From cooler temperatures to leaves crunching underfoot to an abundance of autumn festivals and celebrations, fall has so much to offer. We invite you to take a drive down a scenic back country road for leaf peeping at its best. Or head into Olympic National Park to enjoy the solitude of trails less traveled. Breathe deeply of the salty tang at the coast or the crisp bite of mountain air. Relish the softness of the rain forest.
 
This month we’re featuring “5 Ways to Slow Down and Embrace Fall.” Autumn in the Northwest is a time to relax and chill. And you can’t get any more Northwest than the Olympic Peninsula.
 
We welcome you to come share our bounty!
THIS MONTH
  • An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – 5 Ways to Slow Down and Embrace Fall
  • Fall Savings at Hotels and Motels on the Olympic Peninsula
  • Olympic Culinary Loop
  • A New Sweepstakes is Just Weeks Away!
  • Upcoming Events
  • Olympic National Park 
AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
5 Way to Slow Down and Embrace Fall
There’s so much to love and enjoy during this season. We offer five ways to embrace all that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer with opportunities for wildlife viewing, cycling or strolling along the Olympic Discovery Trail, beach walking, attending an autumn festival and simply relaxing. Take time out of your busy schedule and book a fall trip to the Olympic Peninsula where the summer crowds have departed, the leaf-peeping is glorious, and the wildlife is preparing for winter. LEARN MORE
Fall Salmon Migration on the Sol Duc River
FALL SAVINGS AT HOTELS AND MOTELS
ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
With the wide range of lodging options available these days, and especially here on the Olympic Peninsula, consider checking out one of our many hotels or motels for your next visit. They can offer a range of conveniently located, affordable, family-friendly options, especially in the off-season. Here are our Top 5 reasons:
  1. They frequently offer amenities you can’t find elsewhere (like swimming pools)
  2. Someone is at the front desk to assist you with information, personal needs, or visitor information services
  3. Restaurants are often available onsite or nearby
  4. They are frequently walking distance to shops and attractions
  5. ï»żThey may offer faster WiFi.
 
We polled our hotels and motels on the peninsula and learned that many of them are offering reduced rates for fall and winter travelers, and even some delightful fall packages!

Whatever hotel or motel you’re looking for, we can help. Check out the “Book Your Stay” feature on our website to search for availability and rates then connect directly to the accommodation of your choice. We think you’ll find this to be a useful time-saver this fall and beyond.
OLYMPIC CULINARY LOOP
One Weekend – Two Delicious Culinary Festivals
Sip and savor the bounty of the Olympic Peninsula the entire weekend
October 7 – 9
The annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival pairs perfectly with the annual Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival. Celebrate the season and tastes of the region all weekend long. (Note: there are “Basecamp” hotel packages still available at the Old Alcohol Plant and 7 Cedars.) LEARN MORE
 
Join the fun at the 21st Annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in Port Angeles—one of the most acclaimed food festivals in the country. It celebrates not only the aquaculture, agriculture and maritime traditions of the Olympic Peninsula, but brings food, art, music, Native American activities and children’s events into one spectacular three-day event for everyone. LEARN MORE
 
Indulge in the tastes and aromas of the region during the 6th Annual Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival in and around the Chimacum area. Delight in the traditions and culture of growing apples and brewing cider with a truly authentic Pacific Northwest, tree-to-glass weekend experience. LEARN MORE
COMING SOON
A New Sweepstakes is Just Weeks Away!

