Port Angeles: Gateway to the Olympics

Another promising day that begins in La Push with a quick stop at Rialto Beach. Back on Highway 101 we head north and then go west with the highway. If the Olympic Peninsula were a square we’d be in the upper left. The highway, unfortunately, doesn’t hug the coast but cuts inland bypassing the northwest corner completely. Not sure I want to take the family to that corner, but would love to explore it myself. Great coast line with small fishing towns and rough accommodations.

Heading towards Port Angeles we stop at a

beautiful lake that’s been on our left for some time. Turns out to be Lake Crescent, a natural lake fed by a number streams and located completely within the Olympic National Park. So often lakes turn out to be reservoirs with hydroelectric plants. Lake Crescent is neither and has a natural dam that keeps it full, deep, and blue. Its beauty is worth a long stop.

Another stop is for beef jerky being sold by a gentleman off the side of the road. Elsewhere, these beef jerky vendors will make their own at home in the oven. Not only was his prepackaged

but it was FDA approved. I walked up asking for his business license and registration. He didn’t respond to the joke.

The city of Port Angeles is large for Olympic Peninsula standards at about 20,000 residents. I gave a lot of thought to moving here with the family, so I’m very glad to see it up close. Besides the benefits that come with a sizable city, it has an attractive waterfront that looks out over the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Behind it is access to the Olympic Mountains. This part reminds me of Bishop, California or Lone Pine; the gateway to Mt. Whitney and the sierra’s.

The harbor at Port Angeles is the highlight of the town. From pictures, it seems that all roads lead to the waterfront. We make our way down there during the lunch hour and saw a few salty dogs (old sailors) walking around. It’s a quiet place to look out over the wide bay. A few miles out is the Straight of Juan de Fuca that separates the U.S. from Canada and is a major shipping channel. For some time I’ve wanted to stand right here, looking out over this straight and dreaming about seafaring adventures. But after a short walk and quick talk with a kindly resident, we leave to get groceries and find our way out of town. Port Angeles marks our halfway point around the peninsula. Our next destination will seem like the top of the world.