There is still plenty of summer to enjoy on the Olympic Peninsula. Take advantage of the long days, to go somewhere new and explore places less traveled – a new trail, an unexplored beach, sample some new music. Check out the summer low tides or the intriguing dark sky programs this month at Hurricane Ridge. It is peak season, so do plan ahead!
And now is a great time to start planning for fall travel. What a magnificent time of year to soak in the color and the quieter pace of the Olympic Peninsula. As you think ahead to fall, plan to explore the Olympic Peninsula’s West Side. We’re showcasing five day trips, using Forks as a basecamp, to provide you with some inspiration.
As always, we encourage you to recreate responsibly when visiting, to continue to cherish and sustain these great outdoor environments for visitors and locals alike. We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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Photo courtesy of Aramark - OlympicNationalParks.com |
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – 5 Day Trips on the Olympic Peninsula’s West Side
- Wildfire Prevention
- Begin Planning Your Fall Getaway
- Upcoming Events
- Olympic National Coast Marine Sanctuary
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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5 Day Trips on the Olympic Peninsula's West Side |
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Ruby Beach beckons through the trees |
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Visiting Forks is about more than just Twilight, with so much to see and do in this beautiful and often less traveled area of the Olympic Peninsula. Here you’ll find a hundred miles of saltwater shoreline with 200 miles of rivers and 2,000 square miles of diverse places just waiting to be explored. Whether you have a few hours or plan to spend several days, there are five fascinating day trips on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula to help you discover this unique corner of the Pacific Northwest. LEARN MORE
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With drier than normal weather, hot temperatures and wildfires occurring throughout the region, open fires and campfires are now banned on all county, state and federal lands, including the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. In most areas, gas and propane stoves are allowed but should be operated well away from flammable vegetation and forest litter.
By following these restrictions, visitors can help reduce the chance of unintentional fires and provide some relief to an already stressed environment. Recreate responsibly by taking home all your trash and be extra cautious around lakes, rivers, and other waterways. And, as always, know before you go. Updates on specific recreation sites can be found at:
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BEGIN PLANNING YOUR FALL GETAWAY |
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Fall foliage along Hood Canal - Photo by George Stenberg |
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Even though, we’re in the midst of warm summer days, it’s not too early to begin thinking about getting away in the autumn to the Olympic Peninsula. Whether it’s a long weekend at the coast or a road trip to burn up vacation days or time to meander around one of our charming small towns, we’ve got so much for you to see and do.
Think stunning autumn leaves turning to glorious warm hues. Think sampling fall harvests of wine and cider and Dungeness crab. Think deep forest hikes, or vast stretches of quiet beach. With the thinning of summer crowds, you can more comfortably visit well-loved places without the stress of bumping too close to people. Explore our website for inspiration and easy access to booking your lodging. Make the Olympic Peninsula your next wanderlust-worthy fall getaway! LEARN MORE
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Summer Concert Series
Sequim
August 3 - 31
Grab your lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy live music on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm at the bandshell at Carrie Blake Park. The series will feature local favorites and a variety of music styles. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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Concerts on the Dock
Port Townsend
Aug 5 - Sept 2
Enjoy free music from 5 – 7 pm and get your toes tapping at Pope Marine Park Plaza downtown on Thursday evenings. A beer, wine and cider garden will feature locally made beverages. The music on the waterfront is presented by the Port Townsend Main Street Program. LEARN MORE
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Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival
Joyce
August 7
For a genuine taste of small-town Americana, and scrumptious native wild blackberry pie, Joyce is the place to be. This day-long festival includes a craft fair, parade, salmon bake, entertainment, and did we mention pie? Come join the locals.
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Northwest Colonial Festival
Port Angeles
August 12-15
Step back in time to 1776 with colonial reenactment, period artisans, kids’ activities, and demonstrations. A variety of living historians and the Fife and Drum Corps will provide entertainment throughout the weekend. Free admission but pre-registration is encouraged.
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Mason County
Forest Festival
Shelton
Aug 20 & 21 & Sept 18
Join the festivities to celebrate Forest Festival and 77 years of timber values and forest fire safety plus Mason County’s forest heritage. This summer take in live music and movies under the stars on Railroad Avenue. Enjoy games, activities, a car show and vendors plus food and drinks for free. Don’t miss the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade on September 18.
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Hoodstock
Floating Music Festival
Union
August 21
Soak in the great music at this concert located on the water near the Hood Canal Marina in Union. LEARN MORE
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Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire
& Sequim Valley Fly-In
Sequim Valley Airport - August 28
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Hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, an antique plane exhibition, remote control aircraft, aerial demonstrations, aviation crafts, food, music and more will be at the fly-in. LEARN MORE
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PLAN AHEAD for SEPTEMBER EVENTS |
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45th Wooden Boat Festival - Port Townsend, Sept 10-12, LEARN MORE
American Sprint Boat Racing - Port Angeles, Sept 11, LEARN MORE
22nd Annual Port Townsend Film Festival - Sept 23-26, LEARN MORE
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OLYMPIC COAST
NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
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Looking for fun and adventure?
You’re invited to NOAA’s “Get Into Your Sanctuary”
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Get Into Your Sanctuary events are held annually during the first week of August. Join the OCNMS on August 2-8, for a variety of activities across the National Marine Sanctuary System. This year, NOAA will be hosting both in-person and online celebrations.
Wherever you are, you will have the opportunity to enjoy more than just the national marine sanctuary nearest you. Join Journey to the Beginning of the World virtually on August 4 at 11 am and participate in the Tidepool Takeover on August 8 at 7 am at Kalaloch Beach 4. Check out the most up-to-date information on this year's additional virtual and in-person activities.
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula this summer and for year-round activities by downloading or requesting your
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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
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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. |
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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