Port Angeles

Port Angeles is on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula at the northwestern side of the state of Washington in the United States. Comparably however, it is closer to Victoria (British Columbia's capital) than the state capital of Olympia!
Like most of Washington, the development of the city revolves around its nature. Pitted closely by the Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles is the gateway for outdoor adventure, with roads leading to breathtaking lakes, stunning vistas, and the towering Olympics. Though notably less notorious than its 'angelic' counterpart in California, this quiet town had its great times when the explorers map the area and traders set posts there thanks to its deep waters.

History

The area around Port Angeles was inhabited predominantly by the Indian tribes of Klallam and Makah in an area abundant of natural resources: coniferous forests and deep blue sea that sustain prolific wildlife & marine life for daily survivals.
The first non-native sighting of the peninsula was made by explorer Juan Perez in 1774, while the first sailing along the Strait of Juan de Fuca was recorded by Captain Charles Barkley who named the water body after the Greek explorer (Ioannis Phokas) striving to seek the Strait of Anián, which legend has it is actually this same water passage. The city was then named "The Port of Our Lady of the Angels" by Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza in 1791 as it provides a haven from the rough seas of the strait, before it was incorporated to the namesake town in 1861.
Port Angeles' prime location attracts a couple aspiring businessmen to set afoot and develop the land further. Beginning with a port of entry for imported goods in the 1860s to being a federal townsite for lighthouse & military. It was the second city fully plot by the federal government after Washington, D.C, earning the city a nickname "Second National City". Alongside the federal government, entrepreneurs were trying their luck by erecting timber businesses and a fisherman wharf, and along with it commercial industries for incoming settlements. Through the next 100 years, some of the largest sawmills have bankrupted and replaced by other money-making sectors, yet the city has always been a lovable place to live: not too quiet like a village, but not too crowded like metropolitan cities.
Today, the city has a population of around 50,000 with both outside settlements and Indian natives living in harmony.

Climate

Like the rest of western Washington, most of the rain falls in fall and winter before tapering off in spring and gloriously sunny on most summer days. Comparatively speaking however, the amount of rain the city gets is one of the lowest in the peninsula at 25 inches thanks to the Olympic rain shadow; Forks, a town 60 miles west of Port Angeles, gets more than thrice the amount of annual rainfall!
Though snow is a rare occurrence, it is more susceptible than Seattle due to its unique topography: frigid cold air that occasionally blows from Canada slams into the Olympics above Port Angeles, often times keeping the low temperature longer than other areas of the peninsula.
Thanks to the moderating ocean effect, summers are comfortably warm with high temperatures usually no higher than the 70s (F, about 26°C), and winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing except during the above situation.

By car

The main road traversing Port Angeles is the US Highway 101, which loops around the Olympic Peninsula. The nearest major towns are Forks, 1 hour to the west, and Sequim, 30 minutes away in the east.
Travelers from Seattle or points north can get into the area in just 2 hours using a ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, and then continuing to Route 104 before merging with Highway 101. Travelers from south of Seattle can take the Interstate 5, exit to Highway 16 (passing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge) through the Kitsap Peninsula, before merging with the Highway 101 portion that goes along the Hood Canal. Travelers from Olympia or points south can get off I-5 at Hwy 101 and follow the road through Shelton, Brinon and the Hood Canal up to Port Angeles.

By plane

The William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM) is on the west side of the city. The airport is used primarily for charter and general aviation purposes. The nearest airports for commercial flights are Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in Sidney, BC, 27km north of Victoria; and Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle. Be sure to have the proper travel documents to cross the border between Canada and the United States if arriving and/or departing through Victoria.
See the other modes of transportation below for traveling into Port Angeles from both Seattle and Victoria.

By boat

Port Angeles has a direct connection to Victoria, BC at Canada's Vancouver Island. One can also get to the roads towards Port Angeles after using the Washington State Ferries that dock at Port Townsend or Kingston.

