Welcome to the Olympic Peninsula!

The Olympic Peninsula is nestled between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the beautiful Puget Sound in the State of Washington on the east. We are bordered by the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the north and the Olympic Mountains on the south. Clallam County runs along the northern Pacific Coast line. An estimated 66,000 people live in the county and the coastal city of Port Angeles is situated right near the center of the county.

Our town of approximately 18,650 people, is often called the “Gateway to the Olympic National Park” – one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. In addition, the county is home to two other incorporated cities; sunny Sequim, located in the Dungeness Valley, and Forks, entryway to the Hoh Rainforest.

Port Angeles. Port Angeles was the second town site (after Washington, D.C.) to be planned by the federal government. In 1862, President Lincoln declared Port Angeles the “second National City” in case Washington, D.C. fell to the Confederate Army, even though the town’s population at the time was only 10! The largest city in Clallam County, Port Angeles was the first city in Washington State named an “All-American City” in 1954. The city and surrounding area are know for an abundance of outdoor activities, including kayaking, hiking, sailing, climbing, surfing, mountain biking, scuba diving, skiing, snowshoeing, etc., etc. In fact, the Sports Afield magazine lists Port Angeles as the “Best Outdoor Sports Town in the State of Washington.” The 1997 edition of Life in America’s Small Cities ranked Port Angeles No. 6 out of 193 cities nationwide. Though sports abound, our area is also known for its festivals, theater and eccentric art and artists.

Getting around. Port Angeles is also known as the city in “The Center of it All.” It’s a well-deserved title since we are so close to the Olympic National Park and the Olympic Park Institute. Port Angeles also serves as the gateway to Victoria, B.C. Canada by ferry.

Waterways. The Port Angeles harbor, originally dubbed Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles (Port of Our Lady of the Angels) by Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza in 1791, is the northern most, deep-water port in the US. Two days closer than Los Angeles for Asia trade, the Port Angeles Harbor is one of the world’s top three, joining Rio de Janeiro and Brisbane. Trucks, cars and recreational vehicles are provided year round state ferry service to Victoria, B.C. Canada. Travelers may take the” fast ferry” with style and comfort on the Victoria Express.

Airways. The William R Fairchild International Airport with its adjacent industrial park is only 35 minutes from Seattle International Airport via commuter service. All major west coast markets are within a second day haul for truckers.

Highways and Byways. Highway 101 and other roadways connect the city to the Kitsap Peninsula, Seattle, Puget Sound and beyond. Seattle’s ferry system as well as the Hood Canal Bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge offer further connectivity.

Wired Ways. A fiber optic loop encircles Port Angeles and nearby Sequim providing local businesses with metropolitan connectivity at the speed of light, and earning us the nickname of “FiberCityUSA”. DSL is also available to most of the residents of Clallam County.

Quick Statistics from the 2005 Economic Development Community Profile:

Population in Port Angeles (Estimate): 18,640
Per Capita Income Clallam County (2005): $27,737
Median Household Income (Estimated) 2005: $43,367
Average New Home Price 2005 (Port Angeles) $215,884
Temperature: 60/40 July/Jan averages
Rainfall: 25.0 inches (annual average)

Sequim and Dungeness Valley.  Just 14 miles to the east of Port Angeles, Sequim is proud of its famous elk herds, sunny weather and laid-back setting for retirees. In fact, in 1997, Fortune Magazine named Sequim one of the top-six retirement communities in the nation. New businesses and housing developments are adding to the town’s desirability and convenience. Remarkable weather, fun festivals and recreational resources offer plenty of opportunities for fun. Did you know that Sequim’s Irrigation Festival is Washington State’s oldest continuing festival? And the area’s “new-comer” – the Lavender Festival – draws an estimated 30,000 visitors from around the world to the Pacific Northwest!

Quick Statistics from the 2005 Economic Development Community Profile:

Population in Sequim and Dungeness Valley: 4,400
Per Capita Income: $19,253
Median Household Income: $27,880
Median House Value: $126,200
Temperature January/July high-low averages: 41/66
Rainfall: 16.68 inches of rainfall (annual average)

Would you like more information regarding the area’s towns, attractions, business opportunities, schools, etc.? You can access plenty of information through our local Chambers:

Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce
Forks Chamber of Commerce
Clallam Bay-Sekiu Chamber of Commerce

Photos courtesy of Piaffe Photography.