Photo by Robin Stickel


Living on the water means always having access to great food. There’s nothing quite like seafood that was caught just that morning! Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is also home to all sorts of great farms and places to forage, which means we have access to fresh, delicious items all year round.
If you want an unforgettable culinary experience that’s just off the beaten path, then you need to check out these amazing restaurants in Port Angeles!
 

NEXT DOOR GASTROPUB

The Next Door Gastropub brings pub grub to the next level – maybe even the next TWO levels! Focusing on providing perfectly executed, simple meals with locally produced ingredients, Next Door is the spot the locals love to hang out. Their burgers are to die for – we’re big fans of the “Mrs. Newton” burger with bacon, fig jam and Brie – but everything on the menu is excellent. During the winter, we can’t get enough of the “craft mac and cheese,” which lets you customize this classic comfort food to your heart’s content! Pair all that with an extensive drink list with ten rotating taps (ask your waiter for pairing suggestions) and this is a true taste of the Northwest.
 

BELLA ITALIA

A classic Italian restaurant, Bella Italia has been around for years and serves locally produced ingredients in upscale cuisine that combines the tradition of the old world with the best of the new world. We recommend any of their mushroom dishes, including their classic risotto, as they source their mushrooms from local foragers!

We would be remiss in mentioning that Bella Italia was also the site of Bella and Edward’s first date in the Twilight series, so if that appeals to you, this is THE place to get a glass of “blood red” wine in Port Angeles!

Restaurants should be celebrations of where they are, showcasing the best of the area’s produce and making a cultural statement about the community. We believe that’s true of hotels as well, which is why when visiting Port Angeles you should book a room at the Olympic Lodge for a stay that reflects the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula!

Photo by Heinz Bunse

Perched on the Western Edge of North America, Port Angeles can sometimes feel like the last civilized place on the world. That doesn’t mean we don’t have access to great culture!
 

AS YOU LOVE IT: SHAKESPEARE AND WINE

Every year, Port Angles puts on a very special production of a Shakespeare play, free for audiences as part of their Shakespeare in The Woods Festival! This year’s play will be As You Like It, and it’s sure to be a hit. However, if you love theatre, then you’ll want to head to Camaraderie Cellars’ for a fundraiser for this event on July 6! Enjoy truly excellent wine while some of the area’s best actors illustrate why Shakespeare means so much to them; a great party for a great cause!
 

OLYMPIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

Taking place July 14 and 15 in nearby Port Townsend, the Olympic Music Festival is a celebration of classical music. Combining the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula with the profound beauty of the greatest composers of all time, this is a showcase of both established and rising stars of chamber music.

We’re especially excited to be able to see Tessa Lark, a young American violinist who is already making waves with her unconventional personal style and her award-winning musicianship. Winner of the prestigious Naumburg International Violin Award in 2012, Tessa is also the Silver Medalist of the 2014 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, making her the highest-ranked American-born winner in the Competition’s history. Don’t miss her playing with accomplished double-bassist Michael Thurber!
Another treat will be New York’s Merz Trio, a profoundly original group that focuses on a “collage” style approach to classical music, incorporating multi-media influences into their diverse and provocative performances!

Also playing will be Julio Elizalde, who is notable not only for being a profoundly skilled pianist in hot demand across the world but also for being the artistic director of this very festival!
There’s so much to see and do when you visit the Olympic Peninsula. When you do, we hope you’ll stay at the Olympic Lodge. We strive to share the best of the area with all our guests, offering best-in-class service so you’ll have a great stay any time of the year. Book your room today! 

Photo by Hans Braxmeier
 
Come to Port Angeles and the Olympic Peninsula this July to celebrate summer in style!
 

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

Port Angeles is pulling out all the stops this year for the Fourth of July! Its events will centre around the pier, where there will be parades, bands, and best of all, a fireworks display over the water! If you want to make the most of this gorgeous display, charter a boat and enjoy the fireworks from out on the water for a truly unforgettable Independence Day!
 

