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For many, it’s spring break this month and we’re highlighting all the family-friendly fun to be had around the Olympic Peninsula and especially at the coast. It’s a perfect place to explore the wonders of the sea. Plus, there are opportunities to help keep our beaches clean, too. And while you’re on the western side of the peninsula, discover Forks and get to know some of the welcoming locals there. Make a week of your trip and head to one of our state parks. Or explore our communities and charming towns to experience some of the events and activities they’re offering in April.


We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula to enjoy spring in all its glory!


This Month

  • Olympic Peninsula Insights – Adventures on the Olympic Peninsula Coast
  • Washington Coast Cleanup - April 20
  • Congratulations to our Contest Winners!
  • Upcoming Spring Events
  • Washington State Parks
  • Olympic National Park
  • Olympic National Forest

Olympic Peninsula Insights

 Adventures on the Olympic Peninsula Coast

Olympic National Park boasts 70 miles of magnificent beaches with natural, unspoiled beauty, pristine sandy shores and jagged sea stacks. A plethora of marine wildlife, from tidepool creatures to seals, whales and seabirds call this home. Some of the beaches are remote and secluded, located in the wilderness of the park, while others are easily accessible from roads and parking areas. Adventure awaits all ages of outdoor lovers. Make Forks your base camp and head out to explore the Olympic Peninsula coast. LEARN MORE

Washington Coast Cleanup

Saturday, April 20

Want to show your love for Washington’s beaches? Join volunteers from all around the Pacific Northwest who will be cleaning beaches as part of the Washington Coast Cleanup (WCC) on Saturday, April 20. Please note some beaches will be closed, but a complete list of beaches will be available when registration opens. LEARN MORE 

Congratulations to our Contest Winners

The Coast is Clear Winners Confirmed

A big thanks to all of you who participated in our "The Coast is Clear" contest. We received nearly 13,000 entries! We are happy to announce that Katie C. (Seattle, WA), Leslie L. (Salem, OR), Dawn T. (Bremerton, WA) and Jerry H. (Richland, WA) have all received their respective prize packages and are looking forward to their future trips to visit the Olympic Peninsula. Keep your eyes on your in-box for future contest announcements.

Upcoming Events 

Mermaid Festival

Westport

April 6 – 14

 

Dive into a world of underwater fantasy and fun at the Mermaid Festival in early April. In addition to the museum’s enchanting educational exhibits, the festival boasts a series of special attractions for visitors of all ages during this celebration of the sea. Enjoy seeing mermaids and bigfoot around the museum, gardens, and the event tent. LEARN MORE 

NW Cup’s Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series

Port Angeles

April 12 – 14, May 17 – 19, September 6 – 8 (Championship Race)

 

Spectate or ride at one of the largest downhill mountain bike race series in the US. Save the dates to race or watch one of Washington's top mountain biking downhill races at Dry Hill Mountain Bike Park. Watch the highlights from the 2023 event and see what's new at Dry Hill MTB Park to plan your ride! LEARN MORE

Welcoming the Whales

First Beach, La Push

April 12

 

Every spring the Quileute Tribal School hosts a ceremony to welcome the whales. The event is free and open to the public, beginning at 10 am, with lunch following at the Akalat Center in La Push. LEARN MORE 

Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival

Port Townsend

April 26 – 28

 

Immerse yourself in a bygone era by celebrating Port Townsend’s history and lifestyle of the city’s early life. The festival offers an opportunity to stroll back in time, learn how the early residents lived, worked and played, hear stories of high stakes business ventures, colorful characters, lost loves and how it all came crashing down. LEARN MORE 

129th Irrigation Festival

Sequim

May 3 – 11

 

The Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuously running festival in the State of Washington, spanning two weekends, with events including Family Fun Days, the Innovative Arts and Crafts Fair, the festival Run Series, Crazy Daze Breakfast, Trashion Show, historic walking tours, a golf tournament, Classic Cruise and Show, and the Grand Parade. LEARN MORE

Farmers Markets Return

 

Spring means fresh produce and the reopening of area farmers markets. Here are some dates to look forward to:

 

Port Townsend: Saturdays, starting April 6  

Port Angeles: Saturdays, year-round 

Sequim: Saturdays, starting May 4 

Shelton: Saturdays, starting May 4  

Chimacum: Sundays, starting June 2

Washington State Parks


Here on the Olympic Peninsula, we are lucky to have 13 state parks. From alpine wilderness to pristine beaches and old-growth forests, there’s no end to the adventures you can enjoy. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping, boating, picnicking and places to relax with friends and family. And now is the perfect time to book your camping trip before spots fill up for the summer and fall. LEARN MORE 


Mark your calendars for upcoming Discover Pass free days in 2024 at Washington State Parks: April 22 (Earth Day), June 8 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 9 (free fishing day), June 19 (Juneteenth), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), October 10 (World Mental Health Day), November 11 (Veterans Day) and November 25 (Autumn Day).

Olympic National Park

Washington Coast Cleanup in the Park

 

Every April, thousands of volunteers descend upon over 300 miles of shoreline to participate in the annual Washington Coast Cleanup and remove tons of trash. Olympic National Park is just one of many partners participating in this annual event with several beaches in the park selected for cleanup on Saturday, April 20.  


Some of these coastal areas are part of the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness and all park beaches will present unique challenges for participants. Motor vehicles are not allowed on any park beach, and all litter or debris must be removed on foot. Camping in the coastal campgrounds of Olympic National Park (Kalaloch, Mora, and Ozette) will be free for pre-registered volunteers. Volunteers can choose one night of free camping, either April 19 or 20. The deadline to pre-register is April 12 at 10 pm. To register, see the links below: 

Mora Beaches- volunteer.gov/mora 

Kalaloch Beaches- volunteer.gov/kalaloch 

Ozette Beaches- volunteer.gov/ozette 

Walkup registration is possible, but not guaranteed.

Join us in celebrating National Park Week 2024 from April 20 to 28! Parks across the country will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences. There are also special theme days during the week to highlight the different ways everyone can enjoy national parks. April 20, the first day of National Park Week, is also a fee free day!

Olympic National Forest

Spring in the Forest

 

Spring is a great time to get out into the Olympic National Forest. The recreation staff is busy working to spruce up trails, campsites, and day use areas to get them ready for the season. Recently, members of the Grays Harbor Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen helped clear downed trees from the Rainforest Trail in Quinault. Then members of the Washington Earth Corps and an intern from the Mt. Adams Institute helped the staff replace guard rails on the same trail. This is just one example of how partners help in shared stewardship of the Olympic National Forest. Click HERE if you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved and volunteer.

 

If you venture deeper into the forest or at higher elevation roads, please exercise caution as spring weather and road conditions change quickly. Heavy rainfall and melting snow can cause road shoulders to be soft and increase the potential for slides and washouts. If you come across road blockages or other hazards, please let Olympic National Forest know by emailing sm.fs.oly_so_admin@usda.gov.


Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula

this spring and for year-round activities by

requesting your FREE Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner now.


Request your FREE Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner now!

Spring inspires us to want to travel, to get away and play. Come and discover a new place or visit an old favorite. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy our beaches, rain forest, trails and the surrounding towns before the rush of summer visitors.


If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula this season!


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