March promises the start of the spring season and with a chilly February behind us, we’re excited to welcome the new season with bright yellow daffodils dotting the landscape and birdsong at dawn. This month we’re featuring the Hood Canal area with its bountiful oysters and scenic natural wonders. In addition, it’s Spring Break for many and the Olympic Peninsula offers an exciting change of pace from school studies. Time to get out into the field! |
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American Dipper in the Hoh Rain Forest |
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Oysters, the Original Love Story
- Watchable Wildlife in Spring
- 10 Spring Break Ideas
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Olympic Culinary Loop – Razor Clam and Seafood Festival
- Upcoming Spring Events
- Travel free, fast, and car-free between Kingston and Port Townsend
- Olympic National Park
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Oysters, the Original Love Story |
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The longer days and daytime tides are a sure sign that oyster season is on its way again. Getting their fill of algae, Pacific oysters are plumping up with glycogen, making their flavor crisp, rich, and sweet. Because of the cooler weather, eating shellfish in spring isn’t just palatable, it's safe. It’s time to reignite your love affair with Hood Canal oysters. READ IT HERE.
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WATCHABLE WILDLIFE IN SPRING |
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This time of year, gray whales migrate from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea. During their 10,000-mile journey, they make a detour into Puget Sound to feed on the ample ghost shrimp found here. Check out whale watching tours from Port Townsend mid-March through mid-April.
Whale watching cruises are one way to spot large marine mammals, but there are also many locations nearby where you can watch these giant swimmers right from the shore. The Whale Trail, running from British Columbia to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, down the Oregon coast and into northern California, is made up of more than 60 sites on the shores of the western coast of North America where you can watch whales, seals and other marine mammals.
For birders, the loop around the Olympic Peninsula features more than 200 of Washington’s 346 annually recorded bird species. From our the Waterfowl Watchers Trail in northeastern Jefferson County to others, the North Olympic Peninsula is loaded with exceptional sites to see birds. LEARN MORE
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Spring officially arrives on March 20 so why not celebrate the season with your kiddos and escape to the Olympic Peninsula for Spring Break. School’s out for the week and it’s a perfect time for some fresh air and family bonding. Come for a few days or a week. Here are 10 things that will keep your family hopping. Don’t forget to bring rain gear…just in case.
1. Moments in Time Trail at Lake Crescent
This hike is an easy, self-guided loop nature trail spanning a mile along the shores of Lake Crescent and meandering through lush forests with interpretive signs giving the history of the area. LEARN MORE
2. Explore the Bunkers at Fort Worden in Port Townsend
Fort Worden was an active US Army base from 1902-1953. Hidden gun emplacements and batteries were built for defense. Today, the extensive system of large, abandoned bunkers are open to the public—a special joy for kids who love to explore and hear their gleeful screams echo throughout the cavernous halls. LEARN MORE
3. Feiro Marine Life Center in Port Angeles
Get up close and personal with marine life and touch sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers and more in seawater-fed touch tanks. Learn about plankton at the microscope station and see a variety of fish and other animals you can find in the region. LEARN MORE
4. Explore the tide pools at Salt Creek Recreation Area west of Port Angeles
This 196-acre park is known for its fascinating tide pools alive with colorful sea stars, shellfish, and other aquatic marine life. Hike the trails and marvel at the stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. RV and tent camping are available. LEARN MORE
5. Cycle or walk the Olympic Discovery Trail and cross the Railroad Trestle Bridge in Sequim
Enjoy this beautifully groomed trail through Sequim and don’t miss going through Railroad Bridge Park, home of the Dungeness Audubon Center, then cross the 780-foot trestle with awe-inspiring views of the roaring waters below. LEARN MORE
6. Feed the Wildlife Olympic Game Farm in Sequim
Buy bread when you check in then drive through the park where you’ll experience wildlife like bears, zebras, llamas, yaks, Roosevelt elk, bison and more. You’ll have the opportunity to feed many of them right from your vehicle! LEARN MORE
7. Hike Staircase at Olympic National Park west of Hoodsport
Located in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, the area boasts a vast cathedral of Douglas fir trees that hug the shoreline of the Skokomish River. It’s an easy, two-mile loop, stunningly beautiful hike. Note that the road, 16 miles west of Hoodsport, is unpaved and periodically closes in bad weather. Be sure to check the status of the road before heading out at HERE or call 360-565-3131.
