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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It is time to anticipate the loveliness of the Olympic Peninsula during autumn. Dungeness Spit is incredible any time of year, under blue skies or enshrouded in fog and mist.
Dungeness Spit Dungeness Spit
As summer draws to a close, the sun is still shining in Sequim and there is still lavender in bloom. Take time to stop by one of the many lavender farms in and around Sequim while you are visiting the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest Washington.
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There is nothing quite like a trip to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula. It is a ride back in time, in a way, and a ride into a different world. This family business has been in operation for more than forty years. Over half of that time it worked exclusively with the entertainment industry, particularly Walt Disney Studios. Do you recall “The Grizzly Adams Series”? How about “The Incredible Journey”? The Olympic Game Farm supplied the animals for these and other productions.
Today visitors will find Kodiak Bears like the one pictured above, along with zebra, rhinoceros and over 20 other incredible species. The Driving Tour of the game farm is a great way to see all of these animals; kids and adults are always thrilled by the experience. Walking tours are also fun, especially when you stop by the Historic Studio Barn and the petting area.
In addition to the wildlife, the game farm is located in a beautiful part of Sequim, between Highway 101 and the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Views of the Olympic Mountains are spectacular. Be sure to climb the viewing tower not far from the entrance of the game farm, and if time allows, bring a picnic to enjoy there.
Olympic Game Farm olympic peninsula
Although the lavender festival has come and gone here in Sequim, it does not mean that the nice times to visit the Lavender farms has ended.
Jardin du Soleil is a wonderful farm out towards the Dungeness Area of Sequim. A certified organic farm, the owners also make a certified organic oil through a state-of-the-art distillation process there at the farm. The result is delicious lavender soap, high quality gifts like candles and even lavender for the cooking!
The farm is still open for the rest of August, and you can stop in to hand-pick your own lavender, or just meander the ten fragrant acres. They also sell products at the farm, like lavender sachets and other bath and body products.
The farm is decorated with Victorian-style fountains and sitting areas, so that if you want to bring a picnic lunch or a book to enjoy after you hand select a bouquet of lavender to bring home, you can just relax in the herb garden for a while.
Jardin du Soliel Lavender Farm in Sequim WA
Along with all of the products they make at the farm, they also sell bulk dried lavender. So if you want to make some products at home on your own, or if you are crafty and want to use our organic lavender to make gifts for your friends and family, you buy a whole bunch of the stuff to fill your car with pungent herbs! Lavender buds also make a wonderful alternative at a wedding to rice or confetti.
There are hundreds of ways to use lavender. The owners have great ideas and are happy to share them if you ask.
Local Businesses Dungeness, lavender farm, lavender products, Sequim
Spoon Creek Falls, curtesy of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
When you are in the Pacific Northwest, Sequim is a great place to be during the summer. It is usually sunny and warm, but not too warm. There are great restaurants, many lodging options, and fantastic views; in short, it is a good spot to use as a base while exploring the greater Olympic Peninsula.
The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail is a relatively new creation. Well, the waterfalls aren’t new, but considering them as part of a larger system is. There are a number of waterfalls close to Sequim, making them ideal for a day trip or two. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, perhaps at the Oak Table, and then load up with picnic supplies. A stop at Bell Street Bakery is a good place to start, and Sunny Farms has great cheeses, fruits and drinks.
Madison Creek Falls, by the entrance to the Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, is wheelchair accessible and stunning. To see Wolf Creek Falls along the Elwa River requires a short but steep hike of less than half-a-mile, but those who are up for it will not be disappointed. Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent drop almost 90 feet down, and nearby stairs provide great views of the top portion of the falls.
There are many more waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula – over 20 – and each one is worth visiting. You’ll certainly work up an appetite (even with the picnic), and be ready to dine at Alder Street Bistro or Cedar Creek when you return to your home base in Sequim.
olympic peninsula Olympic Peninsual Waterfall Trail
Here in Sequim, it’s once again time for movies and music in the park. On Tuesday, July 28th, bring your lawn chair, sofa or pick-up to the James Center for the Performing Arts and settle down for an evening of live music by Westerly, followed by an outdoor screening of Fly Me to the Moon. See what happens to three adventurous houseflies that stow away on the Apollo 11 flight to the moon. Your kids will love it.
This is the type of event that is happening all over the Olympic Peninsula this summer. There is live music on the docks in Port Angeles Wednesday evenings. There is live music in downtown Port Townsend Thursday evenings. There are drive-ins, and music festivals and celebrations happening up and down the coast. Summer is truly spectacular in the Pacific Northwest. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool, and mosquitos are few. Folks are drawn out-of-doors to walk along miles of coast or sit and quietly stargaze. In Sequim, the Olympic Mountains seem larger and closer and more inviting than ever. “Come on up” they seem to say, and so we head to Hurricane Ridge or Deer Park or out to Lake Crescent. We bring hiking boots, or fishing poles or picnics, or all of the above. And we love every minute of summer in the Pacific Northwest.
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