There’s a nip in the air here on the Olympic Peninsula, with crisp days and chilly nights. Time to break out the sweaters and jackets. Trees are morphing from shades of green to gold, russet, bronze and ruby. Every week colors deepen in their brilliance as Mother Nature puts on her annual show in celebration of autumn.

It’s a great time to explore the open road from the back of a motorcycle, or to check out some less frequented hiking trails around the peninsula. Looking to sample the tastes of autumn? We’ve got you covered with apples and cider and mushrooms! And if all this has you thinking about a “quiet season” trip to the Olympic Peninsula, then check out our “Most Northwest Contest” and share your memorable moments or dream trip for a chance to win a visit.

It’s a great time to relax and recharge – come share our wide-open spaces and fresh-washed air. We hope to see you soon.
HOW DO YOU NORTHWEST? - ENTER TO WIN!
When you’re happy it’s raining in the forest or when you believe a storm on the beach makes a trip even better, and when your backyard is a million acres of wilderness—well, you just can’t get any more Northwest! It’s a way of life, not just a place—and you can’t get any more Northwest than the Olympic Peninsula. So how would you like to win a visit to the Olympic Peninsula? Check out our “Most Northwest Contest” and enter to win. Contest is open through Wednesday, October 21. ENTER TO WIN
TAKE A HIKE!
Enjoy the solitude of a less visited trail—perhaps one you’ve never been on. Delight in the cool, soothing fog that may roll off the coast or the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Relish crisp mountain air. Bring a friend or hike solo—whatever brings you the most joy. Getting outside for fresh air and exercise, especially during this glorious autumn season, is good for both mind and soul. Here are some favorite trails less traveled.
North Olympic Land Trust Trails
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Lyre Conservation Area by Isaac Gautschi
The Land Trust has 4 conservation areas that are open to the public: Lyre, Siebert Creek, Pysht River, and Elk Creek. Each of the properties has trails, and dogs are allowed on leash in each of the areas. For details on the individual conservation areas as well as property brochures and maps CLICK HERE.
 
  • The Lyre: located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, just 20 miles west of Port Angeles, features upland forests, streams and tide flats, and is ideal for bird and wildlife viewing.
  • Siebert Creek: a hidden gem located between Sequim and Port Angeles, is ideal for nature walks and picnicking,
  • Pysht River: located west off Hwy. 112, this is a great spot for fishing, birdwatching and picnicking.
  • Elk Creek: a former logging road near central Forks now serves as a beautiful riverside trail, offering hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Jefferson Land Trust Trails in Conservation Areas
Chai-yahk-wh Preserve
In June 2019, the Chai-yahk-wh Preserve was opened to the public. This is the Jefferson Land Trust’s (JLT) newest trail. The preserve is accessible via the entrance on Flagler Road which is located two miles past the “Welcome to Marrowstone Island” sign on the right hand side, directly across from Griffith Point Road. The preserve is open dawn until dusk for pedestrian traffic. LEARN MORE
One of the most popular trails managed by the JLT, is the Quimper Wildlife Corridor trail. This is a 3.5-mile band of forest stretching across the tip of the Quimper Peninsula from Fort Worden to Middlepoint Rd. The greenbelt links six wetlands along a 100-year floodplain and natural drainage basin, which filters urban stormwater. This natural system protects water quality in local aquifers, into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and out to Protection Island, where 70 percent of Puget Sound’s seabird populations nest. LEARN MORE
Port Williams Beach
Take a stroll on the quiet beach at Marlyn Nelson County Park, commonly known as Port Williams Beach, in Sequim. This sandy stretch is on the shores of the peaceful waters of Sequim Bay. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, launch your kayak for a paddle around the bay, or just pull up a driftwood log and take in the breathtaking views. LEARN MORE
Big Creek Upper Loop Trail
It’s a beautiful 10-mile drive on WA Hwy. 119 from Hoodsport, past Lake Cushman, to the Big Creek Upper Loop Trail. Leaf peeping is glorious this time of year with the canopy of deciduous trees which also make a nice umbrella if you get caught in the rain on this 5-mile trail. Burbling creeks keep you company as you make the gentle climb up to the top bridge to see the waterfall tumbling down. Dogs on a leash are allowed. LEARN MORE 
Rain Forest Nature Trail
From Lake Quinault Lodge, take the .09-mile Lakeshore Trail to the trailhead for the Rain Forest Nature Trail. It’s an easy .05-mile loop that shows the essence of the Quinault Rain Forest including a gushing waterfall from the Willaby Creek. Interpretive signs provide fascinating history and information about the complex ecosystem of the forest. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are several other trails in the area. To access the map CLICK HERE.
Olympic National Park Trails
Here are three short, less traveled trails that are great for seeing big, beautiful trees and fall foliage that you might want to add to your hiking wish list. Check out the Trail Guide to help find the right trail for your trip. LEARN MORE

