A bike, hike or walk along Ediz Hook in Port Angeles will lead you to one of the best views in the region. Under clear or cloudy skies, you’ll see the Olympic Mountains jut sky-high above the city and pop against the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s sapphire seawater. The vista is simply unforgettable.
The three-mile, crescent-shaped sand spit extends from the Port Angeles Boat Haven and marina, providing a natural shelter from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Ediz Hook is the primary reason behind the calm, glassy harbor waters that lure water adventurers to the area. You can’t beat the boating, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding.
Travel the Hook on foot or bike from the Port Angeles downtown waterfront along a particularly scenic portion of the paved Olympic Discovery Trail. Driving’s okay, too, but not nearly as much fun. Person-powered or electric bikes are available to rent from Sound Bikes & Kayaks or Adventures Through Kayaking. You can make a day of it and explore miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail towards the Elwha River and Lake Crescent or venture to Sequim.
Be sure to linger at waterfront parks along the way for stunning photo ops, a picture-perfect picnic or wildlife viewing. Watch for sea birds, seals and the occasional pod of orca whales, and don’t be surprised to see a few cats in and around the rocks.
Ediz Hook is also a popular spot for treasure seekers. You won’t find seashells along the rocky shores, but you might be rewarded with sea glass or agates.