When you are in Sequim, the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park are close at hand. Lake Crescent is about 35 miles west of Sequim, and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon or a day. Twelve miles long, pressed up against the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, it is breathtakingly beautiful.
The water is clear, cold, and deep, so only the bravest individuals will want to linger in it. However, it is a great place to boat or fish. Hikers will enjoy several options, from the Pyramid Mountain trail, which affords great views of Lake Crescent, to the Spruce Railroad Trail along the north side of the lake. Picnic spots abound.
If you are more inclined to enjoy views of the lake while dining in a restaurant, you have two options: Lake Crescent Lodge (early May through mid October) and Log Cabin Resort. Even a slow, scenic drive along the lake shore is a worthwhile endeavor on a cool fall day.
olympic peninsula
Lake Crescent, Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park
Sequim Bay is a lovely place to kayak. The waters of the bay are calmer than out on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the views are still spectacular. Bring your own kayak, or rent one through one of several rental agencies in the area, such as Dungeness Kayaking. John Wayne Marina is a great place to launch your boat, and after working up an appetite on the water, enjoy views of the bay from the Dockside Grill. What a great way to spend a weekend with friends.
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Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, come to Sequim WA and partake in the Dungeness River Festival. The festival runs between 10am and 4pm at the Railroad Bridge Park.
There will be interactive booths and nature activities such as nature and plant walks. You will learn how the railroad bridge was built and see a swift water rescue demonstration.
Of course, there will be music and celebration as well. The Jamestown S’Klallam singers and dancers will lead a traditional drumming circle, and storyteller Elaine Grinnell will spin a tale or two. This is also your chance to get a close look at the work of the Olympic Driftwood Sculptors.
Sequim is a great place for a weekend getaway from Seattle or Olympia. It is a sunny gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.
Sequim Events
Dungeness River, Festival, olympic peninsula, Railroad Bridge Park
The Railroad Bridge Park in Sequim is part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, and is a lovely place to start a walk, run or bike ride. The Audubon Society is located by the parking lot – stop in before heading out on your walk and learn a little bit about what you should look and listen for during your time on the trail. A few picnic tables are available if you would like to sustain yourself prior to exercising.
The bridge affords spectacular views of the Dungeness River, loud and stormy when the rains begin or the snow starts to melt, and a bit calmer the rest of the year. In warmer weather, sheltered pools along the edge of the river are a great place to cool your feet after a long walk, or to let children wade (with strict supervision of course).
The town of Sequim is a short bike ride to the south/east of the railroad bridge. A longer stretch of open trail greets you if you cross the bridge and head towards Port Angeles along the Olympic Discovery Trail. The Olympic Mountains loom to the south as you pass through fields, farmlands, and woods. An hour or two on the trail is truly a wonderful way to experience the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll see people of all ages enjoying themselves – from families with novice bicyclists learning how to negotiate a straight path, parents trotting alongside, to older couples with binoculars looking for birds. Be sure to check out this gem of a place the next time you are in Sequim.
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