Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, cut off from the Seattle area by the Puget Sound, signals the westernmost point of land in the lower 48. Containing some of the last places to be mapped and explored in the contiguous United States, the Olympic Peninsula still features those wild and scenic sights in a large array of parklands, wilderness preserves and national forests. Its natural wonders include hot springs, sparkling mountain streams, plenty of waterfalls, temperate rain forests, a large variety of wildlife, snow capped mountain peaks and a large string of beautiful coastal beaches.
   One of the best introductions to the Olympic Peninsula can be found along the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway. A newcomer to the National Byway System, this route follows along the northern coastline for just a little over a hundred miles beginning west of Port Angeles. The byway follows Route 112 with the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north and the very impressive Olympic National Park to the south. For first time visitors it would be nearly impossible not to be tempted to take in a few of the landmarks in the Olympic National Park. A few of these side trips would include Hurricane Ridge, Madison Falls (inset), the Elwha River, Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls. Some of the byway points of interest begin with the Freshwater Bay County Park and this beautiful view at Salt Creek County Park. Nearby Crescent Lake, don't pass up the Joyce General Store and Depot Museum. Some of the store merchandise on display dates back to the 1920s. For anglers, some of the area's best fishing and crabbing can be found at Pillar Point, Callum Bay Park and Sekiu. The last two stops on the byway, the Sail and Seal Rocks and the Makah Indian Reservation, offer unspoiled views of sea caves, the blue Pacific, and a chorus of sea creatures. It’s not uncommon to see gray whales, otters, sea birds and those unmistakable Pacific Coast sea stacks.
   Although you may be able to drive the byway in four hours, it would be a good idea to make overnight plans because exploring all the scenic wonders on this byway may take a few days.

     Byway Map