Trudy's Guidebook

Trudy
Trudy's Guidebook

Parks & Trails

So many trails, so little time! Trails listed here in this Guidebook provide just a few, mostly nearby, favorite destinations. Be aware that some parks and trail heads on the Olympic Peninsula require a PARK PERMIT. Some may be purchased directly on site, but not all. Save yourself some $ by checking out the links below for more trail information and to purchase a seasonal pass, if you don't already have one: alltrails.com & fs.usda.gov/olympic & wta.org
Less than a 1/4 mile from our Red Cabin in the Woods! Although the park is closed to campers during late Fall and Winter months, the trail is open to visitors year round. A lovely 1.5 mile loop alongside the Big Quilcene River. Or take the short path just to the right of the trailhead which leads to two scenic Falls View platforms. NO PARK PERMIT REQUIRED.
Falls View Canyon Trailhead
Less than a 1/4 mile from our Red Cabin in the Woods! Although the park is closed to campers during late Fall and Winter months, the trail is open to visitors year round. A lovely 1.5 mile loop alongside the Big Quilcene River. Or take the short path just to the right of the trailhead which leads to two scenic Falls View platforms. NO PARK PERMIT REQUIRED.
Just 2 miles south of the Red Cabin...GORGEOUS views from the top (on a clear day). Not so easy for novices but doable for most. If you don't want to hike, you can drive up to the top April-October.
Mt. Walker Lower Trailhead
Just 2 miles south of the Red Cabin...GORGEOUS views from the top (on a clear day). Not so easy for novices but doable for most. If you don't want to hike, you can drive up to the top April-October.
A 6-mile drive northwest of the Red Cabin, just outside the Buckhorn Wilderness. This non-technical trail follows the river for 6.5 miles (no elevation gain to speak of). Beautiful all seasons.
Lower Big Quilcene Trailhead
A 6-mile drive northwest of the Red Cabin, just outside the Buckhorn Wilderness. This non-technical trail follows the river for 6.5 miles (no elevation gain to speak of). Beautiful all seasons.
An easy short "stroll," near the small town of Brinnon, about 6 miles to the south of the Red Cabin. Beautiful Falls, right up close, with a perfect swimming hole (during warmer weather, of course).
30 locals recommend
Rocky Brook Falls
2405 Dosewallips Rd
30 locals recommend
An easy short "stroll," near the small town of Brinnon, about 6 miles to the south of the Red Cabin. Beautiful Falls, right up close, with a perfect swimming hole (during warmer weather, of course).
About 15.5 miles south of the Red Cabin, is a stunningly lush forest trail (1.8 miles round trip) leading to the Duckabush River - and favorite fishing hole. Start at the Interrorem Cabin, which was built in 1907. This structure is the oldest Forest Service dwelling on the Olympic Peninsula. On your return, take the 0.3-mile interpretive loop (open all seasons) for more information on the Cabin, the Ranger Hole, and native plants. Requires an Annual or Day Pass, not a Discovery Pass.
Ranger Hole Trailhead
4400-4476 NF-2510
About 15.5 miles south of the Red Cabin, is a stunningly lush forest trail (1.8 miles round trip) leading to the Duckabush River - and favorite fishing hole. Start at the Interrorem Cabin, which was built in 1907. This structure is the oldest Forest Service dwelling on the Olympic Peninsula. On your return, take the 0.3-mile interpretive loop (open all seasons) for more information on the Cabin, the Ranger Hole, and native plants. Requires an Annual or Day Pass, not a Discovery Pass.
Heading towards Sequim, just 15 miles northwest of the Red Cabin. Mt. Zion is a short 1.8 mile trail...but steep. Especially beautiful in June and July when the tall groves of rhododendrons are in full bloom!!
Mt Zion Trailhead
National Forest Development Road 2849
Heading towards Sequim, just 15 miles northwest of the Red Cabin. Mt. Zion is a short 1.8 mile trail...but steep. Especially beautiful in June and July when the tall groves of rhododendrons are in full bloom!!
About 17 miles southwest of the Red Cabin and very popular. Beautiful scenery (of course!) but considered more difficult. There are four trail options for Mt. Townsend. Check out the Washington Trail Association weblink for the best description and suggested routes. (Best times are usually June-October.)
6 locals recommend
Mt Townsend Trailhead
6 locals recommend
About 17 miles southwest of the Red Cabin and very popular. Beautiful scenery (of course!) but considered more difficult. There are four trail options for Mt. Townsend. Check out the Washington Trail Association weblink for the best description and suggested routes. (Best times are usually June-October.)