SEQUIM LAVENDER FESTIVAL

Lavender is a marvellous plant. Known for its sweet scent, its beautiful colour, its medicinal properties and more, there’s something about fields of lavender that captivates the imagination. That’s why Sequim started growing it!

“The founders of the Lavender Festival began with a vision of rolling purple fields to replace fallow dairy pasture, restoring the agricultural base of the fertile Sequim Prairie. Since then, cultivation of lavender in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley has grown into a strong, environmentally sound, agri-business. Over 110,000 lavender plants are grown each year in the area. With its myriad uses beyond sheer fragrance – cosmetic, culinary, medicinal, craft, decorative – the magical herb has fostered dozens of small, creative ventures across the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.“

On July 20 – 22, 2018, join us in beautiful Carrie Blake Park for the 22nd Sequim Lavender Festival. A longstanding tradition on the Olympic Peninsula, this festival celebrates the harvesting of this most beautiful crop with three days of partying!

One of the biggest attractions of the Lavender Festival will undoubtedly be the Lavenderstock Music Stage! Featuring the best local talent from around Washington State, this will be three days of free concerts! Break out your dancing shoes and have fun! Check out the full Lavenderstock stage schedule here.

The best place to stay on the Olympic Peninsula is the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles! If you’re coming for the Fourth of July, make sure to book a North facing room so you can watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own room! 

Photo by Peter Raimann
 
Located on the Northern point of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles has Olympic National Park as a backyard and the Pacific Ocean as a front yard. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and paradise for fishing.

One note: Washington is very protective of its waters, so we recommend that if you’re visiting Port Angeles, you contact a guide, so you are able to fish safely and legally. That said, here are some of the spots locals love to fish!  

THE JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT

The Juan de Fuca Strait is the body of separating the Olympic Peninsula from Canada’s Vancouver Island, and it’s teeming with fish and sea life of all kinds! While you’ll need a boat to fish these waters, the investment will more than makeup for it with the opportunity catch to cabezon, lingcod, Chinook salmon and more!
 

THE HUMPS

Actually a location in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, The Humps is the place to catch halibut! Halibut is one of the most delicious fish out there, so definitely make a point of trying to catch your limit of two fish per season. Details about the area available here!
 

QUEETS RIVER

Known for its steelhead, the Queets River is a rushing body of water teeming with trout and a perfect destination for fly fishing. Find out more here.
 

SALT CREEK RECREATION AREA

A county-owned park, Salt Creek Recreation Area, is a great place for camping, hiking, picnics, and digging for clams! There’s absolutely nothing like a feed of freshly caught clams, and this is a great place to do it. All it takes is a shovel, a bucket, and a little know-how, and you’ll have everything you need for a classic shellfish meal.

If you’re visiting Port Angeles for a fishing trip, be sure to stay at the Olympic Lodge. Our rooms are designed to complement the natural beauty of Port Angeles so you can feel at home! Book your room today. 

Life in Washington state has always been about a certain rugged beauty. The land is beautiful but hasn’t always been as gentle and forgiving as it is now. That’s why it pays to honour and remember the people who have made our land what it is today – and that’s exactly what we do at the Sequim Irrigation Festival!
Washington’s oldest continuing festival, the Sequim Irrigation Festival is coming back for its 123^rd year as a celebration of the efforts of our forefathers and mothers to bring water to the dried-out prairies of Sequim, transforming them into the lush farmlands we know and love today.
 
There are tons of fun events to take advantage of, starting May 1 and lasting for nearly two weeks! May 5, downtown Sequim hosts Family Fun Day, featuring a Kids Parade and lots of fun games, activities, and demonstrations – all for absolutely free! This is a great choice if you have younger kids.

May 10-13, the Carnival comes to town! Eat classic carnival foods like corn dogs, mini doughnuts and ice cream, take a ride on death-defying (but perfectly safe!) rides, and play fun carnival games – maybe even win a stuffed animal for a special someone!

