Sequim: Lavender, Culture and Nature

Sequim lies in the rain shadow of the surrounding mountains; average annual precipitation is 16 inches. Cultural history, seasonal lavender experiences, and trails through parks and natural areas offer different ways to shape your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sequim, your interests in events, cycling and hiking trails, or garden and museum visits can help you choose when to travel.

The Olympic Discovery Trail and Outdoor Trails

The 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail runs through Sequim and is suitable for cycling, hiking, and running. Along its route through town, it crosses a 780-foot trestle over the Dungeness River. This gives you several activities to choose from along the same route when planning your outings. Check current trail advisories before your trip.

From Sequim, the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is three miles west on Highway 101. The main trail starts at the visitor kiosk plaza. Farther into the area, an easy, half-mile woodland trail leads to a viewpoint on the bluff; from there, the trail continues for five miles to the lighthouse. This offers a choice between a short walk to the viewpoint and a longer extension. Conditions and closures can change; check current Refuge advisories before your visit.

Lavender and Summer Events

Sequim Lavender Weekend takes place every year on the third weekend of July. Check the dates for the current year before your trip. During the peak growing months of July and August, lavender farms in the Sequim area also hold festivals, educational workshops and demonstrations, as well as craft activities, live entertainment, and activities for children. Participating farms and activities may vary.

At Lavender Connection, more than 60 varieties of lavender are on display during the blooming season, typically in July and August; most can be cut by visitors. At the copper kettle, visitors can learn about essential oil extraction and sample more than 20 varieties of lavender essential oil. Live distillation depends on seasonal operations. These offerings give a summer visit a distinct lavender focus, while Lavender Weekend takes place on a specific date in July.

Cultural History and Art

The Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuously running festival in Washington State. The Sequim Museum & Arts has an exhibit on the Manis Mastodon and another on the Jamestown S’Klallam longhouse. The museum is also a major venue for the monthly First Friday Art Walks, which take place throughout the year. Check the dates before your visit and find out whether the exhibits you want to see are currently on display.

Pioneer Memorial Park also brings together several reminders of local history: it contains some of the cemetery’s original headstones, a handmade pioneer cabin, a totem pole carved by Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe elders, and a memorial waterfall. Pioneer Park, also mentioned here, has an arboretum with a large collection of Garry oaks. The two park names refer to different historical and natural themes.

Parks, Gardens, and Riverfront

Carrie Blake Park is Sequim’s largest city park. A section of the Olympic Discovery Trail runs through the park and is used for hiking and cycling. The Sequim Botanical Garden invites visitors to explore the Terrace Garden in Carrie Blake Community Park. The garden teaches sustainable gardening practices and demonstrates the use of reclaimed water; what visitors can observe and do depends on garden operations.

In the wider Sequim area, Railroad Bridge Park provides access to the riverfront and opportunities for birdwatching along the Dungeness River. Gebhardt Zwicker Trail Park provides access to Bell Creek. Those who include parks and natural areas in their trip will find several specific options: a city park with a trail section, an educational garden, and riverfront access and birdwatching.

Farmers Market and Seasonal Dates

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market features more than 65 local vendors, though its size may vary by season. It offers locally grown food and locally made products. The market takes place on Saturdays from May to October; confirm current dates before your trip. Along with the seasonal lavender offerings, the market provides another point of reference when planning the timing of your visit to Sequim.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Forks, Port Angeles, Carlsborg.

Return to the regional travel overview: Clallam County.