Summer and beaches go hand-in-hand, and here on the Olympic Peninsula our rugged shorelines offer unique opportunities for exploration and discovery. Summer’s daytime low tides provide a peek at the abundant life beneath the water. And a stroll along the sandy shores can often result in finding unusual gifts from the sea.
But when nighttime comes (late here in the far northwest corner), turn your gaze upward! Olympic National Park offers some stellar dark sky viewing, a rare find in our otherwise brightly lit environments.
This month we’re focusing on the northwestern part of the Olympic Peninsula in and around Clallam County. As Washington continues its reopening and moves into our “new” normal, we invite you to experience the timelessness of summer on the Olympic Peninsula.
|
|
Salt Creek Recreation Area - Photo by Kristi Ellefson |
|
-
An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Discover Tidepooling
- Learn Before You Go
- Look Down: Beachcombing
- Look Up: Night Sky Program at Hurricane Ridge
- Upcoming Summer Events
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
|
|
AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
|
|
Anemones and Starfish - Photo by OCNMS |
|
Along our rugged shorelines, an entirely new universe can be found in miniature when the tide goes out. Check the tides before you go, grab a field guide and head out to learn about the marine life we can only see at certain times of the day. Challenge yourself to name as many things as you can. Count how many different species you see. Learn to be respectful as you walk around the pools so nothing living is injured. Our resident expert shares more knowledge about our region’s tidepools to help you become an experienced tidepooler. LEARN MORE
|
|
You can learn more about our marine treasures through some of our local resources. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary has developed a Field Guide you can download here. Check out places you can visit to learn more before heading to the beach. The Feiro Marine Life Center in Port Angeles helps people see beneath the sea and can provide best times and places for tidepooling. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has an aquarium with touch pools featuring the nearshore habitats of the Salish Sea.
|
|
Photo courtesy of Feiro Marine Life Center |
|
Summer invites us to explore the bevy of beaches around the Olympic Peninsula, teeming with sea creatures exposed at low tide when the flat sand stretches for hundreds of yards. But it’s not just the natural world that you’ll find when you head out for a beachcombing adventure. All sorts of remarkable things wash up on shore. Just ask John Anderson, of John’s Beachcombing Museum, 143 Andersonville Avenue in Forks, about his treasure trove of beach finds from around the area. They’re stacked floor to ceiling and fill every possible nook and cranny. The museum is not simply another roadside attraction, in a word, it’s amazing! Check it out and call before you go to be sure he’s open—360.640.0320.
|
|
LOOK UP:
NIGHT SKY PROGRAM AT HURRICANE RIDGE
|
|
Night Sky, Milky Way - View from Heather Park looking over Mount Angeles - NPS Photo by Dan Sullivan |
|
Starry night skies are components of the special places the National Park Service (NPS) protects. These parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and provide opportunities for the public to experience this critical resource. The NPS is committed to preserving pristine night viewing for future generations.
Join a Master Observer at Hurricane Ridge for the Night Sky Program and an evening of astronomy and stargazing. On a clear night, you will be able to gaze on thousands of stars, as well as galaxies, constellations, nebulae, and planets. Telescopes will be available for close-up views of these celestial wonders. Dress warmly for comfortable viewing. This free program is offered, weather permitting, during prime viewing times in the summer. If skies are cloudy, programs will be canceled. For program status, call the park recording at 360.565.3131 after 2 pm the day of the program. LEARN MORE
|
|
QUILEUTE TRIBAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
|
On July 12 at 7 am, the Quileute Reservation, including La Push, will once again be open to the public. This includes the opening of their Tribal Enterprises—Oceanside Resort, River’s Edge Restaurant and the Quileute Marina. A new Tribal Ordinance with Phase 3 guidance will be provided at this time. Updated information can be found at QuileuteNation.org. |
|
Community and visitor well-being is of paramount importance. All listed events follow phase-appropriate Washington re-opening requirements. Conditions and operations are evolving, so check event websites for updates and specific protocols as Washington continues to reopen. Enjoy a safe visit. |
|
|
|
Old-Fashioned 4th of July in Forks
July 2-4
|
Forks’ Old-Fashioned 4th of July is a community celebration that welcomes people from around the world. Experience true Americana with events culminating in the annual fireworks display visible from all over Forks. Watch the Grand Parade from Main Street or join in if you choose. Many events are geared towards children, including the kiddies play day, archery events, and even a frog jump. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fireworks in Port Angeles
July 4
|
Celebrate the 4th of July in Port Angeles with lawnmower racing, live music and a fireworks show. The fun starts at 6 pm downtown with a lawnmower derby followed by a live outdoor concert with Black Diamond Jubilee near Barhop Brewing & Artisan Pizza. Then settle in for the spectacular star-spangled fireworks show starting at 10:15 pm—the fireworks can be seen from practically anywhere in the city. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fireworks in Sequim
July 4
|
Celebrate Independence Day in Sequim! Bring your blanket or lawn chair and join the professional fireworks display at Carrie Blake Park. The fireworks will launch from the Albert Haller Playfields at 10:15 pm and will display between 150 and 400 feet above the field—visible from many places in Sequim. Members of the public who are not fully vaccinated are asked to wear a mask when gathering and viewing the show from inside the park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lavender Weekend
Sequim, July 16-18
|
Lavender season is here! As you arrive in Sequim, you’ll see the glow of purple plants throughout the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and smell the sweet fragrance in the air. The lavender is blooming and Sequim-area farms are ready to welcome visitors to enjoy this colorful and fragrant herb. Many of the farms have events planned for Sequim Lavender Weekend. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mason County Forest Festival Celebrates Timber Days
#timberstrong all summer long, Shelton
July 30 & 31, August 20 &21
|
The Mason County Forest Festival volunteers are weaving a summer series of 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 fills up quickly. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhody Parade
Port Townsend, August 14
|
This year’s theme for the Rhody Parade, which will begin at noon, is “Stop and Smell the Rhodies.” Historically held the 3rd weekend of May, this year’s festivities were pushed back to August due to state health guidelines surrounding COVID-19. There will be more updates for what festivities will be featured closer to the date of the parade. LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
Peak visiting time at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center - NPS Photo by Dan Sullivan |
|
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, Ruby Beach, 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
|
|
As the weather gets warmer and residents spend more time outdoors, the Olympic National Forest reminds everyone that we all need to work together to keep forests and communities safe. Help protect public lands and people’s lives by celebrating safely this summer. Recreate responsibly by taking home all your trash, never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s cool to the touch before leaving your site. Fireworks are prohibited on national forests year-round but it is especially important this time of year. Let the night skies be your show this 4th of July and leave fireworks and other explosives at home. LEARN MORE
|
|
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
|
|
If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula sometime in the near future. |
|
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
