Your Guide to Camping in Port Angeles

If you’ve ever dreamt of a place where the mountains meet the sea; with waves crashing against giant snowcapped peaks and abundant wildlife populating old growth forests— you’re in luck. That place exists right here in the USA. The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is one of the most fascinating regions in the entire world, and the town of Port Angeles is the perfect place to set up shop while you explore this storybook region. With cultural attractions from fine arts centers and aquariums to a quaint historic downtown and some of the most lively annual events in the country, Port Angeles is a town everyone should visit at least once in their life. Read on to discover the best things to do during your stay in this idyllic seaside village.

Hiking in Olympic National Park

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Olympic National Park is the undeniable crown jewel of the region. And while you could spend a lifetime exploring it, you’ll likely only have enough time to hit a few highlights, so here are some of our top picks for things to do in Olympic National Park:

Hurricane Ridge

No matter what your plans are for the park, we recommend making Hurricane Ridge your first stop. This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is completely paved and offers some of the best 360 views you’ll find in the whole park— from snow capped craggy peaks to the bright blue waters of the Salish Sea— making this trail the perfect introduction to the area. Not to mention there is a visitor center right at the trailhead, offering valuable tips and insights that can help you make the most of your time during your stay.

Mount Storm King Trail

The Storm King Hiking Trail is probably the most iconic destination within the park — if you’ve ever google searched hiking in the PNW, you’ve probably seen the signature shot of Lake Crescent from the Mt. Storm King summit. This 4-mile trail is generally considered difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers, but the jaw-dropping view from the top makes it all worth it.

Marymere Falls

Wander through an old growth forest on this easy 1.7-mile round trip trail leading to a beautiful waterfall that feels straight out of a fairytale. On the way back, meander along the shores of Crescent Lake for an added touch of natural beauty and relaxation.

Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs

One of the most beloved attractions in the park, Sol Duc Falls has it all — jaw-dropping mountain views, tranquil alpine lakes, cascading waterways, giant old growth trees, and abundant wildlife. And to cap it off, the trail starts and ends at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, so you can finish your adventure with a rejuvenating soak in the natural mineral waters.

Rialto Beach

Often considered the quintessential PNW coastline, Rialto Beach delivers a stunning experience and unbeatable views of a rugged and dramatic shoreline. While it can be a great beach for relaxing, the real draw is the 2-mile walk along the coast to the Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation. Along the way, enjoy the scenic coastal views and keep your eyes peeled for off-shore wildlife like whales, sea lions, and otters. Upon arriving at Hole-in-the-Wall, if the tide is down, don’t miss out on exploring the tide pools and all the fascinating critters that call them home.

Hoh Rainforest

One of only four American rainforests, the Hoh rainforest is a sight to behold. The area’s average yearly 12 feet of rainfall results in a landscape characterized by a giant deciduous and coniferous canopy shading dense mosses, a bed of ferns and other forest shrubs, and a diverse ecosystem. The Hall of Mosses Trail and the Hoh River Trail gives you the chance to immerse yourself in this stunning, ancient world.

More Outdoor Exploration in the Port Angeles Area

Olympic National Park may get all the attention, but the greater Port Angeles area has so much more to offer! Don’t miss out on these other stunning natural areas and fun outdoor activities:

Kayaking in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

The Strait of Juan de Fuca offers an exceptional kayaking experience, with its bright blue waters providing a gateway to local marine ecosystems. Paddle along the coastline and discover secluded coves, and pull over for a picnic or to check out the tidepools full of little ocean critters.

Salt Creek Recreation Area

The Salt Creek Recreation Area, once the site of the WWII era Camp Hayden, is a can’t miss destination 15 miles west of Port Angeles. While the 96-acre park embodies everything that is great about the Olympic Peninsula— rugged coastline, old growth forests, and abundant wildlife— the real draw is the underwater kelp forest. Considered Washington States top off-shore diving location, the kelp forest is teeming with marine life, from sea urchins and anemones to sea cucumbers and wolf eels

Ediz Hook Sand Spit

Ediz Hook is a spectacular sand spit extending into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering unparalleled views of the Olympic Mountains and the marine life of the area. This natural wonder, formed by centuries of tidal action, is a haven for birdwatchers and beachcombers. Walking along this narrow strip of land, visitors are treated to a unique perspective where the sea meets the sky in a panoramic display.

Olympic Discovery Trail

Stretching from the coast to the mountains, the Olympic Discovery Trail is a 130-mile long multi-use path perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. With its varied terrain, from dense forests to open meadows and coastal views, the trail provides an immersive experience of the Pacific Northwest.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

With so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, it can be easy to overlook the town itself, but Port Angeles deserves just as much attention as the surrounding natural beauty.

Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

Featuring a gallery, arts center, and sculpture park, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center serves as a cultural beacon for the arts of the region. Providing a platform for both local and regional artists, the center is known for its engaging community programs and events in a setting that blends artistic expression with the natural beauty of the area.

The Historic Downtown Port Angeles

When it comes to beach towns, they don’t get any more charming than Downtown Port Angeles. Meander around the historic downtown district and enjoy restaurants featuring local seafood delicacies, unique shops, and a one-of-a-kind coastal atmosphere. The town also hosts festivals and market throughout the year.

Port Angeles City Pier

The venue for many of the city’s festivals and events, the city pier captures the coastal charm and community spirit of Port Angeles. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the town while taking in stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the inner harbor.

Feiro Marine Life Center and Aquariums

If you didn’t get your fill of wildlife viewing while exploring the coastline, don’t worry! The Feiro Marine Life Center has you covered with exhibits featuring sea stars, crabs, scallops, anemones, fish and other marine life.

