Fog doesn’t just roll in on the Olympic Peninsula — it settles in, gently hugging the hills, the roads, and the trees in a way that softens everything. The light shifts, the air cools, and the pace of life slows down. September marks the transition, and by October, fall has taken full hold.
For those seeking OP things to do in fall, this is the season when the peninsula reveals its quieter, more contemplative side. Whether visiting for a weekend or lingering for a longer stay, RV@Olympic makes the perfect basecamp to experience it all.
Here are three must-dos during fall on the OP:
🍁 1. Watch the Trees Turn at Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent in October is a study in contrast: deep blue water reflecting skies that flicker between clear and clouded, surrounded by bursts of red, orange, and yellow from maples and alders. Trails like Marymere Falls offer peaceful strolls through forest corridors lit by golden leaves. It’s one of the best places to witness the season unfold slowly — and beautifully.
🐟 2. Witness the Salmon Run on the Elwha River
One of the most powerful OP things to do in fall is witnessing the annual salmon run. At Elwha River Viewpoint, visitors can watch coho salmon launch themselves upstream — part instinct, part determination — as they return to spawn. It’s a vivid reminder of the natural cycles still alive and well in the region. For families, photographers, and nature lovers, it’s a moment that stays with you.
🎨 3. Browse (or Join) the Fall Art Walk
Port Angeles is home to a vibrant creative community, and fall brings its talents to the surface. On the second Saturday of each month, the Art Walk opens up galleries and studios late into the evening, inviting locals and visitors to mingle, explore, and support regional artists. For travelers looking for OP things to do in fall beyond the trails and rivers, this event is a warm and welcoming way to experience the local culture.
For those willing to slow down, fall on the Olympic Peninsula offers more than just a backdrop — it offers a feeling. Misty mornings. The rustle of leaves under boots. The smell of cedar, salt, and rain.
In this season, the peninsula becomes not just a place to visit, but a place to be still.
See you under the cedars.
— Anneliese
