Spring is in full bloom here on the Olympic Peninsula with recent days of sunshine and clear, bright blue skies. After a long winter, everyone wants to get outside and what better way to explore the hidden corners of the area than traveling under your own power, whether on foot or on wheels? Come explore our magnificent miles of trails around the peninsula and connect more deeply with the nuances of nature by cycling or hiking.
May is National Bike Month and we're celebrating by featuring Port Angeles and the many opportunities that abound for road cycling, mountain biking and even extreme cyclocross. And don’t forget Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 21!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula!
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Bicycling along the newly-opened Spruce Railroad Trail section of the Olympic Discovery Trail |
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- An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Cycling Around Port Angeles

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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Cycling Around Port Angeles |
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PNW Extreme Cyclocross Port Angeles, Photo by Jay Cline / Peninsula Adventure Sports |
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For those who prefer to get around on two wheels, Port Angeles' biking scene is still a relatively undiscovered secret. For those who love a little dirt under their pedals, sinewy single-track trails blanket the Olympic National Forest foothills. You can also coast over 70 miles of perfect pavement along the Olympic Discovery Trail where you’ll be rewarded with stunning Salish Sea views, fern-laden forests, and a cobalt blue lake. LEARN MORE
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3 Uncrowded Stretches of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) |
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View of the Olympic Mountains from the Olympic Discovery Trail near Morse Creek, Port Angeles |
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The Olympic Discovery Trail, also called the “Pathway to the Pacific,” is one of the Olympic Peninsula’s true gems. It spans from Port Townsend to La Push and is a multi-purpose trail for all ages and levels of abilities plus it’s ADA compliant wherever possible. A variety of accommodations are accessible to the trail along with bike rental and repair shops. The trail is home to numerous races, the most notable being the North Olympic Discovery Marathon in early June, from Blyn to Port Angeles, boasting gorgeous views in all directions.
But where do you go when you want to be on the trail without lots of people? We have three beautiful stretches of the ODT to help you find more solitude when you crave it.
1. Morse Creek – 4 miles east of Port Angeles and 11 miles west of Sequim, from Hwy. 101, turn at Strait View and Morse Creek.
A large gravel parking lot is accessible just off Highway 101. This portion of the trail is paved and flat with an easy out-and-back including a lovely trek or ride across a boardwalk bridge with beautiful views of the water.
2. Mt. Muller Trailhead – 31.8 miles west of Port Angeles on Hwy. 101, on Forest Service Road #2918 (the ODT is across the highway).
The trail is a 13-mile loop with some steep grades, but the south end has gentler grades. It’s shared with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The southeast corner is part of the ODT.
3. Camp Creek Trailhead – 20 miles north of Forks on Hwy. 101, turn at Milepost 212 on Cooper Ranch Road.
A parking area is easily accessible, with toilets and a picnic area. The trail parallels the winding Sol Duc river and passes through 100-year-old temperate forest stands of western hemlock and giant sword ferns.
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Community and visitor well-being is of paramount importance. All listed events follow phase-appropriate Washington re-opening requirements. Conditions and operations change constantly, so check event websites for updates and specific protocols. Mask up. Keep your distance. Enjoy a safe visit. |
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Gravel Unravel Bicycle Series - Hoh-ly Roller
Hoh River, May 1
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A new endurance bicycle event series on the gravel road systems of the Olympic Peninsula. This first event starts and ends at the Hoh River, near Forks. Challenge your physical abilities to the max while you enjoy the lushness of the Olympic National Forest. LEARN MORE
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126th Irrigation Festival
Sequim, May 8
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Join the fun for the 126th Sequim Irrigation Festival where the community continues to celebrate the irrigation ditches that turned the arid prairie of the Sequim Dungeness Valley into fertile farmland. Many events are virtual this year, but the festival will be celebrated at the Sequim Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. And keep your eyes open for this year’s fantastic float and royal court. LEARN MORE
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Frosty Moss Relay
Port Angeles and Lake Crescent, May 15
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You and your best road and trail running buddies can form a team of 3 or 5 people—any mix of age, gender and ability, as long as your team can average a 12-minute pace or faster. Load up your team van with food drinks, extra layers, tunes, and a fun competitive spirit. LEARN MORE
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Juan de Fuca Music & Arts Festival
Port Angeles, May 28-31
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Make a plan to spend Memorial Day weekend in Port Angeles, or online, for a non-stop music and arts festival. The International Festival and Events Association calls this event "one of the best small-town festivals in the country.” This year the festival is a hybrid event with both in person concerts as well as virtual performances. Artists will paint and create while the music plays! Besides four indoor stages, the festival features a lively outdoor array of local visual and performing artists plus a centrally located beer and wine tent. Limited, in person events will be based on current COVID-safe protocols. LEARN MORE
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Soroptimist Virtual Garden Show
Sequim, May 1-31
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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
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North Olympic Discovery Marathon
Sequim to Port Angeles, June 5-6
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The North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Marathon Walk, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 10K are on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Also offered are a 5K and Kids Marathon that are out-and-back along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Marathon is a USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier. Virtual race options are also available. LEARN MORE
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Spring means fresh produce and the reopening of area farmers markets. Here are some dates to look forward to:
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Ride the Hurricane
Port Angeles, August 1
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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 will fill up early. LEARN MORE
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The Herd is Here!
Roosevelt elk herd installation arrives at Olympic National Park.
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Elk herd installation at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Port Angeles |
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Have you herd? A unique art installation has migrated to two locations around the park. You can see them now through Labor Day weekend at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles and at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The elk are part of Conservation From Here, an exhibit that includes original art by Joseph Rossano inspired by historical artifacts from Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt. Additional artwork will be exhibited at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center starting May 8 through August 1.
The elk are cut from shining recycled aluminum and the reflections we see in them—of ourselves and our surroundings—are a reminder that we can all be conservationists in our own way, wherever we are.
More information about visiting Olympic National Park is available online at nps.gov/olym.
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Campgrounds across the Olympic National Forest will be opening throughout the month of May. For anticipated opening dates visit the Forest’s Recreation Conditions Report. All day use sites and trailheads are currently open but some may not be accessible by car due to snow. Forest visitors are reminded to be prepared for dynamic conditions throughout the spring season and to expect continued high use of recreation sites. Be prepared for changing conditions, be patient as parking areas may be crowded and be courteous to other users who like you are looking for a fun, rewarding experience outdoors. LEARN MORE
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula this spring and for year-round activities by downloading or requesting your
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When the glorious spring weather inspires you to travel, and you’re ready to do so, we invite you to come and explore our trails and communities. And be sure to #RecreateResponsibly.
As you begin to dream about and plan your visit, whenever it’s right for you and your family, 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 in the near future.
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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