May 11, you can take part in a fun golf tournament hosted by the Olympic Peninsula Boys and Girls Club, where you can golf for fabulous prizes, or watch the Strongman Showdown, where the local heroes compete to determine who is the strongest around!

It all culminates in the Grand Parade on May 12, an absolutely fabulous procession through downtown Sequim in a classic style.

We’ve just described the tip of the iceberg – there’s lots more to see and do! Check out the full schedule here.

Olympic Peninsula, choose the ultimate in comfort and spectacular scenery and book a room at the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles. We’re a short drive from the festival, and staying here means that the Olympic mountains are your backyard. Just let us know when you’re coming and we’ll take care of the rest! 

April 21 marks the beginning of National Park Week! This National celebration of our incredible parks has a variety of events and promotions, making it the perfect time to get out and EXPLORE. Maybe best of all, April 21 will be a fee-free day, where you can visit Olympic National Park for no additional cost!
Here are some of our favorite summer hikes so you can take advantage of this limited offer!
 

RUBY BEACH

An easy trail for novice hikers (or a break for when you’ve already hiked the entire park!), Ruby Beach is a half mile round trip that is no less beautiful for being easily accessible. See one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Pacific Northwest while exploring tidepools and waves on the sand!
 

SOL DUC FALLS

The Sol Duc Falls are absolutely gorgeous waterfalls cascading through the lush green of Olympic National Park. Even better, you can take a dip in the nearby natural hot Springs! 1.6 miles roundtrip.
 

HURRICANE RIDGE

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Hurricane Ridge gives you enough elevation to get an unrivalled view of the Olympic mountains, letting you even see as far North as British Columbia, Canada! An amazing view. 3 miles roundtrip.
 

LAKE OF THE ANGELS

This hike is not for the faint of the heart, but if you’re up to traversing the steep hills you will be rewarded with one of the greatest views in Olympic National Park. Glacial lakes and high elevation makes this one of the most enchanted places in the world. 8 miles roundtrip.

ENCHANTED VALLEY

Nicknamed “The Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls,” this gorgeous stretch of land at the base of the Olympic Mountains is absolutely stunning. While it is a long 28-mile round trip, it is also a relatively easy hike. Definitely plan a whole day around this one.

If you want to visit Olympic National Park during National Park Week, book now at the Olympic Lodge in beautiful Port Angeles, Washington. When you’re done hiking for the day, enjoy our outdoor heated pool and hot tub to soothe your aching muscles! Book your room today.
 

The Olympic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and a fantastic place to visit in Spring. Thankfully, it’s easy to get here!
 

A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP FROM VICTORIA!

One of the great things about Olympic National Park that people tend to overlook is that it is INCREDIBLY accessible by water! If you live on or are visiting Vancouver Island in Canada, all you have to do is take the Coho ferry from Victoria to go on an epic, natural adventure in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Of course, that means getting an unrivalled view of the Olympic Peninsula from a few hundred yards off the coast!

Visiting Port Angeles? Make your trip international by popping over to Canada for a day trip. The people are friendly, and Victoria is beautifully quaint. It’s a great way to recover from an ambitious hike day!
 

OLYMPIC BIRDFEST

Birding is one of the best ways to get out and appreciate nature in an adventurous, non-invasive way. For many, birding is a life-long adventure of witnessing some of the most marvellous creatures in existence.
Whether you’re an avid birder trying to catch a glimpse of your next “lifer,” or a rookie with a brand new pair of binoculars, the Olympic Birdfest is a perfect chance to get out and see some fascinating birds in an unbelievably gorgeous setting.

Taking place April 13-15, Olympic Birdfest features guided field trips to  Sequim Bay, Port Angeles Harbor, Ediz Hook, Dungeness Spit, the Elwha River and at Neah Bay, as well as boat trips to Protection Island. Learn tips and tricks from experienced birders and knowledgeable locals!
Find out more here.

