Olympic Peninsula

10 BEST Day Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula in Summer & What to Pack

10 BEST Day Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula in Summer & What to Pack

Looking for the best day hikes on the Olympic Peninsula?  I hike here year-round but always look forward to summer. High-alpine ridges finally melt out, wildflowers blanket the slopes, and coastal and forest trails feel like a cool escape on hot days.  I’ve explored every trail on this list firsthand, many more than once. But…

Lake Quinault Lodge Review (2025): Why It’s Worth the Drive

Lake Quinault Lodge Review (2025): Why It’s Worth the Drive

Many first-time visitors wonder if Lake Quinault Lodge’s location—tucked in the Quinault Valley—is too remote. But its rainforest surroundings were my favorite part of our late March stay. Once we walked into the main building, the lobby’s dark wood aesthetic, cozy seating around a crackling fire, and black-and-white photos on the walls made us feel like…

7 BEST Places to Stay in Port Angeles (From a Local!)

7 BEST Places to Stay in Port Angeles (From a Local!)

Looking for the best place to stay in Port Angeles? Whether you’re visiting Olympic National Park or just passing through, choosing where to stay can be overwhelming with options downtown, by the lakes, and along the coast. I live just 20 minutes from the Olympic Peninsula and visit Port Angeles 8-10 times a year, often…

A First-Timer’s Guide to Port Townsend (Things to Do & See!)

A First-Timer’s Guide to Port Townsend (Things to Do & See!)

Wondering if Port Townsend is worth a stop on your Olympic Peninsula itinerary?  I spend a weekend in Port Townsend every August, strolling its historic streets, hiking coastal trails, and catching golden-hour views over the Salish Sea. Its history—a once-booming maritime past, 19-century architecture, and WWII-era military bunkers—is only part of its story. Stay a…

Is the Quinault Rain Forest Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go!

Is the Quinault Rain Forest Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go!

Wondering if the Quinault Rain Forest is worth visiting? Looking at a map of Olympic National Park’s most-visited spots, it’s easy to see why some might overlook it.  After staying at Lake Quinault Lodge in early spring—waking up to incredible lake views and hiking beneath massive old-growth trees—I quickly realized how underrated this area is….