8. Visit the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce Tree near Lake Quinault
With a height of 191 feet and a circumference of 58 feet, 11 inches, the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree can be found in the “Valley of the Rain Forest Giants” at Lake Quinault. It’s an easy .3-mile stroll from the trailhead on South Shore Drive. LEARN MORE
9. Every Kid Outdoors
If there is a fourth or fifth grader in your house, you can see America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free. Get your pass and plan your trip for exploring these places on the Olympic Peninsula HERE.
10. Check out the Beachcombers Fun Fair
If you love beachcombing and finding treasures in the sand, you and your family won’t want to miss the Beachcombers Fun Fair in Ocean Shores, March 5 – 6. Like a county fair, you can enter your treasures to be judged for ribbons. Enjoy the displays, speakers, kids’ games, beach walks and more. LEARN MORE
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Razor Clam and Seafood Festival |
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Come for the fresh seafood (and other goodies), stay for the live music and browse through the artists in the Vendor Village in Ocean Shores, March 18 – 20. If you want to taste the best of the Olympic Peninsula's chowder and seafood, purchase a Tasting Passport at the festival. Online, you can purchase advance tickets for the Fresh Whole Dungeness Crab Dinner and the Crab Eggs Benedict Breakfast. There is no admission charge for the festival which takes place inside and outside the Ocean Shores Convention Center. LEARN MORE
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We’re excited events are returning to the Olympic Peninsula and encourage you to check for the latest information about each event before attending since things continue to evolve. Please follow the latest CDC and Washington state protocols to assure everyone stays safe. LEARN MORE
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Birding in the Park
Nordland
March 26
Birding and nature tours are now being held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather. Bring binoculars and your own water. REGISTER
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Port Townsend Farmers Market Opening Day
April 2
The market opens every Saturday through mid-December with health and safety plans similar to last year. Hours are 10 am to 2 pm with farm, food and art vendors. LEARN MORE
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OAT Run 12K, 50K, and Half Marathon
Port Angeles
April 16
Olympic Adventure Trail (OAT) Run is a point-to-point 12K, 50K, and half marathon trail race that traverses Kelly Ridge between the Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. LEARN MORE
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Olympic National Park Entrance Fee-Free Day
April 17
The National Park Service will waive all entrance fees on six days in 2021 when all sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. The additional entrance fee-free days are August 4, August 25, September 26 and November 11. LEARN MORE
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Run the Peninsula Race Series
Sequim
April 23
The 2022 Run the Peninsula Race Series takes place on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula and is made up of five different races which can be run in person on race day or virtually until December 31. The Railroad Bridge Run offers a 5K and 10K out and back on the Olympic Discovery Trail. LEARN MORE
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Travel free, fast, and car-free
between Seattle and Port Townsend
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Take the Kingston Fast Ferry from Seattle to Kingston then get a free ride from the Kingston ferry terminal to Port Townsend on Jefferson Transit’s #14 Kingston Express. When you return, you’ll get a free ride transfer for the Kitsap Kingston Fast Ferry back to Seattle when you take the Kinston Express Route through March 31. After March, the Kingston Express will only be $8.
The transit service is equipped with a bike rack and only has four brief stops: the Kingston ferry terminal, the Gateway Visitor Center, Four Corners Park and Ride and the Haines Place Park and Ride in Port Townsend. Use this shuttle as a jumping off point for cycling adventures in and around Port Townsend, an easy weekend getaway or a day’s shopping spree! LEARN MORE
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With an incredible winter snowpack, you can still enjoy a variety of winter activities at Hurricane Ridge this month. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be open on days when the road is open and for the same hours. Restrooms will be open inside, but the exhibits, tables, and warming area are closed. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets and/or sleeping bags in your vehicle. Restroom facilities are open. LEARN MORE
The road to Hurricane Ridge is scheduled to be open Fridays through Sundays through March 27. When planning a visit to Hurricane Ridge, check the park website above for updates and changes to winter operations.
We encourage you to #RecreateResponsibly and know before you go by checking out the latest information. Bring the family for Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Tubing at the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club (Saturdays and Sundays). LEARN MORE
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We would like to extend a special thank you to all who took the time to respond to our recent survey about our e-newsletter. We truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts and providing feedback. We will work to incorporate some of the ideas shared as we move forward. We'll continue to send the e-newsletters out monthly and send occasional "breaking news" or contest announcement when appropriate. Again, your input is appreciated! |
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
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Spring inspires us to want to travel, to get away and play. Come and discover a new place or visit an old favorite. Explore our trails and beaches. Try your hand at harvesting oysters. Play in our spectacular parks, not to mention the show-stopper of them all—Olympic National Park, where you can even go snowshoeing.
As you begin to plan your visit, we encourage you to know before you go. 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 look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula whenever you come for a visit.
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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