November brings thankfulness to the forefront. We are particularly grateful this year to have welcomed so many happy hikers, warm-hearted wayfarers and intrepid adventurers from near and far, as you once again hit the road, looking to get outdoors and breathe in life deeply. We relish the opportunity to share with you this most Northwestern place of beauty, and encourage you to come experience the Olympic Peninsula in its quieter season. This month heralds the holidays with Thanksgiving just around the corner. And, before you know it, holiday lights will be sparkling and twinkling to keep shorter days merry and bright.
 
We welcome you to bask in the Olympic Peninsula’s late autumn beauty, fresh clean air, and to participate in our joyful holiday happenings. From all of us here on the Olympic Peninsula, we wish you and yours, peace, love and new discoveries in the months ahead.
THIS MONTH
  • An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – You Can't Get Any More Northwest!
  • Celebrating Light on the Peninsula
  • Upcoming Events
  • Olympic National Park
  • Olympic National Forest
AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
You Can't Get Any More Northwest!
Fun fact: the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States is located at Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula.
 
But the Northwest is not just a place – it’s a way of life, and you can’t get any more Northwest than Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. When you’re ready to experience wild open spaces and tranquil places, we’re here to welcome you!
 
And from now until November 15, 2021, you can enter to win one of four trips to the Olympic Peninsula, including the Grand Prize of a four-night stay. For a chance to win, submit your favorite memory from past travels on the peninsula or if you’ve never been to the region, post your ultimate Olympic Peninsula dream trip! Winners will be selected weekly, with the Grand Prize selected on November 23, so don’t delay! READ MORE 

(Contest open only to US residents age 21 and over)
CELEBRATING LIGHT ON THE PENINSULA
Bright Lights add Cheer
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Blyn
November – January, 2022
Lights and totems at 7 Cedars | Photo by Dominic Crowley
No matter what time of year you visit the Olympic Peninsula, there’s no shortage of beautiful sights to see. And although the Pacific Northwest can feel a bit dark during the winter months, every year the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Cedars brighten the area with a spectacular, breathtaking light display as a way of saying, “Thank you and Happy Holidays to all.” Enjoy this brilliance of beauty when over 2.5 million LED lights come on before dusk and stay lit until sunrise, now through January. LEARN MORE
Tour the Winter Lights
Port Townsend
Mid-November – February 1, 2022
Port Townsend is lighting up throughout Downtown and Uptown with sparkling white lights decorating the trees in the Downtown historic district. Look for illuminated snowflakes in historic Uptown. LEARN MORE 
Wintertide Festival
Light Art Experience
Port Angeles
November 26 – January 9, 2022
"Tempest-Tos't" by @shaughnessy.katherine/Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
Celebrating a month of festivities to keep the lamplights of community hope burning during the darkest times of the year, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is hosting a variety of activities. Don’t miss the outdoor biannual exhibitions with new installations that will light the paths in Webster’s Woods throughout the winter season. Participate in a guided tour or explore the collection on your own with a park map. LEARN MORE
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
Worthington Park 4th Annual Scarecrow Contest
Quilcene
November 11 – 13
 
Once again, wonderful scarecrows will be on display in front of the 1892 Victorian Worthington Mansion for everyone to enjoy and judges to award in several categories. Last year, amazing scarecrows were show-stoppers, not only scaring crows, but stopping traffic, too! Early signup is encouraged since set-up times are required for social distancing. LEARN MORE 
Winter Ice Village
ï»ż& Ice Skating
Port Angeles
November 19 – January 3, 2022
 
Glide through a Winter Ice Village at the outdoor ice skating rink this holiday season. Strap on a pair of ice skates and pirouette your way across the Olympic Peninsula’s only outdoor covered ice skating rink. No reservations this season—drop in anytime! Your daily ticket is good till closing time.
Hometown Holidays
Sequim
November 27
 
The holiday season kicks off on Small Business Saturday in Downtown Sequim on Saturday, November 27. Local shops are decked out and ready to welcome all for a unique selection of gifts and stocking stuffers. The holiday spirit soars with live music beginning at 1 pm. The tree lighting takes place at 5 pm followed by Sequim’s lighted Tractor Cruise, paying tribute to the agricultural roots of this community. The holiday season is the perfect time to visit Sequim and soak in the small-town friendly atmosphere and local culture. LEARN MORE 
Make it Merry
ï»żin Port Townsend
November 27
 
It’s Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 27, and everyone is invited to show local businesses love by supporting them this holiday season. The Kiwanis Choo Choo will roll through town, too. Check out the creative merchant windows with festive decorations and twinkling lights then participate in the Winter Window Wander activity by finding the hidden Choo Choo in participating store windows; fill in your card for a chance at a prize drawing. Join the Port Townsend Main Street Program at Tyle Plaza Downtown under the heated tent for a Swag making workshop from 2 – 4 pm. LEARN MORE
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
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.

The first snows have already dusted the Olympic Mountains. With the advent of the 2021-2022 winter season, visitors planning trips to Hurricane Ridge for skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and other winter activities should “know before they go.” Please check out these links before travelling:

Hoh Rain Forest – Park rangers are available at the Visitor Center Fridays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm through January 2, 2022 (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 10 Essentials (now 12 adding a face covering 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.

When planning outdoor activities, please remember to Recreate Responsibly, follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by practicing Leave No Trace principles when you visit.
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 this year. Permits are required in advance, and may be purchased at a U.S. Forest Service office, or online at www.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. LEARN MORE. These free passes are available online or at the Olympia office.
 
Campgrounds are now closed for the season after a very busy year which saw many more visitors to public lands. 
 
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

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!
November is a great time of year to relax and recharge before the holiday rush – come share our wide-open spaces, tranquil places and fresh clean air. 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. 
If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula soon!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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