The Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular entry to the Olympics. It is 5,230 feet above sea level and provides spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day you can see Victoria. There are great hiking opportunities for all, from level paved paths to steeper and more strenuous trails, and you're likely to run into many deer and other wild animals along the way. Even if you're not a hiker, it's worth the drive up here for the views from the lodge. From the snow-capped peaks to the wooded valleys and fields of wildflowers, there is beauty all around. Winter snow play, cross-country, and downhill skiing are also popular here. Make sure to check conditions and call (360) 565-3131 for road status.

Dogs are not allowed on the trails.

Dungeness Spit

The longest natural sand spit in the United States, the Dungeness Spit extends 5 miles out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is located just north of Sequim. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a key staging area for over 200 species of birds, encompasses the spit. Occasionally marine mammals, including Orca whales, are seen here. Sometimes harbor seals haul out and pup on the protected beach. The 631-acre refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk with access limited by foot or horseback only. Pets are not allowed.

Mount Townsend Hike

or Snowshoe AdventurE

Mount Townsend is one of the most hiked summits in the Olympics with easy access, a long hiking season, and unparalleled views of the Puget Sound and eastern half of the Olympics. This is a moderately challenging hike with large elevation gain. Spectacular wildflowers in the Spring, snowshoeing in the winter, and sweeping views year-round (on a clear day) make this an excellent choice for a close-by hike. Trailhead access from Quilcene. 🐾 Dogs allowed on leash.

The Olympic Peninsula

Waterfall Trail

Discover the Olympic Peninsula through a new looking glass - the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail! The Trail is diverse, and takes a wide variety of transportation modes, including paved/wheelchair accessible pathways, Forest Service Roads, a Scenic Byway and forested trails. Pick and choose the waterfalls to visit based on your time and interest in adventure. Chevy Chase Beach Cabins is a good launching point for quite a few of the 24 waterfalls on the list.

Whale Watching

The Puget Sound Express offers half and full-day whale-watching excursions March through October. They feature the grey whale migration in March/April. The daylong cruise (April-September) offers orca watching with an onboard naturalist, and a tour of the San Juan Islands with a visit to Friday Harbor for lunch. The half-day cruise (end of April - November) speeds out to find the whales and zips you back again. Pro tip - say yes to the blueberry buckle!

Call 360-385-5288

Bloedel reserve

Bloedel Reserve is a 150 acre forest garden on Bainbridge Island. Whether you are a first-time visitor, or know the grounds like the back of your hand, a walk through Bloedel Reserve doesn’t disappoint. The New York Times called it “one of this country’s most original and ambitious gardens.” Bloedel’s twelve distinct gardens range from a bird marsh teeming with life, to a velvety-soft moss garden, to an award-winning Japanese garden and guest house. It’s an ever-changing landscape, and each visit brings surprises as you witness nature unfolding right before your eyes. It is worth the one-hour drive, and there are lots other adventures and good eating to explore on Bainbridge Island.

206-842-7631 (call or check website for hours)

7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon

Located in the middle of a working oyster farm, Hama Hama Oyster Saloon is an outdoor eatery that has wooden A-frame structures with picnic tables and heaters where you can enjoy some of their delicious oysters (grilled or fresh), clams and other yummy treats. Definitely say yes to the bourbon butter sauce! They are family friendly and dogs are allowed in the saloon area 🐾 (but not on the workbeach).

Open Friday – Sunday from 11-4 make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.

They also have a farm store which is open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., seven days a week .

Whidbey Island

For a fun day away take a 30-minute ferry ride (drive on don’t walk) from downtown Port Townsend to Whidbey Island (Coupeville). There are many great places to visit like Fort Casey, Deception Pass, stop at Greenbank Farm for some local treats and a short hike or take your pup to the beach at Double Bluff Beach Park 🐾. There are many delicious restaurants and cute shops in Langley as well.

Victoria, B.C.

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts many beautiful historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. Victoria enjoys some of the country's most exhilarating scenery: there is an ocean or mountain vista around every corner. You can walk on the ferry from Port Angeles (an hour away) and spend a full day eating delicious food, enjoying the many parks, historic buildings and museums, visiting the beautiful gardens, and then come back from the big city in the evening to your cozy cabin at Chevy Chase. The Black Ball Ferry Line/MV Coho leaves a few times a day, though their schedule is variable between the seasons. Don't forget your passport!

Day Trips

Go on an all day adventure