11 Must-Do Activities in Port Angeles, Washington That’ll Make Your Trip Worth It

Olympic Peninsula’s Gateway to Adventure

Port Angeles serves up a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and small-town charm.

This waterfront city is a nice blend of nature and culture. Even if you’re not sure when you’re coming, there’s still much to do and see.

Hike Hurricane Ridge

Want to see amazing mountain views? Head up to Hurricane Ridge, which sits 5,242 feet high in the sky.

You can take easy walks in meadows or try harder hikes along the ridges. The area looks different each season – summer brings lots of colorful flowers, while winter turns everything white with snow.

As you drive the 17 miles from Port Angeles, keep your eyes open for deer and marmots along the road. Before hiking, stop at the information center to get maps and helpful tips.

Walk or Bike the Olympic Discovery Trail

The Olympic Discovery Trail follows an old railroad track, making it perfect for walking or biking. The smooth, paved path takes you through thick forests and along the beautiful Elwha River.

On clear days, you can see mountains in Canada when you walk toward Ediz Hook. The trail tells the story of the area’s past while showing off its natural beauty.

If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry – local shops can rent one to you.

Enjoy Freshwater Bay by Kayak

Looking for a peaceful water adventure? Try kayaking in Freshwater Bay, just a quick drive from town.

You’ll paddle past huge cedar trees with mountain views all around. Watch for seals, otters, and eagles as you explore.

For the best experience, get out on the water early, before the afternoon winds start.

If you want to learn more, Olympic Raft & Kayak offers three-hour tours where guides show you hidden caves and share local tribal stories.

See the Renewed Elwha River

The Elwha River shows how nature can bounce back when given a chance.

After spending $351.4 million to remove two big dams, salmon can now swim freely in 70 more miles of river.

Take an easy walk on the Madison Falls Trail to see the changes.

You can learn even more by joining a tour with park rangers or members of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, who share both environmental and cultural knowledge.

Eat at Next Door

Next Door Gastropub serves great food in a historic 1907 building with brick walls and wooden beams.

Try their Penn Cove mussels in cream sauce or special burgers like the Wild Mushroom and Nutty Professor. They always have ten different beers to choose from, and on weekends, you can enjoy live music.

If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to book a table early – it gets busy!

Visit the Fine Arts Center

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center combines art with nature in a special way. Inside, you’ll find artwork inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

Outside, walk the one-mile trail through Webster’s Woods Art Park, where artists have created surprising sculptures using wire, driftwood, and other materials.

The park is free and open from sunrise to sunset. Don’t miss their ocean art workshop if you’re interested in how art connects with ocean protection.

Take a Trip to Victoria

Jump on the MV Coho ferry for a 90-minute ride to Victoria, British Columbia. During the trip, look for whales and dolphins while enjoying views of mountains and sea.

Once you arrive, you can visit beautiful Butchart Gardens, explore the Royal BC Museum, or tour the Parliament Buildings for free.

Just remember to arrive early in summer, at least 90 minutes before the ferry leaves.

Relax at Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach is located in downtown Port Angeles and offers perfect views of the harbor, Ediz Hook, and Vancouver Island.

Next door, the Feiro Marine Life Center teaches visitors about sea creatures. In summer, you can listen to concerts on the pier while enjoying the beach.

Clean bathrooms and nearby restaurants make it easy to spend the whole day here.

Learn Local History

Two special places tell the story of Port Angeles.

The Olympic Coast Discovery Center shows how people and sea life have shaped the area, including stories about shipwrecks and Native American tribes.

At the North Olympic History Center, you can see old photos and items from logging and sailing days. They even have 4,000 books about family histories.

Find Special Books

Book lovers will feel at home in Port Angeles.

Visit the Odyssey Bookshop for reading groups and author talks. Port Book & News has 75,000 special books that are hard to find elsewhere.

The local book stores do more than just sell books, they bring people together to share stories, ideas, and perspectives.