Spring fever is real here on the Olympic Peninsula with flowers in full bloom and days becoming warmer. May is National Bike Month celebrating the many benefits of getting outside on two wheels for both recreation and transportation. Come explore our marvelous miles of trails around the peninsula and connect more deeply with the nuances of nature.
This month we’re featuring Jefferson County and our beautiful parks providing natural beauty with opportunities to be outside, cycling, hiking, camping and more.
So, get away, stay here and play. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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Riding on the Olympic Discovery Trail with the Sequim Wheelers | Photo by Roger Mosely |
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Visiting Washington State Parks
- Spend the Night in a Museum!
- Upcoming Spring Events
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Visiting Washington State Parks |
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Fort Flagler Historical State Park courtesy of WA State Parks |
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On the Olympic Peninsula, you will find parks in all shapes, sizes and specialties, from the classic shady picnic table with a nearby swing, to Olympic National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, to cherished public state and county parks. Get the inside scoop about what local park rangers want you to know before you go. LEARN MORE
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SPEND THE NIGHT IN A MUSEUM! |
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You are invited to attend an open house May 21 and 22, from 1 to 5 pm, at the Worthington Park Mansion in Quilcene, to learn how you can experience a night at the museum in the oldest NEW lodging opportunity on the Olympic Peninsula.
The historic 1892 Worthington Mansion has been lovingly restored to all its grandeur and will begin opening for overnight stays in historic style on June 1. Furnished with period pieces and artwork, delight in the grand rooms for entertaining, ADA-certified with four bedrooms, two baths and a modern, well-appointed kitchen for private stays and event catering. Proceeds from the overnight revenue support the mission of the museum and contribute toward the maintenance and operations of the Worthington Park and Mansion. For reservations, call 866.210.8437. LEARN MORE
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We’re excited to have area events returning! Community and visitor well-being are of paramount importance. Conditions and operations continue to evolve, so check event websites for updates and specific protocols. Enjoy a safe visit. |
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127th Irrigation Festival
Our Little Piece of Heaven
Sequim
May 6 – 15
Join the fun for the 127th Sequim Irrigation Festival—Our Little Piece of Heaven—celebrating the irrigation ditches that turned an arid prairie into fertile farmland. Since 1895, the community has invited visitors and neighbors to celebrate the opening of the irrigation floodgates. Today the celebration includes two full weekends of events including Family Fun Day, the Innovative Arts & Crafts Fair, a kids’ parade, logging show, fireworks, the Grand Parade and more. LEARN MORE
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The Old Timers Historical Fair
Matlock / Elma
May 7 – 8
The free Old Timers Historical Fair in Matlock showcases early timber and agricultural heritage in rural Washington. Working early day machines and motors, antique booths, kids’ activities, handcrafted items, great food and live music are just a few reasons to celebrate the return of this event! LEARN MORE
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Gravel Unravel Bicycle Series –
Hoh-ly Roller
Hoh River
May 14
There’s a new endurance bicycle event series on the gravel road systems of the Olympic Peninsula. This first event starts and ends at the Hoh River, near Forks. Challenge your physical abilities to the max while you enjoy the lushness of the Olympic National Forest. LEARN MORE
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Fjordin Crossin and Paddle the Canal Challenge
Hoodsport
May 15
Fjordin Crossin is a fun family event celebrating a Scandinavian tradition of sending a barrel of aquavit in a ship from Norway across the Equator and back again. Locally made aquavit from Hardware Distillery crosses Hood Canal, the largest fjord in the “lower 48” while a parade of kayaks, SUPs, canoes and small sailboats follows it! Participate in the Paddle the Canal Challenge, a non-motorized family race across Hood Canal, and enjoy food, grilled Hood Canal oysters, kids’ activities, crafts and a marine touch tank at YSS Dive plus an Aquavit Grotto under the pier (21+). LEARN MORE
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Rhododendron Festival
Port Townsend
May 18 – 21
Make plans to participate in this year’s Rhody (as the locals call it) events. The Trike Race is May 18 and the Pet Parade is May 19. The Kiddies Parade and Bed Races/Beard Contest are May 20 with the Grand Parade on Saturday, May 21 and the Rhody Run on Sunday, May 22. For more information about the schedule, go to RhodyFestival.org or RhodyRun.com.
