Discover Sequim: Lavender, Culture, and Nature on the Dungeness River

Sequim combines an unusual landscape with vibrant culture and a wide range of opportunities for active days. The city lies in the rain shadow of the surrounding mountains; the average annual precipitation is 16 inches. For your trip planning, this is just as distinctive a detail as the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail, which passes through Sequim and is used for cycling, hiking, and running.

Exploring the Olympic Discovery Trail

In Sequim, the Olympic Discovery Trail provides a clear starting point for days outdoors. Along its route through the city, it crosses a 780-foot trestle over the Dungeness River. Another section is located in Carrie Blake Park, Sequim’s largest city park, and is suitable for hiking and cycling. At Railroad Bridge Park, a restored wooden bridge and a 780-foot trestle are used by pedestrians and cyclists on the Olympic Discovery Trail. The park also provides access to the riverbank and opportunities for birdwatching along the Dungeness River.

Smaller nature destinations also complement the longer trails. Pioneer Park is home to an arboretum with a large collection of Garry oak trees. Gebhardt Zwicker Trail Park provides access to Bell Creek. At the Sequim Botanical Garden, visitors can view the Terrace Garden in Carrie Blake Community Park. The garden provides information about sustainable gardening practices and demonstrates the use of reclaimed water. This makes it possible to combine exercise, plants, and hands-on topics related to the use of natural resources.

Nature Experiences Around the Dungeness River

From Sequim, the road to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge leads three miles west along Highway 101. The main trail begins at the visitor kiosk plaza. In the wider Sequim area, an easy, half-mile forest trail first leads to a viewpoint on the bluff; the trail then continues for five miles to the lighthouse. When planning your day, consider which section best suits your desired outing. The Dungeness River Nature Center complements this natural setting with exhibits about native birds and wildlife, as well as environmental programs for adults and children.

Culture, History, and Seasonal Experiences

For cultural discoveries, Sequim Museum & Arts features an exhibit on the Manis Mastodon and an exhibit on the Jamestown S’Klallam longhouse. The museum is also an important venue for the monthly First Friday Art Walks. Pioneer Memorial Park’s landscape includes some of the cemetery’s original gravestones, a handcrafted pioneer cabin, a totem pole carved by elders of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and a memorial waterfall. The Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuously held festival in Washington State.

Lavender creates additional reasons to visit. Sequim Lavender Weekend takes place every year on the third weekend of July. During the peak growing months of July and August, lavender farms in the Sequim area host festivals, educational workshops and demonstrations, craft activities, live entertainment, and activities for children. At Lavender Connection, more than 60 lavender varieties are available to view during the blooming season, typically in July and August; most can be cut yourself. Visitors can also learn about the extraction of essential oils at the copper still and sample more than 20 varieties of essential lavender oil.

Local Character and the Right Base for Your Trip

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market brings together more than 65 local vendors. It takes place on Saturdays from May through October and offers locally grown food as well as locally made products. This creates a distinct excursion option alongside the trail, museum, and natural areas. When choosing your accommodation in Sequim, it helps to consider which rhythm suits your trip: Are you planning long stretches on the trail, nature observation along the Dungeness River, cultural experiences, or a stay centered around lavender and the market? A vacation rental or vacation home in Sequim can thus be selected specifically according to your desired holiday theme, without limiting the trip to just one activity.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to include additional places in your trip planning alongside Sequim, you can also explore Port Angeles, Forks, and Carlsborg.

For the higher-level travel overview: Clallam County.