If you are staying in Port Angeles and aren't sure where to eat or what sights to see, read on for a full day itinerary that takes you to 2 gorgeous waterfalls and some great places to eat.
What you will need:
Hiking Boots
Rain Jacket (depending on weather)
Bottled water for all
Backpack (for carrying essentials and your picnic lunch)
Sunscreen
8:00 AM - Breakfast at First Street Haven or Chestnut Cottage
First Street Haven is our choice for breakfast in Port Angeles. However, the diner is very, very small, so if you don't like tight spaces, or are traveling with a party larger than 4, Chestnut Cottage is a close 2nd for breakfast choices.
Whichever you choose, the cinnamon rolls are to die for. They both have delicious and hearty breakfast choices. I love the Veggie Browns at both (I always add eggs and bacon to the dish- YUM). Chestnut Cottage has fresh squeezed Orange Juice which is delicious and First Street Haven has house-made espresso whipped cream for your coffee creations, so good! You cannot go wrong with either of these restaurants for breakfast! Make sure and eat something hearty, you have a big adventure ahead of you!
10:00 AM - Sandwiches at Drakes
After breakfast swing by our local sandwich shop, Drakes, to pick up a picnic lunch for you and your crew. Their sandwiches are delicious, along with their pesto pasta salad! They have juices and sodas to go along with chips and cookies. Everything you will need for a scrumptious picnic lunch.
10:30- Drive to Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls
Head West on Highway 101 until you reach Lake Crescent. Follow the signs to the Storm King Ranger Station. You will find a large parking lot and restrooms. Make sure to have all the kiddos (and adults) try to "go" prior to the hike.
Depending on staffing, Covid and more, you might find the ranger station closed. If it is open, it's a great place to visit to learn some history of the lake and the Olympic National Park.
Pack up your waters and your picnic lunch and head out on the Marymere Falls trail. The hike to the falls is just .9 miles one way but at the very end, you will ascend 400 feet to 2 separate view points to see the falls. Before heading up the switch-backs to the waterfall, you will see a rock beach along the shore of the river. This is a great place to pause and enjoy a picnic lunch! It's such a peaceful location and the kids love throwing rocks in the river and exploring. (This is also a good place to hang out if you have really, really young kids who might not make it up the switch-backs to see the waterfall.) After enjoying the 90 ft. waterfall, and hopefully snapping a bunch of photos, head back toward the parking lot.
Once you come out of the forest, you will see a large field, if you head toward the water, you will find the boat launch and pier. It's a great place to put your feet in the water if it's a hot day or just walk the pier and be amazed at the crystal clear water.
For trail maps and more check out the Lake Crescent Brochure.
3:00 PM - Head back, stop at Granny's Cafe
What better way to end the first part of your adventure than by grabbing a soft serve ice-cream at our locally famous Granny's Cafe. The line might be long during the summer, but it's worth the wait. They even have sprinkles for the kids! Once you get your cones, head hack behind the restaurant and check out their mini farm. You might find chickens, Emu's, doves, donkeys and more. My kids insist on visiting the animals every time we visit Granny's.
4:00 PM - Madison Falls
Head East on 101 and turn right on Olympic Hot Springs Road (Right after the Elwha River at the turn in the road). Drive until you reach the parking lot for Madison Falls.
You will find a pit toilet near the parking lot in case any of the crew are in need of one.
The trailhead is right there by the pit toilet, just keep following the paved path. At .2 miles, the hike is very short. It winds through forest and ends at a 45 ft. waterfall. The trail has many benches, including one at the end in case the kiddos are tired from their adventures.
For a full review of the falls and hike, read The Magnificent Madison Falls.
After viewing the falls, it is always nice to either walk up the road along the river, especially if the kids still have abundant energy, or (depending on river height), head down to the beach along the river. There are plenty of amazing rocks to find along the rivers edge.
6:00 PM - Dinner at Kokopelli
Head East on 101, back into Port Angeles. 101 turns North onto Lincoln St. before heading East again. Instead of heading East with the highway, continue down Lincoln and you will find Coyote BBQ and Kokopelli Grill at the corner of Lincoln and Front St. There is parking along the street or a large parking lot behind the restaurant.
If you are able to make reservations, you can request a table in the lounge room which gives you a view of the city pier and Straight.
Our entire family loves Kokopelli. There is always something delicious on their fresh sheet (think bacon wrapped jumbo prawns- Yum!), the chicken strips for kids are delicious as well. We have never been disappointed with their food. We usually pair our dinners with a house salad even though their chowder is amazing, we love the fresh greens with nuts and cranberries. They also serve their dinners with bread and house-made butter that is so yummy. If you get a steak, opt for a skewer of shrimp as well (or just go for the Surf and Turf), if you love seafood, you really can't go wrong with any seafood on their menu, but the Seafood Combo is so good! Check the fresh sheet though, because sometimes they have halibut with Dungeness Crab that is to die for. As far as side dishes, I love their Green Chile Mashed Potatoes and the kids love the fries. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine or cocktail after a long day of adventuring.
8:00 PM - Walk the City Pier
After dinner, walk down the road to the City Pier. Such a nice way to wind down after a day filled with adventure and good food. The kids can run their last bit of energy out, or climb it out by climbing the lookout tower at the end of the pier. If you are lucky, you might catch the sunset depending on the time of year.
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