Gateway to Olympic National Park, Port Angeles sits on the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the snow-capped Olympics at its back — a rare Alaska-route port that rewards both walkers and wilderness seekers.
Ships berth at the Port of Port Angeles deepwater terminal — no tendering required.
💡 Pro move: Hurricane Ridge road may be closed in early season due to snow — confirm with your excursion operator before booking.
Port Angeles has a well-protected deepwater harbor on the Strait of Juan de Fuca — ships dock directly at the commercial terminal.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Alaska itineraries) | Port of Port Angeles Terminal 1 / Waterfront📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition vessels | Port of Port Angeles📍 | Docked |
Olympic National Park is the star — from alpine ridges to old-growth rainforest — but whale watching and a ferry to Victoria are strong alternatives.
Shuttle or drive 17 miles up to 5,242 ft for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and on clear days, Vancouver Island. Olympic marmots and black-tailed deer roam the meadows.
Find Hurricane Ridge tours →Puget Sound Express and other operators run mid-day tours from the Port Angeles Wharf into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and toward the San Juans. Orcas, humpbacks, Dall's porpoise, bald eagles, and sea lions are all possible.
Find whale watching tours →One of the largest temperate rainforests in North America, draped in moss-covered maples and Sitka spruce. The Hall of Mosses is otherworldly. About 2 hrs drive from port — best as a guided full-day tour.
Find Hoh Rain Forest tours →Glacially carved and impossibly blue, Lake Crescent is 20 miles west of port. Hike to Marymere Falls (easy, 2 miles) or the Spruce Railroad Trail, or rent a kayak/canoe on the lake.
Find Lake Crescent tours →The Black Ball Ferry (MV Coho) runs a 90-minute crossing to Victoria, British Columbia — one of Canada's most charming cities. Requires a valid passport. Check ship departure time carefully.
Find Victoria day trip tours →Walk the waterfront, browse the murals and outdoor art, and visit the Feiro Marine Life Center on the City Pier — a small but excellent aquarium with touch tanks showcasing local Strait species. Free to walk; Feiro has a small entry fee.
Explore Port Angeles waterfront →Port Angeles is compact and walkable; the waterfront trail and downtown are easy on foot, while the Olympic Discovery Trail suits cyclists.
Stroll the waterfront from the City Pier past the Feiro Marine Life Center, along the promenade, and into downtown. Grab coffee at a local café and browse the public murals and galleries on First and Front Streets.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Head west along the waterfront toward Ediz Hook, a natural sandy spit extending into the harbor. Spot seals, otters, and shorebirds. Views of Vancouver Island on clear days. Turn back whenever you like.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Port Angeles, Washington, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46°F / 8°C | 37°F / 3°C | 17 | 7:59 AM | 4:48 PM |
| Feb | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 17 | 7:19 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Mar | 49°F / 9°C | 38°F / 3°C | 17 | 7:26 AM | 7:19 PM |
| Apr | 54°F / 12°C | 42°F / 6°C | 15 | 6:23 AM | 8:04 PM |
| May | 61°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 | 5:34 AM | 8:46 PM |
| Jun | 65°F / 18°C | 53°F / 12°C | 9 | 5:13 AM | 9:15 PM |
| Jul | 69°F / 21°C | 58°F / 14°C | 5 | 5:30 AM | 9:08 PM |
| Aug | 71°F / 22°C | 59°F / 15°C | 4 | 6:09 AM | 8:26 PM |
| Sep | 65°F / 18°C | 54°F / 12°C | 11 | 6:51 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Oct | 57°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 15 | 7:34 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Nov | 49°F / 9°C | 40°F / 4°C | 18 | 7:21 AM | 4:34 PM |
| Dec | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 18 | 7:58 AM | 4:20 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Port Angeles, Washington, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.