT Run (Great Olympic Adventure Trail)
Port Angeles
Sept 11
The Great Olympic Adventure Trail (GOAT) Run is a point-to-point half marathon, marathon, and 50K trail race that traverses Kelly Ridge between the Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Participants finish at pristine Lake Crescent inside Olympic National Park.
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14th Annual Great Strait Sale
Joyce
Sept 11
Sponsored by the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association, the event spans 61 miles of sales all along Highway 112. It encompasses the areas of Joyce, Clallam Bay and Sekiu with sales at community members’ homes and neighborhoods along the route in true “flea market” style. It’s a “fun-raiser” you won’t want to miss!
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The Big Hurt Race
Port Angeles
Sept 25
Get ready for the Big Hurt—a fun Pacific Northwest fitness experience at the base of the Olympic National Park. You’ll tackle four legs in this multi-sport race like no other in the PNW: a 10K run, mountain biking, kayaking and road biking. The finish line along Port Angeles’ waterfront is a flurry of fun with a transition “party zone” where the four legs of the race all finish in one spot. There's a new Iron and Iron Masters Division and a "Little Hurt" for the kids the following day.
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22nd Annual Port Townsend Film Festival
Sept 23-26
Both in-person and online events will occur this year as the festival returns to the community with a new hybrid model. Enjoy historic downtown Port Townsend’s Outdoor Cinema on Taylor Street for three free community films screened Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 7:30 pm. More than 80 films will stream on-demand from Sept 23 – Oct 3.
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A Wild Night Out in Sequim
Dungeness River Audubon Center & Railroad Bridge Park
Oct 1
Join the Dungeness River Audubon Center for an evening of wonder and magic with illuminated sculptures and live storytelling with fantastical, giant puppets to celebrate the soft opening of the newly renovated River Center. The puppet Show, presented by String and Shadow Puppet Theatre, begins at 6 pm. The puppets and luminary sculptures are created by artists living throughout the Salish Sea area. LEARN MORE
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Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival
Port Angeles, Oct 8-10
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This signature Pacific Northwest culinary event is back and preparing for another “crabtastic” year. CrabFest will be held at the Port Angeles City Pier, the Gateway Center and the Red Lion Hotel parking lot. The festival is connected directly to local fishermen and suppliers with their own dedicated crab boats. Advance discounted tickets for our featured Dungeness crab dinners are now available online at CrabFestival.org
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Whether you’re looking for traditional lodging, charming bed and breakfasts, cabins, or camping, we can help. Check out the “Book Your Stay” feature on our website to search for availability and rates, and then connect directly with the accommodation of your choice. We think you’ll find this to be a time-saver.
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September – Eat Local Month
See who’s cooking up Local First eats across the North Olympic Peninsula’s
Clallam and Jefferson Counties
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Chimacum Corner Farmstand |
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Join the Olympic Culinary Loop on a month-long celebration this September to explore and enjoy the bounty of local food with its annual Eat Local Month virtual campaign. Each week, you are invited to connect with our region’s local food system through farmers and farm stands, restaurants, farmers markets, local grocers and retailers, food banks, seafood producers, and more!
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OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
& OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST
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Elwha River | Photo by John Gussman |
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It’s National Public Lands Day on September 25 with free admission to Olympic National Park. In the Olympic National Forest, fees will be waived at developed recreation sites. Established in 1994, and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits.
As summer comes to an end, visitors are reminded about continued fire use restrictions and potential for drastic weather changes at elevation. As of August 27, 2021, no fires are allowed on Olympic National Forest lands, nor anywhere in Olympic National Park. Gas stoves are okay.
Check out the Calendar on the Olympic National Park website to find Ranger Programs during your visit!
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula this fall and for year-round activities by downloading or requesting your FREE Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner now!
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As the seasons change and you can’t wait to travel, we invite you to come and explore our spectacular region. Doing so in a safe and sustainable manner is vital to everyone’s wellbeing, so we encourage you to know before you go and check our website for the most current state and local COVID guidelines.
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If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula soon! |
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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