Sequim, Port Angeles, and the surrounding area has many things for you to see and explore. You can easily enjoy four or five very full days on the Olympic Peninsula.  Many people use  BJ's Garden Gate bed and breakfast as a home base, while they enjoy spending several days exploring the Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula.  You can mix and match the day trips based on your individual interest.  Please be sure to ask BJ about her recommendations.

PORT ANGELES AREA:

Day 1 Hurricane Ridge:

The Olympic National Park offers a host of scenic activities and easy one-day trips all within a short drive from Port Angeles or Sequim. The trek to Hurricane Ridge takes you to 5200 feet above sea level in 16 miles from the park headquarters on Race Street. Grab a picnic and spend the day at the crown jewel of the Olympic National Park. The half hour scenic drive is well worth your time. The vistas from the mountain are unparalleled. The visitor's center is a kickoff point for many hikes and strolls, meeting a variety of skill levels, from the easy stroll to challenging climbs for avid hikers.

For the casual hiker, Hurricane Hill Trail is a 1.5 mile hike up to the top of the hill and provides unsurpassed views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This hike starts at the end of the road approximately one mile from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center. All summer enjoy the indigenous wildflowers and abundant foliage. The Meadow Loop Trails offer a sub-alpine milieu replete with wildflowers and wildlife. The black-tailed deer and the Olympic marmot roam the trails and provide photographers with wonderful photo opportunities.

For the more ambitious hiker, the Mt. Angeles trail offers a 5-mile round trip hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center to Mt. Angeles, its peak at nearly 6000 feet. The Switchback Trail takes you up to the Klahhane Ridge through rarified alpine meadows and provides unsurpassed views of Mt. Angeles, the Olympic Mountain Range and the city of Port Angeles. Other challenging hikes are available as well. Contact (360) 452-0329 for recorded information about Hurricane Ridge.

The Visitor Center is open daily April through October, and weekends and holidays during the winter months. A popular destination year round, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center plays host to an abundance of winter sports, including snow shoeing and skiing. For a small donation, the park service provides visitor's with snow shoes for a ranger guided walk. There is also a gift shop.


Day 2 Lake Crescent, Sol Duc and Marymere Falls:

Lake Crescent, a lovely glacier-carved lake situated snugly along Highway 101, offers visitors many recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. A small general store sits next to the lake and offers a picnic spot to take in the view while enjoying your lunch; the store rents rowboats, canoes, pedal boats and motorboats.

This beautiful area also provides a hiker's paradise. On the north shore, try out the Spruce Railroad Trail, a 4-mile footpath following through the forest along the old railroad grade, built to haul Spruce logs for wingspars intended for use during the First World War. However, the war ended before the railroad was completed. It was used until the early 1950's to transport Spruce logs to be milled in Port Angeles. Only one of two trails in the area that does so, this track also welcomes mountain bikers.

A mile into your hike, Harrington Point offers a picnic table and an encompassing view of the Lake. Less than half a mile beyond the Point sits Devil's Point and the Devil's Punch Bowl, a popular swimming spot. Though never officially measured, the Punch Bowl is said to be nearly 300 feet deep. This is a wonderful spot for a picnic, enjoy a swim, and head back. For the enduring hikers choosing to continue, the trail goes on for another 3 miles through the forest, offering scenic views of Aurora Ridge and Barnes Point.

Your trip to Lake Crescent would not be complete without viewing the exquisite Marymere Falls. The mile long hike begins at the Storm King Ranger Station parking lot. Leading you under the highway and through the forest, you will be treated to an abundance of ferns and flowers as you walk along a trail through moss covered towering evergreen and deciduous trees. Upon crossing Barnes Creek, you'll make the short, steep climb up the staircase to the object of your effort, lovely Marymere Falls, a stunning 90-foot cascading waterfall. The trail is just short of 2 miles round trip. The first portion of the trail is accessible by wheel chair, however, one cannot see the falls from the wheel chair accessible portion of the trail, although the forest is a destination in and of itself.

