Downtown Port Angeles Waterfront - Image 1

Port Angeles Waterfront Trail

4.6
·491k reviews·Port Angeles, United States

A scenic paved trail offering stunning Salish Sea views, perfect for biking, walking, and wildlife spotting.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow
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Downtown Port Angeles Waterfront - Image 1

Port Angeles Waterfront Trail

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic paved trail offering stunning Salish Sea views, perfect for biking, walking, and wildlife spotting.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The most scenic bike trail in the US with breathtaking waterfront views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Rent a Bike for More Fun

Experience the full 13 miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail by renting a bike.

🌊 Watch for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life in the Salish Sea.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Salish Sea Vistas

Salish Sea Vistas

Along the entire trail

Panoramic views of the Salish Sea, with chances to spot marine life like orcas.

TikTok
Olympic Discovery Trail

Olympic Discovery Trail

Port Angeles, WA

Rated one of the best scenic bike trails in the US, offering diverse landscapes.

TikTok
Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach

Eastern end of the trail

A charming spot with great water views, perfect for a relaxed stroll or picnic.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Olympic Discovery Trail

The Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is part of the larger Olympic Discovery Trail, a scenic route perfect for biking and walking. Consider renting a bike to fully experience its 13 miles of stunning Salish Sea views and coastal charm. TikTok

Timing is Key for Views

While beautiful year-round, the trail offers particularly breathtaking vistas during sunrise and sunset. Check local tide charts for optimal viewing and to potentially spot marine life. TikTok

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
October (Dungeness Crab Fest)
Why
Seafood celebration
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Let me just say that pictures and videos don’t do this place justice. #portangeles #forks #forkswashington #twilight #twilightsaga #twilighttiktok #teamedward
@theliterarylott
26.7K likes • 122.9K views

🚲 Rent a Bike for More Fun

Experience the full 13 miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail by renting a bike. TikTokInstagram

🌊 Watch for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life in the Salish Sea. Instagram

no need for white noise when you can fall asleep to the waves crashing on the side of the cabin #portangeles #whiskeycreek #olympicnationalpark #travel #hiddengem
@placeswithpaytra
12K likes • 220.6K views
Peaceful moment on the waterfront trail in Port Angeles. #wildportangeles #olympicdiscoverytrail #biking #waterfront #waterfrontliving #portangeles #olympicnationalpark #happiness #freemymind #soundsofwaves #dreaming #bikeride
wildportangeles
190 likes • 1.9K views

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer the most stunning light for photos and views. TikTok

🦀 Visit During Crab Fest

October brings the Dungeness Crab Festival, a lively local event. TikTok

The most scenic bike trail in the US 🚲 (AD) The Olympic Discovery Trail, located in Port Angeles, Washington was recently rated one of the best scenic bike trails in the US by the New York Times! ✨ And for a good reason! 😍 This trail has stunning views of the Salish Sea (where you can sometimes see orcas!), passes by quaint farm stands, and has plenty of places to eat along the way. 🚴🏽‍♀️ Here...
gwynandami
23.8K likes • 774.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Rent a Bike for More Fun

Experience the full 13 miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail by renting a bike. TikTokInstagram

🌊 Watch for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life in the Salish Sea. Instagram

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer the most stunning light for photos and views. TikTok

🦀 Visit During Crab Fest

October brings the Dungeness Crab Festival, a lively local event. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for enjoying the trail, whether walking or biking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning Salish Sea views and the well-maintained, scenic nature of the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail, especially for biking and walking. Many appreciate its accessibility and the chance to spot marine life. Some note that dining options directly on the trail are limited, and it can get busy during peak times or events.

What People Like

Breathtaking sea views
Well-maintained trail
Wildlife spotting opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited on-trail dining
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is easily accessible from downtown Port Angeles. Parking is available at various points along the waterfront, including near the ferry terminal and at Hollywood Beach. TikTok

Limited public transportation options may be available within Port Angeles. It's often easiest to drive or bike to the trailheads. Check local transit schedules for current routes.

