As fall starts to fade, and the holidays approach, it seems a natural time to pause and give thanks. There's no question that 2020 has been a wild ride for us all. But, along the way, there have been many moments of beauty, kindness, discovery and joy.
Here on the Olympic Peninsula, we are blessed to welcome every day in one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse places on earth. But, as grand a spot as Mother Nature has provided, it's the people that make the difference. And people here are resilient, creative, warm, and welcoming. So, as we approach the holiday season and the end of this tumultuous year, we'd like to say, “Thank YOU” for your continued interest in the Olympic Peninsula, and to share some local insights and moments to inspire and uplift you.
We look forward to welcoming you soon. From all of us here on the Olympic Peninsula, we wish you and yours peace, love and new discoveries in the months ahead.
Marsha Massey
Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission
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Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission Staff Field Trip to Rialto Beach, Summer 2020 |
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We’re grateful to everyone who took time to share with us memories or dreams of the Olympic Peninsula in our recent “The Most Northwest” contest. Just reading some of the shared memories filled us up and made us fall in love with the Olympic Peninsula all over again. Here are some of your comments.
"Hoh Rain Forest - such a magical experience - like being in a fairy kingdom."
"The beauty and serenity helped lift my spirits."
“We had the most beautiful sunsets and a couple of nights it felt as if we could see every star in the sky.”
“Our adventure was driven by the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail loop.”
"Any time in the Olympic Mountains is a treasure for my soul."
"Searching for the most colorful sea stars in the tidepools - the best scavenger hunt."
"Exploring driftwood coastlines to ancient tree-filled forests - the best of the Northwest."
"I found my favorite place on Earth"
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MOMENTS OF THANKFULNESS
from Olympic Peninsula Communities
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Adapting to Changing Times in Forks |
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Edward and Bella Cosplayers celebrate Bella’s Birthday and August 4 Midnight Sun release party at the Forks Visitor Info Center. Courtesy of Forks Chamber of Commerce |
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Forever Twilight in Forks Festival Director and Forks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Lissy Andros. Courtesy of Forks Chamber of Commerce |
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The Forever Twilight in Forks Festival (FTF), held annually over the second weekend in September, is a festival near and dear to Twilight fans (or “Twihards”) around the world. When it was announced that in-person gatherings in Forks would be prohibited this September, the FTF planning committee began to pivot the festival in a new direction. The festival morphed into the Forever Twilight in Forks “Fan Gathering,” with four days of events hosted via Zoom, Facebook Live and GoogleMeet. This virtual event was a huge success, welcoming both festival regulars and first-timers from around the world. LEARN MORE
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New and Improved Shore Aquatic Center
Opens in Port Angeles
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Closed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic for a major remodel, work on the transformation of this highly popular public pool facility was halted in the spring to help control the spread of the virus, but started back up again once safe measures for construction workers were put in place. Following its completion in October, the Shore Aquatic Center has reopened with new safety protocols in place. The center contains four bodies of water: a six-lane lap pool with a dive tank, a wellness pool for exercise classes, an activity pool with splash-and-play features, and a spa. Space is limited, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead. LEARN MORE
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Better Together in Sequim |
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The Sequim Downtown Merchants have created a “Buddy Up” initiative to work together, reach out, share how things are going and meet new friends in a spirit of collaboration, all while staying true to Sequim’s “sunny” reputation. Businesses are pairing up to keep in touch with one another, brainstorm ideas and ways to better assist visitors and the local community. The days may be getting colder, but this initiative offers warmth that will become a blaze of inspiration to the business community and its customers. LEARN MORE
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Harvest Bounty at the Port Townsend Farmers Market |
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The Port Townsend Farmers Market (PTFM) is a popular attraction featuring locally sourced, fresh grown produce. The market runs every Saturday in the Uptown area of Port Townsend and features local farmers, food vendors and crafts people. PTFM has adapted to the new state safety guidelines including masking up, new safety procedures such as hourly surface cleaning, setting space between vendor stalls and patrons, and limiting crowd flow. This is the only farmers market to stay open through December in Jefferson County and is the perfect place to find local gifts on holiday shopping excursions.
