Road Trip to the Olympic National Park for the Coolest Workcation Ever
Pack up the rig with a weeks’ worth of clothing (maybe even 2 or 3 weeks), your outdoor gear, and the laptop then head to the Olympic National Park for the opportunity to work remotely from one of the coolest outdoorsy spots in the Pacific Northwest. Port Angeles, Washington is the epicenter for miles of mountain-top trails in the ONP and the Olympic Peninsula for any time treks to mountain peaks, lovely lakes, ancient rainforest, and wild ocean seashores.
We have no shortage of things to do around Port Angeles. See a few of our 331 Things to Do in Port Angeles below to make the most of your workcation.
Got 2 Hours to Getaway from Your Mobile Office? Try this …
1) E-BIKE TO EDIZ HOOK IN PORT ANGELES
Rent an electric bike from Sound Bikes & Kayaks and buzz out to Ediz Hook for city, sea and glorious Olympic mountain views. You might even spot whales and sea life from the shoreline which is quite common. Feel like stretching your legs? Walk or run it — the paved trail is only about 7 miles out and back from downtown Port Angeles. To extend your bike ride, follow the Olympic Discovery Trail east or west to explore more.
2) URBAN ADVENTURING IN DOWNTOWN PORT ANGELES
Stroll, shop, lunch through the walkable downtown and waterfront. Curl up in one of our brewpubs or coffee shops to get those emails sent so you can make the most of your afternoon ahead. Shop for unique treasures from one of our vintage or antique stores in town, or pick up a sweatshirt — or a hip sweater — from one of the downtown clothing stores for those brisk morning or evening strolls along the Strait.
MOSS is one of many unique clothing boutiques and shops around downtown Port Angeles. Photo by @cassiejohnsonphoto
3) FOLLOW A MURAL TRAIL
Hunt and seek for hand-painted outdoor art murals in downtown Port Angeles that tell a rich history of Port Angeles’ Native American and maritime heritage. You can walk the trail or bike it. Download the Port Angeles mural trail.
4) SUNSET STROLL AT LOWER ELWHA BEACH
Go for a saltwater stroll at Lower Elwha Beach and watch the sun set behind Washington. This stretch of sand where the Elwha River meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca has mellow waves and sandy shores to seek out rocks and driftwood. The area attracts a variety of birds, too.
Taking a Half Day? Try this …
5) HIKE TO WATERFALLS
Hike to Madison Creek Falls, Marymore Falls, Sol Duc Falls and umpteen more waterfalls along the Olympic Peninsula waterfall trail.
6) HIKE AROUND AT HURRICANE RIDGE
Take in the spectacular views from the Olympic National Park Lodge where you can see the entire range of the Olympic Mountains. Then venture onto eight hiking trails fanning out from the lodge. The Klahhane Ridge trail is a scenic hike and a great spot for spying local wildlife, including mountain goats.
7) LUNCH AT LAKE CRESCENT
Lunch on the shores of Lake Crescent with a picnic take-out from Little Devil’s Lunchbox in Port Angeles or grab a bite at the Lake Crescent Lodge. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around from the lodge, or go for a swim in the cerulean blue water. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl on foot (via the Spruce Railroad Trail) or paddle your standup paddleboard from the Log Cabin Resort for a shortcut to this beautiful swimming hole with a cliff jump.
There are more nearby hiking trails to explore like Spruce Railroad Trail, Pyramid Peak Trail, Marymere Falls Trail, or tackle Mount Storm King where you can gaze at the lake from 2,000-feet above. Mount Storm King will require a full day so you might want to save this for the weekend or when you feel like playing hooky from work. The Moments in Time trail is also a short, scenic 1/2-mile jaunt along the shores of Lake Crescent and through some old-growth forest.
Get the full “331 Things to Do” Checklist to Visit the Coolest Spots In and Around the Olympic National Park
Follow our 331 THINGS TO DO for recommendations to make the most of your visit in Port Angeles and the Olympic National Park. Whether you have 2 HOURS, 2 DAYS or 2 WEEKS to spend here, use this handy CHECKLIST to see how many you can check off your list. Be sure to TREK & TAG your adventures to earn your Visit Port Angeles sticker / patch!
