Things to Do in Port Angeles, Washington

Video courtesy of Visit Port Angeles

Welcome to historic Maitland Manor, your in-town oasis on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula; minutes from Olympic National Park and the Victoria, BC ferry.

You’ll find no shortage of things to do in Port Angeles at any time of the year, but summer is when the Pacific Northwest shines the brightest. With warm (but not hot) days, cooler nights, and an average of 15 hours of daylight, you’ll make the most of every day. Be sure to stay awhile—you’ll want to experience it all!

Go for a Sail

GET OUT ON THE OPEN WATER ABOARD THE INGRID PRINCESS WITH CAPTAIN TRACY

Don’t just look at the ocean, go sailing while you’re here. The Ingrid Princess, captained by Tracy Hollister and docked at Sequim Bay offers group and private charters from May through October, weather permitting.

From a Dungeness Lighthouse tour from the water, to sunset cruises, to Strait crossings and more, Captain Tracy will work with you plan the perfect sailing adventure in and around, or departing from our beautiful waters.

Click here to get in touch with Captain Tracy and add a sailing adventure to your explorations!

Hiking

THE BEST HIKING IN PORT ANGELES AND OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Hiking on the Olympic Peninsula is spectacular, no matter the time of year. Olympic National Park spans over 900,000 acres, the vast majority of that (95%) is designated wilderness area. The park encompasses three different ecosystems providing recreation opportunities from rugged mountains to wild Pacific coast to old-growth temperate rain forest. And sprinkled throughout, you’ll find rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.

There are hikes to suit every level from novice to expert where you’ll experience breathtaking vistas and take advantage of photographic opportunities at every turn. Alex and Sydney, your hosts, are avid hikers and happy to point you toward just the right spots to explore on your own.

But, why not let the experts do the guiding and the driving in a way that works perfectly for you? We highly recommend Olympic Hiking Company and they’ll pick you up right here at Maitland Manor! Click below to book your explorations with them. There are hikes to suit every level from novice to expert where you’ll experience breathtaking vistas and take advantage of photographic opportunities at every turn.

To book a guided hike, click here to check out Olympic Hiking Company to learn more.

Backpacking

LEARN TO BACKPACK IN THE OLYMPICS WTIH MAGIC FOREST TOURS

If you’ve always wanted to go backpacking, this is your chance! Explore the stunning landscape and relax in nature for three days and two nights with your guide, Nina Sarmiento of Magic Forest Tours.

They’ll equip you with premium, light-weight backpacking gear, and a certified wilderness guide. All meals are included, and trips can be customized based on abilities.

For a limited time, begin and/or end your adventure with one or more nights at Maitland Manor, and Magic Forest Tours will give you a 15% discount off your backpacking trip with Magic Forest Tours!

To book a guided backpacking trip, click here to check out Magic Forest Tours.

Snowshoeing & Skiing

THE BEST HIKING IN PORT ANGELES AND OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

One of the best things about visiting Port Angeles is the winter is the opportunity to snowshoe or ski in the middle of some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll find anywhere in Washington State! You’ll find multiple trails here with something to fit every ability level.
Local tour operators can provide you with an incredible day that includes gear, guided tour, and even lunch on the trails.

Check out Olympic Hiking Company to learn more.

Whale Watching

WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES NEAR PORT ANGELES

The Strait of Juan de Fuca plays a significant role in the migratory patterns of a number of whale species, including orcas, humpbacks, Minke, and gray. From April through mid-October, a number of whale watching companies in Port Angeles and Port Townsend conduct guided tours on the water and guarantee you’ll see whales, in addition to sightings of harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and a variety of sea birds. Be sure to add the Blueberry Buckle, baked on board, to your excursion. You’ll be glad you did!

To find out more and book your whale watching adventure, check out our friends at Puget Sound Express.

Victoria B.C.

TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM PORT ANGELES TO VICTORIA B.C.

A visit to the Olympic Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Victoria, B.C. The Black Ball Ferry departs daily from Port Angeles to take you the short 90-minute trip across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the capitol of British Columbia. Experience great restaurants, go “pinkies up” to experience high tea at the famed Empress Hotel, or shop ‘til you drop in this retail paradise. Visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens or wander the exhibits of the Royal BC Museum, ranked one of the best in the world. Whether you’re spending a single day, or several, Maitland Manor is a great starting point as we’re just minutes from the ferry terminal so you’ll be on your way to your Victoria adventure rested, and refreshed. To get started, click here to learn more and book your passage with the Balck Ball Ferry.

Kayaking

Flat water and ocean kayaking await you on the Olympic Peninsula. Weather you choose the beauty of Lake Crescent or the more wild coast of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, you’re in for a day you’ll never forget.

To get information about renting kayaks or booking half or full-day guided trips, check out Elevate Outdoors, just 10 minutes from Maitland Manor.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking trails abound here, with tour guides that can show you the best spots. The Adventure Route section of the Olympic Discovery Trail is great for beginners to intermediate riders, with nothing greater than a 7% grade.

Tide Pooling

Start by spending some time at the Feiro Marine Life Center right down the street from Maitland Manor at the Port Angeles waterfront. There, you’ll get a great hands-on look at the marine life of the northern Olympic Peninsula. Once you know what you’re looking for, head out to the Salt Creek tide pool, or any of a number of others in the area to experience this abundance of life in it’s natural state.

Port Angeles Festivals

Port Angeles is home to some of the best and most fun festivals year-round, and it seems like there’s something happening every week all summer long!

Stay with us during one of these popular festivals & events and you won’t be disappointed. Our favorites include the Olympic Jazz Festival, 4th of July, Sequim’s Irrigation & Lavendar Festivals, Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival, SquatchCon, and many more!

Wine Tasting

The Olympic Peninsula is becoming home to more and more local wineries, many of which will welcome you in to share their unique varietals and blends.

We can guide you to our favorite tasting rooms and wineries!

Elopements

If your dream elopement includes a location in or around Olympic National Park, Maitland Manor is a great choice for a place to stay. With four private suites, including two with private entrances and private decks, and close proximity to multiple entrances of ONP, consider us the perfect spot to start your adventure together!

From Hair & Makeup services to Planning and Officiating, here are some of the folks we love working with:

Hair & Makeup – Jocelyn DeChenne – Published barber, stylist, and make-up artist specializing in weddings, photoshoots, and events. All pictures in this section feature hair and make-up by Jocelyn with photographers noted per photo. To see more of Joceyln’s work or get in touch with her, click on this link: https://jocelyndechenne.com/

Officiant – Lisa Cronin – Click HERE to get in touch with Lisa Cronin of Northwind Nuptials. She’s an amazing resource when it comes to elopements in the park and provides a long list of services, including as an officiant, should you need one!