Awesome Olympic Peninsula

Wow! There are just so many choices you can choose from when it comes to activities. It would take me months to put in all the information about activites, so be sure to stop at the Visitor's Center as you enter Port Townsend to pick up a variety of publications outlining your many vacation opportunities. A visit to Fort Worden is always on our list with children as they love to explore the bunkers.

Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles is a wonderful easy/ moderate hike and often affords you views of nearby Vancouver Island. A short ferry ride from Port Angeles takes you to the heart of beautiful Victoria, Canada. Plan on spending at least a day there. There is no need to take your car as many activities are right off the ferry.

Quick Tips:

How you spend your time depends on who you are traveling with and the time of year. Regardless of when you travel, bring clothing for all weather. The weather on the peninsula is some of the best in Washington, but the peninsula offers a variety of climates and our weather can be quite varied. Hot weather is 75 - 85 degrees. Never plan on hotter weather though it is possible. Winter travel will be cold and wet.

Best Way To Get Around:

Coming via airplane, you'll land at SEA-TAC airport. From there you can take a number of ferries to reach Port Townsend or you can drive south to Tacoma and cross over to the peninsula on the Narrows Bridge.

You'll need a car to really be able to investigate the peninsula and all it's beauty. In the small towns of Port Townsend and Sequim you can just find a parking spot and walk to anything in the town. There are a number of ferry riding options that will take you to surronding islands.

ICK! We tried their standard room and it was depressing. It felt like a skid row flop house. We viewed their other rooms and they were a lot better. Still, I don't think staying there is worth it. Have breakfast in the dining room, as it will be a lot cheaper than having dinner -- you can actually see the room. Nothing really special.

Best Things Nearby:
Port Townsend, Sequim, Victoria, B.C., Hurricane Ridge.

Best Things About the Resort:
The units are really nice with gas fireplaces and HUGH master bedrooms with whirlpool baths. The location (13 miles south of Port Townsend and 13 miles from Sequim) is ideal for exploring the peninsula.

Resort Experience:
These units are very nice. We have stayed in 3 types -- standard split-level 2-bed, large split-level 2-bed, and a handicapped unit. The standard 2-bed seemed a little cramped in the common area. The master bedroom is HUGE with whirlpool bath. All units have a view of Discovery Bay and all have decks.

The indoor pool is nice, tennis courts are available as well as a game room with pool and ping-pong. The old landmark restaurant the Oyster House is on the premises. It is a little pricey, and has a small bar, but is not open all day. There is a dock to which you can tie your boat but there really isn't a beach as most people think of a a beach. The worst aspect of these units is they basically sit in a parking lot.

The resort does not offer concierge service or planned activities. Check in the office for guides to the peninsula and be sure to stop in the Port Townsend Visitor Center for information. The resort itself doesn't offer a lot but this is a great homeport for exploring the surrounding area. It is very hard to book into.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Fair

Best Things Nearby:
Port Townsend, golfing, water adventures, shopping, forts.

Best Things About the Resort:
Location on the Olympic Peninsula, large park-like grounds.

Resort Experience:
These units are in a large gated community. They are not fancy units, but their location is great (WorldMark at Discovery Bay has nicer units). They are just miles from Port Townsend, so are better located than Discovery Bay if you want to concentrate on Port Townsend.

They list an indoor/outdoor pool, but it is really an outdoor pool that has part of it covered so it is closed during the winter months. The hot tub is open year round and they have a small game room in the same building. These are split-level units with both bedrooms and baths downstairs. There are lofts in the units, some larger than others, and some offering a hide-a-bed. The other lofts are big enough to accommodate a large air bed. We were expecting a large loft with the hide-a-bed once and when we discovered that wasn't what we got, the resort management supplied us with a roll-away bed.

The grounds are nice and my boys and their friends enjoyed exploring them. There are BBQ pits and picnic tables throughout the grounds. The tennis courts are away from the units as is the waterfront. There really is not a beach as most people think of as beaches. Sitting on the dock on a sunny day is very relaxing. There is a large covered picnicking area near the water. If you would like to visit but can't book, call the units as they help owners rent their units and will be able to tell you what is available and the price.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Good

This is a drive-through wildlife park. You can buy loaves of bread there to feed to the animals. Be careful!! These animals are very tame and expect you to feed them. Be sure they cannot get their heads inside of your vehicle. When they tell you not to stop your vehicle in the buffalo area they mean it!

There is a little (6 lanes) old bowling alley in Sequim that can be a hoot with some of their special bowling features. Sequim is small -- if entering from the Port Townsend side, look for it on the right hand side as you enter Sequim.