Get Away to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State
With the majestic Olympic Mountains to the south and Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, Strait Surf Cabins offers a memorable experience as diverse as its surroundings on the Olympic Peninsula. Home to Olympic National Park, the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state really does offer something for everyone. Explore nearby mountain peaks, trails and waterfalls, or surf and paddle the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca or Lake Crescent. Our location near the mouth of the Lyre River makes us a popular destination for kayakers, paddle boarders and surfers. After a day of adventure, enjoy dinner at your cabin, or head into Port Angeles for a night on the town.
Our Top Recommendations
Lake Crescent
30 minutes away
Lake Crescent tops our list as a must-see. Favorite sites include hiking to Marymere Falls by way of the Barnes Creek trail, hiking the Pyramid Mountain trail and hiking or biking Spruce Railroad trail that runs along the north shore. The Spruce Railroad Trail leads you through an old railroad tunnel, and to Devil’s Punch Bowl, a popular swimming and diving area. It’s also worth getting out onto the water. Boat launches are located at both east and west ends of the lake. Rowboats are available for rental from Lake Crescent Lodge. The Lodge was built in 1914 and the history of the building and surroundings can be felt as you enter. The restaurant offers great food, and nothing is better than dining lakeside. Whether kayaking, sailing, or relaxing is your desire, Lake Crescent is a great place to visit.
Hurricane Ridge
1 hour away
Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. Hurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road. The road is open throughout summer. In summer visitors come for the views of the Olympic Mountains, as well as for hiking. During the winter months the small, family oriented Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area offers lift-serviced downhill skiing and snowboarding. During winter the road is open weekends and holidays (weather and conditions permitting). Vehicles must carry tire chains. Check the road status before coming by calling (360) 565-3131 (recorded message). A general map and information regarding facilities, picnic areas, camping, and regulations can be found on the park’s Hurricane Ridge brochure.
Salt Creek
15 minutes away
A 196-acre waterfront park with trails, beach and tidepools. The park was previously Camp Hayden, a World War II military camp built 1942–1945. There is a day-use picnic area, playground, sand volleyball courts, horse-shoe pits, basketball court, and playing field. Scenic trails take you through forests, to the beach, and to a WWII historic bunker. Locally the area is well known for it’s tide pools.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
1 hour away
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers three Mineral Hot Spring soaking pools and one Freshwater Pool available for day-use. There is also a restaurant on site offering locally sourced cuisine. Several day hikes are available as well including the trail to Sol Duc Falls, Lover’s Lane, Ancient Groves, Mink Lake and Deer Lake.
Olympic National Park
Several nearby sites!
Diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. The park includes nearly a million acres and protects a vast wilderness, history, and several different ecosystems. You’ll find plenty to see and do, from glacier topped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Come explore!
Port Angeles
30 minutes away
Tucked in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles is the epicenter for the Olympic Peninsula and is the jumping off point for visits into Olympic National Park, as well as Victoria, BC, Canada (by way of the MV Coho ferry). When in town we highly recommend Toga’s Soup House for breakfast or lunch. They’re famous for their Pork Schnitzel Sandwich, and are a local favorite. If in PA on a Saturday, stop by the PA Farmer’s Market from 10am-2pm!
Sequim
55 minutes away
Surrounded by natural beauty and full of small-town charm, Sequim is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lavender lovers and is one of the driest places in western Washington. An active arts community, vibrant downtown, and diverse culinary options make Sequim the cultural and commercial heart of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley on the magnificent Olympic Peninsula.
Forks
65 minutes away
Forks is a small town on the west side of the Peninsula. It’s gateway to Pacific Coast Beaches and the moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest. Forks is well known for its fishing on the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel and Calawah rivers. More recently, Forks has gained fame as the location Stephenie Meyer chose as the primary setting for her Twilight series.
Page top “Lyre River Surf Trip” video embedded from Youtube, courtesy yachtrider23.
The Lyre River Conservation Area
The Lyre Conservation Area is a 280-acre property just east of the Lyre River and Strait Surf Cabins. This Conservation Area features the estuary at the mouth of the Lyre River, streams, tide-flats, kelp beds and a ½ mile of Strait of Juan de Fuca shoreline. It also includes a diverse forest and habitat for salmon and a variety of birds and wildlife. It’s a wonderful day use area for activities like wildlife viewing, surfing, picnicking, fishing and beach walking. With responsible use, this conservation area will provide habitat protection and recreational access for generations to come. Video by John Gussman
Additional Images of our Breathtaking Area
Looking for Other Unique Lodging?
Be sure to visit the travel blog Kessi World. It provides resources for mindful travelers searching for authentic connections in this Pacific Wonderland. They also recently featured Strait Surf Cabins in an article!