The Sol Duc Valley offers spectacular scenery and a lovely resort providing day-use of the hot springs as well as dining. Come discover beauty and relaxation at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, located off of Highway 101 just beyond Lake Crescent.

Enjoy all that the Resort has to offer. Try the three outdoor pure mineral water hot spring pools, ranging in temperature from 90 to 105 degrees. After getting warmed to the bones, take a dip in the large swimming pool to cool off, all the while admiring the looming forest and pristine mountain peaks that encompass the Resort. While you're there, you may want to dine at the poolside deli, or enjoy an elegantly prepared meal at the Springs Restaurant. If it is adventure you're seeking, pick up a picnic lunch at the store and take a hike. There are many trails from which to choose in the Sol Duc Valley.

A variety of trails are available for hikers at any level. The Sol Duc Falls Trail is the most popular. A 1.6 mile round trip, this hike is relatively easy, and yet provides a fabulous stroll through the forest down to the river and the stunning Sol Duc Falls, one of the most photographed scenic sites in Washington State. The trailhead starts approximately one mile from the Eagle Ranger Station, from the parking lot at the end of the road.

For a longer hike, the Lover's Lane Loop starts at the Sol Duc Resort parking lot. This 6-mile trail heads through the forest and also takes in Sol Duc Falls. A fairly level hike, it's appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned hikers. Your Sol Duc Resort pass is good all day, so you may want to come back for dinner, a massage, or a dip in the pool after your hike.


SEQUIM AREA:

Day 3 Countryside and Beaches:

Often called the Lavender capital of the Northwest, Sequim features several working lavender farms. Purple Haze Lavender Farm offers a host of lavender and lavender products, a gift shop, u-pick lavender, a website, and they even have a yearly lavender festival each July.

The annual Lavender Festival showcases an Open Aire Market and tours of the farm. Also offered are classes and demonstrations on aromatherapy, cooking with herbs, lavender massage, and a host of other tantalizing activities. Music, food, and crafts booths are also featured. For more information on Purple Haze Lavender, call (888) 852-6560.

For an awe-inspiring experience, drive out to Dungeness Recreation Area, for a leisurely day of beachcombing and hiking. A 216-acre county park nestled on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, it's the pride of Clallam County. This area is a sanctuary for beach and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting eagles, quail, and other migratory foul that call Sequim home. If you're lucky, you'll even catch a seal napping on the beach.

Dungeness Recreation Area includes yet another distinction, the world-famous Dungeness Spit. At seven miles in length, it's the longest natural sand spit in the nation. At the end of the spit lies the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse north of the Columbia River and a popular hiking destination. This unique landmark has been in operation since 1857.

The Olympic Game Farm offers fun the whole family will enjoy. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this unique farm offers a variety of activities for the animal lover. The Farm offers walking and driving tours, a petting zoo, an aquarium, and a small eatery. You can even purchase bread to feed the bears that will dance and preen for you as you meander along the driving tour! Not all services are available year round. For information, call 1-800-778-4295.

Why not take a leisurely drive or bike ride through the pastoral countryside? The Olympic Discovery Trail Ride takes you through breathtaking countryside and is opening new sections monthly. Ride through farmland and along cliffs to gaze upon the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Dungeness Spit. This ride starts at Railroad Bridge Park. Or, you can strike out on your own, and perhaps ride down past Greymarsh Farms (pick some berries during the summer for sustenance along the way!) to the seaside Port Williams Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch and stroll through the tidelands.

For eye-popping scenery and a lovely drive, check out Deer Park just out of Port Angeles. Deer Park rests upon Blue Mountain, and at the towering elevation of 5223 feet, this stunning vista offers views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C., and the Cascade Mountains reaching far into Canada.

