Sequim Bay, originally uploaded by wildestseas.

If it is possible to visit Sequim Bay in the coming months, do so. Take a walk along the western edge of the bay on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Bring or rent a kayak, and get out on the water at dawn. Sail or motor to the John Wayne Marina for a weekend.

Breathe deeply. Relax.

sequim, washington, originally uploaded by BobButcher.

This photo wonderfully illustrates “the blue hole” that is often found over Sequim, thanks to the Olympic Mountains Rain Shadow. As clouds block the sun over Port Angeles, Vancouver Island, and Port Townsend, the blue hole ensures that residents of Sequim will bask in sunshine.

January tends to be a gray, rainy month in the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. Most of us who live here don’t mind so much, as long as we can escape to the sun from time to time. Some folks head east of the Cascade Mountains, where the sun is usually accompanied by snow. Others head to Sequim, where mild temperatures reign.

When you feel yourself in need of a little vitamin D, pack your bags and head to Sequim. Oh, and don’t forget your sunblock.

When in need of a blustery walk to clear the head after to much pie, a beach walk out on the Dungeness Spit is perfect. When the family needs to romp in the snow over the long December break, Hurricane Ridge is the place to be. When you’re starting to wilt because you haven’t seen the sun in a month, head to Sequim and soak up a little vitamin D.

Place yourself in the picture below – a peaceful refuge during the sometimes stressful holidays.

Dec 2007 077, originally uploaded by riffy.

It should therefore come as no surprise that elk roam through Sequim from time to time. Sequim sits at the foot of the Olympic Mountains, on grassy fields that lead up to the Salish Sea. Roosevelt Elk, numbering about 5,000 in the Olympic National Park, are frequent visitors to the land in and around Sequim.

Sequim is a small city on the edge of northwest wilderness. It is well worth visiting.

elk 14, originally uploaded by donmarcyp.

Sailboat at Sunrise, Sequim, originally uploaded by Eric Reimer.

Serenity. Sail away to Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula, in the Pacific Northwest.

Calm Waters, originally uploaded by Pure Michigan.

Here at the Lake to Lake Michigan State Bed and Breakfast Conference. Pure Michigan has thousands of fantastic photos on Flickr. Who knew Michigan was so beautiful?

Sequim Bay low tide, originally uploaded by carlys_dad.

At the southern tip of Sequim Bay on the Olympic Peninsula lies the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Reservation. Over the past decade, the face of south Sequim Bay and the Jamestown S’Klallam has greatly changed. Indeed, if you haven’t driven out Highway 101 to Sequim in a while, you may not recognize the area around Blyn.

There is a beautifully situated rest stop at the south end of Sequim Bay that provides great views of the bays (sometimes it is simply worth pulling over to fully take in the view). Here you will also find a bit of interesting history about the tribe. Be sure to check out the great market across the street from the rest stop if you are in need of snacks (along with the first gas station since before the Hood Canal Bridge). There is also the Seven Cedars Casino – popular with visitors and locals alike thanks to the great shows and good atmosphere.

The pumpkin patch, originally uploaded by carlys_dad.

It’s October, and the Sequim Pumpkin Patch beckons. Open daily, the patch boasts pumpkins, of course, but also a fantastic corn maize, animals, hot apple cider and a little spookiness, too. Plan to wear your walking shoes if you dare to enter the corn maize, and don’t be in a hurry – some of the best fun is had when you get lost. This is the essence of autumn. The air is crisp, the mountains are out, and the pumpkins are flying (thanks to the pumpkin toss).

Head west out of Sequim on Highway 101, and hook at right at Kitchen-Dick Road. Look for the pumpkin tower, and you are there.

Sequim Bay Sunset Canoeist, originally uploaded by Phil Heneghan.

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.

IMG_1097, originally uploaded by pauldf.

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.