Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Washington

In Olympia, “handcrafted” is a way of life. People are intentional and passionate for their craft. Local makers create one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors to enjoy, from artisan cheese and fresh apple cider to handmade soaps and intricate illustrations. Don’t forget the talented chefs, skilled roasters of fair trade coffee, brewers of handcrafted ales and makers of some very fine wine!

The Squaxin Island Museum Library and Research Center (MLRC) tells the story of the People of the Water through a series of exhibits and displays depicting the relationship between Squaxin Island Tribal members and the seven inlets of South Puget Sound. You may also experience the tribe’s rich culture by participating in cultural activities and special events.

Hood Canal is Washington’s wild side. Get ready to discover your wild side! Situated between the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in Mason County, Hood Canal is filled with world-class activities like SCUBA and sky diving, a thriving culinary scene sampling heavily from locally-sourced and wild-caught fare, an active social calendar packed with live music and community events, and also plenty of places to hide away from it all.

Irresistibly charming, Port Townsend is one of only three Victorian Seaports in the United States. As such, it is one of the few cities to have two National Historic Landmark Districts. Originally planned to be the “New York of the West,” the city went through a building frenzy in the late 1880s and early 1890s, only to have the railroad head up the east side of Hood Canal to Seattle instead.

Marymere Falls is located just off of a busy highway and can reached by a wide, short nature trail. This helps to make Marymere Falls one of the most popular waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula. Even if it was harder to reach, this 90-foot horsetail cascade set in deep mossy timber would still be a well-visited destination.

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park. For thousands of marine species, these coastal waters are a safe haven. The marine environment and offshore islands are protected by three national wildlife refuges and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Built in 1926 and styled after Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone and Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho, the Lake Quinault Lodge reflects the spirit of a bygone era. This cozy getaway offers a serene retreat from the pressures of the outside world.