Start the month off with a bang as the 4th of July is celebrated across the Olympic Peninsula. Delight in the fragrant beauty at Sequim’s Lavender Weekend. Indulge your taste buds in a traditional Quileute salmon bake. Get your toes tappin’ to blue grass music in Shelton. Mellow out on the beaches surrounding the peninsula or camping in the woods, along a river or near the shoreline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
During these glorious warm, lingering days immerse yourself in the peninsula’s natural surroundings. Some places may be extra busy at this time of year, so we’re offering alternative options for you to explore.
We look forward to sharing the Olympic Peninsula with you this summer!
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Photo courtesy of State of Washington Tourism
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Less-Crowded Alternatives when Visiting
- Planning Tools to Enhance Your Visit
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4th of July Fireworks Across the Peninsula
- Favorite Summer Sunset Locations on the Peninsula
- Upcoming Summer Events
- Plan Ahead for the First Weekend in August
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Less-Crowded Alternatives when Visiting
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Photo courtesy of State of Washington Tourism
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We all agree that summer is the busiest time of year in the Pacific Northwest and the Olympic Peninsula is certainly no exception. With that in mind, we’re offering you some options to explore the sensational scenery across this region. Of course, there are the favorites everyone wants to visit, like the Hoh Rain Forest or Hurricane Ridge, but there are other equally stunning rain forests and vista points to consider. And on a hot summer day, who doesn’t want to head to the beach? This year, discover one of the peninsula’s less crowed but equally gorgeous beaches along with alternative trails, waterfalls and parks. LEARN MORE
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PLANNING TOOLS TO ENHANCE YOUR VISIT
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Last year, the National Park Service released a cool app with information about every national park site, including Olympic. Free to download and easy to use, it offers interactive maps, self-guided tours, trail information, news and timely alerts. It also provides information on where to stay with links to national park lodges and campgrounds.
Looking for lodging this summer? Remember to check out the booking tool on OlympicPeninsula.org for real time availability and direct booking to hotels, inns, cabins, campgrounds and more across the Olympic Peninsula.
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4th of JULY FIREWORKS
ACROSS the OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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July 1 – 4
Party like it’s 1776! There are many activities for everyone in the family throughout the weekend.
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July 2 – 9
In Grays Harbor County, there are lots of fun activities with fireworks displays and other events to enjoy.
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July 4
The fun begins at 11 am, culminating with a spectacular fireworks show at 10 pm.
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July 4
Festivities begin at 3 pm and concluding the day with a fireworks display at 10 pm.
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Please remember that possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework (including sparklers) on federal public lands
is prohibited year-round.
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FAVORITE SUMMER SUNSET LOCATIONS
on the OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Seabrook sunset photo courtesy of Grays Harbor County
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With Ruby Beach closed this summer, you might be wondering where else you can catch the peninsula’s magnificent Pacific Northwest summer sunsets. Fear not, there are many other beautiful spots. Grays Harbor County has put together a list of fantastic viewing locations in the south/southwest part of the peninsula. Additionally, be sure to also check out Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Cape Flattery and even Lake Crescent. And don’t forget the top of Hurricane Ridge!
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40th Annual Clallam Bay / Sekiu
Fun Days
July 8 – 10
Join the fun-filled weekend on the North Coast with parades, live music, a potluck, art show, Friends of the Clallam Bay Library book sale, photo contest, vendors and fireworks over the bay.
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Sequim Lavender Weekend
July 15 – 17
Sequim Lavender Weekend is back for a full slate of events celebrating this fragrant, purple herb. The Street Fair returns to Carrie Blake Park with 16 farms open to the public. Many are hosting their own festivals and events, art shows, a quilt show, and live theatre rounding out the weekend. The lavender blooms throughout the summer and farms are open, ready to welcome visitors. LEARN MORE
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Quileute Days
La Push
July 15 – 17
The celebration of Quileute Tribal Cultural Heritage includes a traditional salmon bake, dancing and songs, with softball and horseshoe tournaments, arts, crafts and food!
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Bluegrass from the Forest
Shelton
July 29 – 31
Head to Shelton for an invigorating three-day music festival featuring national Bluegrass artists and bands, jam sessions plus workshops for kids and adults. The festival also offers many activities in addition to the four main multiple-band shows. LEARN MORE
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Plan Ahead for the First Weekend in August
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The best way to enjoy Olympic National Park is by planning ahead. Visit the park website for travel alerts and trip planning information and call the recorded Road & Weather line at 360.565.3131 for current conditions updated twice daily.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Olympic National Park in the summer. To avoid the crowds, arrive early (before 10 am) or in mid-afternoon or later, when lines are shortest and parking lots are less busy. Plan your visit to the most popular area of the park for earlier or later in the day.
Parking lots at Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest can easily fill by mid-morning and cause long waits at the entrance stations, especially on weekends and holidays. Parking at Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Falls Trailhead, Rialto Beach and Third Beach is also challenging in the summer. The park is open 24 hours a day, so arriving early or later in the day can help you avoid the lines and traffic congestion for a more relaxing experience. LEARN MORE
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Buckhorn Pass | Photo courtesy of Olympic National Forest
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Please remember this 4th of July that fireworks (including sparklers) are illegal in the Olympic National Forest year-round.
Public lands are a great place to enjoy or escape the heat, but the higher temperatures pose some challenges and risks. By following these safety tips during warmer summer days everyone can help keep public lands and neighboring communities safe:
• Bring extra water and stay hydrated
• Dress appropriately (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Do not over challenge yourself
• Always wear a life jacket when recreating in water
• Ensure your campfire is out (cool to the touch)
Fire Restrictions may change throughout the summer. Call an Olympic National Forest Office for the most up-to-date fire restrictions. Olympia- 360-956-2402, Quilcene- 360-765-2200, Quinault- 360-288-2525.
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Escape the Crowds this Summer with these
Great Hikes!
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
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Photo courtesy of Desiree Cusick
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When summer sunshine beckons you to travel, to get away and go outside, we invite you to come and explore our trails and communities. Come and camp in our spectacular parks, not to mention the showstopper of them all—Olympic National Park. And be sure to #RecreateResponsibly.
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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