• MV Coho by Blackball Transport

  phone: +1 360 457-4491
  address: 101 E Railroad
  Vehicle ferry service from Victoria (British Columbia), 2 to 4 times a day depending on the season. The Coho, being a classic 1959 ferry, practically makes the journey worth it.

• Washington State Ferries

  phone: +1 206 464-6400

• The nearest ferry terminals to Port Angeles are:
• *Port Townsend from Coupeville on Whidbey Island.
• *Kingston from Edmonds (WA-Hwy 104/Hwy 3). Follow WA-Hwy 104 from the ferry terminal up towards the Hood Canal Bridge via Port Gamble. From there continue towards Highway 101.

Port Angeles Boat Haven is nestled in the nook of Ediz Hook and is a direct route from Victoria (British Columbia). It is a perfect stop over for boaters plying the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.

By bus

The main bus station is at the downtown Gateway Transit Center for Clallam Transit and Olympic Bus Lines at 123 E Front St, at Front & Lincoln, a couple blocks SE of the ferry terminal. Buses travel along US Hwy 101 between Forks, Port Angeles & Sequim. They do not go into the Olympic National Park. They can only drop off along the main road and it is up to the individual to hike into the park or arrange other transportation into the park:

• Clallam Transit provides the Strait Shot to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal (#123), to Forks (#14), Sequim (#30), Joyce & Lyre River(#10), and Neah Bay (#14 to the US Hwy 101/SR 113 junction in Sappho and the #16 bus to Neah Bay from Sappho). Routes #10, 14 and 30 also make local stops on their way into and out of town. The "Strait Shot" (#123) runs twice daily (M-Sa) and once on Sundays towards the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal with limited stops in Sequim, Jamestown, Discovery Bay, Suquamish Way & SR305, and North Viking P&R in Poulsbo.

• Dungeness Line operated by Olympic Bus Lines

  address: (bus stop) Gateway Transit Center @ 123 E Front St
  The Dungeness Line goes from Sea-Tac and Seattle to Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles. The bus goes across the Puget Sound on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry and is the most direct way to travel between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula by bus. Connections with Amtrak, Greyhound, Sound Transit and other transportation services are in Seattle. Tickets can also be booked through Greyhound.com.

• Rocket Transportation

  phone: +1-877-697-6258 (M-F 8AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-2PM)
  Door to door service in the Olympic Peninsula (Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks) from Sea-Tac

By bicycle

The Olympic Discovery Trail passes Port Angeles from Port Townsend in the east part of the Olympic peninsula to La Push that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The section east of Port Angeles is an well marked car free trail, much of which is paved, and easy to traverse on a loaded touring bicycle. West of Port Angeles is the "adventure" part of the trail, for which a cross-country mountain bike is recommended. The trail is non-technical single track, making it an introductory level XC, challenging but doable on a loaded touring bicycle.

By bus

Public transportation is provided by Clallam Transit. The fare for each bus ride is $1 for adults, $0.50 for youth and seniors with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit card. Routes 20, 22, 24, and 26 serve the city proper while Route 30 serves the Highway 101 corridor before continuing towards Sequim. The bus does not run on Sundays with the exception of the Strait Shot (#123) route.

By car

Most visitors go to and around the town by car, especially those who would venture far out into the Olympic National Park or anywhere off the Hwy 101 corridor. Parking is generally easy to find, but the downtown area only allows 2 hours of street parking. Taking the bus up here (see 'By bus' under 'Getting in' in the above) from Sea-Tac and renting car here may cheaper than renting a car at the airport, especially with the 12% airport surcharge, and driving up here especially. Check the car rental companies' websites for rate differences between renting at the airport, somewhere in Seattle or Port Angeles. Avis & Budget are next door to the Gateway Bus Transit Center while Enterprise is several blocks east on E 1st St.

• Avis & Budget

  phone: +1 360 452-4776
  address: 107 E 8th St

• Budget

  phone: +1 360 452-4774
  address: 1406 Fairchild Airport Rd
  They also have an in-town office with Avis at 107 E 8th St.