When exploring the Olympic Peninsula, stay at the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles. Our hotel combines the rustic with the modern for a comfortable stay that will make you feel right at home. Wake up to natural light in our rooms’ gorgeous rooms and start your day right! Just let us know when you’re coming and we’ll do everything we can to make your stay a memorable one. 

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places in the world – it’s where rugged terrain covered in lush greenery meets the dark blue of the Pacific Ocean. Everything here is vivid; marvelling at a vista feels like the difference between an HD TV versus a standard definition one – except it’s in real life!
While Olympic National Park is beautiful any time of the year, it is maybe most beautiful in the spring.
The lowlands of Olympic National Park are home to a great many species of animal, and April is when they are at their busiest. This is the month you are most likely to catch sight of families of black bears feeding up after their winter long hibernation!

Late April and early May are also your best chance to catch migrating birds as they return North from wintering in the South; check here for a full list of the birds commonly sighted in the area . The walking trails are rife with local amphibians like the Western redback salamander, the Oregon ensatina and more. Catch these marvels flitting in and out of the woods while enjoying a hike in the dappled sun through the trees. It really is a paradise on earth.

Even better, the flowers start to come out in spring – and there is no sight quite as breathtaking as the distinctive pink blooms of smooth Douglasia emerging over lush fields of green clinging to rock.
Olympic National Park teems with life, and like anywhere it is MOST alive in spring. Don’t miss it this year – don’t miss it ANY year.

There’s no better complement to a visit to the Olympic Peninsula than a stay at the Olympic Lodge. Designed to be an organic part of the landscape, our hotel rooms have stunning views of the ocean and the mountains. Book your room today for a natural vacation you’ll remember forever.

 

OLYMPIC PENINSULA SALMON DERBY

The Olympic Peninsula is a fisher’s paradise, and that is going to be celebrated March 9-11 this year in nearby Gardiner, Washington.

Originally named the Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, the event was renamed to reflect its growing size and popularity, as nearby communities all pitched in to make this one of the best times of the year for outdoor sports enthusiasts in Washington!

The Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby is a fundraiser for the local community, but it’s also a chance for you to win fabulous prizes! With an estimated $16,000 worth of prizes at stake, this is your chance to A) prove that you’re the greatest fisherman around (no fake “fish stories” here!), B) do some good by raising money for community services and C) take home some fabulous prizes! It’s win/win/win!

Registration and details are available at the event website here.
 

GARDEN GALA SHOW

March 17-18, Sequim Washington will host the 20^th Annual Soroptimist Gala Garden Show, a two-day event dedicated to showcasing the possibilities for your home garden! With incredible door prizes, a keynote address by famed horticulturist Dan Hinkley, and a series of vendors vying to give you the best deal on garden supplies, this is a can’t miss for all avid gardeners. Even better, all proceeds will go to improving the lives of girls and women thanks to the involvement of the Soroptimist Society! Find out more about the event, and the Soroptimists and their mission, here!

If you’re visiting the Olympic peninsula, do yourselves a favor; complement your stay in this beautiful area by booking a room at the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles. Our hotel is designed from the ground up to blend with the natural landscape so you can fully enjoy your stay. Book our Executive suites and you’ll be able to enjoy a private entrance to our hotel rock garden and water features for the ultimate in contemplative beauty!

Washington’s own Port Angeles is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Located just north of Olympic National Forest, we’re steps away from both towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you love snow, waves, or just natural vistas, there’s something to do all year round!
 

NW CUP DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES ROUND 1

With its first round taking place April 14-16, the NW Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Series is a chance for mountain bikers from around the world to test their skills on some of the most technical trails in the world. Riders compete for the chance to take the gold at Stevens Pass later this year, and even better enjoy some of the best riding in the country and the world!

With multiple categories for pro and amateur racers, this is an inclusive event. Aim for the top or just take part in some truly fantastic biking – either way, you’re going to have a great time. Even if you don’t ride, watching the incredible skill and talent of these riders makes for a fantastic day! Consider coming out and cheering for these athletes while enjoying dappled light through the enormous trees of the Pacific Northwest.

