Tourist Attractions In Port Angeles Washington
Port Angeles Washington is known as a gateway to the Olympic National Park and a major entry point into neighboring areas that share resources, such as hiking trails and natural beauty. This vibrant city has a number of attractions to explore in addition to a bustling international ferry terminal.
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Hiking, Art and Museums
One of the most popular things to do in Port Angeles is to hike in the stunning rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. This is a must-do for nature lovers and those who want to take in the magnificent views of the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
The Olympic Discovery Trail is a great way to discover the park and observe the stunning natural landscapes of the region. This paved path offers scenic views of the Olympic Mountains as well as the Puget Sound, and is perfect for families.
Lake Crescent Lodge
The Olympic National Park is home to a number of beautiful lodges that serve as excellent stops for rest and relaxation during a day out exploring the park. The Lake Crescent Lodge is a particular favorite for hikers, boasting toasty fires on cooler days, bathrooms and an impressive dining facility that also serves beer and wine.
Carnegie Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the indigenous people of the region, visit the Carnegie Museum. This Port Angeles attraction displays cultural artifacts from various Lower Elwha Klallam villages and other First Nations on the Olympic Peninsula.
Located in the state of Washington, Port Angeles offers many things to do in the form of scenic hiking trails and pristine beaches. This is the perfect place for nature lovers to experience the best of everything!
One of the most popular things to do in Port Angeles is whale watching. Humpback whales are regularly spotted here during the summer months.
Hurricane Ridge #1
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular spots to visit in Olympic National Park. A paved road twists 17 miles (27 km) up a 7-percent grade to the mile-high summit, offering breathtaking views of mountain, valley and sea.
If you love hiking, Hurricane Ridge offers several trails for all abilities. For an easy hike, try the Big Meadow or Cirque Rim trails. During the winter season, skiers and snowboarders have a fun time at the small, family-oriented Hurricane Ridge Ski Area.
This is also a great place to go for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or tubing. To get there from Port Angeles, head on Highway 101 for a drive through beautiful scenery. Then take Race Street 1.2 miles to Hurricane Ridge Road.
Once you arrive at the visitors center, you can explore various nature trails. For more serious hikers, the 1.6-mile trail Hurricane Hill is a good option. It offers epic views and plenty of wildlife.
Olympic Discovery Trail #2
The Olympic Discovery Trail, which runs along the shoreline of the north end of the Olympic Peninsula, is a multi-use pathway for biking, running and walking. It traverses a region that is home to snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, sapphire rivers, forests and backwoods beaches.
The 135-mile ODT begins in Port Townsend and extends to the western oceanfront village of La Push. It is a wide, paved path for cyclists, hikers, runners and wheelchair users. It is a work in progress with four main sections: East and Central (Sound and Bay); River and Prairie; Foothills and Lake; Forest and Ocean.
The trail is the result of years of regional effort to create a trail that connects all the communities of the peninsula, and features trails on ancestral lands of the S’Klallam and Coast Salish peoples. The Waterfront trail section, which is largely complete, leads past a number of notable sites including Lake Crescent, the City Pier, the Elwha River and the Jamestown S’Klallam campus.
It also passes through the scenic Jamestown S’Klallam Reservation and skirts Sequim Bay, where you can stop for a picnic. The trail is a popular recreational choice for those looking for a leisurely cycling adventure with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, snow-capped mountains and wild woodlands.
Cirque Rim Trail #3
The Cirque Rim Trail is an easy, paved hike that offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s a great option for kids, and a must-do if you’re visiting Olympic National Park.
The trails are also home to subalpine meadows and wildflowers during the summer, and there’s often a smattering of blacktail deer along the route as well. There are also a few sections of the trail that follow ridge lines, which gives hikers a unique view of the surrounding mountains.
Depending on the time of year, you might see snow in the area too! It’s always smart to check with a ranger before you head out on a hike. They can give you updates about any closed trails or recent sightings of wildlife.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center #4
Olympic National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the United States. Its mountain ranges and forests are awe-inspiring, while its pristine beaches and rocky coastline offer a unique and tranquil experience.