  • Heart O' the Forest Trail is an easy 4-mile round trip, featuring pristine old growth forest. The trailhead is at Heart O' the Hills Campground Loop E.
  • Lake Crescent Moments in Time Trail is a self-guided 0.6-mile loop nature trail through forests and along the lake. Start from the Storm King Ranger Station parking area.
  • Sol Duc Valley: It’s a great time to stop at Salmon Cascades and check for jumping salmon! Ancient Groves Trail is a self-guided 0.6-mile loop nature trail through old growth forest. Take Sol Duc Hot Springs Road off of Highway 101.
Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT)
The ODT has recently completed an additional section of two miles in Joyce, from Freshwater Bay Road to Onella Road to Thompson Road. LEARN MORE

Also, the connector between Diamond Point Road and Old Gardner Road has begun construction. Soon it will not be necessary to walk or pedal down the shoulder of US Hwy 101.
MOTORCYCLE TOURING IN THE FALL
When the open road calls to you on a beautiful day, break out the bike and head out for a ride down a back-country lane. On the Olympic Peninsula, the trees are decked in bright colored leaves. There’s a lush, vibrancy that only comes once a year. Summer traffic has quieted down, making this the perfect time to jump on the bike for a ride. Check out some of our best routes HERE.

VIRTUAL EVENTS IN OCTOBER
Sequim Irrigation Festival Celebrates
125 Years - October 10
 
The Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuous running festival in the State of Washington celebrating 125 years in 2020. In 1895, the Sequim Pioneers dug irrigation ditches to bring water into the arid Sequim-Dungeness Valley turning it into fertile farmland. Just like those innovative thinking pioneers, the festival committee has put on their creative thinking hats to transform this year’s festival to encompass the real and virtual world and keep the celebration going. To see all of the activities CLICK HERE.
Apple & Cider Festival - Harvest
the Love - October 9-11
 
Indulge in the taste, smells, and history of the region during the 4th Annual Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival. This year's event features a robust combination of local cider and food experiences throughout Jefferson County as well as digital games and a live-streamed dance party. Festivities include Libations Boxes for pick up at local beverage producers, "Harvest Bites” at participating local restaurants, Saturday Night Dance Party in your living room with Captain Peacock streamed LIVE at Propolis and the #ImagineApplesChallenge. See all the activities CLICK HERE.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
It’s mushroom season on the Olympic Peninsula and they are abundant in the woods, along the trails and on hikes throughout the area. The Olympic National Park (ONP) has done a series of #MushroomMonday or #FungiFriday posts over the last month. Check them out on the ONP Facebook page. And for a brief primer on mushroom hunting out on the trails CLICK HERE.
For current updates about Olympic National Park, please check before you go on the park's Alerts & Conditions page. Below are several road and trail closures to be aware of:

  • At the time of publication, East Beach Road at Lake Crescent is temporarily closed due to hazards of wildfire
  • The Makah Reservation, including the Shi Shi Beach Trailhead is closed to the public. The Quileute Reservation including La Push, First Beach and the Second Beach Trailhead is also closed to the public.
  • Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent is closed for construction, but it’s anticipated to open in November 2020.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST
The Olympic National Forest offers diverse recreation opportunities for everyone. Experience the rushing rivers, seasonal change in foliage, coastal rain forests, and views of Puget Sound from mountain peaks. Wilderness areas offer solitude and a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the area. Be aware that as the season is changing, the weather changes rapidly as well. If you adventure out into the forest, please be prepared with your 10 essentials and check out the current Alerts & Warnings for Olympic National Forest before traveling. #RecreateResponsibly
To inspire planning for your trip, check out the
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When visiting the Olympic Peninsula, please help us continue to keep everyone safe and well: wear a face mask in public; wash your hands; keep socially distanced. Let’s all stay diligent. We encourage you to plan ahead and know before you go. Please check our website for the most current info. If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming you for a safe, fun visit to the Olympic Peninsula!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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