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The Olympic Culinary Loop Appreciates Generosity of Local Businesses
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Olympic Cellars Winery "Music Where You Park" Event, courtesy of Olympic Cellars |
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The Ajax Café in Port Hadlock is continuing to offer curbside pickup Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while continuing to offer meals at NO COST to those in need—sincerely appreciated by many. As part of their COVID-19 solution, they expanded outdoor dining on their deck, known as the “Boat Shack.” LEARN MORE
As soon as COVID-19 closures hit Nourish Sequim, owners David and Tanya Rose saw the need to supply community first responders and Olympic Medical Center's ICU staff with meals. Nourish also got a boost from four local farms — Joy Farm, Chi’s Farm, Johnston Farms and River Run Farm — all of which donated fresh local fruits and greens. Nourish has raised over $22,000 enabling them to continue to serve meals to those in need. LEARN MORE
Due to COVID-19, the "Working Girls" of Olympic Cellars Winery had to cancel their popular 2020 Summer Concert series due to ongoing precautions for group gatherings. Their solution was to host a free "Music Where You Park" concert at Olympic Cellars Winery on a local radio station featuring the popular band Bread & Gravy playing live in the Sequim studios at radio KSQM. Chef Gabriel and his crew of Alder Wood Bistro were there making delicious pizza with their mobile pizza oven. Everyone cranked the volume from their car stereo systems and enjoyed a socially distant, safe summer jam!
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The Olympic Peninsula Lights Up for the Holidays! |
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Watch for this space in December's e-newsletter for details |
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"This time of year, as the weather changes and the days get shorter, I am especially thankful for the scores of volunteers who light up our city for the holidays. Their work is enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout the season and helps to spread joy and delight to all who experience it. We might not be able to do all the things we would traditionally do this season, but we can still enjoy the beauty of holiday lights and appreciate the volunteers that make it happen." –Barbara Hanna, Communications & Marketing Director, City of Sequim
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Olympic National Park
The Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent is on track to reopen to the public by mid-November. Visitors can check the park website and social media for updates.
The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for FREE on Veterans Day, November 11.
With the advent of the 2020-2021 winter season, visitors planning trips to Hurricane Ridge for skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and other winter activities should “know before they go.” This year there are important changes to note for Hurricane Ridge operations, so please check out these links before travelling:
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Hoh Rain Forest – Park rangers are available at the Visitor Center Fridays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm through January 3, 2021 (except Christmas Day, December 25).
Hiking is still a popular activity through the fall and into the winter. Visitors are reminded to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to plan ahead, hike smart, pack the Ten Essentials (now twelve including a face mask and hand sanitizer) and have an emergency plan. Consider learning CPR and basic wilderness first aid, especially if you are planning time in the backcountry.
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Olympic National Forest
Why not deck your halls with a fresh Christmas tree from the Olympic Peninsula? The Olympic National Forest is excited to offer online Christmas Tree Permits for the first time this year. Permits are required in advance, and may be purchased at a U.S. Forest Service Office or online at Recreation.gov. Permits are $5 per tree and there is a 5-tree limit per household.
If there is a fourth grader in the house, the “Every Kid Outdoors” initiative is offering one free tree permit to those who hold a valid 4th Grade Interagency Pass. These free passes are available at the Olympia office or at EveryKidOutdoors.gov
Campgrounds are now closed for the season after a very busy year which saw many more visitors to public lands.
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If you’re hiking, know before you go! Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip, conditions can deteriorate rapidly in the mountains. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Roads are not plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. LEARN MORE
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Jefferson County Parks
& Recreation
The Lake Leland County Park is closed for construction, but estimated to open after Thanksgiving. Check CountyRec.com before visiting, to be sure it’s open. This is a popular park with great lake fishing and a beautiful dock.
Jefferson County Campgrounds at Quilcene, Lake Leland, Upper Oak Bay and Lower Oak Bay are closed for the season and will re-open on April 1, 2021.
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation ranked second out of over 80 projects statewide to build a new playground at HJ Carroll Park near Chimacum. The project will be built in 2022, so plan to bring your family!
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Clallam County Parks & Rec
The Dungeness Recreation Area and Campground is open year-round with 66 forested campsites in two loops on 216 acres. LEARN MORE
The Salt Creek Recreation Area and Campground is also open year-round with 92 campsites, some with utilities on 196 acres. LEARN MORE
Camp David Jr. is closed until further notice and all Clallam County Day Use Parks are open.
“I am thankful that the beautiful, scenic, wide-open, outdoor spaces are accessible and available for our health and recreation. I’m also thankful for the incredible, essential, vigilant parks and maintenance workers – who never missed a day of work keeping parks and facilities safe and sanitized!” –Hannah Merril, Parks Supervisor, Clallam County Parks, Fair & Facilities
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To inspire planning for your trip, check out the
Download or request your FREE copy to be mailed directly to you.
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We are grateful every day for the bounty found on the Olympic Peninsula, and for the opportunity to welcome you to our Northwestern paradise, to delight in our early winter beauty, fresh, clean air, and to participate in this joyful season. |
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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