20 Best Things to Do in Port Angeles
Located in the state of Washington, Port Angeles has it all; starting from picturesque trails which connects the humans to the nature to beaches where the sun never goes down.
The Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park gives a bird- eye view of the entire region that stupefies people completely with its beauty. It is city of wonder as it contains a plethora of geographical features and several adventurous activities.
The Magestic Falls
Located within the premise of Olympic National Park, the Marymere Falls attracts the eye of the tourists with its majestic presence.
To reach the site of the falls, the visitors need to walk a long dirt trail which heightens the fun. The waterfall is ninety foot high and is definitely a sight to behold.
This is a prominent spot for a photography session as it is also easily accessible; hence carrying equipment would not be an issue. Numerous connected trails are scattered around this area which can be explored.
Climb a Ridge
The Hurricane Ridge is located in Olympic National Park which offers a scenic view of the park due to its attitude.
Seventeen miles need to be covered from the main center of the city to reach to the top, and these miles has many camp grounds and lush green views that are appreciated by the tourists.
There is a Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center which provides the visitors with essentials such as a map of the place, brochures, snaps and camping advice. The center also provides restrooms, exhibits and presentations to understand the surrounds better.
The entire area is scattered with picturesque trails which gives an opportunity to the locals as well as the visitors to experience the gift of nature in all its tranquility. The winter season offers a different but equally unique view of the mountains which are snow- capped.
During the fall season, uphill traffic is allowed from Friday to Sunday. Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area arrange sledding and snowshoeing.
A Sea of Lavender
The city of Sequim is known to be the “Lavender capital of North America” for all the right reasons.
Even though it has several breathtaking sights, the sight of rows and rows of lavender is as perfect and splendid as a painted picture. Located eighteen miles away from the main center of Port Angeles, Sequim is a bike ride away from the Olympic Discovery Trail.
The weather condition supports the growth of the plant which is mainly cultivated by local farmers along with their families. The best time to visit the farms is during the month of July, as it is the blooming season.
The Washington Lavender Festival occurs during this period along with several other small events.
Take a Bath in the Natural Hot Springs
Nature has a way of making its presence felt, one such method is the natural host springs. Located south to Lake Crescent, the Sol Duc Hot Springs is considered to be the best hot spring of the Washington state.
It resides within the premise of Olympic National Park and the beauty of the place attracts the visitors. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers the visitors an opportunity of night stay and appeals with its rustic décor.
The resort has three mineral hot pools and a freshwater pool which can be accessed both by the guests and the public. Sol Duc Falls is another site to visit as it is well known for its scenic view.
A number of trails surround this area and provides outdoor adventure.
A Day with The Whales
It is not everywhere; people get to observe one of the largest mammals of the earth. Port Angeles is Washington’s renowned whale sighting spots.
Several kinds of whales such as minke, humpback, gray whale and orca make themselves known throughout the year. The whale Trail, Salt Creek Recreation Area and Tongue Point are internationally acclaimed whale watching site.
Guided tours are conducted by different popular boating companies of the area.
A Tour of The Crystal Clear Water
Olympic National Park houses another gem in its area. Lake Crescent has a natural appeal with its crystal clear water and scenic view. This is one of the most prominent spot for picnics and romantic outing.
To maintain the lake, non- motored boats are used to give a tour of the lake. In both ends of the lake there is a public dock. This is also a favorite spot of the hikers as the trails provide scenic view, especially the view of the splendid Marymere Falls.
Lake Crescent Lodge is loaded with historical significance with its stone fireplace and warm setting, perfect for spending a night.
Visit the Hook
The shoreline of Port Angeles has a crescent shaped sand spit that is famously called “the hook” or “the Spit”, but its official name is Ediz Hook.
The specialty of the place is that it gives a spectacular view of Port Angeles with Mount Olympic at the backdrop. The hook protects the shoreline from rough waves, hence, making it suitable for Kayaking and canoeing.
On clear and cloudless days, the shoreline of Port Angeles appears like a painted picture. A bicycle ride along the Ediz Hook Road is a must; connected trails are available as well.
Numerous water activities are available in this area that might win the heart of an adrenaline junkie such as scuba diving, riding motorized vehicle, paddle boating and many more.
Unique Marine Creatures
Feiro Marine Life Center is located near the Olympic Coast Discovery Center and gives a glimpse of a plethora of marine creatures which are native to the region.
The museum was thrown open to the public in the year 1892. There are touch tanks and aquariums which are filled with seawater from Strait of Juan de Fuca. Since, the motto provides hands on experience, visiting the center has educational quality.
Guided tours, exhibits and lectures are conducted by ocean experts who give detailed account of the marine species and its habitat. Some of the unique marine creatures present in the center are hermit crab, giant pacific octopus, star fish and sea cucumber.