More details available here.
 

OAT RUN

If you don’t mountain bike, don’t worry! That means you should visit April 28 for the Olympic Adventure Run! Sign up now for a chance to run a 12K race (or, if you’re ambitious, a half marathon!) on the beautiful Olympic Adventure Trail. A unique opportunity to run a cross-country race of this size, you’ll tour the now-permanent adventure trail and meet plenty of like-minded adventurers! Details and registration available here!

Looking for the best place to stay in Port Angeles? Book a room at the Olympic Lodge. Our suites feature stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, inspiring you to get out and PLAY first thing in the morning – but not before enjoying our full breakfast service from on-site restaurant, The Whistling Frog! Book your stay today for a truly fantastic outdoor adventure.
 
 
 

Get ready to cheer! Spring Hoop Fest is coming to Port Angeles in March!
 
The Parks & Recreation Department in Port Angeles has a great reputation for working closely with community organizations to maintain a dynamic sport and activity schedule in place for local youths. 
 
From swim clubs to tennis clubs and from youth soccer to basketball, there’ll always a game to cheer in Port Angeles.
 
One of our favorites has to be the Spring Hoop Fest. This year’s event is being hosted by our hotel,  the Olympic Lodge on March 3 and 4, 2018 and is open to boys and girls from fourth grade through to high school age. There will be championship shirts in all divisions and sponsors’ plaques for those in first and second place.
 
Participants must register by Friday, February 23 and the tournament director reserves the right to combine two age groups to form a division.
 
But the season doesn’t stop there. There’s also an April Fools’ Extravaganza on April 7 and 8 and a May Day Round Ball on May 5 and 6. Both events are for boys and girls from fourth grade through to high school age.
 
And while you’re in town to see some serious hoop-play, make sure you take time to explore the town of Port Angeles and the surrounding area. After all, Smithsonian.com recently named it one of the top small towns near a national park – so there’s plenty to see.
 
If you are looking for a team or tournament hotel for you retire at the end of a day of court-side excitement, check out the Olympic Lodge Hotel in Port Angeles. We offer stylish accommodations, gorgeous landscaping, fantastic views of the Peninsula Golf Course and the magnificent Olympic Mountains and delicious breakfast options to enjoy at the Whistling Frog restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you with our warm West Coast hospitality.  Book your Hoop Fest 2018 stay today at the Olympic Lodge!

Looking for something unique to do with your darling this Valentine’s Day? Then look no further than Washington’s Olympic Peninsula!
 
Bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Hood Canal and on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula is anchored by the majestic Olympic Mountains. It’s the kind of stunning natural landscape that can add a little spice to any Valentine’s Day!
 
But that’s not all: Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tours are taking place on the weekends of February 10 – 11 and 17 – 19 at an impressive selection of producers across the Olympic Peninsula. So buckle up for a breathtaking, romantic drive through some gorgeous scenery as you treat your loved-one to some fabulous samples from local artisans along the way.
 
With its extraordinary blends of Washington grapes, apples and pears paired with decadent chocolate and local culinary fare, the Washington Peninsula is sure to melt your loved-one’s heart. They’ll fall head over heels with new Olympic Peninsula as the region’s new release varietals and culinary offerings satisfy their palate on a Valentine’s getaway.
 
And with complimentary wine tasting and chocolate samples at nine Olympic Peninsula Wineries and Cideries up for grabs, you’re sure to set their taste buds on fire. From Harbinger Winery and Camaraderie Cellars in Port Angles to Eaglemount Wine & Cider and Alpenfire Cider in Port Townsend, your Valentine will simply love this culinary journey.
 
And if you’re looking for a romantic hotel to retire to at the end of the evening, check out the Olympic Lodge Hotel in Port Angeles. Offering stylish West Coast hospitality, the Olympic Lodge provides exceptional service, stunning landscaping and breathtaking views of the Peninsula Golf Course and magnificent Olympic Mountains. Book your romantic getaway today!