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Bedding Down in the North Olympic National Park
By Barbara Ballard
The North Olympic area of Washington State is a great outdoor recreational area for both families and couples wanting to get away from it all and experience nature. It's surrounded by water on three sides and has 10 major rivers. Kayaking, river rafting, fishing, boating, hiking, cycling, viewing rainforests, soaking in natural hot springs - the list goes on and on. There are high mountains, gently rolling hills, rainforests, sun, and snow.
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Fort Townsend waterfront
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The historic town of Port Townsend is a little architectural gem, and Fort Worden State Park, on its outskirts, is a great historical and scenic spot that's home to a museum, a hostel, and family accommodations. For a sure sighting of wildlife, the Olympic Game Farm, once the home for the animals used in Walt Disney's films, is located near Sequim, home to the Lavender Festival in July. One thing for certain, there is lots of variety here, not just in the activities but in the accommodations.
Recently I enjoyed a number of the area's attractions over a long weekend - not enough time to take in everything, especially when hiking time is involved, and when you consider that the Olympic National Forest covers 632,000 acres. One thing I always enjoy is a special place to stay at the end of the day. Of course, there are lots of inexpensive camping spots, and cabins are available in the National Park. But I always say go for it and hang the expense, that is, if it's an extra special celebration.
So for readers, here's two places I stayed and give an 11 out of 10: Toad Hall and BJ's Garden Gate, both located in or near Sequim. They aren't family spots, far from it. They're luxurious, romantic get-aways that spoil you rotten.
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Singer Tavern Cottages,
Lake Crescent Lodge
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While I was in Port Townsend, I stayed in an unusual hotel, The Bishop, a former Victorian hotel, now refurbished in the period but updated to the 21st century in its amenities. In Port Angeles (use the town only for a base, there's nothing to spend time on there), I can highly recommend the Five SeaSuns. For the cabin experience both Lake Crescent and Sol Duc have unvarnished entries.
To Stay
Bishop Victorian Hotel
714 Washington St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Tel. 360-385-6122
Toll free: 1-800-824-4738
Fax. 360-379-1840
Email: swan@waypt.com
Off street parking
Prices: $89-199, offseason rates
Wesbsite: www.bishopvictorian.com
Lake Crescent Lodge
Olympic National Park
416 Lake Crescent Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363-8672
Tel. 360-928-3211
Website: www.lakecrescentlodge.com
Cabins and three motels on site.
Rates from $70-150.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Five Seasuns B&B
Port Angeles, WA.
©2001 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited. Photos of Port Townsend courtesy N. Olympic Tourism. Photo of Lake Crescent courtesy of the Lodge.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area, check out our North America Insiders page.
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