With the Olympic Peninsula surrounded by water on three sides—the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the north and Hood Canal to the east—we have an abundance of beautiful beaches, making for an amazing road trip of discovery for the whole family.
Begin in Grays Harbor County with miles of Pacific Ocean beaches and follow Highway 101 clockwise around the loop. You’ll find a wide range of experiences between our beaches and be sure to stop in our charming towns and communities to explore more.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula to enjoy spring in all its glory!
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Highway 101 along the Pacific Ocean |
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- 10 Uncrowded Beaches on the Olympic Peninsula
- An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Tips on Building a Great Sandcastle from a Grays Harbor Pro
- Washington Coast/Savers Beach Cleanup – April 17
- Know Before You Go – Preparing for your Beach Adventures:
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center
- Feiro Marine Life Center
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Everyone is eager to get to the beach! When you want to avoid the crowds and are craving stunningly diverse scenery along a shoreline, we have 10 of our favorite, breathtaking secret beaches to share with you as you travel around the Olympic Peninsula. (Please note these beaches offer excellent options to replace a trip to the beach at La Push or other tribal lands, currently closed due to COVID-19.) LEARN MORE
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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How to Build a Sandcastle on a Grays Harbor Beach |
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Pro Sandcastle Sculptor, Douglas Orr |
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Every kid loves to play in the sand and build a sandcastle, but this art form has expanded to amazing architectural structures created by adults as well. If you want a day to play at the beach, why not try your hand at creating your own sculpture. Of course, it’s good to have a few tricks up your sleeve and know a couple of techniques to assure it won’t collapse when the wind picks up. Check out these cool tips for your next trip to the beach. LEARN MORE
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A 2021 Washington Coast Cleanup
Earth Day, Saturday, April 17
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Volunteers cleaning ONP during the 2008 WCC. Photo courtesy of Washington CoastSavers |
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Want to show your love for Washington beaches? Registration is now open for the 2021 Washington Coast Cleanup (WCC). Join Earth Day volunteers from all around the Pacific Northwest who will be cleaning beaches as part of the WCC on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Please note all Olympic National Park, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and Makah, Quinault, Quileute, and Hoh tribal beaches are closed for this cleanup in respect of the health of our coastal communities from the COVID-19 outbreak. If you plan on joining us for the WCC, please follow all COVID safety-guidelines by Washington state. Unable to join us this year? LEARN MORE about how you can make a positive impact in reducing marine debris all year long.
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Know Before You Go
Preparing for your Beach Adventures
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There’s another whole world that exists under the water when the tide is out. Be sure to check tides before you head to the beach, so you know you have a safe amount of shoreline to walk or room to place a beach blanket. If the tide is out, there are often tidepools to be explored with marine animals to discover. Two excellent organizations can provide further information for you regarding marine life at our beaches.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) has a variety of online learning resources as well as engaging exhibits. They invite you to dive deeper and explore your local ocean.
The Feiro Marine Life Center in Port Angeles helps people see what’s beneath the surface and to get up close and personal with the marine life of the North Olympic Peninsula. A series of videos developed for late elementary school-aged students provide fascinating insights.
Both organizations have touch tanks with sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers and more. A visit to either or both centers is well worth the time.
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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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Olympic Adventure Trail (OAT) Run
Port Angeles, April 17
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This is a point-to-point 12K and half marathon trail race that traverses Kelly Ridge between the Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Upon finishing, runners are treated to food and beverages and since it sells out every year, be sure to sign up early! LEARN MORE
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Run the Peninsula Race Series
Sequim, April 24
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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 Railroad Bridge Run offers a 5K and 10K out and back on the Olympic Discovery Trail. LEARN MORE
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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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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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Spring means fresh produce and the reopening of area farmers markets. Here are some dates to look forward to:
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Kalaloch Beach photo courtesy Dan Sullivan, NPS |
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Before your visit to Olympic National Park, call the recorded Road & Weather line at 360.565.3131 to check the status of roads and campgrounds and for weather information (updated twice daily). Check the park website for alerts and current conditions.
Join us in celebrating National Park Week 2021 from April 17 to 25! 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 17, the first day of National Park Week, is also a fee free day!
Join us on social media, check out each days’ themes, find in-person and virtual events, or stay caught up on news.
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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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Spring inspires us to travel, to get away and play, to breathe fresh, clean air deeply and enjoy the colorful flowers blooming. When you feel comfortable and ready to do so, we invite you to come and discover a new place or visit an old favorite. Explore our trails and beaches. Play in our spectacular parks, not to mention the show-stopper of them all—Olympic National Park. 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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