5 days off near Sequim, Washington....what to do?
October 4, 2015 7:22 PM Subscribe
I'm spending 5 days house-sitting near Sequim Washington. I've not spent any time in Washington since the 1970's. What are some cool things to do?
So far, I've been told I should do the Hurricane Ridge ride (I'm a biker), and we're thinking of doing an overnight in Victoria, taking the ferry there. I've also heard Port Townsend is neat to poke around.
I'm more of an outdoorsy person. I don't really want to spend lots of time driving from place to place. I'll have 5 full days, Mon-Fri, to do whatever fun stuff presents itself.
I'll be with my partner, who is not into biking like I am, so taking a full day to do the ridge climb is perhaps not on the menu. I'd be more inclined to rent bikes and go for the day to the San Juan islands. Anyhoos, I'd like suggestions, go here, stay there, check out this in Victoria, take this hike, whatever comes to mind. Outside is best and less driving is more. The more suggestions we get, the better prepared we will be to have a great trip.
So far, I've been told I should do the Hurricane Ridge ride (I'm a biker), and we're thinking of doing an overnight in Victoria, taking the ferry there. I've also heard Port Townsend is neat to poke around.
I'm more of an outdoorsy person. I don't really want to spend lots of time driving from place to place. I'll have 5 full days, Mon-Fri, to do whatever fun stuff presents itself.
I'll be with my partner, who is not into biking like I am, so taking a full day to do the ridge climb is perhaps not on the menu. I'd be more inclined to rent bikes and go for the day to the San Juan islands. Anyhoos, I'd like suggestions, go here, stay there, check out this in Victoria, take this hike, whatever comes to mind. Outside is best and less driving is more. The more suggestions we get, the better prepared we will be to have a great trip.
Forgot to add, Washington Trails Association is great for figuring out where to hike: http://www.wta.org.
And go see the Elwha River!
posted by stowaway at 7:48 PM on October 4, 2015 [2 favorites]
And go see the Elwha River!
posted by stowaway at 7:48 PM on October 4, 2015 [2 favorites]
Fort Flagler, Fort Worden and Fort Townsend State Parks.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:41 PM on October 4, 2015
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:41 PM on October 4, 2015
Even with the advent of ferry reservations on both of the relevant routes, you're hard pressed to make a day trip to the San Juans from the peninsula. (And note, there are now reservations on the ferries for both routes - you more or less must reserve ahead of time).
posted by wotsac at 8:44 PM on October 4, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by wotsac at 8:44 PM on October 4, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: And take the Kitchen Dick road (not making this up) to Dungeness State Park, with a beautiful 5 mile walk on a beautiful spit all the way to a lighthouse. On your left, beautiful ocean waters (and the faint outline of Vancouver Island on the horizon) on your right, an ecological reserve replete with bird life.
posted by seawallrunner at 9:11 PM on October 4, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by seawallrunner at 9:11 PM on October 4, 2015 [6 favorites]
We had a really great meal at the Dockside Grill in Sequim this summer. The decor may be from the 80s, but the food was excellent. I'd recommend a reservation.
posted by ShooBoo at 9:34 PM on October 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ShooBoo at 9:34 PM on October 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: For food,
The best breakfast you will ever have can be found at "The Oak Table Cafe".
Both "Nourish" and "The Alderwood Bistro" are worth a stop too, they use local, organic ingredients. Alderwood is more expensive than Nourish, but Nourish is just as delicious.
Dockside is ok. Their food is usually very good, but the service is very much hit-or-miss. One day you will get doted on and served quickly, yet on another you may sit there for an hour + waiting for your entree. They are also very expensive, but the view is nice.
Other than food, the Olympic Game Farm is a drive-through 'zoo' that has many retired animals from the film and entertainment industry. You purchase bread at $2/loaf before entering and you get to feed it to the various animals as you drive through. It's entertaining and good for a laugh - especially if you are driving and have power windows. Your car WILL get dirty so plan a trip through the car wash afterward.
Hurricane ridge is cool too and worth a drive.
And that is the extent of my experience so far.
posted by Th!nk at 12:51 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
The best breakfast you will ever have can be found at "The Oak Table Cafe".
Both "Nourish" and "The Alderwood Bistro" are worth a stop too, they use local, organic ingredients. Alderwood is more expensive than Nourish, but Nourish is just as delicious.
Dockside is ok. Their food is usually very good, but the service is very much hit-or-miss. One day you will get doted on and served quickly, yet on another you may sit there for an hour + waiting for your entree. They are also very expensive, but the view is nice.
Other than food, the Olympic Game Farm is a drive-through 'zoo' that has many retired animals from the film and entertainment industry. You purchase bread at $2/loaf before entering and you get to feed it to the various animals as you drive through. It's entertaining and good for a laugh - especially if you are driving and have power windows. Your car WILL get dirty so plan a trip through the car wash afterward.
Hurricane ridge is cool too and worth a drive.
And that is the extent of my experience so far.
posted by Th!nk at 12:51 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Hoh rain forest is a magical place. It's a bit of a drive, but it's easily one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
posted by picea at 6:48 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by picea at 6:48 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Welcome.
Pick up "Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula" by Craig Romano. In that book he lists many very good hikes. One that is almost unknown #75 Thompson Spit takes you down to the straight and I doubt you'll see another soul.
Biking the Olympic Discovery Trail, agreed, seems like something you're looking for.
Be sure to check road closures on the ONP website. The Olympic Hot Springs/Whiskey Bend roads at the Elwha are closed right now.
The Oak Table, without a doubt. Next Door gastropub in Port Angeles is very good.
Come to PT for the day. Be sure to visit The Pourhouse (12 taps) and the wonderful deck at Siren's Pub.
Feel free to hit me up if you have more specific questions. Keep in mind this is a large, expansive wilderness, quite a bit of driving is unavoidable.
posted by humboldt32 at 10:06 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Pick up "Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula" by Craig Romano. In that book he lists many very good hikes. One that is almost unknown #75 Thompson Spit takes you down to the straight and I doubt you'll see another soul.
Biking the Olympic Discovery Trail, agreed, seems like something you're looking for.
Be sure to check road closures on the ONP website. The Olympic Hot Springs/Whiskey Bend roads at the Elwha are closed right now.
The Oak Table, without a doubt. Next Door gastropub in Port Angeles is very good.
Come to PT for the day. Be sure to visit The Pourhouse (12 taps) and the wonderful deck at Siren's Pub.
Feel free to hit me up if you have more specific questions. Keep in mind this is a large, expansive wilderness, quite a bit of driving is unavoidable.
posted by humboldt32 at 10:06 AM on October 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
The hall of mosses at the Hoh is spectacular. The road to the forest is paved, and the hikes among the mossy trees are beautiful. Bring your camera, set iso to 800 and click away. Don't forget your tripod. You will need it. You will be surrounded by lush greenery and it will be magnificent.
posted by seawallrunner at 10:46 PM on October 6, 2015
posted by seawallrunner at 10:46 PM on October 6, 2015
Not sure if I'm too late since I just saw this question linked in today's Olympic Peninsula question, but I can give you a bunch of outdoorsy recommendations (and restaurant reco's as well) for Victoria. A lot would hinge on whether you have a car though.
posted by mannequito at 1:56 PM on October 9, 2015
posted by mannequito at 1:56 PM on October 9, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
San Juan Islands would be quite a long day trip from Sequim.
posted by stowaway at 7:44 PM on October 4, 2015