Things to Do
Biking & Hiking
Whether you want to burn up the miles on our challenging mountains or just wish to sedately pedal with family along the sedate Discovery Trail bike pathway, the Olympic Peninsula is a great place to hike, bike, and stroll. Access to the Olympic Discovery Trail is as close as a short ride away. Then decide if you’ll turn east and ride over the Railroad Bridge and into Sequim, or if you’ll head west toward Port Angeles and the glorious route that takes you alongside the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The public transportation system is reasonably priced and bike friendly, and can help facilitate a one -way trip. Not only is it “green” and environmentally conscientious to forego using our cars for nearby trips, you’ll burn calories too. Thanks to the Discovery Trail ,you don’t have to share the road with cars. Go ahead and ride into Sequim and visit the Hurricane Coffee Company for an espresso or an ice cream.
Forget your bicycle or don’t own one? Ben's Bikes in Sequim has excellent equipment for sale and rent,as well as a full service repair shop.
Runners and walkers enjoy the Olympic Discovery Trail too, with its scenic vistas from every direction. The excellent condition of this paved trail make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. Visit the Olympic Peninsula YMCA for an indoor workout in PA or Sequim.
Kayaking and Rafting
Whether you wish to explore the protected lakes and bays, or get an adrenaline rush riding the rapids of the more challenging waters of the Strait, the Olympic Peninsula has it all. Kayak rentals and sales are available from Dungeness Kayak in Sequim or Olympic Raft and Kayaking Port Angeles. Guided kayak tours are safe for all ages and groups large or small.
Birdwatching & Elk Spotting
Elk spotting is a popular activity in Sequim, and is the home to a population of Roosevelt Elk. Best spots to look are in the Port Williams area on Schmuk Road. Birdwatching is also a popular pastime, and the Audubon society in Sequim has a superb facility at the Dungeness River Center. Their annual Peninsula Bird Festival is in April.
Visit the Olympic Game Farm for an up close and personal experience with a variety of animals.
Whale Watching & Eco-Cruises
New this year, Expeditions Northwest in Port Angeles offers an assortment of trips in our nearby waters that will leave you breathless. You haven’t really experienced the Pacific Northwest until you’ve done it by sea.
Whale watching trips depart regularly from Port Townsend throughout the season. The Puget Sound Express has been taking passengers on whale watching trips for over 20 years.
Fishing, Crabbing & Boating
World class salt and freshwater fishing is active all year. Crabbing, clamming, and shrimping are also popular. Professional guides, equipment sales and rentals, and information about licenses and regulations can be obtained via the following:
Swains in Pt. Angeles
Brian’s Sporting Goods in Sequim
Walmart and Big Five Sporting Goods can also help you.
Excellent fishing guides (salt and fresh) who can provide instruction, guidance and safety are available throughout the Peninsula. Norrie Johnson is based right here in Sequim, as well as many others here out on the Peninsula.
There are a number of public boat ramps available if your boat is on a trailer. Nearby public boat ramps can be found at Port Williams Rd., John Wayne Marina, and in Dungeness. John Wayne Marina is a full service marina with dockage, tackle shop, and fuel. It is also the site of a lovely park and an ideal area to spot bald eagles, puffins and other sea birds. Marine mammals such as sea otters and seals are often spotted too, just be patient and look carefully.
Flower and Garden Lovers
Sequim is justly famous for its lavender, but many types of flowers are cultivated and thrive here. Roses, peonies, lily and dahlia farms, many of them open for tours on a daily basis during the summer months, will make you envious and entice you to purchase. It’s worth a special trip in June to take part in the annual Master Gardener Home Tour. Visit the I Love Peonies Farm in Sequim!
Victoria, Canada
A visit to the breathtaking city of Victoria is a pleasant ferry ride away. The ferry terminal in Port Angeles is just a dozen miles or so west of Rainbow’s End on Highway 101.
The Coho ferry, operated by the Black Ball Line takes both car and foot traffic; you can even bring your bicycle. The ferry ride often has the added bonus of siting whales and other sea life along the way. Keep your eyes open.
Public transportation in Victoria is easily accessible and many attractions are best explored on foot. Be sure to have a look at the Empress Hotel; magnificent in the tradition of Grand Hotels and proud Victorian architecture. If your budget allows, splurge on their High Tea.
Butchart Gardens is among the worlds finest and offers unique displays all year long. Public transportation to Butchart Gardens is readily available close to the ferry dock. Be sure to budget enough time to appreciate all the gardens have to offer.
ATTENTION PET OWNERS: Pet sitting services are available in the area. Please inquire at the Office for a listing of boarding and grooming facilities.