Winter on the Olympic Peninsula has its own unique, magical beauty. Discover her many moods. Soft and serene one moment; tempestuous and thundering the next. This month we’re highlighting one of our charming small towns and an upcoming colorful event.
Winter wedding in the rain forest - Photo submitted by Julie Algire
THIS MONTH
  • An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Lighthouses
  • Celebrate the Sun at the Sequim Sunshine Festival
  • Winter Storm Watching on the Olympic Coast
  • Upcoming Events
  • Olympic National Park 
AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
Seven historic lighthouses are peppered across the Olympic Peninsula, each with its own unique history, story and purpose. Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious, check out the lighthouse loop to discover the area’s fascinating history and drive through some of the peninsula’s most spectacular scenery. LEARN MORE
 
You can also hike out to the Dungeness Spit Lighthouse—the longest sand spit in North America—with its breathtaking views. LEARN MORE
 
And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a lighthouse keeper, Shelly Rees Randall spent a week in the lighthouse keeper's house at Dungeness Spit. She shares her first-hand experience HERE. 
Shelly Rees Randall and her family lowering the flag during their stay at New Dungeness Lighthouse
Celebrate the Sun at the Sequim Sunshine Festival
March 5 and 6
March 2020 Sun Fun Color Run
Registration is now open for the Sun Fun Color Run with a live event scheduled for Saturday, March 6 and a virtual event March 6 through 31. All state and county COVID-19 guidelines will be followed for a safe and colorful event. LEARN MORE
 
Gather the family and play the “Seeking Sequim Sunshine” scavenger hunt that will take you to local businesses and landmarks on your journey while you learn more about Sequim.
 
Enjoy the light displays throughout town to help warm up the winter nights and look for signs of kindness as you wander. The Sequim Sunshine Festival will look a little different this year, but we’re still celebrating the sun and looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer seasons. LEARN MORE
Winter Storm Watching on the Olympic Peninsula
With 73 miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline in Olympic National Park, winter offers exciting storm watching opportunities as Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show with crashing waves pummeling the shoreline. Ocean swells can reach over 20 feet high with fallen trees and logs tossed around like toothpicks. Wind can gust up to 60 miles-per-hour. Add in heavy rainfall, which often comes in from the sea horizontally, and you have the perfect recipe for exhilarating storm watching. Kalaloch Lodge is the only place currently open for overnight stays along the coast, but if you’re adventurous, a drive along Highway 101 gives you breathtaking views of the raw, magical spectacle. Take care. And don’t forget your raincoat and boots! 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Run the Peninsula Race Series

Elwha Bridge (Port Angeles) Feb 6
Railroad Bridge (Sequim) April 24
The 2021 Run the Peninsula Race Series takes place on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula and is made up of five different races which can be run in person on race day or virtually until December 31. The Elwha Bridge Run and the Railroad Bridge Run each offers a 5K and 10K out and back on the Olympic Discovery Trail. LEARN MORE 
20th Annual Shipwrights' Regatta
Port Townsend, February 27
Sailboat racing season opens with the Shipwrights’ Regatta with boats of all types of construction welcome. This year the regatta will be conducted under COVID rules. The regatta is presented by the Northwest Maritime Center and the Port Townsend Sailing Association. Views of the sailing ships from the waterfront are always breathtaking! LEARN MORE 
Soroptimist Virtual Garden Show
Sequim, May 1-31
What would have been their 23rd Annual Gala Garden Show has morphed into a Virtual Garden Show due to the pandemic. Webinars will be offered via Zoom with vendors and sponsors showcased on the website and Facebook. LEARN MORE

Featured artwork: 
Come Sit With Me, by Jolene Sanborn
Watercolor, 22 x 15
Frosty Moss Relay
Port Angeles, May 15
Experience the Green Season on the Olympic Peninsula by running through mossy, ferny forests with your pals. Towering evergreens, endless moss and ferns, miles of waterfront and snow-capped mountains are your cure for gray-season blues! Bring your best road and trail running buddies. The Full Moss is 80 miles and the Mini Moss at 30 miles. LEARN MORE 
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
There’s fresh snow on Hurricane Ridge where you can enjoy a variety of winter activities and fun! February 15 is the last Monday holiday that Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open for this winter season. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center remains closed through the winter season. The exhibit space, tables, and warming area are closed. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets and/or sleeping bags in your vehicle. Restroom facilities are open. LEARN MORE
 
We encourage you to #RecreateResponsibly and know before you go by checking out the latest information. Bring the family for Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Tubing at the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club (Saturdays and Sundays). LEARN MORE
Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula this winter and for year-round activities by downloading or requesting your
The Olympic Peninsula is a magical place in the winter to spark your senses and experience Washington’s magnificent natural beauty.
 
As you begin to dream about and plan your visit, whenever it’s right for you, 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’re ready to visit.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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