
GET HERE. Getting here and Getting Around Port Angeles
& the Olympic Peninsula
Port Angeles is not only an easy weekend getaway for Seattleites looking for a little R&R or to run amuck in the Olympic National Park, but our city is an international gateway with a direct ferry route to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. The 18-mile Coho Ferry ride from downtown Port Angeles to Vancouver Island provides visitors to the region with even more things to explore and do.
Downtown Port Angeles Map
Check out the city of Port Angeles from all angles! The 360-degree view map of Port Angeles, Washington features downtown, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and waterfront, various points-of-interest and attractions, and the Olympic Mountains. Wow — what a view!!
Here’s how you can get to Port Angeles and around the Olympic Peninsula:
By Ferry
Ride an iconic Washington State Ferry if you can! Washington State has one of the largest ferry systems in the U.S. with routes to and from some of the most scenic spots around the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Check to see if your destination offers ferry reservations online to avoid long waits.
- Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island (see new bus service from Bainbridge Island below!) or from Edmonds to Kingston
- Take the ferry from Victoria, B.C.: The Black Ball Ferry Line operates the Coho Ferry between Victoria, Canada and Port Angeles.
- Take the ferry to Whidbey Island from Port Townsend. This is a more direct route if you need to end up north of Everett. Watch for planned closures due to tide conditions.
Ferry Parking in Downtown Port Angeles
If you’re looking for ferry parking in Port Angeles, there are several privately operated parking lots within a few blocks of the ferry dock, ranging in cost per day from $15 (covered parking directly across the street from the dock) down to $8 (a couple of blocks away). The Red Lion Hotel, located just a few minute walk to the ferry terminal in downtown, offers self-serve pay stations even if you aren’t staying at their hotel. Reservations are not available and rarely is this a problem. There are many parking spaces. If car safety is a concern, we hear of very few (if any) instances of theft or mischief.
By Car
Driving a vehicle to get around the Peninsula is recommended in order to make the most of your stay. Driving is also the quickest way to get to Port Angeles from the Seattle area despite numerous ferry options. If you happen to arrive by ferry sans car, you can rent a car in downtown near the ferry terminal. Getting to Port Angeles, the Olympic National Park and Peninsula on Hwy 101 is a pleasant drive with most of the trip following the scenery of the Puget Sound.
- Coming from Olympia: Take I-5 to Hwy 101
- Coming from Tacoma: Take State Route 16 to Bremerton; take State Route 3 north from Bremerton to State Route 104; There may be some delays across the Hood Canal Bridge if the bridge has to close due to boat traffic.
- Coming from the Washington or Oregon Coast: Connect to Hwy 101 in Aberdeen
If you plan to head to Victoria, B.C. for a day trip, ferry parking is available near the Coho Ferry terminal in downtown Port Angeles ranging from $8-$15 per day. See “BY FERRY” paragraph above for more details.
By Bus
Dungeness Bus Line is an intercity bus line for Washington State DOT, operated by Olympic Bus Lines, providing service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Kingston, Edmonds, Discovery Bay, Sequim and Port Angeles. It’s recommended to book ahead online to ensure you have a seat.
Clallam Transit System runs a bus line in and around Port Angeles and services a large portion of Clallam County and soon Bainbridge Island ferry terminal — including Jamestown S’Klallam (Blyn), Sequim, Lake Crescent, Lake Sutherland, Joyce and Forks.
As of June 17, 2017, Clallam Transit System is offering the “Strait Shot” daily bus service from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal. You’ll be able to leave the car in Port Angeles or Seattle and walk on board the Bainbridge Island ferry for a car-free journey on the Olympic Peninsula or to explore downtown Seattle. The “Strait Shot” will make stops in Sequim, Blyn, Poulsbo and Agate Pass. Go to www.clallamtransit.com for information and updates.
By Air
Currently, Port Angeles lacks commercial air service, but the Port of Port Angeles is working on it so visitors can fly directly from the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA). Meanwhile, you can charter a flight into Port Angeles from SeaTac, or any other major airports around the Pacific Northwest, with Rite Bros. You can also fly into Victoria, B.C. and then hop aboard the Coho Ferry into Port Angeles.
About the Port of Port Angeles
The Port of Port Angeles is the closest and deepest water port in the United States to the Pacific Rim. Established in 1923, the Port maintains and manages several marine facilities, marinas, two airports and even some commercial and industrial properties. The Port promotes and enhances the economic vitality of Clallam County through job creation and business development, as both a public steward and an economically self-sustaining enterprise.
Photo by Eric Neurath Photography