One strong attraction of this site is its abundance of available picnicking areas and many accessible hikes and mountain bike trails. For the avid outdoorsman, travel along the Obstruction Point Trail that connects Deer Park to Hurricane Ridge! Be sure and take your camera; this day trip is not to be missed. The road starts out paved, but progresses into rugged dirt and is not advised for recreational vehicles.

After your sojourn in the mountains, a perfect end to a perfect day is the Deer Park Cinemas. Located at the start of Deer Park road, this new theater proudly showcases first-run movies with a state-of-the-art sound system. For showtimes, call (360) 452-7176.


FAVORITE DAY TRIPS IN THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK  

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Sequim, Port Angeles, and the surrounding area has many things for you to see and explore. You can easily enjoy four or five very full days on the Olympic Peninsula.  Many people use  BJ's Garden Gate bed and breakfast as a home base, while they enjoy spending several days exploring the Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula.  You can mix and match the day trips based on your individual interest.  Please be sure to ask BJ about her recommendations.

PORT ANGELES AREA:

Day 1 Hurricane Ridge:

The Olympic National Park offers a host of scenic activities and easy one-day trips all within a short drive of Port Angeles. The trek to Hurricane Ridge takes you to 5200 feet above sea level in 16 miles from the park headquarters on Race Street. Grab a picnic and spend the day at the crown jewel of the Olympic National Park. The half hour scenic drive is well worth your time. The vistas from the mountain are unparalleled. The visitor's center is a kickoff point for many hikes and strolls, meeting a variety of skill levels, from the easy stroll to challenging climbs for avid hikers.

For the casual hiker, Hurricane Hill Trail is a 1.5 mile hike up to the top of the hill and provides unsurpassed views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This hike starts at the end of the road approximately one mile from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center. All summer enjoy the indigenous wildflowers and abundant foliage. The Meadow Loop Trails offer a sub-alpine milieu replete with wildflowers and wildlife. The black-tailed deer and the Olympic marmot roam the trails and provide photographers with wonderful photo opportunities.

For the more ambitious hiker, the Mt. Angeles trail offers a 5-mile round trip hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center to Mt. Angeles, its peak at nearly 6000 feet. The Switchback Trail takes you up to the Klahhane Ridge through rarified alpine meadows and provides unsurpassed views of Mt. Angeles, the Olympic Mountain Range and the city of Port Angeles. Other challenging hikes are available as well. Contact (360) 452-0329 for recorded information about Hurricane Ridge.

The Visitor Center is open daily April through October, and weekends and holidays during the winter months. A popular destination year round, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center plays host to an abundance of winter sports, including snow shoeing and skiing. For a small donation, the park service provides visitor's with snow shoes for a ranger guided walk. There is also a gift shop.


Day 2 Lake Crescent, Sol Duc and Marymere Falls:

Lake Crescent, a lovely glacier-carved lake situated snugly along Highway 101, offers visitors many recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. A small general store sits next to the lake and offers a picnic spot to take in the view while enjoying your lunch; the store rents rowboats, canoes, pedal boats and motorboats.

This beautiful area also provides a hiker's paradise. On the north shore, try out the Spruce Railroad Trail, a 4-mile footpath following through the forest along the old railroad grade, built to haul Spruce logs for wingspars intended for use during the First World War. However, the war ended before the railroad was completed. It was used until the early 1950's to transport Spruce logs to be milled in Port Angeles. Only one of two trails in the area that does so, this track also welcomes mountain bikers.

A mile into your hike, Harrington Point offers a picnic table and an encompassing view of the Lake. Less than half a mile beyond the Point sits Devil's Point and the Devil's Punch Bowl, a popular swimming spot. Though never officially measured, the Punch Bowl is said to be nearly 300 feet deep. This is a wonderful spot for a picnic, enjoy a swim, and head back. For the enduring hikers choosing to continue, the trail goes on for another 3 miles through the forest, offering scenic views of Aurora Ridge and Barnes Point.

