As we head into a new year, we think of resolutions and fresh starts. It’s exciting to have a clear palette of possibilities for what lies ahead in 2023. We hope dreams of travel top your list! Winter is often a favorite time to get away and here on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s a magical time of year. Higher elevations are shrouded in snow, our beaches are uncrowded, and the Pacific Ocean frequently puts on a show for storm watching.
Bring your family, your best love for a romantic getaway, or come solo. We invite you to jump start your new year with a trip to the Olympic Peninsula and keep that resolution to travel. Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year!
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Olympic Peninsula Insights – Visiting Hurricane Ridge in the Winter
- Winter Storm Watching on the Coast
- National Plan for Vacation Day
- Upcoming Events
- Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Forest
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OLYMPIC PENINSULA INSIGHTS |
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Visiting Hurricane Ridge in the Winter |
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Escape the winter blues to experience the magic of being in a snowy, winter wonderland at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park where you can take deep breaths of fresh, clean air and indulge in activities like skiing, tubing or building a snowman. You can even go snowshoeing with a ranger! Breathtaking vistas and surroundings are guaranteed, not to mention loads of fun for the entire family. And after a day in the snow, head downhill to Port Angeles or Sequim to warm up over a warm meal, cup of cocoa or a glass of wine. READ MORE
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WINTER STORM WATCHING on the COAST |
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Winters in the Pacific Northwest bring blustery weather, fog, torrential rain, high winds, and large ocean swells with rolling surf to the Washington coast. Take a front row seat at Kalaloch, Ruby or Rialto Beach located in Olympic National Park where storms pound the coast with waves crashing around rock formations called sea stacks. Be sure to keep a safe distance from the sea, or driftwood as winter storms can be dangerous. Always adhere to warning signage and gear up with waterproof jackets and footwear. The west end of the Olympic Peninsula provides breathtaking beauty for winter storm watching on the coast that you won’t want to miss. LEARN MORE
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NATIONAL PLAN for VACATION DAY |
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Dreaming of someplace to go this year? National Plan for Vacation Day is an opportunity to get creative and plan a memorable vacation. Travel is valuable for inspiring creative thinking (because you’re not thinking about work or family schedules), strengthening relationships, promoting better health, and simply having a whole lot of fun together. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to not only begin dreaming, but to plan what you want to do and where you’d like to go.
Been thinking about exploring the Pacific Northwest? Well, you can’t get any more Northwest than the Olympic Peninsula. Get your family and friends together to create your “planning committee” then sit down to organize calendars and make your reservations before things fill up. This is especially important for the summer months when popular places are booked well in advance. This month it’s time to bring those plans to life and go somewhere! LEARN MORE
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Let's Celebrate Color
Sequim
January 6
Join the fun for the opening of the “Let’s Celebrate Color” art exhibit at the Sequim Civic Center. Meet the artists at the opening reception from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibit is comprised of 17 pieces of work from local artists exploring complementary and contrasting color in beautiful compositions and will be on display January 6 through March 29. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
During the opening reception, the City Arts Advisory Commission will host an Open Music Jam. All are invited to bring their acoustic instrument and/or their voice and join in this informal gathering to make music. LEARN MORE
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Freaks at the Beach Market
Ocean Shores Convention Center
January 14 and 15
Urban Unglued is bringing unusual artists, featuring mystical oddities plus a weird and unusual emporium of handmade art and more. There are 40+ vendors and more with free admission. LEARN MORE
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FREE DAY
Olympic National Park / Olympic National Forest / Washington State Parks
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 16
Monday, January 16 marks the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. 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.
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Run the Peninsula (Part 1 of 5)
Elwha River Bridge
Port Angeles
February 4
Run the Peninsula is an annual multi-event running series throughout 2023 where you will be able to experience some of the best running and walking trails on the Olympic Peninsula, including the scenic Olympic Discovery Trail. The series kicks off on February 4 with the Elwha River Bridge Run. Participants can compete in one event or all five, Virtual registration is also available. LEARN MORE
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Always plan ahead, hike smart, pack the 10 Essentials and have an emergency plan, especially during the winter months. Although many areas of the park remain accessible, some roads, campgrounds and other visitor facilities are closed or have reduced hours. Before you go, call the recorded road and weather line at 360-565-3131 and check the park website HERE.
Hurricane Ridge Road is open to uphill traffic Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm, with weather and road conditions permitting. All vehicles are required to carry chains.
To make winter access easier, Hurricane Ridge Winter Shuttle Service operates on Saturdays from January 7 to March 26, 2023, departing from Port Angeles Wharf at 8:30 am and returning around 3:30 pm. Advance online reservations are recommended. LEARN MORE
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Murhut Falls in Olympic National Forest |
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Stay Safe on Forest Service Roads this Winter
Between heavy rains, wind and low elevation snow, Forest Service roads can change drastically over the course of one day. Below are a few reminders from the Olympic National Forest to ensure everyone has a safe winter while enjoying our public lands and driving on Forest Service roads:
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First and foremost, avoid getting stuck. Forest roads are not plowed and can be difficult to drive when slick with ice and snow. When in doubt, be safe and turn around.
- Never let your braking distance exceed your line of sight. For instance, if you can’t see around a corner, take it slow so you have plenty of time to stop if there is road damage on the other side.
Always be prepared by carrying chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Remember cell service may be spotty or unavailable, so be sure someone knows where you are and when you’ll be back. Check the latest weather forecast since conditions can rapidly deteriorate in the mountains. Bring a map. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and wind. Stay up to date on road conditions and closures at https://www.fs.usda.gov/olympic or call 360-956-2402.
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The new year holds promise for exciting new adventures and it’s a perfect time of year to get away. We invite you to come and explore the natural beauty and magnificence of the Olympic Peninsula. Doing so in a safe and sustainable manner is vital to everyone’s well-being, so we encourage you to know before you go.
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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