One of the most beautiful lakes in the world!

What doesn’t Lake Crescent have? This pristine Lake which is part of the Olympic National Park, is only about a 20 minute drive from Port Angeles and you couldn't possibly be bored once you get there. You might be interested in staying the night so check out the Lake Crescent Lodge which sits right on the Lake with a dock that stretches out for superior views. If you’re hungry there is an amazing restaurant with a full bar that serves Harbinger wine! Maybe you’re more interested in “roughing it”. Turn off right before driving around the lake and you can stay at the log cabin resort, which also has adorable little cabins and campsites.

Just there for the day? Take the kids swimming at East Beach, this kid-friendly roped-off area is shallow enough to actually warm the water. If you’re liquid-loving I highly recommend bringing your kayak or paddleboard to this lake. It is completely enclosed so you’ll never be carried off to sea and you just can’t imagine all the beautiful sights you’ll see if you decide to explore every corner of the lake by paddling around it. If you’re just using your feet, there are a plethora of trails. Some of the most popular are Marrymere Falls, Spruce Railroad Trail, and Storm King which all bring you to unique and amazing places. If you’re a risk-taker why not try cliff-jumping into the famous “devil’s punchbowl? And if you like to fish, there are a few different kinds of fish  in this lake including but not limited to the rainbow trout and Kokanee, but just so you know, this is strictly a catch-and release area. Maybe the water is a bit too cold for you, so just keep on driving and you’ll find  the Sol Duc Hot springs where you can sit in resort-style pools which are thermally heated and outdoors so you can still soak up some sun. If none of this sounds interesting to you, then I don’t know what would. Maybe on your way out or possibly on your way back into town, stop by for a little wine at Harbinger winery since we are conveniently located right off the highway and you are sure to pass by. 

The Magic of the Mountains

One of the top attractions here in Port Angeles is Hurricane Ridge. A mere 17 mile-drive up into the Olympic mountains with an elevation gain of about 1 mile will take approximately 45 minutes. Due to all of the breathtaking views, wildlife, wildflowers, and off-road waterfalls it will be hard to keep your eyes on the road. Just 5 miles up, you can park at the “lookout” to see Sequim Bay, the Strait of Juan De Fuca, over to Victoria Canada and, on a clear day you should see Mt. Rainier rising through the clouds. The Olympic National Park does offer a few free days throughout the year, otherwise it’s only $15.00 for the week or you might as well just get the annual pass for $30, especially if you live in Washington. Right after the ranger station is a fantastic park & camp campground called Heart o’ the Hills, but if you’re not camping you might be interested in doing the Heart o’ the hills trail which is pretty easy and probably littered with ripe huckleberries during this time of year.

A couple more miles up is another lookout with a very short trail to a panoramic view of the valleys of Hurricane Ridge which used to be filled with flowing water many, many years ago. If you listen carefully you can hear the much smaller river flowing way down at the bottom, covered by the forest. You’ll pass through a few tunnels, and drive along the side of the mountain on a winding road for a few miles until you reach the visitor’s center. Keep your eyes open for deer, they’re everywhere, and boy are they friendly! 

At the top, you’ll find many trails. During a very short period of the year the “Obstruction Point” Road is open which is a bit scary but if you can make it down this 10-mile road you’ll find a place in nature that has hardly been touched by man, that might take you to beautiful glacially-fed turquoise lakes or on long wild flower-covered trails.

After getting back to nature, we invite you to stop by Harbinger and have a tasting or glass of wine like our La Petite Fleur which is almost as refreshing as drinking from a fast-flowing waterfall created from the melting snow.  We would love to hear about your adventure! 

Sunset Magazine listing

We are excited to be included in this month's issue of Sunset Magazine's Best things to do on the West Coast. Look for the number three listing-wineries on the Olympic Peninsula with a special nod to both Cameraderie Cellars and Harbinger Winery. There are several additional great wineries to visit while in the Sequim/Port Angeles area. Come visit! We think we are just as great a destination as many of the Twilight points of interest!

BEER!!!

Yes, we are rolling along quite nicely with the Harbinger Brewery. We have permits so that means BEER!! I won't reveal exactly what we will be releasing, but I will say that it will most certainly be worth the wait. Stay tuned as we unroll our IPA, belgian wheat. and honey blonde. Oops, did I let that slip?

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