Your trip to Lake Crescent would not be complete without viewing the exquisite Marymere Falls. The mile long hike begins at the Storm King Ranger Station parking lot. Leading you under the highway and through the forest, you will be treated to an abundance of ferns and flowers as you walk along a trail through moss covered towering evergreen and deciduous trees. Upon crossing Barnes Creek, you'll make the short, steep climb up the staircase to the object of your effort, lovely Marymere Falls, a stunning 90-foot cascading waterfall. The trail is just short of 2 miles round trip. The first portion of the trail is accessible by wheel chair, however, one cannot see the falls from the wheel chair accessible portion of the trail, although the forest is a destination in and of itself.

The Sol Duc Valley offers spectacular scenery and a lovely resort providing day-use of the hot springs as well as dining. Come discover beauty and relaxation at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, located off of Highway 101 just beyond Lake Crescent.

Enjoy all that the Resort has to offer. Try the three outdoor pure mineral water hot spring pools, ranging in temperature from 90 to 105 degrees. After getting warmed to the bones, take a dip in the large swimming pool to cool off, all the while admiring the looming forest and pristine mountain peaks that encompass the Resort. While you're there, you may want to dine at the poolside deli, or enjoy an elegantly prepared meal at the Springs Restaurant. If it is adventure you're seeking, pick up a picnic lunch at the store and take a hike. There are many trails from which to choose in the Sol Duc Valley.

A variety of trails are available for hikers at any level. The Sol Duc Falls Trail is the most popular. A 1.6 mile round trip, this hike is relatively easy, and yet provides a fabulous stroll through the forest down to the river and the stunning Sol Duc Falls, one of the most photographed scenic sites in Washington State. The trailhead starts approximately one mile from the Eagle Ranger Station, from the parking lot at the end of the road.

For a longer hike, the Lover's Lane Loop starts at the Sol Duc Resort parking lot. This 6-mile trail heads through the forest and also takes in Sol Duc Falls. A fairly level hike, it's appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned hikers. Your Sol Duc Resort pass is good all day, so you may want to come back for dinner, a massage, or a dip in the pool after your hike.

SEQUIM AREA:

Day 3 Countryside and Beaches:

Often called the Lavender capital of the Northwest, Sequim features several working lavender farms. Purple Haze Lavender Farm offers a host of lavender and lavender products, a gift shop, u-pick lavender, a website, and they even have a yearly lavender festival each July.

The annual Lavender Festival showcases an Open Aire Market and tours of the farm. Also offered are classes and demonstrations on aromatherapy, cooking with herbs, lavender massage, and a host of other tantalizing activities. Music, food, and crafts booths are also featured. For more information on Purple Haze Lavender, call (888) 852-6560.

For an awe-inspiring experience, drive out to Dungeness Recreation Area, for a leisurely day of beachcombing and hiking. A 216-acre county park nestled on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, it's the pride of Clallam County. This area is a sanctuary for beach and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting eagles, quail, and other migratory foul that call Sequim home. If you're lucky, you'll even catch a seal napping on the beach.

Dungeness Recreation Area includes yet another distinction, the world-famous Dungeness Spit. At seven miles in length, it's the longest natural sand spit in the nation. At the end of the spit lies the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse north of the Columbia River and a popular hiking destination. This unique landmark has been in operation since 1857.

The Olympic Game Farm offers fun the whole family will enjoy. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this unique farm offers a variety of activities for the animal lover. The Farm offers walking and driving tours, a petting zoo, an aquarium, and a small eatery. You can even purchase bread to feed the bears that will dance and preen for you as you meander along the driving tour! Not all services are available year round. For information, call 1-800-778-4295.

Why not take a leisurely drive or bike ride through the pastoral countryside? The Olympic Discovery Trail Ride takes you through breathtaking countryside and is opening new sections monthly. Ride through farmland and along cliffs to gaze upon the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Dungeness Spit. This ride starts at Railroad Bridge Park. Or, you can strike out on your own, and perhaps ride down past Greymarsh Farms (pick some berries during the summer for sustenance along the way!) to the seaside Port Williams Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch and stroll through the tidelands.