• Enterprise

  phone: +1 360 417-3083
  address: 902 E 1st St, Unit D
  Call for a pick-up at the Gateway bus transit center or the ferry terminal. Otherwise take the #30 bus going out to Sequim to get here. They also have another office at the local William Fairchild Airport.

Travelers tend to trek into the Olympic National Park rather than the town itself for sightseeing. However, those who would rather stay in town for at least a day or two should not be left unsatisfied.

• Ediz Hook

  address: Ediz Hook Rd
  A spit where visitors can stroll around the beach that overlooks the city on one side and Canada on the other. A spot for birdwatching and beachcombing. It's said that the beach contains some exotic stones and the luckiest can find sea glasses.

• Feiro Marine Life Center

  phone: +1 360 417-6254
  address: 315 N Lincoln St
  Museum featuring touch tanks and aquariums featuring Pacific and local marine wildlife (even barnacles and plankton!)

• Olympic Coast Discovery Center

  phone: +1 360 406-2092
  address: The Landing 115 E Railroad Ave
  Another marine sanctuary museum, operated by the NOAA. Includes submarine simulators & shipwrecks.

• Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

  phone: +1 360 457-3532
  address: 1203 E Lauridsen Blvd
  Outdoor art pieces blend in with nature under a canopy of trees alongside paintings in the gallery.

• Port Angeles Heritage Underground Tour

  phone: +1 360 460-5748
  address: 121 E. Railroad Avenue
  If the history section above fascinates you, see the physical piece of history as you will be taken to historical buildings, alleys, and exclusive access to underground tunnel networks, all part of a grand design laid out over 100 years ago.

• Salt Creek Recreation Area

  phone: +1 360 928-3441
  address: 3506 Camp Hayden Rd
  A waterside park on the former site of Camp Hayden, a World War II military base. Now functions as a campsite, RV park, and beach with some of the camp's facilities remain intact. A short drive to the west are sandy beaches around the ghost town of Port Crescent.

• Washington Lavender Farm

  phone: +1 360 452-4877
  address: 965 Finn Hall Rd
  One of the lavender farms expanding from the east part of town to neighboring Sequim, where the smell entices you to visit or at least pass the road again.

Olympic National Park

With the exception of Hurricane Ridge, all attractions are free of charge, with only a short walk needed.

• Hurricane Ridge

  phone: +1 360 565-3130
  address: Olympic National Park
  Only accessible from Port Angeles, this attraction in the national park overlooks the rest of the Olympic Mountains from above sea level. Also has the only snow area in the mountain range where snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding can be safely done.

• Lake Crescent

  address: Olympic National Park
  Pristine blue water of the former glacial lake meets the towering mountain ranges on the horizon. Various viewpoints available along the Highway 101 or stop by the Lake Crescent Lodge to play in it.

• Madison Creek Falls

  address: Olympic Hot Springs Rd
  A quick walk along the superb views of the gushing Elwha River to the falls, with poems in between.

• Marymere Falls

  address: Olympic National Park
  A 90-foot waterfall accessible with an easy 2-mile round trip hike.

• Peninsula Golf Club

  phone: +1 360 457-6501
  address: 824 S Lindberg Rd
  18-hole golf course with accompanying views of the mountain and the sea.

• Island Adventures

  phone: +1 360 293-2428
  address: 115 E Railroad Ave
  Hop on a boat to the ocean to see orcas (killer whale) jumping or flipping above water in action. Reservation highly recommended for summer! The tour starts from Seattle in winter.

• Lincoln Park

  address: 1900 W Lauridsen Blvd
  The unofficial city park, featuring a fishing pond, dog park, BMX track, ball field & disc golf. (Just don't mind the sometimes passing airplane noise.)

• Port Angeles City PierWhile you can just take a stroll, you can join the couple of people who fish for crabs or shrimp, if lucky!

Winery

• Camaraderie Cellars

  phone: +1 360 417-3564
  address: 334 Benson Rd
  Winery in a secluded neighborhood. Specializes in food wines.

