Port Angeles - Where all the Beauty of Washington is Captured

Port Angeles is a city in the American state of Washington. Nestled on the coast of the Juan de Fuca's Strait in the foot of Olympic Mountains and the Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is an incredible place to visit.

The original name of the city that was established in the late 18th century meant Port of Our Lady of the Angeles but it was soon shortened and the name became Port Angeles. Its more-than-perfect location makes Port Angeles the ideal vacation spot, as it offers stunning forest, lakes, hot springs, a beautiful shoreline and various recreation activities.

Interesting historical sites to explore while in the area of Port Angeles are the New Daugeness Lighthouse, from the mid-19th century, and the Cape Flattery Lighthouse. Go to the Museum at Carnegie and Port Angeles Fine Art Center. Don't miss the Old Locomotive built in the early 20th century, which has become a historical symbol of the city.

You will have amazing fun in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and the aquarium Fiero Marine Life Center. If you desire a place for a walk and recreation inside the city, head to Lincoln Park or the Veterans Memorial Park - two great sites to get some scenic views are the Haynes Viewpoint and the City Pier where you can contemplate Port Angeles and the fairytale scenery that surrounds it.
To be honest, the best place to discover the genuine Northwest of Port Angeles is without any doubt the incomparable Olympic National Park. The magnificent mountains are covered with glaciers and the stunning peaks reach to the sky; add some green to the picture with of the luscious forests and envision the Native American tribes that once cherished the beauty of the region. Port Angeles is famous as one of the most used entries for the Olympic National Park because it gives various opportunities to explore the vast piece of land. One of the most popular sites there is Lake Crescent where you can swim, dive, fish and watch whales. In the area you can also boat, sail, kayak and hike some of the gorgeous trails. The other lakes worth visiting are Aldwell and Sutherland. Don't miss the outstanding views that Hurricane Ridge offers. It gives you the ultimate glimpse into the very heart of Olympic Mountains. If you turn around, you will see the Juan de Fuca's Strait and if the weather is clear Vancouver Island. Hurricane Ridge is one of the best trails, as it will take you to lakes and through green valleys. Here you can backpack, bike, ski, sledge and snowshoe. While in the park head to the Elhwa River Valley where you can enjoy the natural hot springs, explore the river canyon and dive into the forest. 

You should also visit the Olympic National Forest where the environment is stunning as well. You can scuba dive, fish, bike, hike, ride a horse, hunt, swim, ski and snowshoe. It is also a great destination for scenic drives, as you will see lakes, rivers, beaches and mountain hills.

Another great recreation area is Salt Creek. It offers nearly 200 acres of beaches, tide pools, rivers, spectacular views towards Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Other great sites to hike and explore are the Sequim Bay State Park, Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Olympic Discovery Trail, Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach and San Juan Islands.

Port Angeles has become extremely famous recently because its area and the city itself have been the setting for the Twilight book series. The north part of the Olympic Peninsula is where you can follow the steps of Edward and Bella.

Interesting events to attend are the Juan de Fuca Festival of Arts, Joyce Daze Blackberry Festival, Sequim Lavender festival, the Forest Storytelling Festival and Strait Blue Grass Festival.