For eye-popping scenery and a lovely drive, check out Deer Park just out of Port Angeles. Deer Park rests upon Blue Mountain, and at the towering elevation of 5223 feet, this stunning vista offers views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C., and the Cascade Mountains reaching far into Canada.

One strong attraction of this site is its abundance of available picnicking areas and many accessible hikes and mountain bike trails. For the avid outdoorsman, travel along the Obstruction Point Trail that connects Deer Park to Hurricane Ridge! Be sure and take your camera; this day trip is not to be missed. The road starts out paved, but progresses into rugged dirt and is not advised for recreational vehicles.

After your sojourn in the mountains, a perfect end to a perfect day is the Deer Park Cinemas. Located at the start of Deer Park road, this new theater proudly showcases first-run movies with a state-of-the-art sound system. For showtimes, call (360) 452-7176.

FORKS AREA:

Day 4 Neah Bay, Cape Flattery, and the Makah Museum:

Just 42 miles from Forks lies the celebrated fishing village of Neah Bay, a must on your tour of this part of the Olympic Peninsula. Neah Bay enjoys the distinction of hosting the northwestern most point in the contiguous United States on the Cape Flattery Trail.

A muddy and dangerous path for years, the Cape Flattery Trail is now a finished and well-maintained boardwalk, and it is a sight to behold. A .75 mile hike over bridges and wetlands, take your ease and admire the view from five observation posts. Bring your lunch and enjoy the picnic tables provided at the end of the trail.

Relish the views of the mercurial ocean crashing against the shores of Tatoosh Island, once a Makah Nation whaling camp, and most recently a Coast Guard station. Bring your spyglass and watch the sea otters, seals, whales and puffin in their natural habitat.

While in Neah Bay, you must do yourself a favor and visit the renowned Makah Museum, a center of Makah history and culture, and wildlife museum. On display are 500-year-old artifacts found in the Makah ancestral village of Ozette, recently unearthed in an archeological dig.

The Ozette Archeological Collection has the mark of being the largest collection of its kind in the nation. Bring your camera and take photos of a 60-foot long cedar longhouse and an ocean-faring canoe. The museum is open 10-5 daily during the summer months, and closed Mondays and Tuesdays mid-September through the end of May.

Another trail for the hearty traveler is the new and spectacular 3-mile Shi-Shi Beach Trail, with a spur to the historic World War II lookout at Anderson Point. Between both trailheads lies the lovely crescent Hobuck Beach. Maps for both trails are available at the Forks Visitor Center and the Makah Museum.


Day 5 Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, and La Push:

In the heart of the magnificent Olympic Peninsula lies a resplendent natural wonder, the Hoh Rain Forest. One of the only temperate rain forests in the entirety of the northern hemisphere, its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean drenches this verdant spot with 150 inches of rain fall each year. The result is lush valleys, towering trees, and unbelievable sightseeing!

This fertile area calls hikers of all levels to its many paths, varying in length and intensity. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, located 19 miles off of Highway 101, has all the information you need for your adventure through the Forest, including trail maps.

Flanking the Visitor Center are trailheads for three easy-to-moderate hikes. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a .75 mile hike through the moss-draped maple trees. The Spruce Trail is 1.25 miles in length and follows along the Hoh River and showcases the red alders and maples. The third trail is a .25 mile "mini trail" catering to those guests in wheelchairs or who are pushing baby strollers.

The Visitor Center is also the launching pad for several extended and more taxing hikes leading through glacier fields and alpine meadows. While physically quite demanding, those able to take the hikes won't be disappointed by the breathtaking scenery that waits.

Another pleasurable option is a Hoh River Float, available during the summer months. Don't miss the world's largest Western Red Cedar, located off of Highway 101 near milepost 170.