Olympic Peninsula Wildlife Viewing

The huge spectrum of diverse ecosystem—from alpine to rain forest to rugged coast— makes the Olympic Peninsula prime real estate for a huge population of fascinating wildlife.

Whale Watching Cruises

The Spring season offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in the country. Book a whale watching cruise for a chance to see everything from humpbacks, minkes and gray whales to entire pods of orcas.

Marine Life

The fascinating marine life in the Port Angeles area doesn’t stop with whales. Almost anywhere you go on the peninsula, if you look offshore, you’ll have a decent chance of spotting sea lions and seals hanging out in the waters of the Salish Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

When you’re not scouting for whales or sea lions, take a walk along the beaches during low tide and explore the many tidepools that form on the shore. These natural aquatic nurseries, full of sea stars, anemones, and other marine life, offer an up-close view of the ocean's rich biodiversity.

If you time your stay in October or July, you’ll catch the salmon runs. Watch as Coho and Chinook Salmon make their way through the Strait of Juan De Fuca back to their spawning grounds, and even try your luck and hooking one of these monsters and stocking your freezer back home.

Bird Watching

Home to over 300 unique bird species, the Olympic Peninsula is a paradise for avid birders. Break out the binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for anything from tufted puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets to Bald Eagles and Northern Pygmy-Owls.

Crabbing

The Pacific Northwest is world-famous for its Dungeness Crab, and catching these crustacean critters isn’t reserved for the pros. Anyone with the proper gear and licenses is welcome to paddle out and bring in their own haul of crabs. And it doesn’t take much more than a paddleboard or kayak, a crab pot, and some bait, all of which you can rent or buy from the shops in town.

Port Angeles Annual Events

Port Angeles hosts several notable annual events that attract locals and visitors alike. Some of the biggest annual events in Port Angeles include:

Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts

This multi-day festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend and features a wide range of performances, including music, dance, and theater, along with workshops, art vendors, and food.

Port Angeles Lavender Festival

Held in July, this festival celebrates the region's world-famous lavender farms. Enjoy tours of local farms, a street fair, live music, and various lavender-themed products and foods.

Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival

Come October, the town of Port Angeles comes to life with excitement for this iconic event. The festival features a crab feed, cooking demonstrations, live music, and an arts and crafts fair.

Port Angeles Maritime Festival

Celebrating the maritime heritage of the area, this festival includes boat tours, maritime-themed activities, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.

Olympic Peninsula BirdFest

Typically held in April, this event is designed for avid birders, featuring guided birding trips, boat tours, and workshops, all celebrating the diverse bird species of the Olympic Peninsula.

Ride the Hurricane

An annual cycling event where riders have the chance to bike the scenic Hurricane Ridge Road without vehicle traffic. It's a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Olympic National Park on two wheels.

Port Angeles Day Trips and Excursions

The northwest corner of the United States has so much to offer, and Port Angeles is the perfect base to explore all of these regional gems. Here are some of the most noteworthy day trips out of Port Angeles:

Victoria, Canada via Black Ball Ferry

Enjoy a scenic trip across the Strait of Juan De Fuca on charming mid-century inspired ferry, landing in the elegant capital of British Columbia, Victoria — known for its stunning Victorian architecture, beautiful gardens, and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. And the ferry ride itself is an excellent opportunity for sightseeing along the Strait.

Seattle via Puget Sound Ferry

A quick ferry ride across Puget Sound takes you to the iconic city of Seattle, offering a unique blend of bustling city life and natural beauty, with stunning views of the sound throughout the city. Explore this world-renowned hub and experience famed attractions like the Space needle and the Pikes Place Market.

Port Townsend

Just an hour drive east of Port Angeles, the charming coastal town of Port Townsend offers its own unique seaport atmosphere with historic Victorian architecture, unique boutiques, and an undeniable artistic flair.

San Juan Islands

A quick trip to the San Juan Islands might be the best way to spend a day during your stay in Port Angeles, but be careful — the gorgeous scenery and charming small towns will likely having you planning a much longer stay. With so much to explore, a day trip is a great way to get a taste of the island life, but this destination really deserves its own vacation.

The Famous Forks, WA

For fans of the vampire series, a visit to the gloomy town of Forks is an unforgettable experience. Explore the small town and see all of the famous locations used in the filming of the Twilight movies.

Where to Stay in Port Angeles

If you want to reconnect with nature and don’t want to break the bank with overpriced hotel stays, check out some of the best Port Angeles RV parks and Campgrounds:

Elwha Dam RV Park

10 minutes from the city center, surrounded by trailheads, and 20 minutes from Olympic National Park, Elwha Dam RV Park is the ideal basecamp for your Port Angeles excursion. Set on the edge of town, it provides a quiet and peaceful escape after long days of exploring, without skimping on the amenities. Book today to lock in the vacation destination of a lifetime!

Crescent Beach RV Park

20 minutes from Downtown Port Angeles and 35 minutes from Olympic National Park, Crescent Beach RV Park, invites you to unwind in a comfortable and safe campground on the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Book now and enjoy a beachfront campground with stunning views of the strait and Vancouver Island off in the distance!

Misty Willows Farm and Camp

If you’re willing to sacrifice a little drive time for a stunning, secluded camp, Misty Willows Farm and Camp is for you. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Port Angeles, but it’s situated in a fairytale-like forest, and offers unparalleled hospitality and charm. Book now and get lost in the enchanting PNW woods!

Ready to start planning your Port Angeles road trip? Let us at Spot2Nite make the process a little easier. Take advantage of our user-friendly interactive booking platform. Browse top-tier RV parks and campgrounds near your destination and customize your search with a wide range of amenity filters. Only ever see campgrounds that are available for your selected dates, and book your stays with confidence and ease!