With more than 1,700 square miles of lush forest, rugged shorelines, and diverse trail systems, Clallam County’s parks and campgrounds across the north Olympic Peninsula are not to be missed.
Perhaps no other Washington destination is as fortunate to have such a wide range of public lands as the Olympic Peninsula. That includes Clallam County’s park units, where visitors can witness our area’s vibrant history, culture, and recreational options. From birdwatching to beachcombing, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites.
Rainshadow Disc Golf Park
Tucked in the trees just east of Sequim, this popular course features 19 holes and challenging terrain that allows players to test their mettle. Ranked fifth among Washington disc golf courses and second among free courses in the state, the site is open dawn to dusk year-round. It features meandering trails that make for a delightful stroll, whether you play hardcore or not.
Built by the county in 2017, the park is aided in upkeep by the Olympic Peninsula Disc Golf Association. It holds weekly ‘tag rounds’ every Tuesday evening and tournaments around the year. The club also provides free discs for anyone to play the course, available at the entrance kiosk.
Need-to-know: Wear suitable footwear, as the Rainshadow Disc Golf Park has hills and valleys that become muddy in wet weather. There is a portable toilet on site, and a new picnic area at the first hole with great views of the foothills. If walking the course’s trails but not playing, be aware of disc golf players and yield to their holes with plenty of warning. Pets are allowed on a leash.
Dungeness Recreation Area
Located along the northern edge of Sequim’s ecologically-rich prairie sits this 216-acre park and campground, with additional access to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and with expansive views of the Olympic Mountain Range, Dungeness Recreation Area is popular with walkers, horseback riders, birdwatchers, and families for its easy trails that crisscross the property. A favorite loop among locals is to follow the equestrian trails (watch for the posts with white tops) around the park’s perimeter. Wander among the beautiful meadows and songbird habitat, then into a dense spruce and red cedar forest. Deer are often spotted in the area and the occasional barred owl greets with a gentle ‘hoo-hoot.’
Need-to-know: The campground features 66 forested campsites arranged in two loops (no hookups). Only some sites can be reserved. Weekends are always crowded during the summer months. A playground and group site are also available. Accessing the Dungeness Spit (wildlife refuge) is just a short walk from the campground. No pets are allowed on refuge land, which is open dawn to dusk daily. Pay the $3/group fee ($5/family) at the kiosk near the entrance.
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the area is west of Port Angeles on the site of former World War II artillery installation Camp Hayden. It’s extremely popular with residents and visitors alike thanks to its stunning tidepooling opportunities. Salt Creek’s low tides reveal a hidden world of intertidal species, from sea stars to urchins, sea cucumbers, and crabs. A thick kelp forest is visible just off the rocky reaches. Kayakers can often be spotted bobbing on the gentle waves hoping to catch a glimpse of the occasional whale in the distance.
Don’t miss Salt Creek’s area trails! Several pathways lead along bluffs and deeper into the forest to reveal gun emplacements from Camp Hayden’s role in protecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hike up Striped Peak, a 7.5-mile round trip trek from the park’s entrance that affords incredible views of the Strait, Vancouver Island, and Olympic Mountains.
Need-to-know: Allow 30 minutes along Highway 112 from Port Angeles to reach the park. Camping is available, with both full hook-ups and dry sites among the 92 spots. This is an extremely busy campground, so consider midweek arrivals and expect the few reservable sites to be taken. A large playground, picnic shelter, and bathrooms are also on site.
Clallam Bay Spit Community Beach County Park
A long name for a little park to be sure, but this tiny gem is worth a stop. Snuggled into the curve where Highway 112 meets the town of Clallam Bay it’s 45 miles west of Port Angeles. This is truly a community gathering place with restrooms, picnic pavilion, plenty of beach access. The entire site is only 33 acres of grassy lawn and rocky spit, but it captures a delightful snapshot of coastal county life.
Walk the beach, explore the shoreline’s rocky ledges, and view fishing boats traversing Clallam Bay’s busy harbor. It’s a delightful place to picnic, and several interpretive signs explain the rich history of this tiny community.
Need-to-know: There are two ways to reach the beach: The first is during the summer months right from the picnic area, where a retractable bridge provides access (usually opens in mid-May). The second requires a short drive or walk along Salt Air and Frontier Streets toward the Slip Point Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. This is a 1905-built home for the keepers of Slip Point’s now-dimmed lighthouse. The cottage is currently closed for renovation by the newly-formed Slip Point Lighthouse Keepers organization.
Clallam County Parks blend diverse recreation and stellar scenery you won’t want to miss.
By guest blogger Erin Kirkland
Hero photo shows Salt Creek Sea Stack, courtesy Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
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