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Adventures

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

The resort complex consists of hotel rooms, cabins, RV spots, gift shop, restaurant, swimming pool, and hot spring-fed soaking pools. We were only interested in soaking in the hot mineral waters. The set-up is fairly straight forward; pay the admission fee, rinse off in the showers (shampoo provided), select one of the three pools, and relax. Though it wasn’t crowded we enjoyed people watching as we let the hot water wash away the day. Though the water was slightly cloudy and had a slight sulfur smell we felt comfortable knowing the pools are drained and cleaned daily. Hints: There is a reduced rate for evening soaking. Bring a towel. Towels, swimsuits, and other necessities can either be rented or purchased. There are several nice short hikes in the area including Sol Duc Falls. Caution: Located inside Olympic National Park – entrance fee charged.

Phone: (360) 327-3583
Address: 12076 Sol Duc Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles WA 98363
Sol Duc Hot Springs Road joins Hwy 101 roughly 28 miles west of Port Angeles. Head east on Sol Duc Hot Springs Road about 12 miles to the resort.

Victoria Express Ferry

Victoria Express offers passenger-only service to Victoria, B.C. among other destinations. We left on the first ferry of the morning and our hour long trip was safe and enjoyable. The crew was friendly, helpful, and seemed eager to answer questions. There are snacks and package tours available for sale on the ferry. The large interior seating area with its big windows looked comfortable though we spent the journey up on the small outdoor seating area. From up there we had excellent views of the water and were able to spot some wildlife during our trip including an Orca. Hints: Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season. The city owned parking lot at the end of Railroad Ave offers the cheapest parking and it is only a couple blocks further. Caution: ID and proof of citizenship is required to re-enter the U.S., check with the ferry for acceptable forms of ID.

Phone: (360) 452-8088
Address: 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles WA 98363
From Hwy 101 in Port Angeles, turn north on Lincoln Street. At Railroad Avenue turn left (west) and pick from one of the several parking lots.

Black Ball Ferry Line (M.V. Coho)

We returned to Port Angeles on this ferry for two reasons, one it was the last ferry to leave Victoria which gave us another hour or so to explore and two, it was cheaper than the other ferry line. This bigger ferry takes about 11/2 hours to make the trip and it can hold up to 100 vehicles and 1000 people. There is a cafe area with tables, which fill up quickly, as well as a large indoor seating area and a small upstairs open-air seating area. During the summer the Coho makes multiple trips a day between the two cities. I have ridden this ferry several times in years past without incident, however on this last trip the ferry was held up in Victoria for 45 minutes. The situation was made even more difficult since the staff failed to explain why there was a delay or how long we would be delayed. Hint: Reservations are a must during the summer since the ferry often fills up, especially if you are taking a vehicle. If you are not taking your vehicle, pay parking is available at several lots across the street from the ferry. Caution: Proof of citizenship is required to return to the U.S., check with the ferry for acceptable forms of ID.

Phone: (360) 457-4491
Address: 101 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles WA 98362

Roosts

Shadow Mountain Campground

Located at Mile Post 233 on Highway 101 roughly 15 miles west of Port Angeles.
This park isn’t fancy but it is clean, offers a wide variety of amenities, and is conveniently located just outside Olympic National Park. All the sites have full hookups, and the park offers a bathhouse, laundry, miniature golf, playground, volleyball, badminton, and horseshoe pits. The attached General Store is a convenience store which sells deli items, ice cream, gifts, books, gas, and propane. The sites are all back-ins on terraced levels of a steep hillside which was tricky for some of the larger rigs though we had no problem at 34’ long. There was no room in front for our tow car so we had to be creative parking it. The park also has a small tent area separate from the RV section. Cautions: Steep hill to get to sites. Very short pay showers.

Address: 232951 Highway 101, Port Angeles WA 98363