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Juan de Fuca Music & Arts Festival
Port Angeles
May 27 – 29
Plan to spend Memorial Day weekend in Port Angeles where a non-stop music and arts festival will be happening. The festival draws top musicians, performers and artists for three days of celebrating the arts. Artists will paint and create while the music plays! In addition to four indoor stages, the festival features a lively outdoor array of local visual and performing artists plus a centrally located beer and wine tent. Cruise the street fair for food, drink, crafts and activities. LEARN MORE
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ShrimpFest
Brinnon
May 28 – 29
ShrimpFest celebrates Hood Canal Spot Shrimp plus other local seafood during a weekend festival with crafts, food booths, belt sander races, exhibits, live music and kids activities. The tides are usually low enough during this weekend for easy harvest of clams and oysters on public beaches near the festival (license is required) and the weather is traditionally good during the holiday weekend. It’s great family fun! LEARN MORE
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North Olympic Discovery Marathon
Sequim to Port Angeles
June 4 – 5
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
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Tour de Lavender
Sequim
August 6
Cyclists from beginner to expert can celebrate the stunning summer beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and its renowned lavender farms with either the Fun Ride or the Metric Century Ride. On-line registration is now open, and you will want to make your plans early. LEARN MORE
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Ride the Hurricane
Port Angeles
August 7
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.
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Lakeside cabins at Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground | Photo courtesy of Aramark |
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At this time of year Olympic National Park (ONP) campgrounds and lodges have differing opening dates. Whenever possible, reservations are highly recommended. Here’s a quick glance to know what’s open now and what will open later in the month:
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ONP Lodges and Campgrounds:
- Lake Quinault Lodge is open year-round
- Lake Crescent Lodge opened for the season on April 29
- Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground opens May 20
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Fairholme Campground is open, and now accepting reservations from May 25 – September 21
- Sol Duc Campground and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are now open
- Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round
- Kalaloch Campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis until May 25 after which reservations are strongly recommended
- Heart O’ the Hills Campground at Hurricane Ridge is open year-round, on a first-come, first-served basis
- Hoh Campground is open year-round, and online reservations are now accepted for the peak summer season
- Mora Campground is open year-round and online reservations are now accepted for the peak summer season
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Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles |
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ONP Visitor Centers:
The main Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mt. Angeles Road, Port Angeles and is currently open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 360.565.3130 for updated seasonal hours. Here you’ll find visitor information, exhibits, bookstore, Passport stamping station, nature trails as well as the Wilderness Information Center and permitting.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is scheduled to open Friday through Sunday, May 7-29 and daily beginning May 30. Note, staffing is weather dependent.
Kalaloch Ranger Station is currently open Thursday through Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Please note that a project to improve the Ruby Beach parking area and access road will begin in May or June this year and will require the closure of Ruby Beach for about three months or until the work has been completed. Check for Alerts and Updates HERE.
More information about visiting Olympic National Park is available at HERE.
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View of Lake Cushman from Mt. Ellinor | Photo by Jared Wenzelburger |
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Campgrounds across the Olympic National Forest will be opening throughout the month of May. For anticipated opening dates visit the Forest’s Recreation Conditions Report. All day use sites and trailheads are currently open but some may not be accessible by car due to snow. Forest visitors are reminded to be prepared for dynamic conditions throughout the spring season and to expect continued high use of recreation sites. Be prepared for changing conditions, be patient as parking areas may be crowded and be courteous to other users who like you are looking for a fun, rewarding experience outdoors. LEARN MORE
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
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Photo courtesy of State of Washington Tourism |
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When the glorious spring weather inspires you to travel, to get away and play, we invite you to come and explore our trails and communities. Play and camp in our spectacular parks, not to mention the showstopper of them all—Olympic National Park. And be sure to #RecreateResponsibly.
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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