The main visitor center, which is located in Port Angeles on the northern tip of the peninsula, is open year-round and staffed by park rangers. It offers exhibits, a bookstore, and educational films, as well as the Wilderness Information Center.
Hiking and backpacking are the most popular activities in Olympic, though kayaking, fishing, boating, and other outdoor pursuits can also be enjoyed. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when high temperatures are consistently warm and relatively dry.
Hurricane Ridge is the most popular all-season destination in the park, offering scenic 360-degree vistas and meadows of wildflowers during summer, plus snow play from late December to March.
During winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, it is best to register and check avalanche conditions at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center before heading out.
Lake Crescent #5
It’s a deep glacially carved lake with clear-water views to almost 60 feet, and surrounded by impressive mountains like Mountain Storm King on the east, Aurora Peak on the south, and Pyramid Mountain on the north.
There are many things to do in Lake Crescent, from swimming to fishing to kayaking. You can also take a guided tour on the lake (check rates and schedule, summer only). If you’re not up for a long hike, you can stroll along the Moments in Time trail that takes less than a mile.
It’s a short but enjoyable walk through a wooded area that overlooks the lake. Another popular hiking trail in Lake Crescent is the Spruce Railroad Trail, a 5-mile paved route that runs along the former Port Angeles Western Railroad line.
It takes you past Devil Point, where the rocks cradle the Devil’s Punchbowl, an area that makes nearly sheer drops to the water. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Crescent is an incredible place to hike, swim and enjoy the natural beauty of Washington’s wilderness.
Marymere Falls #6
Located near Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in Olympic National Park. It can be accessed by a short, well-maintained trail that traverses through an old-growth lowland forest. It includes fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder trees.
The trail forms a loop, offering two viewpoints of the 90-foot waterfall. The first overlooks the falls from the hillside, while the second provides a view directly opposite the base of the waterfall. Another highlight of the hike is the moss-laden, fern-lined forest.
The forest is home to many types of wildlife, including deer and fawn. The 1.8-mile round-trip hike to Marymere Falls is easy, especially for children or those with limited hiking experience. It’s also a good way to spend a day with your family, especially on a weekday.
Black Ball Ferry Line #7
The Black Ball Ferry Line operates between Port Angeles, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia. It offers a luxurious tour between the two cities and is an essential tourist attraction.
The ferry dock is located right in downtown Victoria and the passengers can easily walk to many other destinations. This is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the city and get in touch with its history and culture.
Another popular attraction is Bella Italia, which became a hotspot for Twilight fans when Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling book series was set here. Spaghetti sauces and lasagna are expertly made in this cozy restaurant, which is ideal for romantic dates.
The crescent-shaped sand spit known as Ediz Hook protects the shoreline from tidal waves, making it an ideal place to enjoy boating and kayaking. It also offers a spectacular view of Port Angeles, which is flanked by the Olympics Mountains.
Port Angeles City Pier #8
The Port Angeles City Pier is one of the most popular places to visit in this scenic town. With a tower overlooking the waterfront, it offers amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, crab-catching, and watching the Black Ball ferry.
While you’re on the pier, take a stroll around the park, which features a pebbly beach and a few picnic tables. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the view, which includes Victoria BC in the distance against the snow-capped Olympic Mountains.
You can also walk along the pier, where you’ll find restrooms and a small aquatic museum. It’s also near tourist shops and restaurants, so it’s easy to find a spot for lunch or dinner after your visit.
Another place to check out is the Elwha Klallam Museum, which contains native art, artifacts, and exhibits, plus a gift shop. It’s an excellent way to learn more about local history, especially native culture.
FAQs about Port Angeles Washington
What are some fun facts about Port Angeles Washington?
. Port Angeles is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
. It is the gateway to Olympic National Park and is surrounded by mountains and water.
. The city is home to the largest Coast Guard base in the Pacific Northwest.
. It was once a bustling timber town and still has a working harbor.
Port Angeles hosts the annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival.
Why is it called Port Angeles?
Port Angeles was named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, who was exploring the region on behalf of the British Empire. He named the area “Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles” (Port of Our Lady of the Angels) in honor of the Spanish ship, Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, which was exploring the area at the same time. Over time, the name was anglicized to “Port Angeles.”