• Harbinger Winery

  phone: +1 360 452-4262
  address: 2358 Highway 101 W
  Sweet and slightly less-dry selections of full body wine, some infused with fruity flavors.

• Olympic Cellars Winery

  phone: +1 360 452-0160
  address: 255410 US-101
  Boutique wine with rotating varieties. Concerts every week in summer to perk you up.

Port Angeles has the largest selection of outdoor gears and equipment, just in case you can only buy or forget to bring it before venturing out to nature around the Peninsula.

• Brown's Outdoor

  phone: +1 360 457-4150
  address: 112 W Front St
  Outdoor wears, mountaineering and camping equipment for purchase as well as winter sport gears for rental. For last-minute required items before hitting the nature.

• Necessities and Temptations

  phone: +1 360 457-6400
  address: 217 N Laurel St
  Local department store with nicks-knacks and arts from local artists.

• Sound Bikes and Kayaks

  phone: +1 360 457-1240
  address: 120 E Front St
  Climbing equipment, kayak, and bike accessories to keep you moving.

• Waters West Fly Fishing

  phone: +1 360 417-0937
  address: 140 W Front St
  Tackle shop for specifically fly fishing gears before catching salmons, along with locally experienced advisers. Also provides guided tours and info before heading out to fish.

Being near the water means get ready for delectable seafood. Look for salmons, clams, and the sweet and soft Dungeness crabs.
The downtown has been gentrifying enough that some ethnic restaurants, especially Asian, can be seen throughout.

Budget

• Frugals

  phone: +1 360-417-3958
  address: 1520 E Front St
  Drive-thru only American fast food from a local Pacific Northwest chain. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

• Little Devil's Lunchbox

  phone: +1 360 504-2959
  address: 324 W 1st St
  Fusion of Tex-Mex and Northwest flavors in burritos and sandwiches.

• Toga's Soup House

  phone: +1 360 452-1952
  address: 122 W Lauridsen Blvd
  For something warm and on the budget, head over for some soup and coffee. Comfort food such as salads, sandwiches and cake.

• 8th Street Bridge's Grill

  phone: +1 360 457-3287
  address: 511 W 8th St
  Extensive specialty sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes

Mid-range

• Chestnut Cottage

  phone: +1 360 452-8344
  address: 929 E Front St
  Breakfast and brunch items with hospitable crew and homey interior.

• Tendy's

  phone: +1 360 452-3322
  address: 920 E 1st St
  Authentic Chinese food with family seating available.

• Sabai Thai

  phone: +1 360 452-4505
  address: 903 W 8th St
  A local Thai favorite with full fledged original favorite that has the place packed every night! Favorites include curries, Pad Thai and glass noodles.

• Kokopelli Grill

  phone: +1 360 457-6040
  address: 203 E Front St
  Local seafood with southwest taste. Their salmon chowder is said to be the specialty.

Splurge

• LD's Woodfire Grill

  phone: +1 360 452-0400
  address: 929 W 8th St
  Baby back ribs to fillet mignon grilled apple-smoked to perfection. Also serves salmon pasta & seafood platter as well as a small selection of pizza and salads.

• Michael's

  phone: +1 360 417-6929
  address: 117 E 1st St
  Array of local seafoods and premium steak cuts in an underground floor.

• C'Est Si Bon

  phone: +1 360 452-8888
  address: 23 Cedar Park Dr
  Exquisite French gourmet & wines with down-to-earth owners in a regal decor.

• Bar N9NE

  phone: +1 360 797-1999
  address: 229 W 1st St
  Extensive selection of drafts, with tapas and steaks for something more substantial. Live stage with engaging events every night.

• Next Door Gastropub

  phone: +1 360 504-2613
  address: 113 W 1st St
  Racks of wine, cocktails, ever-changing list of beers and ciders. Burgers, sandwiches and paninis by day. Kid friendly. Live music Sunday afternoons.

• Castaways

  phone: +1 360 452-1177
  address: 1213 Marine Dr
  Seaside bar with occasional live music & cabaret.

