Still making your summer-plus travel plans? Consider a visit to Washington’s most northwest region – the Olympic Peninsula. (We say “summer-plus” because out here summer weather runs on into September!) Sure, we’ve got Olympic National Park with its mountains, forests and coastal beaches to explore. But we are more than just a park. Here are some lesser-known, super-fun, adrenaline-rushing, only-here experiences you can enjoy this summer.
The Stars Are Out Tonight
And the planets too. This summer, experience the park differently – after dark! A “don’t miss” experience is the Night Sky Program from atop Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. Led by a team of knowledgeable “Dark Rangers,” the schedule includes dark sky telescope programs, full moon hikes, and moon focused programs. These programs are FREE (Olympic National Park pass or paid entry required) and are offered, weather permitting, during prime viewing times in the summer.
Channel Your Inner Viking
It’s a parade. It’s a paddle. It’s a party. It’s Saturday, June 28 in Hoodsport! It’s Fjordin Crossin, a fun, family event that celebrates an Aquavit tradition of sending a barrel of Aquavit in a ship from Norway across the Equator and back again. The Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport crosses the Hood Canal. Join the Paddle the Canal challenge in your own watercraft alongside Hardware Distillery’s Dill Aquavit!
Cycling Adventures
For all you endurance riders, don’t miss the Why-Not-Chee Gravel Unravel, on July 26 at Wynoochee Lake in Olympic National Forest. These gravel rides are for those that really want to challenge their physical abilities in some rugged but breathtaking environments.
Looking for something more laid back? Check out Tour de Lavender in Sequim, Saturday August 2. This one-of-a-kind cycling event visits the iconic lavender farms across Sequim Dungeness Valley and is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.
And now for something really unique: Ride the Hurricane. Each year, on the first Sunday of August (August 3, 2025), cyclists have an extraordinary opportunity to ride the iconic Hurricane Ridge Road, from sea level in Port Angeles to mountain top at Hurricane Ridge, when the road is closed to all other motor vehicles. Advanced registration is required. Definitely a bucket list experience for avid cyclists!
Tastes of The Olympic Peninsula
Fresh local foods your thing? We’ve got you covered! What’s better than fresh shrimp pulled right from the nearby icy cold waters of the Hood Canal? Check out the Brinnon ShrimpFest and Seafood Extravaganza on Saturday, June 21 for a tasty, family-friendly, all-day feast. This event has been a cherished community tradition since 1993.
And for a real taste of small-town Americana, don’t miss the 42nd Annual Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival, August 2 in Joyce. There’s pie. There’s a pancake breakfast. There’s pie. There’s a parade. There’s pie. There’s a crafts fair. Did we mention there’s pie?
Lights! Camera! Action!
In 2005, the world was introduced to a novel called “Twilight,” a young adult vampire-romance novel set in Forks on the Olympic Peninsula. Twenty years, four books and five movies later, Forks is still ground-zero for “Twi-hards” of all ages. Each year, fans flock to Forks from all over the world to celebrate Forever Twilight in Forks in September (this year’s festival is September 11-14).
Speaking of movies, mark your calendars for the 26th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival, September 18-21, 2025. Referred to as “Sundance by the sea,” this film festival is renowned for its great hospitality and its strong filmmaker support. Each year, Port Townsend welcomes about 2,000 attendees, 30+ filmmakers and over 50 films. Stay tuned for more details on the 2025 program!
You can see that the Olympic Peninsula is more than just a park (even if it is a pretty amazing park). Check out some of the sights, sounds and tastes of the Olympic Peninsula this summer!
Click HERE to see what events are happening on the Olympic Peninsula
