The Pacific Ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca form the western and northern boundaries of Clallam County; to the south, the boundary runs through Olympic National Park. The landscapes and experiences range from coastal trails and wildlife watching to rainforest paths and museums.

Coast, Rainforest, and Protected Landscapes

Olympic National Park lies partly in Clallam County and covers about 922,650 acres. It protects glaciated mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and more than 70 miles of unspoiled coastline. In the Hoh Rain Forest, two loop trails pass through different landscapes: the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail winds through old-growth forest. The 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail runs along Taft Creek and the Hoh River.

The county park system also helps visitors plan nature outings: it includes 19 day-use parks spread throughout the county. At Dungeness Trails County Park, a non-motorized trail network extends for 10 to 15 miles. The park covers 395.5 acres; development is ongoing, and sections are open to mountain bikers, walkers, runners, hikers, and horseback riders.

Trails of Different Lengths and Routes

The Olympic Discovery Trail runs through Sequim, Port Angeles, and Forks. At Railroad Bridge Park, it crosses the Dungeness River over a historic railroad trestle with a smooth surface and safety railings. The Olympic Adventure Trail is a 21-mile natural-surface trail for biking and hiking. Another specific hike is the Striped Peak Trail: the loop is five miles long and has 850 feet of elevation gain.

At the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, an easy half-mile trail first leads to an overlook. The trail then continues for five miles across the Dungeness Spit to the lighthouse. Wildlife you may see at the refuge includes bald eagles, brant, rough-skinned newts, harbor seals, and black oystercatchers.

At Cape Flattery, each leg of the trail is three-quarters of a mile through the forest to a cliffside viewing platform. Four viewing platforms offer views of Tatoosh Island, rugged rocks, birds, and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, Hurricane Ridge offers views in every season; it is considered the most accessible mountain area in Olympic National Park.

Wildlife, Coast, and Nature Watching

Railroad Bridge Park covers 75 wooded acres and provides access to the banks of an unspoiled stretch of the Dungeness River. It is designated an Important Bird Area and is regularly visited by eagles, hawks, songbirds, Canada geese, snow geese, and trumpeter swans. Birdwatching here goes hand in hand with the riverbank and the historic Olympic Discovery Trail crossing.

Hobuck Beach lies on the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the Makah Reservation. Visitors can walk, watch birds, surf, camp, and swim there. At the Feiro Marine Life Center, you can experience local marine life up close.

Local Culture and History

The Makah Museum displays artifacts from the Ozette archaeological site that are 300 to 500 years old. The area's history is also reflected in its landscape: the Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway runs from the eastern boundary of the Makah Indian Reservation to Cape Flattery. It was the first tribal road to receive scenic-byway status from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Makah Days is an annual celebration featuring traditional dances, canoe races, a salmon feast, Native arts and crafts, a parade, and fireworks. Individual events may vary from year to year. The Carnegie Museum displays cultural and historical artifacts relating to the history of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and other tribes on the Olympic Peninsula. Visitors are asked to make an appointment in advance. A family-friendly exhibit covers measures and steps to promote ecological growth in the region.

Sequim Museum & Arts collects, preserves, and displays artifacts and information about human and natural history through research, education, and exhibitions. Exhibits also cover the history of Sequim and Dungeness. The Dungeness River Nature Center features exhibits on the diversity of the Dungeness Watershed and the use of this landscape by people over thousands of years.

Practical Information

The Cape Flattery Trail is open daily year-round from sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. A Makah Recreation Permit is required for recreational activities such as sightseeing, hiking, beach walks, kayaking, diving, and birdwatching. You also need a permit from the Makah Tribe to park at the Cape Flattery Trailhead.

Places in Clallam County: Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim, Carlsborg.

Explore more destinations: Kittitas County, Franklin County, Douglas County, Adams County.

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