20 Best Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

The Olympic Peninsula is one of the most diverse landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Located in northwest Washington, the peninsula is home to rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforests, alpine mountain peaks, and small coastal towns.

Much of the region is protected within Olympic National Park, but the peninsula also includes scenic beaches, wildlife refuges, historic towns, and farmland throughout areas like the Sequim-Dungeness Valley.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, here are some of the best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula.

Quick List: Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula

• Hurricane Ridge
• Lake Crescent
• Hoh Rain Forest
• Rialto Beach
• Ruby Beach
• Cape Flattery
• Dungeness Spit
• Sol Duc Falls
• Olympic Discovery Trail
• Sequim Lavender Farms
• Port Angeles Waterfront
• Lake Quinault
• Kalaloch Beaches
• Second Beach
• Marymere Falls
• Neah Bay & Makah Museum
• Sequim Bay State Park
• Port Townsend Historic District
• Scenic Olympic Peninsula Road Trip
• Wildlife Viewing on the Peninsula

Tip for Visiting the Olympic Peninsula:

The Olympic Peninsula is much larger than many visitors expect. Travel times between destinations can easily take one to two hours depending on the route.

Many travelers choose to explore the peninsula over several days, visiting areas like Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks, and the Pacific Coast while enjoying the diverse landscapes of the region.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park. The scenic road climbs high above Port Angeles and provides access to hiking trails, alpine meadows, and panoramic viewpoints

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a deep glacial lake surrounded by forested mountains in Olympic National Park. The lake is known for its striking blue water and scenic shoreline.

Visitors can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and exploring nearby trails such as Marymere Falls.

Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most famous temperate rainforests in the world. Moss-covered trees, lush vegetation, and winding trails make it one of the most unique ecosystems in North America.

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is known for its dramatic sea stacks, driftwood-covered shoreline, and views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is part of Olympic National Park and is a great place for coastal hikes and sunset views.

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is one of the most photographed beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. The beach features sea stacks, tide pools, and rugged Pacific coastline scenery.

Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point of the continental United States. A short forest trail leads to viewpoints overlooking sea cliffs and ocean caves.

Dungeness Spit

Dungeness Spit extends more than five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is the longest natural sand spit in the United States. At the end of the spit stands the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse.

Tip:

The hike to the New Dungeness Lighthouse is much longer than many visitors expect. The lighthouse sits about 5 miles from the trailhead, making the round trip roughly 10 miles along the beach. Plan for 3–5 hours depending on walking pace and tide conditions, and bring water and sun protection since there is very little shade along the spit.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park. A short forest trail leads to a bridge overlooking the multi-channel waterfall as it cascades through a narrow canyon.

Olympic Discovery Trail

The Olympic Discovery Trail stretches across much of the northern Olympic Peninsula and provides scenic routes for biking, walking, and running.

Sequim Lavender Farms

The Sequim-Dungeness Valley is known as the Lavender Capital of North America. Each summer lavender farms across the valley bloom in shades of purple, attracting visitors from around the world.

Visitors can walk through the fields, learn about lavender harvesting, and explore farm shops offering lavender products.

Downtown Port Angeles Waterfront

Port Angeles serves as the gateway to Olympic National Park and offers harbor views, restaurants, and access to ferry service to Victoria, British Columbia.

Lake Quinault

Lake Quinault sits on the southwestern edge of Olympic National Park and offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and access to rainforest ecosystems.

Kalaloch Beaches

The Kalaloch area of Olympic National Park features long stretches of wild Pacific coastline, tide pools, and sea stacks.

Second Beach

Second Beach near La Push is one of the most scenic coastal hikes on the Olympic Peninsula. A short forest trail leads to a beach with sea stacks and tide pools.

Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls is a popular short hike located near Lake Crescent. The 1.8 mile round-trip trail winds through old-growth forest and leads to viewing platforms overlooking the 90-foot waterfall.

Tip: Parking for the Marymere Falls trail is located near the Lake Crescent Lodge area. The trail can get busy during summer afternoons, so visiting earlier in the day often provides a quieter experience.

Neah Bay & Makah Museum

Neah Bay sits on the Makah Reservation and is home to the Makah Cultural and Research Center. The museum shares the history and traditions of the Makah people

Tip:

The Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum is a worthwhile stop when visiting Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. These attractions are located near each other at the far northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula, but the drive to reach this area can take some time. Visitors should plan ahead by filling up on gas and bringing food, as services are limited in this remote part of the peninsula.

Sequim Bay State Park

Sequim Bay State Park offers forest trails, beach access, and camping along the shoreline of Sequim Bay.

Madison Falls

Madison Falls is an easily accessible waterfall located just outside Port Angeles along Olympic Hot Springs Road. A short paved path leads from the parking area to the base of the falls.

Because of its easy access, Madison Falls is a great quick stop for visitors exploring Olympic National Park.

Port Townsend Historic District

Port Townsend is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, waterfront views, and arts community.

Scenic Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

Many visitors explore the peninsula by driving Highway 101, which loops around the region and connects many of the peninsula’s most famous destinations.

Wildlife Viewing on the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including elk, bald eagles, whales, and seals. Wildlife can often be seen along the coast, rivers, and forested areas throughout the region.

Plan Your Visit to Sequim Lavender

Visit B&B Family Lavender Farm

If you're visiting Sequim during lavender season, B&B Family Lavender Farm offers a relaxed, less crowded experience with wide open fields and handcrafted lavender products.

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