While the trail is near Olympic National Park, it's a separate entity. The Olympic Discovery Trail connects to areas near the park, but direct access points are limited. TikTok

Yes, ample parking can be found at various access points, including near the ferry terminal and at Hollywood Beach, making it convenient for visitors. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy biking the trail due to its length and scenic beauty. Renting a bike in Port Angeles is a popular option. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is a public access area and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. Reddit

The trail itself is free to use. However, if you plan to rent a bike or participate in events like the North Olympic Discovery Marathon, there will be associated costs. Instagram

The trail is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. There are no official closing times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other visitors. Reddit

Much of the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy stunning Salish Sea views, watch for marine life, and explore charming spots like Hollywood Beach. It's also a gateway to the Olympic Discovery Trail for biking and walking. TikTokInstagram+1

Crowds are generally lower on weekday mornings. Weekends and during special events like the Dungeness Crab Festival can be busier. TikTok

Expect beautiful coastal scenery with views of the water, mountains, and potentially marine wildlife. TikTokInstagram

While the trail itself doesn't have many dining options, downtown Port Angeles is nearby and offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Reddit

The waterfront views, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer fantastic photo opportunities. Look for marine life and scenic overlooks. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the waterfront scenery. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea and mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing marine wildlife. Instagram

Hollywood Beach offers lovely views, and any point along the trail with unobstructed views of the Salish Sea is ideal. Look for opportunities to frame shots with foreground elements. TikTok

Yes, if you're lucky, you might spot seals, otters, or even orcas. Be patient and use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Instagram

The vast expanse of the Salish Sea, the Olympic Mountains in the distance, boats on the water, and the trail itself are popular subjects. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is a fantastic option for families. Its paved surface makes it easy for strollers and young children to navigate, and the relatively flat terrain means less complaining! Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy at Hollywood Beach or one of the many scenic spots along the way. TikTok Keep an eye out for marine life – spotting seals or seabirds can be a highlight for kids. Consider renting bikes for a fun family adventure, but ensure you have appropriate safety gear for everyone. TikTok

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists & Active Travelers

For cyclists, the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is a must-do. It's a key part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, renowned for its scenic beauty and well-maintained path. TikTokInstagram You can easily spend hours exploring, enjoying the coastal views and fresh sea air. Many visitors opt for bike rentals in town to fully embrace the experience. TikTok If you're looking for a challenge, consider participating in the North Olympic Discovery Marathon or its related events held annually. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Nature photographers will find plenty to capture along the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail. The Salish Sea offers dramatic backdrops, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok Keep your camera ready for potential wildlife sightings, including seabirds and marine mammals. Instagram The trail itself, with its bridges and pathways, also presents interesting compositional opportunities. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for those expansive ocean and mountain vistas. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Olympic Discovery Trail

The Port Angeles Waterfront Trail is a segment of the much larger Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT), a 130-mile multi-use path stretching across the Olympic Peninsula. Recognized by the New York Times as one of the most scenic bike trails in the US, the ODT offers a diverse experience, from coastal vistas to lush forests. TikTokInstagram The waterfront portion in Port Angeles specifically provides stunning views of the Salish Sea, with opportunities to spot marine life. Instagram It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region at your own pace.

Visitors can choose to walk, run, or bike the trail. Bike rentals are readily available in Port Angeles, making it an accessible adventure for most. TikTok The trail is largely paved and well-maintained, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride, the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail offers a memorable experience. Remember to check for local events like the North Olympic Discovery Marathon if you're looking for a more active challenge. Instagram

Twilight Filming Locations & Coastal Charm

Port Angeles and its surrounding areas hold a special place in the hearts of Twilight Saga fans, as many scenes from the popular book and film series were shot in this region. While the trail itself might not be a direct filming location, the general atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest coast, with its misty mornings and dramatic seascapes, strongly evokes the mood of the series. TikTok+2 Visitors often feel a connection to the fictional town of Forks, which is a short drive away.

Beyond its Twilight connections, Port Angeles offers a genuine coastal charm. The waterfront is a hub of activity, with marinas, shops, and restaurants. The trail provides a peaceful escape from the town's bustle, allowing you to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for local events, such as the Dungeness Crab Festival in October, which celebrates the region's rich seafood heritage and offers a taste of local culture. TikTok

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