February is an ideal time to take a break from busy life and retreat to the Olympic Peninsula where you can enjoy its many moods and the beauty of winter. Come and play in the snow at Hurricane Ridge. Head to the coast for storm watching. Join the fun in the Sun Fun Color Run in Sequim. And when you’re ready to call it a day, settle in at one of our romantic inns or cozy cabins. This month we’re highlighting Port Townsend with the legacy of its maritime heritage.
Winter is an especially magical time on the Olympic Peninsula. We invite you to come experience it for yourself!
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Storm watching at La Push | Photo by Irv Kokol |
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Port Townsend’s Boatbuilding Legacy
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Places to Stay – B&Bs, Inns, Cottages and Cabins
- Upcoming Events
- Olympic National Forest
- Olympic National Park
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
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Port Townsend’s Boatbuilding Legacy |
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Port Townsend is often recognized for its classic, authentic Victorian architecture. With its deep bay, the “City of Dreams” was built with a vision of becoming the largest port on the west coast. But dreams are often reimagined as reality sets in. Across the decades, ships and shipping continued to be a constant theme to this waterside town. Today it’s a thriving port with over 400 businesses working in the maritime industry. You can explore the bustling boatyard, learn maritime history, enjoy annual festivals, and even get out on the water yourself. And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a boat builder, David King has over 35 years of experience in the marine trades. He shares his first-hand experience HERE.
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B&Bs, Inns, Cottages and Cabins |
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Visitors often choose small inns and B&Bs for their vacation travel since they are frequently one-of-a-kind and bursting with personality. These spaces give a sense of home because they are comfortable and unique. Some are elegant and luxurious. Some are more rustic with a nod to the natural environment surrounding them. And sometimes they’re secluded in beautiful, romantic settings. There are many to choose from. Here is a small sampling to give you some ideas to begin your own research and match your personal preferences. This is the first of an occasional series we will run this year to showcase selections of the diverse lodging options available on the Olympic Peninsula.
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Photo Courtesy of Chevy Chase Beach Cabins |
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In Belfair, located on the southern portion of the Hood Canal, there are 16 cottages in the Robin Hood Village Resort, built in 1934 by Don Beckman, the Hollywood set designer for the original Robin Hood movie starring Errol Flynn.
Further north on the Hood Canal, there are year-round cabins in Dosewalips State Park, tucked into evergreens with views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounded by 435 acres of park land.
A charming getaway on Discovery Bay, 10 minutes outside of Port Townsend, is the Chevy Chase Beach Cabins and across the road from the Discovery Bay Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the state.
Located in Port Townsend’s National Historic Landmark District, the Old Consulate Inn features eight unique rooms decorated in period style, some with views of Port Townsend Bay.
For luxury comfort, privacy and romance, you’ll find Lost Mountain Lodge in the hills above Sequim with its breathtaking views of lavish gardens and gourmet cuisine to whet your appetite.
Maitland Manor is near Olympic National Park and downtown Port Angeles. This completely updated and remodeled historic home blends vintage architecture with modern amenities.
For over 30 years, the Miller Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast in Forks has been a home for visitors exploring the rain forests and wild beaches of the Olympic Peninsula with eight rooms and suites.
To see more options for Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Cottages & Cabins, CLICK HERE and select your dates and search filters under “All Lodging” tab.
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We’re excited events are returning to the Olympic Peninsula and encourage you to check for the latest information about each event before attending since things continue to evolve. Please follow the latest CDC and Washington state protocols to assure everyone stays safe. LEARN MORE
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Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary / Feiro Marine Life Center
Climate Impacts and Resilience
Virtual
February 8
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Feiro Marine Life Center invite you to a virtual speaker series event featuring Dr. Zachary Cannizzo, Climate Coordinator for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Center, who will speak about “A changing sanctuary: Current & future impacts of climate change on Olympic Coast.” REGISTER HERE
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Valentine’s Pop-up Market
Port Angeles
February 11 – 13
Stop by the Valentine’s Pop-up Market and browse unique gifts and creations that are all crafted locally. The market features work from over 30 local artists, artisans and makers in downtown Port Angeles at the One-of-a-Kind Gallery at the Port Angeles Wharf. Don't miss this inspired opportunity to find the perfect treasure for your sweetheart!
JPod Boys artwork by Ashley Morgan
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FREE DAY
Washington State Parks / Olympic National Park / Olympic National Forest
February 21 / Presidents’ Day
In honor of this federal holiday, Washington State Parks, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest will celebrate with a FREE DAY for entrance, making it easy for you, your family and friends to get outside and enjoy the stunning winter beauty of our parks. #getoutside
Big Tree Root photo submitted by Ashley Reiswig
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31st Annual Shipwrights’ Regatta
Port Townsend
February 26
Sailboat racing season opens with the Shipwrights’ Regatta with boats of all types of construction welcome. The regatta will be conducted under COVID rules and 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
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Frosty Moss Relay
Port Angeles
February 26
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
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3rd Annual Sunshine Festival
Sun Fun Color Run
Sequim
March 5
It’s not too early to register now for the upcoming Sun Fun Color Run! REGISTER HERE
Celebrate the coming of the spring and summer seasons by joining this festival favorite. The family-friendly event has a 1K and 5K option with color stations along the course. Be sure to stay in town and take part in all the events during the festival, including community art projects, the Sunshine Market, illuminated drone show, food and music. LEARN MORE
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Project Spotlight—Northeast Olympic Elk Habitat Improvements
A multi-faceted elk habitat enhancement project was implemented June 2020 – December 2021 in the northeast corner of the Olympic National Forest. It included thinning young stands and piling slash, treating non-native invasive weeds, and planting and seeding genetically local native plants. Thinning and piling facilitates animal movement and opens the ground for establishment of early seral forage species. The invasive plant treatments, seeding and planting will improve forage and natural habitats for Roosevelt elk and other wildlife species, including pollinators. LEARN MORE
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Free Personal Use Firewood Permit
The Olympic National Forest is now offering a permit for free personal use firewood. Those who receive free use firewood permits may gather up to six cords per year and can use firewood for cutting, manufacturing, handling, or other processing, but not for resale. Those wishing to gather firewood will still be required to obtain a free permit through a Forest Service office. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Forest Service offices continue to offer limited and virtual services; please call 360-956-2402.
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There’s fresh snow on Hurricane Ridge where you can enjoy a variety of winter activities and fun! Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open this winter Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open those same days from 9 am to 4 pm with limited services. LEARN MORE
As always, know before you go and plan ahead. For the most current information about conditions at Olympic National Park CLICK HERE. Road and weather conditions are updated and available on a recorded line by calling 360-565-3131.
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Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
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Winter is a perfect time of year to get away. The Olympic Peninsula is a magical place to spark your senses and explore the natural beauty and magnificence of the area. Doing so in a safe and sustainable manner is vital to everyone’s well-being, so we encourage you to know before you go and check our website for the most current state and local COVID guidelines. LEARN MORE
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If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula soon! |
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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