You know, the Northwest is not just a place—it’s a way of life. And you can’t get any more Northwest than Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Are you inspired to come explore? Very soon, you’ll have a chance to enter to win one of four trips to the Olympic Peninsula! Watch your email to learn how you can enter to win!
Photo courtesy of State of Washington Tourism
UPCOMING EVENTS
OysterFest 2022
Shelton
September 30 – October 2
 
Known for its exceptional shellfish, the Hood Canal celebrates with OysterFest, drawing visitors from around the world, in search of the perfect oyster. Mollusks, microbrews, music and more abound at this favorite annual extravaganza. The festival is also home to the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships. LEARN MORE 
Rain of Terror Haunted Hangar
Forks
Fridays and Saturdays in October & Halloween
 
Get in the scary spirit of the season for a night of terrifying fun in a spine-chilling World War II hangar at the Quillayute Airport. Discover the #1 Halloween attraction on the Olympic Peninsula! LEARN MORE
Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition
Port Angeles
October 1 – 2
 
Whether you are experienced or a novice to the fiber arts world, come to the Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition for a fun-filled weekend at the Vern Burton Center. You'll learn weaving and felting techniques, and even how to spin art yarn to create your own fiber art. Shop the free marketplace for crafty finds provided by the talented vendors.
17th Annual North Olympic
ï»żFiber Arts Festival
Sequim
October 1 – November 26

Celebrating the 17th year of the North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival, the theme is “Interlaced Lore—Adventure, Fellowship & Perseverance,” inviting you to revel in epic stories of friendship, trust, and strong wills. There are several welcoming and interactive fiber arts activities happening throughout October and November. LEARN MORE
EV Expo
Port Townsend
October 8
 
This event is designed to showcase commitment to sustainability and new technology with programs addressing topics like the fun and real cost of EV ownership, vehicle information, charging myths and miracles, and how to choose the right EV for you. There will be lots of Q & A plus breakout sessions. LEARN MORE
Run the Peninsula Race Series
Larry Scott Trail, Port Townsend
October 15
 
This is a new race series on the Olympic Peninsula organized by the Port Angeles Marathon Association and is made up of five races spanning sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) from Port Townsend to Port Angeles. The Larry Scott Trail, where this race will be held, is 7.5 miles with the trailhead for the ODT in the Port of Port Townsend boatyard. LEARN MORE
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Veterans Day, November 11, is a Fee Free Day!
           
The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day. Find tips to recreate responsibly while you visit.
 
Ruby Beach is Open!
Recently reopened Ruby Beach now features significant improvements to accessibility, allowing visitors of all abilities to better access and use parking areas, overlooks, and facilities. As part of this project, the Ruby Beach parking area and its access road were graded and paved. Curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, and steps were installed, making this popular beach access area safer for visitors and in compliance with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards. New signs, bike racks, and pavement markings make this area easier to navigate. A newly installed storm drainage system will reduce bluff erosion. Additionally, nearby restrooms were painted and repaired.
 
Obstruction Point / Hurricane Ridge Road – Closures for road work through Oct. 21
A project to repair a section of Obstruction Point Road near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot began after the Labor Day weekend. Hurricane Ridge Road will be closed to all traffic (bikes, hikers, vehicles) now through October 21 at the Heart O’ the Hills Entrance Station gate.
 
Plan Ahead for Your Fall Visit
Autumn sees a temperature decrease and rise in precipitation on the Olympic Peninsula. Snow can appear in the high country as early as late September. Rain and wind occur along the lower elevations, including the rain forest valleys and beaches by late October. Mountain elevations begin to experience freezing temperatures. In other portions of the peninsula, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, except during the night. If you’re visiting during the autumn, always check the current road, campground, and trail conditions. Some campgrounds and roads begin to close for the winter months during this time. At any time of year, visitors should come prepared for a variety of conditions. Check the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather information and forecasts for the Olympic Peninsula.
 
While the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open daily year-round, the other park visitor centers have varying hours depending on the season. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is open Fridays through Sundays starting October 1 through December. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is closed until winter season operations begin in late November. You can find the current status and information for all park facilities on the park website under Alerts & Conditions.

Photo courtesy NPS | Janis Burger

Plan your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula
this season and for year-round activities by requesting your FREE Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner now!
As the season is changing and you have itchy feet to hit the road, we welcome you to come and explore everything the peninsula offers. Hike our trails, wander along our spectacular beaches, take in a festival or two, and discover sensational Olympic National Park in October. While you’re here, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly.
 
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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