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…
Wondering if the Olympic National Park Visitor Center is a worthwhile stop? One rain-free early spring morning, I volunteered with Friends of Olympic National Park to help clean up the gardens outside the visitor center in Port Angeles. Typically, my visits are quick—I chat with a ranger, use the bathroom, and go. But after a…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Wondering if Merriman Falls is worth a stop on your Quinault itinerary? I visited the falls in winter after a few short day hikes in the area and can say without hesitation that you should absolutely visit. It’s an easy and quick stop that doesn’t require hiking, and the 40-foot falls and surrounding forest scenery…
Wondering if Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent is worth a visit? I’ve kayaked here from Log Cabin Resort in late May and hiked in on Labor Day weekend. My summer visit felt busy and a bit raucous, which is expected on a holiday weekend. Despite the crowds, the lake views were incredible, and there were…
Planning to hike the Maple Glade Nature Trail? You absolutely should! This short hike in the Quinault area offers a chance to immerse yourself in a rainforest along a streambank lined with moss-draped trees. I hiked it on a sunny winter day and was lucky to have the trail all to myself. ➥ Keep reading…
Watching salmon leap at the Salmon Cascades stressed me out! The occasional sound of coho salmon smacking into the surrounding rocks is tough to hear. Some miss the falls entirely, landing in shallow pools where they flap on hard rock. Once they finally make it up to the next level after multiple attempts, they swim…