Not-so-local (about 70 miles northwest of the Red Cabin) but worth the drive up towards Port Angeles. Marymere Falls Trail is a 2.1 mile out and back from the historical Lake Crescent Lodge. The trail is for all skill levels (easy), best used from April until October. The drive around Lake Crescent is spectacular, especially on a sunny day!
76 locals recommend
Marymere Falls
76 locals recommend
Not-so-local (about 70 miles northwest of the Red Cabin) but worth the drive up towards Port Angeles. Marymere Falls Trail is a 2.1 mile out and back from the historical Lake Crescent Lodge. The trail is for all skill levels (easy), best used from April until October. The drive around Lake Crescent is spectacular, especially on a sunny day!
Located in Port Townsend, just 28 miles northwest of the Red Cabin. Historical Fort Warden is a 433 acre park with numerous walking trails winding through the upper forested area with much to see and explore (nature, military bunkers, historical markers...). The bluff loop trail has scenic overlooks or you can also walk down to the long stretch of beach towards the lighthouse (and marine science center). So much more to explore...bring a picnic lunch and stay a while! Requires a Discovery Pass, which can be purchased there.
90 locals recommend
Fort Worden State Park
200 Battery Way
90 locals recommend
Located in Port Townsend, just 28 miles northwest of the Red Cabin. Historical Fort Warden is a 433 acre park with numerous walking trails winding through the upper forested area with much to see and explore (nature, military bunkers, historical markers...). The bluff loop trail has scenic overlooks or you can also walk down to the long stretch of beach towards the lighthouse (and marine science center). So much more to explore...bring a picnic lunch and stay a while! Requires a Discovery Pass, which can be purchased there.
Located 40 miles northwest of the Red Cabin in Sequim along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the US. Spectacular views and easy hike through the forest onto the sandbar. As a National Wildlife Refuge, look for seabirds, seals, otters, and seasonal orcas. A must see!
100 locals recommend
Dungeness Spit
100 locals recommend
Located 40 miles northwest of the Red Cabin in Sequim along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the US. Spectacular views and easy hike through the forest onto the sandbar. As a National Wildlife Refuge, look for seabirds, seals, otters, and seasonal orcas. A must see!
NOTICE!! The Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center burned down this past spring - fire caused by lighting strike(s). Road access has been reopened to the large parking lot, although there is no longer a Visitors Center building. GENERAL INFORMATION: 17 miles south of Port Angeles (68 miles from the Red Cabin) Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. There are numerous trails as well as absolutely spectacular views (on clear days). Worth the drive up! (Do check road conditions during Winter season before driving up.)
101 locals recommend
Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center
3002 Mt Angeles Rd
101 locals recommend
NOTICE!! The Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center burned down this past spring - fire caused by lighting strike(s). Road access has been reopened to the large parking lot, although there is no longer a Visitors Center building. GENERAL INFORMATION: 17 miles south of Port Angeles (68 miles from the Red Cabin) Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. There are numerous trails as well as absolutely spectacular views (on clear days). Worth the drive up! (Do check road conditions during Winter season before driving up.)
Olympic Discovery Trail is a beautiful 120-mile trail that stretches from the Port Townsend waterfront to Port Angeles. Perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The trail winds through beautiful scenic areas which also includes the Historic Railroad Bridge Park in Sequim.
10 locals recommend
Olympic Discovery Trail: Adventure Route Trailhead
Olympic Discovery Trail: Adventure Route
10 locals recommend
Olympic Discovery Trail is a beautiful 120-mile trail that stretches from the Port Townsend waterfront to Port Angeles. Perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The trail winds through beautiful scenic areas which also includes the Historic Railroad Bridge Park in Sequim.

