The entire Olympic Peninsula is rich in Native American history and culture. There are eight local tribes residing on reservations along the coastal areas of the Peninsula who ceded their land back in 1855 and 1856: Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Skokomish, Quinault, Hoh, Quileute, and Makah.

We’re lucky to say that Port Angeles sits snuggly between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, which equates to many activities and things to do revolving around watersports. Head to downtown Port Angeles where you’ll find a waterfront park, City Pier, and beaches for more water play than you ever imagined.

With nearly 1 million acres of wilderness to roam, the Olympic National Park is home to a variety of animal, bird and plant species. Some of the more common animal residents include elk, black tail deer, black bears, coyotes, marmots and mountain goats. It’s this incredible diversity—where mountains, forests, and ocean all meet—that makes the Olympic Peninsula such a special place to explore.

Freshwater and saltwater fishing in Port Angeles can be as easy as casting from the downtown city pier, taking a guided charter out to sea for the day, or fly fishing at high mountain lakes, rivers and streams. Fishing enthusiasts head to the area’s rivers and sea for some of the best fishing in Washington. Book an experienced fishing guide to help you navigate the local waters and know what’s biting where and when!

From some of Washington State’s best mountain biking trails to road cycling through the Olympic National Park, you’ll want to make a plan to to bike around the Olympic Peninsula’s largest city and see why Port Angeles is becoming one of Washington State’s most popular biking towns.

Let’s hike! From day hikes to overnight beach and mountain backpacking treks, Port Angeles is a hiker’s dream. The Port Angeles area — just outside Olympic National Park — was made for hiking. From the Pacific Ocean beaches to the mountains and everything in between, there’s a route and a view for everyone.

Keep your cool at one of the nearby lakes and rivers for a day of boating, swimming, paddling or hiking. Roam trails along the edge of the Elwha River, which made history as being one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park history when they removed the Elwha Dam.

Beaches are plentiful in Port Angeles. Explore our seaside city and the calm water bay of the Strait of Juan de Fuca ideal for tidepooling, paddle sports, scuba and fishing. Then head out to discover over 400 miles of Pacific coastline on the Peninsula.

If you’re short on time during your stay in Port Angeles, we’ve highlighted a few of the top sights you should definitely see! This is the shortlist of some of our top picks of activities when visiting the Port Angeles area and the Olympic Peninsula for the first time.

Make Port Angeles your hub as you day trip your way across the Olympic Peninsula region. Easy day trips from Port Angeles include Victoria, B.C. Canada, the Hoh Rainforest, Cape Flattery, Port Townsend, and even a Culinary Loop.

Port Angeles isn’t just the gateway to Olympic National Park — it’s a destination in its own right. From waterfront views to quiet mountain-edge motels, there’s a wide range of hotel experiences that make this seaside town a smart basecamp for exploring the coast, forests, and iconic ridge views.