Just west of Forks lies the 800-year-old Indian Fishing village of La Push, nestled on the Pacific Ocean. La Push is home to the Quileute Indian Reservation, and offers year-round fishing and beach combing. Summer time offers bird's-eye views for whale watchers. Be sure and take a look at the Quileute School, once a Coast Guard outpost and lighthouse.

Just up the road, take stock of the lovely ocean beaches. Visit lovely Rialto Beach, just north of the Quillayute River. Access to this beach is by car, and is a fantastic spot to beach comb, picnic, and enjoy the wildlife. First Beach, located along the south side of the river in La Push, is a sand crescent a mile in length, boasting surfer-worthy waves. It's a great spot to whale watch, so take your camera along. Second Beach, a 2-mile long stretch of sand is located just east of La Push, and is reached by a .75 mile woodland trail. Another photo opportunity not to be missed is the eagles' nests just above the tree line. Third Beach is rather a natural wonder in itself, being a trail that meanders through second-growth forest, the first growth being destroyed in the 1921 gale with 170-mile winds! That storm, known to locals as the "21 Blow," leveled 8 billion board feet of timber.


PORT TOWNSEND AREA:

Day 6 Explore Port Townsend:

Shop Port Townsend for the best in antiquing and hand-made treasures crafted by local artisans, where a wide variety of shopping awaits you. Find all manner of shops covering the gamut of retail selection. Find antique malls, quaint bookshops, consignment shops and music stores that still carry actual records! Year round farmers markets and craft shows bedeck the streets of both "Uptown" and downtown Port Townsend, the neighborhood itself a nationally registered historic district.

A town that loves its celebrations of life, you'll be hard-pressed to find a weekend that there's not a festival of some sort or another! Each year brings the annual Rhododendron and Victorian Festivals, as well as Historic Homes Tours and opportunities to see the secret gardens of some of the town's most lavish homes.

Just outside of town, historic Fort Worden beckons history and scenery buffs alike. A working weaponry fort during the war, several large artillery bunkers are scattered about the wooded trails for exploring. Informational plaques denote the uses for each bunker.

A haven for both avid and recreational hikers, the Fort offers many trails of varying lengths and intensity, including the Peace Mile Hike, which gently loops up toward Artillery Hill and alongside the Chinese Gardens. While the Chinese Gardens are now just a lovely meadow lounging in front of the magnificent Olympic Mountains, a century ago they housed a thriving industry of immigrant farmers who grew and harvested a bounty of vegetables there. An informational plaque along with restful park benches awaits you at the apex.

On-site at Fort Worden is the Coast Artillery Museum, offering educational films detailing Fort Worden's military history, as well as replicas of weapons used in the war. This appealing museum offers a glance of how life really was at Fort Worden during its use as a military facility. Open spring through fall and select holiday weekends.

Also of interest to museum buffs is the Commanding Officer's Quarters, a 12-room house filled with Victorian antiques depicting the life of an early 20th century officer and his family. Open spring through fall and select holiday weekends. For more information on Fort Worden, contact the information center at (360) 385-4730.

Fort Worden is also a thriving conference center, and the home of Centrum. Centrum offers many conferences and cultural events held year round, from fiddle festivals to writing seminars. Call (800) 733-3608 for a schedule of events.

Keeping with Port Townsend's maritime roots, a trip would not be complete without a visit to the Point Wilson Lighthouse. First lit in 1879, it is still a working lighthouse today, though long gone are the days where dedicated lighthouse keepers kept the midnight oil burning to warn ships of the craggy shoreline. The lighthouse went fully automated in 1976 and has since been largely closed to the public. Limited tours are available in the summer, call for more information. While you're admiring Port Townsend's lovely lighthouse, stop in and enjoy the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, located a short walk away. A see-and-touch experience, they provide four large "touch tanks" and over a dozen aquaria for viewing. The Center appeals to all ages, offering a variety of teaching programs about local fish and wildlife. Open regular hours spring through fall, and winter by appointment. Call (360) 385-5582 for more information.