Local Food Scene

There are a number of places in the small town of Quilcene where you can find some good eats and groceries within about a 3-mile distance from the Red Cabin. Enjoy!
Perfect place to stop after hiking! Eat indoors or sit in the back yard seating area with a beautiful garden. Quality food made from scratch. Enjoy a veggie sandwich or elk burger or lasagna soup or...it's all delicious! (Lunch only from 11:00-3:00, 2.8 miles from Red Cabin)
8 locals recommend
Gear Head Deli
294963 US-101
8 locals recommend
Perfect place to stop after hiking! Eat indoors or sit in the back yard seating area with a beautiful garden. Quality food made from scratch. Enjoy a veggie sandwich or elk burger or lasagna soup or...it's all delicious! (Lunch only from 11:00-3:00, 2.8 miles from Red Cabin)
Our favorite local place to shop. "We are your best bet for gas, food, liquor, housewares, tea, coffee, snacks, fresh sandwiches and locally baked goods, all kinds of beverages, clothing, picnic, camping and outdoors supplies, wonderful gifts, chocolates and many other gourmet treats. We feature unique handmade and locally sourced items and organics whenever we can." Definitely check them out! (Open 7:00 am - 11:00 pm, 3.6 miles from Red Cabin)
Quilcene Village Store
294235 US-101
Our favorite local place to shop. "We are your best bet for gas, food, liquor, housewares, tea, coffee, snacks, fresh sandwiches and locally baked goods, all kinds of beverages, clothing, picnic, camping and outdoors supplies, wonderful gifts, chocolates and many other gourmet treats. We feature unique handmade and locally sourced items and organics whenever we can." Definitely check them out! (Open 7:00 am - 11:00 pm, 3.6 miles from Red Cabin)
A popular and charming little drive-through coffee stand serving mighty fine coffee (and tea). They also have an outdoor garden seating area, if you want to just sit and chill awhile. (Open 6:00 am - 4:00 pm, 3 miles from Red Cabin)
Quil Bean Espresso
71 Old Church Rd
A popular and charming little drive-through coffee stand serving mighty fine coffee (and tea). They also have an outdoor garden seating area, if you want to just sit and chill awhile. (Open 6:00 am - 4:00 pm, 3 miles from Red Cabin)
FINNRIVER is a 50 acre organic farm, orchard and community gathering space serving farm-crafted hard cider, fruit wines and seasonal local food (fantastic!). Check out their website for menu, music events, tours, wine tasting, and hours of operation. Located in Chimacum, 18 miles north of Red Cabin...worth the drive!
83 locals recommend
Finnriver Farm and Cidery
124 Center Rd
83 locals recommend
FINNRIVER is a 50 acre organic farm, orchard and community gathering space serving farm-crafted hard cider, fruit wines and seasonal local food (fantastic!). Check out their website for menu, music events, tours, wine tasting, and hours of operation. Located in Chimacum, 18 miles north of Red Cabin...worth the drive!
Now called QUILBILLY'S Taproom and Restaurant...formerly known as the 101 BREWERY CAFE (Open 8:00 am-7:30 pm, 3 miles from Red Cabin) Locally Sourced - Rotating Draft Beer & Cider - Burgers -Oysters - Smoked Salmon - Pizzas - Salads - Sandwiches - Breakfast - Homemade Dessert - Ice Cream - Mountain Views -Outdoor Seating. Excellent food...great service!
101 Brewery at Twana Road House
294793 US-101
Now called QUILBILLY'S Taproom and Restaurant...formerly known as the 101 BREWERY CAFE (Open 8:00 am-7:30 pm, 3 miles from Red Cabin) Locally Sourced - Rotating Draft Beer & Cider - Burgers -Oysters - Smoked Salmon - Pizzas - Salads - Sandwiches - Breakfast - Homemade Dessert - Ice Cream - Mountain Views -Outdoor Seating. Excellent food...great service!
Want an exceptional coffee drink? The Catkin owners are very friendly and welcoming, plus the space is bright and cheery, AND they roast their own beans - fresh deliciousness!) Enjoy this cozy space, with high ceilings and surrounded by tall windows. Conveniently located in downtown Quilcene, right on Hwy 101. (3 miles north of Red Cabin.)
Catkin Coffee
Want an exceptional coffee drink? The Catkin owners are very friendly and welcoming, plus the space is bright and cheery, AND they roast their own beans - fresh deliciousness!) Enjoy this cozy space, with high ceilings and surrounded by tall windows. Conveniently located in downtown Quilcene, right on Hwy 101. (3 miles north of Red Cabin.)

