Activities for Kids

10 Reasons to Visit the Olympic Peninsula

Go on a banana slug safari, paddle around Lake Crescent or soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs. The Olympic Peninsula is full of adventures any time of year.

By Helen Walker Green July 16, 2015

Go on a banana slug safari in the Hoh Rainforest, paddle a boat on Lake Crescent, soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs or explore low tide at Dungeness Spit. The Olympic Peninsula is a wonderland of natural beauty and full of adventures any time of year. Read on for 10 ways the Olympic Peninsula rocks (vampires not included).

Lake Crescent

Blue-green Lake Crescent is in the foothills of the Olympics, just a few miles west of Port Angeles on winding Highway 101. It's a relaxing place to spend some time picnicking, boating, swimming, hiking or fishing for Crescenti and Breadslee Trout (fish that are unique to Lake Crescent). You can rent canoes and rowboats along the shore. There are several hikes in the area; the best for families is Marymere Falls (a forested trail to a 90' waterfall). And there are plenty of places to stay including campgrounds and RV hookups, plus Log Cabin Resort and Lake Crescent Lodge.

Lake Crescent
Online: nps.gov/olym/lake-crescent.htm
Marymere Falls Trail: Washington Trails Association or Map It

photo: Helen Walker Green

What Olympic Peninsula adventures would you add to our list? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Helen Walker Green