Located in the center of downtown lies a living example of early life in Port Townsend. The Jefferson County Historical Society & Museum is open year round and has scores of photographs, antiques, and general information on this exciting time in Port Townsend's history. For hours and other information, call (360) 385-1003.

A community rich in the arts, Port Townsend has a thriving theater community boasting two theater companies, Bare Boards and Passion, and the Key City Players. It also supports two full-sized orchestras, the Turtle Bluff Orchestra and the Port Townsend Symphony. Information on concerts and theater productions, as well as on Port Townsend's other festivals and events is available by calling the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center at (888) 365-6978

Day 7 Explore Neighboring Communities:

While staying in Port Townsend, you might wish to hop aboard the seasonally-run whale watching cruise up to the San Juan islands for a delightful day trip that gets you home in plenty of time for a walk downtown and a cozy dinner at one of Port Townsend's many fine eating establishments. Spend the afternoon looking for Gray Whales and enjoy a four-hour port of call in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

If you're in a seafaring frame-of-mind, saunter down the dock and climb aboard a Washington State Ferry bound for Whidbey Island for a round-trip crossing that traverses the Strait of Juan de Fuca into open waters! Take a picnic supper, or purchase lunch aboard the ferry for a spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains and a stunning view of the city of Port Townsend. The ferry runs year round. For schedule and fare information, call (800) 84-FERRY.

While staying in lovely Port Townsend, take your ease and explore the rest of amiable Jefferson County, covering the East side of the Olympic Peninsula. A real charmer is Port Ludlow, located just before the Hood Canal Bridge. Port Ludlow boasts a thriving resort community and offers the very finest in dining, golfing, and boating.

Just a short drive away from the city of Port Townsend lies enchanting Marrowstone Island. An exquisite residential area, it hosts another historic spot, Fort Flagler State Park. Open year round, this park showcases stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Port Townsend, and is a favorite for beachcombing. A rustic little cantina is open during the summer months for you to pick up an ice cream cone or your favorite beverage.

While on the island, enjoy the century-old strawberry festival that is held each summer, and if you're lucky, you can purchase fresh produce from the bucolic country store set along the main drag.

While only miles from Victorian Port Townsend, the verdant Chimacum Valley takes you back in time. The home of rolling farmlands, Chimacum plays host to many fresh fruit and vegetable stands, and u-pick produce is available throughout the summer.

The Chimacum Valley is also home to several day-use parks including Gibbs Lake, for a stimulating swim in a tranquil lake; and don't miss the sculpted Carroll Park, offering sports recreation facilities and a well-groomed walking trail.

After spending your days exploring or relaxing, evenings are a delight in Port Townsend. Chances are you'll happen upon one of the town's many year round music festivals, offering jazz, classical, bluegrass, or even renaissance music. The melodious sound of music floats upon the breeze as you stroll down Water Street after a delicious meal at one of many fine eating establishments.

Why not take in a movie while you're here? Located Uptown is the aptly named Uptown Theater offering first-run movies in a comfortable atmosphere. For showtimes call (360) 385-3883. Located downtown in the historical district is the refurbished Rose Theatre, a luxurious theater showing a variety of movies including foreign-language and art house films. It also plays host to the yearly Port Townsend Film Festival. For showtimes, call (360) 385-1089. Port Townsend is also home to one of the last great American pastimes, the drive-in movie. The Wheel-In Motor Movie is open during the summer months. For showtimes, call (360) 385-0859


DAY TRIP TO VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA:

Butchart Gardens  The Butchart Gardens
Victoria's most famous example is Butchart Gardens, an enchanting 50 acres of perfectly-groomed gardens on a 1904 country estate that has won the hearts of millions of visitors from around the world. The much-photographed Sunken Garden was reclaimed from the family limestone quarry by Mrs. Butchart in 1917. Other features include a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Italian Garden, formal plantings and lawns, and elaborate fountains. In July and August, glorious fireworks displays delight Saturday night visitors.