School’s almost out and summer is nearly here. There’s a special excitement to June as it opens the gate to summer delights and longer, warmer days. It’s a favorite time of year for many, as weddings abound, flowers are still blossoming, and blue skies are overhead. Here on the Olympic Peninsula, we have so much fun in store for your visit, from races to festivals and everything in between.
This month we’re featuring sunny Sequim, celebrating the fragrant, lovely lavender for which they are so famous and which blooms through July.
We hope you’ll plan to join us for some special summer fun on the Olympic Peninsula!
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Graysmarsh Farm in full bloom | Photo by Roger Mosely |
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Plan Ahead – Summer’s Going to Be Busy!
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – The Sweet Scent of Lavender
- Take Time for a Two-Nation Vacation
- Upcoming June Events
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
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Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary – World Oceans Day
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Summer's Going to Be Busy!
The next three months are looking pretty busy for the Olympic Peninsula. We encourage you to plan ahead before you visit and be sure you’ve got accommodations reserved. We’ve made that easy for you with our 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.
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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The Sweet Scent of Sequim Lavender |
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Enjoying the sweet scent of Sequim lavender | Photo Courtesy of State of Washington Tourism |
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It’s lavender season in Sequim and there’s nowhere else in North America quite like it. Vibrant fields begin to bloom in June in all their glory throughout the Sequim-Dungeness Valley. Why not come and experience this fragrant destination for yourself? Early blossoms are appearing now and will continue through mid-summer so plan a trip to enjoy the many aspects of lavender—from gorgeous farms in myriad shades of purple to distilled oils and even lavender ice cream and lattes! You won’t want to miss this unique celebration of summer on the Olympic Peninsula. LEARN MORE
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TAKE TIME FOR A TWO-NATION VACATION |
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The M.V. Coho arrives in Victoria, BC | Photo courtesy of Black Ball Ferry Line |
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It’s great news to have the US – Canadian border open once again, and summer is a perfect time to take a two-nation vacation. There’s so much to see and do on both sides of the Strait of Juan de Fuca—in Victoria, BC and in Port Angeles. Travel couldn’t be easier. You can walk on, take your bike or go in your car for exploring further afield. Both cities are walkable with plenty to keep you busy and entertained, but a car lets you head out for adventures beyond the city limits with Olympic National Park on the US side and up-island towns and trails on Vancouver Island. Black Ball Ferry has packages available for both northbound and southbound travelers. As with all travel this summer, we encourage you to plan in advance. 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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Mason County Forest Festival
Shelton
June 2 – 5
For 78 years, the Mason County Forest Festival has been proud to host a celebration of rich forest traditions. The festival includes the entire community in this annual event with the 2022 theme, “Back to Your Roots.” Don’t miss the Carnival, Goldsborough Creek Run, Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, Stihl Logging Show, Rockin’ the Forest Evening Concert and Dance, the Manke Fireworks Show, Shelton Car Show and Kristmas Town Kiwanis Duck Race. LEARN MORE
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North Olympic Discovery Marathon
Sequim to Port Angeles
June 4 & 5
Over two days, a series of five races take place along the Strait of Juan de Fuca spanning a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. You can run, walk or relay the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K as well as the kids marathon. This running event is an official Boston Marathon qualifier and a certified USA Track & Field course. LEARN MORE
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Washington State Parks
Free Admission Day
June 11, 12 & 19
On June 11, Washington State Parks (WSP) will celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, by offering free admission. Free Fishing Day is also an admission-free day on June 12 as well as on June 19, when WSP will celebrate Juneteenth. These three dates in June do not require a Discover Pass.
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West End Thunder Drag Racing
Forks
June 11-12, July 9-10,
August 6-7, September 17-18
The West End Thunder drag racing and car show in Forks happens right across the street from the Forks Visitors Center and Timber Museum. All racers are welcome, so come and fulfil your “need for speed.” General admission opens at 8:30 am and is $10 for adults, children under 12 are free. LEARN MORE
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Race to Alaska
Port Townsend
June 12 & 13
The Race to Alaska is back! The excitement is building as the teams are gearing up for no motor, no support, all the way to Alaska. Come for the Ruckus on June 12 to see the boats, meet the racers, and party. The race start is June 13 at 5 am where you can watch the boats take off for the first leg to Victoria, BC, from the comfort of the dock at the Northwest Maritime Center.
Photo by Drew Malcolm
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Gravel Unravel Bicycle Series –
Bon Jon Pass Out
Quilcene
June 14
Challenge your physical abilities to the max as you head to Bon Jon Pass through a deep green forest to then emerge and enjoy the views and ridges, returning via Lords Lake Loop. There’s a short course of 32 miles, a medium course of 55 miles and the long course at 80 miles.
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Tidepooling in Olympic National Park | Photo by Lee Chang |
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Ruby Beach Area and Parking Lot Closure: A project to improve the Ruby Beach parking area and entrance road will begin June 16, 2022, and last through mid-September. The project will require a full closure for three months until the work has been completed. The closure includes the Ruby Beach entrance road off Highway 101, the parking area, and the trail down to the beach. Improvements include grading and paving the parking lot and entrance road to improve drainage, accessibility, and traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians.
When you’re thinking of a trip to Olympic National Park, why not Plan Like a Park Ranger? Here are the Top 10 Tips for Visiting.
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Campsite and cabin options in Olympic National Forest |
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While our ONF Visitor Centers remain closed to in-person services, staff are standing-by to answer questions, sell maps and passes, and issue permits over the phone. Please contact an ONF Office for current conditions and updates at: Supervisors Office, Olympia, 360-956-2402; Quilcene Office, 360-765-2200 and Quinault Office, 360-288-2525.
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OLYMPIC COAST NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY |
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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!
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
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When the beautiful, warm summer 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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