Group travelers can find a better deal by renting vacation homes around the area. For small groups that want a stay of homey feeling, there are also multiple choices of BnB accommodations.

Budget

Many budget hotels are located downtown, with easy access to restaurants and shops.

• Downtown Hotel

  phone: +1 360-565-1125
  address: 101 1/2 E Front St
  Low-key budget hotel in the middle of downtown, with shared bathrooms.

• Flagstone Motel

  phone: +1 360 457-9494
  address: 415 E 1st St
  Low-key floors with red and brown interiors and choice of carpet or wooden floors.

• Port Angeles Inn

  phone: +1 360 452-9285
  address: 111 E 2nd St
  Quaint motel up the hill from downtown with basic rooms and free full breakfast.

• Riviera Inn

  phone: +1 360 417 3955
  address: 535 East Front Street
  Slightly dated interiors but adequate enough for a snooze. Fan provided for the summer.

• Royal Victorian Motel

  phone: +1 360 452-8400
  address: 521 E 1st St
  Motel with rooms that can be tight but have comfy mattresses. Don't be put off with its eccentric exterior paints.

• Uptown Inn

  phone: +1 360 457-9435
  address: 112 E 2nd St
  Modest rooms with free full breakfast and free laundry.

• All-View Motel

  phone: +1 360-457-7779
  address: 214 E Lauridsen Blvd
  Family-run motel with delicate hospitality and modest rooms, some with kitchenette

Mid-range

• Quality Inn Uptown

  phone: +1 360 457-9434
  address: 101 E 2nd St
  Chain hotel brand with location right at downtown. Includes free breakfast and free access to William Michaels Community Pool 4 blocks away.

• Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles

  phone: +1 360-452-9215
  address: 221 N Lincoln St
  A local chain brand with superb views of the waterfront and neighboring Canadian mountains, yet central at downtown.

• Super 8 Port Angeles

  phone: +1 360 452-8401
  address: 2104 E 1st St
  Good chain hotel with efficient breakfast. Dedicated room for the disabled.

Splurge

• Olympic Lodge

  phone: +1 360 205-1193
  address: 140 Del Guzzi Dr
  Cavernous lodge with warm and wooden design. Rooms with views overlooking either the ocean or the golf course behind the property.

• George Washington Inn

  phone: +1 360 452-5207
  address: 939 Finn Hall Rd
  A replica of George Washington's home along the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Sequim and Port Angeles.

• Domaine Madeleine

  phone: +1 360 457-4174
  address: 146 Wildflower Ln
  Luxury B&B featuring 5 quiet rooms with fireplaces and a view of nature, in addition to a few perks to maximize your relaxation time.

• Whiskey Beach NW

  phone: +1 360 928-3567
  address: 1385 Whiskey Creek Beach Rd
  Four rustic cabins with additional space for RV hookups, in a dedicated beach. Perfect opportunity to unwind and unplug as the cabins do not have electricity (only propane powered lights & select appliances).

Most telecom companies are able to stream 4G-LTE internet speed at the downtown area, but it can quickly deteriorate the further away you are from Highway 101. In the national park, coverage can be spotty at Lake Crescent, to non-existent at Hurricane Ridge.
The area codes for Port Angeles, and Western Washington as a whole, are 360 and 564. Because their areas overlap, all numbers must be dialed with the area code, including local calls.
You may even get Canadian networks at times which could lead to roaming costs; but it will be helpful for Canadians calling back home.

By mail

• US Postal Service

  phone: +1 360 417-7528
  address: 424 E 1st Ave
  The zip codes for Port Angeles and the surrounding areas are 98362 and 98363

• Olympic National Park
• Sequim - As one of Port Angeles' next door neighbors, it is a bit more rural and still offers somewhat of a small-town atmosphere.
• Forks - Take the Olympic Loop for a scenic drive around the Olympic Peninsula, including the Hoh Rain Forest and Stephenie Meyers' 'Twilight' town of Forks.