Whether golf, hiking, kayaking, biking, or fishing is your pleasure, you’ll enjoy the weather in Sequim. Though only 60 miles from Seattle, Sequim is in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains. We brag about our sunny, dry climate with less then 15 inches of rain per year.
Outdoor Recreation
The area near the Juan de Fuca Cottages hotel abounds with recreational possibilities.
Kayaker on Dungeness Bay
Sequim is located between the Olympic Mountains and Dungeness Bay. From the cottages, you can see Dungeness Spit and the New Dungeness Lighthouse.
Rent a kayak for an hour or the day right here at the Cottages and explore the inner harbor or make a day of it out to the Lighthouse. In the summertime there is a Seal Rookery in the Harbor with dozens of babies being born late June to early July. More Info
Fishing the Dungeness River
Crabbing on Dungeness Bay
Three Dungeness Crabs
Clamming on the beach
Fishing, crabbing and clamming - when in season and with a license can be done right outside your door here at the cottages! Both clams and oysters can be picked up on our beach and with a crab pot you can reach the world famous Dungeness crabs out just a little deeper! More Info
Hiking Dungeness Spit
Walking the 11 mile round trip hike on the Dungeness Spit to the Lighthouse is a very invigorating experience. Thankfully there is a bathroom, drinking fountain and picnic tables at the Lighthouse for you to use! Pack a lunch and take some time to walk to the top for some amazing 360 degree views! More Info
Olympic Game Farm
Olympic Game Farm feeding time
Did you just hear a lion roar? Listen again, because - yes! You can hear them sometimes right from the cottages! About two miles away, the Olympic Game Farm is open year round for you to drive through and feed the animals! From buffalo and elk to bears and lions - this is a real treat for all ages! More Info
Bicycles onsite to rent
The Olympic Discovery Trail is about a mile from the cottages for biking or walking and we recommend renting our cruiser bikes if you didn't bring your own! This trail meanders through the valley for over 50 miles! Olympic Discovery Trail
A bike ride along Marine Drive to visit the Eagle's Nests or further on to the Dungeness River and Nash's for a cup of coffee and a pastry! Bike Rentals
Lavender Farm
Another Sequim highlight are all the Farms around! From fourteen Lavender Farms with that wonderful aroma wafting to greet you - to Organic vegetables at Nash's Farm or Sunny Farms Market. Sequim boasts a Peony Farm and several Dahlia Farms. Their is also an organic dairy farm, Dungeness Valley Creamery, up the street from the Cottages to visit.
Daytrips
Hurricane Ridge
Sequim is also an excellent base for exploring the Olympic National Park. The Dungeness River watershed or Deer Park access for hiking and camping. Also, Hurricane Ridge only a short 50 minute drive from Sequim boasts spectacular scenery! In the summer, spring and fall there are miles of hiking trails.
Snowshoe Hurricane Ridge
and in the winter time those same trails at Hurricane Ridge are open for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. There is also a children’s sledding area (under age 8), and rope tow for skiing and snowboarding.
Wild Pacific Ocean
Traveling the Olympic Peninsula along Hwy 101 in about an hour and a half from the Cottages you come to the wild coastline of Washington State. Also part of the Olympic National Park system - you can hike, surf, fish and clam along the many beaches here.
Marymere Falls
A Waterfalls Adventure!! Travel Highway 101 around the Olympic Peninsula viewing waterfall after waterfall!!! If you’re up for this waterfall adventure, here’s an easy trip you can take to see seven falls in about 9-10 hours.
Loop-de-Loop Olympic Peninsula Waterfalls
Cape Flattery Trail
Cape Flattery - most western point in the Continental USA - Hike the Cape Flattery trail out to view the Lighthouse and enjoy wild vistas along the way.
Twilight
Popular books and movies by author Stephenie Meyer - the Twilight series brings many new visitors to the Olympic Peninsula. The cities of Forks and La Push are only a little more than an hour from the Cottages... maybe that wasn't a lion I heard roaring... maybe that was a.... nah... couldn't be! More Info
Hoh Rain Forest - Largest Sitka spruce
The Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction here on the Olympic Peninsula. Moist ocean air from the Pacific brings over 150″ (record of 211″) of annual rainfall to this area, which, along with presence of Sitka spruce and “colonnades” (row of trees that grew atop downed trees called “nurse logs”), qualify the west-facing valleys of the Olympics as the only temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere!
Klahhane Ridge Trail Olympic National Park
Here is a link to an article of 10 Great Hikes in Olympic National Park - we have been on all but one of the hikes and will plan to visit it this year now!!!
Black Ball Ferry Victoria
Across the water is Victoria, BC, in Canada - a delightful day trip via the Blackball's Coho ferry from nearby Port Angeles. (If you catch the 8:20 a.m. ferry to Victoria, you’ll be back here in time for dinner.)
Butchart Gardens
Crumpets and high tea at the historic Empress Hotel. The magnificent Royal British Columbia Museum is a must see! Desserts at the Dutch Bakery are amazing and if you have time to drive to the Butchart Gardens outside of town - you won't be disappointed with their spectacular array of flowers and lights - wear round!
Indoor Recreation
YMCA Olympic Peninsula
Visit Sequim YMCA which has a full size Olympic pool, shallow pool, sauna, hydro therapy pool, and a water slide. Work out at SARC and have the benefits of all the latest equipment. SARC also has a gym for basketball, volleyball, aerobics and karate classes, as well as two racquetball courts which may be reserved on a first come first served basis.
Olympic Cellars Winery
What could be more fun than wine tasting at one of the four area wineries? One of my favorite indoor activities! The Working Girl wine series is not to be missed at Olympic Cellars!
Dungeness Brewing Company
The Sequim area in recent years has become home to several micro-breweries! Some have tours or tasting rooms while the others you can sample at local restaurants and bars. Barhop Brewery and Taproom Fathom and League Brewery Dungeness Brewing Company Peninsula Taproom
Angeles Brewing Supply and Taproom
Favorite Restaurants
Sequim is also home to some wonderful chefs so eating out is a definite on my indoor recreation list!
Dockside Grill
Try the amazing Dockside Grill for waterfront dining. Every bite is so delicious!!! Pricey but worth the cost. Seafood salad!! Raviolis stuffed with portobello mushrooms in a rich Madeira cream sauce topped with grilled chicken and prosciutto. Crab/artichoke cheese appetizers. Incredible steaks. Seafood Bisque soup. Don't forget dessert - the chocolate mousse is a dream!
Old Mill Cafe
just a few minutes from the Cottages is the Old Mill Cafe with wonderful home cooked meals
Double Eagle
The Double Eagle at the Dungeness Golf Course (Now called the Cedars at Dungeness) - Missy's favorite crabcakes and clam chowder
Alderwood Bistro
the Alderwood Bistro which utilizes local, fresh ingredients
Oak Table
or Oak Table renowned for it's Apple Pancakes or quiche Lorraine.