Sun Bathe at The Beach
Port Angeles has a plethora of geographical features, ranging from mountains to beaches, which draws tourists to the city. It faces the Pacific Ocean, and the seventy miles long coastline is part of the Olympic, hence is well protected.
The Rialto Beach is one of the most sorted beaches of the country because of the mesmerizing view of the Olympic national park. Situated ear to the Mora Park area, it has the classic view of the golden beach and the mysterious forest.
There are very many beaches in Port Angeles; the southern beaches are more tranquil, while the northern beaches are more rugged in nature.
A Drop of Wine
The Harbinger Winery is a true gem of Olympic Peninsular as it captures the true essence of Olympic in their enigmatic wine bottles.
The tasting room of the winery is alive with entertainment and music where the visitors have their first taste of local wine as well as local food.
The interior of the winery has warm tones, rich wooden décor and barrels which add to the aura of the place.
Visit a Recreational Center
One of the best places to enjoy outdoor activities is Salt Creek Recreational Area. The Park covers an area of two hundred acres and previously was a military base camp called Camp Hayden, in the Second World War.
Presently, the park has immense historical significance as it contains the ruins of the forts built during 1940s.
Apart from this, it is also a prominent spot for a day out as it has basketball field, picnic shelter, scenic hiking trails, baseball field, camping sights and horseshoe pits.
Ride a Ferry
The Black Ball Ferry Line offers a luxurious tour of Washington State, British Columbia and Victoria. The company recently celebrated their sixty years in this line of business.
It gives an impressive tour of all the highlights of Port Angeles. The cruise can be boarded by visitors of all ages and the guided tour lasts for nearly two hours.
Touch of An Artist
Once owned by Esther and Charles Webster, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center was then modified by the famous architect Paul Hayden Kirk to make it into his own personal studio.
The eye- catching structure is solely made of brass, timber and plates. People visit the art center to marvel at Kirk’s architectural brilliance.
There is a wooden structure park within the premise of Port Angeles Fine Arts Center that houses the work of several renowned artists.
A Trail to Follow
The Olympic Discovery Trail starts from La Push and ends at Port Townsend. It covers a distance of one hundred and twenty miles of the north side of Washington Olympic Peninsula.
The trail was built on a neglected road by three cyclists so that people can be one with the nature without any modern diversions. No automatic or motorized vehicles are allowed in this trail, but the best way to explore the trails is with the help of a bicycle.
At the present moment, the trail has paved roads, bicycle paths and gravel roads. The Olympic Discovery Trail also leads the way towards the spectacular lavender Field of Sequim.
Some destinations which is a must see while travelling through this trail are lighthouse, Railroad Bridge Park, Lake Crescent and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
A Heritage Site to Visit
Elwha Klallam Heritage Center was thrown open to the public in the year 2010. During the time of its established it was the training center and office of the indigenous population.
At the present moment it houses several artifacts and collectables that are transferred from Seattle’s The Burke Museum. The museum has both educational and cultural benefits.
Due to its immense popularity, the museum has expanded itself; it has included Elwha River Dam exhibit in the year 2016. Apart from the artifacts, the museum has vocational rehab program, it tents out spaces at affordable prices and is part of tribe’s TANF.
Visit a Broken Dam
Port Angeles offers the visitors to explore the remains of a broken dam in all its glory. The Elwha Dam used to tower over the entire landscape as it was one hundred and eight feet high.
The dam was demolished and removed in the year 2012 so that the river could be restored in its original state and it can take its own course. Some remains of the dam are present at the site which attracts the attention of the visitors.
The drive to this dam is quite pleasant and scenic.
Another Trail to Follow at Port Angeles
Port Angeles is a paradise for the hikers and natural lovers as it has a plethora of trails. The Spruce Railroad Trail is frequented by both bikers as well as hikers, and it is said to be at least four miles long.
It has a picturesque view as it runs parallel to Lake Crescent, hence is it also popularly known as the Lake Crescent Trail. The trail can be accessed easily and has a head at either of its ends. Moreover, the trail is suitable for both expert hikers as well as amateurs as the ground is properly leveled.
While walking through the trail, the visitors can also visit the bridge on top of Mcfee Tunnel, Devils Punch Bowl Bay and Harrigan Point.
Stop at Another Beach
Clallam Bay Spit Community Beach County Park covers an area of thirty three acres. Locals and tourists who are interested in bird watching visits this beach as it provides them with an opportunity to interact with the animals in close quarters.
It is particularly a favorite site of the Ornithology aficionados. The beach is also frequently visited by marine animals which makes it even merrier. Apart from animal and bird sighting, the beach is a prominent place for swimming and sunbathing.
It has a picnic area for family gathering and perfectly maintained restrooms which make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a day out.
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