Nearby National, State & County Parks
Our Local Parks
Sequim, and the entire Olympic Peninsula offers a vast array of sightseeing and recreational opportunities all year long. One of the reasons that the Peninsula remains relatively pristine is that vast amounts of land will never be developed because it is part of the Olympic National Park, a jewel in the crown of our National Park system.
Rainbow’s End is the perfect central location to base yourself from while you explore, and make no mistake there is much to see and do, twelve months a year. Recreational opportunities abound, ranging from the highly skilled and active to more passive options that demand no more than your attention.
Olympic National Park is surely one of the crown jewels of our National Park System. Many of the finest areas of the ONP are easily accessible from Rainbow’s End. Hurricane Ridge is only twelve miles away, and the Dungeness Spit less than four. This year, for the first time the road to Hurricane Ridge has been kept open seven days a week (except for when avalanches threaten). On weekends during the winter months a small ski area operates lifts and rents equipment, and rangers are available to give guided snow shoe tours. Before visiting Hurricane Ridge visit their webcam HERE, checking out the weather in advance can help avoid disappointment. It can be sunny here and cloudy there, and often the reverse is true too.
The National Forest and BLM lands are nearby too, offering myriad opportunities for recreation.
No visit to the Olympic Peninsula would be complete without a visit to at least some of the natural attractions pictured below.
Nearby State Parks include the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge and Sequim Bay State Park.
NOTE: Washington State parks now charge a $10 per day fee, per car. Yearly passes for $30 are available. National Parks fees are subject to change. Please inquire in advance.
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit
A must see, but be sure to consult the tide tables and plan accordingly if your goal is to hike all the way out to this beautifully restored lighthouse. It’s nearly six miles out and six back so one must time it right. A less ambitious leisurely stroll can be done at any time, and you’ll be rewarded by the sight of eagles, seabirds, and varied marine life. Just five miles from Rainbow’s End RV Park.
Hurricane Ridge
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit
Surely one of the jewels in the crown of our Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is approximately fifteen, very scenic miles from Rainbow’s End. The weather can be highly variable, often when it is sunny at sea level it is cloudy up high, and vice versa. Before you go we recommend checking the webcam that the National Park has conveniently placed on “The Ridge.”
Lake Crescent
Dungeness Spit
Marymere Falls
A forty minute drive will take you to Lake Crescent, a vast and deep glacial lake where hiking and other recreational activities abound. A Lodge with full bar and dining options makes this the perfect destination for a leisurely lunch. We recommend a hike to Marymore Falls, an easy 1.5 mile round trip.
Marymere Falls
Railroad Bridge Park
Marymere Falls
The 1.7 mile (round trip) trail forms a loop, offering two viewpoints of the 90-foot-high waterfall. The viewpoint on the hillside looks down on the falls, which occur as Falls Creek plunges through a notch in the cliff. The lower platform gives a view directly opposite the base of the falls. Marymere Falls was named in honor of Mary Alice Barnes, sister of Charles Barnes, a member of the Press Expedition and homesteader along the shores of Lake Crescent.
Railroad Bridge Park
Railroad Bridge Park
Railroad Bridge Park
Located just a short bike ride or stroll from Rainbow’s End, this park is located along the Olympic Discovery Trail and is also the site of our Audubon Center. Walking trails within the park and the bridge itself provide myriad opportunities for both observing nature and exercise at all times of the year. Robyn Hill Farm just west of Rainbow’s End and Carrie Blake Park are also wonderful parks to ride bikes, walk, and hike. Carrie Blake Park also offers a large fenced dog park.
Audubon Center
Railroad Bridge Park
Railroad Bridge Park
The Dungeness River Audubon Center's mission is to inspire understanding, enjoyment and stewardship of the Olympic Peninsula's unique natural and cultural resources, with emphasis on birds, rivers, fish, and people.