Events & Festivals

There are many amazing, fun annual events and festivals on the Olympic Peninsula, particularly Spring/Summer/early Fall. The ones listed here are just a few of the most popular and within 10 minutes to an hour drive from the Red Cabin. Highly recommended! (For a full calendar of events, go to "Olympic Peninsula Festivals" on the web.)
***VICTORIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL: April 26-28, 2024. Don't miss it! Check out this website for the 3-day special activities. ***WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL: September 6-8, 2024 - The largest wooden boat festival in North America. Very popular!
218 locals recommend
Port Townsend
218 locals recommend
***VICTORIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL: April 26-28, 2024. Don't miss it! Check out this website for the 3-day special activities. ***WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL: September 6-8, 2024 - The largest wooden boat festival in North America. Very popular!
***SEQUIM LAVENDER FESTIVAL: July 19-24, 2024. Considered the lavender capital of North America...110,000 lavender plants are grown each year in the area! Come tour the farms while driving (or cycling) through the stunning rolling hills of purple.
56 locals recommend
Sequim
56 locals recommend
***SEQUIM LAVENDER FESTIVAL: July 19-24, 2024. Considered the lavender capital of North America...110,000 lavender plants are grown each year in the area! Come tour the farms while driving (or cycling) through the stunning rolling hills of purple.
***DEPARTURE FEST: September 2024 - cancelled. World class live musicians performing at the Lake Leland Amphitheater in Quilcene! Includes a beer garden this year featuring some of the best brews on the peninsula.
Quilcene
***DEPARTURE FEST: September 2024 - cancelled. World class live musicians performing at the Lake Leland Amphitheater in Quilcene! Includes a beer garden this year featuring some of the best brews on the peninsula.
Don't miss the downtown annual Quilcene Fair and Parade (and car show and arts and crafts, food and local vendors, and so much more to enjoy!). Starts with a parade at 11:00...Saturday, September 21, 2024. (3 miles north of Red Cabin) See you there!
Quilcene Fair And Parade
Don't miss the downtown annual Quilcene Fair and Parade (and car show and arts and crafts, food and local vendors, and so much more to enjoy!). Starts with a parade at 11:00...Saturday, September 21, 2024. (3 miles north of Red Cabin) See you there!

Sightseeing

Rent single or tandem kayaks - only 8 miles south of the Red Cabin. Just meet at their Yelvik's Beach location for walk-in hourly rentals during the summer. Also check out their website (Hood Canal Adventures) for amazing touring options.
8 locals recommend
Kayak Brinnon
306146 U.S. 101
8 locals recommend
Rent single or tandem kayaks - only 8 miles south of the Red Cabin. Just meet at their Yelvik's Beach location for walk-in hourly rentals during the summer. Also check out their website (Hood Canal Adventures) for amazing touring options.