About Port Angeles
Where We Live and Play
Port Angeles is geographically located between the Olympic Mountain Range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 2-3 hours west by car from Seattle. Port Angeles is home to Olympic National Park headquarters and the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria, Canada. Olympic National Park offers a variety of world class hiking, fishing, crabbing and kayaking opportunities.
Port Angeles is located closest in proximity to the Lower Elwha Nation (Nəxʷsƛ̕ áy̕əm “strong people”). In addition the Makah, Quileute, Hoh, Quinalt, Skokomish, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Jamestown S’Klallam have inhabited the Olympic Peninsula for thousands of years. Please visit the Washington Tribes Map for an interactive map for more information on tribal communities of the Olympic Peninsula and to access individual tribal websites.
It is essential during the COVID-19 outbreak that we are especially mindful to prevent the spread of disease to tribal nations. Most tribal lands at this time are closed to the public, and we encourage any visitors to the Olympic Peninsula to avoid tribal lands at this time. Please check each tribal website for further information as the pandemic evolves.
Below are links to tips for recreating responsibly in the time of COVID, as well as a list of our favorite places to enjoy during your time here.
Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus – Washington Trails Association
Port Angeles Farmers Market – Open Year Round!
Elwha Dam Reforestation Efforts
We recognize the painful and complex history between the Lower Elwha tribe (‘The Strong People’) and the Washington State government, specifically regarding the historically devastating ecological effects of the Elwha River Dams. As a community we celebrate the hard-fought battle of the tribe and allies, which resulted in the removal of the dams, starting in 2011 and ongoing reforestation efforts in the area. For more information on the damn removal and the Lower Elwha tribe, please explore the links below:
Below is a link to the One Square Inch project, which highlights the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula as one of the quietest places in the United States.