June heralds the official start to summer, bringing summertime delights and warmer, sunnier days. Here on the Olympic Peninsula, wildflowers dot the landscape, waterfalls refresh the forest, and up at Hurricane Ridge, our native Olympic marmots begin to emerge from hibernation. You’ll find an abundance of fun things to do, from family road trips to hikes on trails less traveled. Our small communities are opening up with more capacity in restaurants and shops. They’d love to see you.
This month we’re featuring South Hood Canal, a part of the Olympic Peninsula you may not have visited before. We invite you to come explore this beautiful area in the southeast quadrant of the Olympic Peninsula, and try something new, maybe even a little extreme.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula this summer!
|
|
Cow parsnips in bloom at Hurricane Ridge |
|
- Plan Ahead - Summer's Going to Be Busy!
- An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – 10 Top Wild Side Adventures Around South Hood Canal
- Upcoming Summer Events
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
- Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
|
|
PLAN AHEAD - SUMMER'S GOING TO BE BUSY! |
|
As Washington reopens this month, we anticipate many visitors coming to the Olympic Peninsula throughout the summer. A tip to keep in mind is to plan ahead before you visit and be sure you’ve got accommodations reserved. We’re making that easier for you with an exciting new lodging search and referral tool on our website, OlympicPeninsula.org. You can search for lodging, including camping, using your travel dates and various filters, then view rates and availability, and finally book directly with your selected lodging business or campground. We think you’ll find this tool very useful in your trip planning.
|
|
|
AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
|
|
10 Top Wild Side Adventures Around South Hood Canal |
|
When you’re ready to head out for a getaway and the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula lures you northwest, discover hidden gems and no-holds-barred adventure around the fjord of Puget Sound that is Hood Canal. Many think the best days are spent on or near the water. This area has that in spades with miles of beach access to the canal and several lakes nearby, including spectacular Lake Cushman. Breathe in the sea air or the mountain air then try your hand at something wild and adventurous. LEARN MORE
|
|
Community and visitor well-being is of paramount importance. All listed events follow phase-appropriate Washington re-opening requirements. Conditions and operations change constantly, so check event websites for updates and specific protocols as Washington begins to reopen. Enjoy a safe visit. |
|
|
|
Mason County Forest Festival Celebrates Timber Days
#timberstrong all summer long, Shelton
June 4 & 5, July 30 & 31, August 20 &21
|
The Mason County Forest Festival volunteers are proud to present an all-new event to celebrate the rich timber roots of Mason County. Starting with the Forest Festival weekend June 4 and 5, the group is hosting a summer series weaving traditional events together until the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade and Fireworks display on September 18. |
|
|
|
Starting with the 77th annual Mason County Forest Festival Royalty float, the festivities continue with live music on two stages, outdoor movies, games, activities, timber displays, vendors and food are the hallmarks for this fun timber event. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
North Olympic Discovery Marathon
Sequim to Port Angeles, June 5-6
|
The North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Marathon Walk, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 10K are on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Also offered are a 5K and Kids Marathon that are out-and-back along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Marathon is a USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier. Virtual race options are also available. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Washington State Parks - Free Admission Days
June 5, 12 & 13
|
On June 5, Washington State Parks will celebrate National Trails Day, by offering free admission when a Discover Pass is not required. National Trails Day is a day of service and advocacy for hometown trails inviting trail users to care for the paths they use. Washington State Parks is also offering free admission on June 12 and 13.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gravel Unravel Bicycle Series
Sol Grinder - Sol Duc area, June 5
Bon Jon Pedal Bender - Quilcene, June 26
|
A new endurance bicycle event series on the gravel road systems of the Olympic Peninsula. Challenge your physical abilities to the max while you enjoy the lushness of the Olympic National Forest. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ride the Hurricane
Port Angeles, August 1
|
Ride from sea level to the top of Hurricane Ridge on the one morning a year when the road belongs only to the cyclists! You’ll want to book early for this signature Port Angeles event. It’s a busy weekend in the area, and lodging will fill up early. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
Staircase area in the southeast corner of Olympic National Park |
|
Staircase is located at the southeast corner of the park and accessed from Hwy. 101, turning west at Hoodsport. Enormous trunks reach for the sky, lacy limbs stretch to the sun, grooved bark is sanctuary to tiny creatures in the vast cathedral of Douglas firs that dominate the forests on this side of the Olympic Peninsula.
Staircase Rapids Loop is an easy 2-mile trail winding through old growth forest to a bridge over the North Fork of the Skokomish River with only a 200-foot elevation gain. A spur trail leads to a huge fallen cedar. LEARN MORE
Trip Planning is important this summer with heavy visitation resulting in parking lots that can fill by mid-morning causing long waits at the entrance stations at Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest. Consider arriving early or later in the day at these locations to avoid the heaviest congestion. Twitter will be used again this summer to share traffic updates and real-time info @OlympicNP. LEARN MORE
When planning a visit, be sure to check out the Alerts & Conditions information on the park webpage at nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and call the recorded Road & Weather line at 360.565.3131 (updated daily).
|
|
Falls View Canyon Trail in Olympic National Forest |
|
Summer is here, but be aware, some recreation sites at higher elevations are still inaccessible due to snow or having lingering snow and wintery conditions. For updates on recreation sites visit Olympic National Forest’s Recreation Conditions Report. To prepare for your visit to the forest remember to:
- Have a backup plan! If there are no parking options available at your first destination be prepared to visit another area.
- Be considerate of other users who are also looking for a safe, fun outdoor experience.
- Pack out any personal trash or debris to leave the area clean to help protect the invaluable beauty of these places and other natural resources.
To ensure the safety of visitors and staff an alcohol ban is now in place along the Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) near Hoodsport. If visitors will #RecreateResponsibly and abide by the new ban, everyone can create a safe, fun environment for themselves and other users. Visitors to the Lake Cushman area are reminded to be prepared for heavy use and traffic throughout the corridor with no opportunity to turn around until reaching the Staircase entrance of Olympic National Park.
|
|
OLYMPIC COAST NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY |
|
Whether you're a tidepool explorer, birder, clammer, fisher, surfer, or diver, the ocean is a vital part of our world. Join Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in celebrating World Oceans Day on June 8th by engaging in your favorite seascape activity!
|
|
Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula this summer and for year-round activities by downloading or requesting your
|
|
When warm summer weather inspires you to travel, and you’re ready to do so, we invite you to come and explore our trails and communities. With summer comes a higher risk of wildfires. Please help us prevent forest fires
|
|
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
