Regional Spotlight : Peninsulas and Coast

This strip of coastal lands stretching west from the I-5 corridor to the mouth of the Columbia and North encompassing the Peninsulas has so much to offer.

Once you've arrived on the Kitsap Peninsula by way of one of Washington State’s massive ferry boats or by your own wheels, join up with Highway 101 to complete the loop around the entire Olympic Peninsula.

The Olympic Peninsula is made up of a dozen of our state's major salmon rivers with fun-to-pronounce names like the Dosewallips and the Quinnalt. Also included is the awe inspiring Olympic Mountain range with Mt Olympus rising 7,980’ as the central feature of Olympic National Park, a World Heritage Site.

As you make your way to Port Townsend at the Northeast corner, then around to the west, you'll pass numerous opportunities for fun and inland excursions. Picturesque rolling purple fields of lavender entice visitors far and wide to celebrate the Annual Sequim Lavender Festival. Hurricane Ridge, a family friendly ski & snowboard area in the winter months, is also open year round with one of the best drives to scenic views in the Olympics. The Elwha Ecosystem Restoration Project gives access to see the largest dam removal project in history. And you can't miss Lake Crescent as you wind along towards Cape Flattery, the contiguous United State’s most Northwestern point.

South from there is La Push, a chance for surfers of all experience levels to hit the water. As you head south again, keep an eye out on the side roads for the Evergreen state’s unique rainforests and giant old growth trees. Take note of the massive stumps, signs of a logging era gone by. For the adventurous, turn down one of the dirt roads - you may be lucky enough to see a herd of Roosevelt Elk. Finally, make your way down the Pacific Ocean Coasts and through seaside towns to finish your adventure of the Olympic Peninsula with your collection of experiences unlike any other.