Port Angeles City Pier

If you are looking for a place to feel the true spirit of a coastal town, the Port Angeles City Pier is the perfect starting point. Located in the heart of Port Angeles, this site is more than just a functional structure; it is the true heart of the waterfront in the USA. From here, breathtaking panoramas of the Olympic Mountains and the vast waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca unfold.

This popular public space combines opportunities for relaxation and active leisure. The pier sits adjacent to the picturesque Hollywood Beach and is an integral part of the Waterfront Trail. Here, you can not only enjoy the sea breeze but also climb the famous Port Angeles Tower to see Vancouver Island on the horizon.

The pier's infrastructure is thoughtfully designed: benches, picnic tables, and a covered stage for summer events are provided for guests' convenience. It is a magnet for both locals and tourists wanting to watch the ferries or simply enjoy a sunset in the quiet of the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about events or facility rentals at the pier, you can use the following contact details:

A variety of interesting activities await you at the pier. One of the most popular is ship watching: it offers an excellent view of the Coho ferry traveling to Victoria, as well as the massive cargo ships passing through the harbor. For fishing and crabbing enthusiasts, this spot has become a local favorite, especially in the evening hours.

Be sure to climb the observation tower, which offers a 360-degree panorama of the Salish Sea, the Olympic Mountains, and the majestic Mount Baker. Families with children will enjoy the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Life Center—a small but fascinating aquarium where you can get up close with the inhabitants of local waters.

If your trip is planned for the summer, try to catch one of the free concerts held here on Wednesdays. Additionally, the pier serves as the main venue for major city events, including the famous Dungeness Crab Festival, which draws foodies from across the state.

Finding this landmark is easy—it is located in the heart of the city at 315 N Lincoln St. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, the walk to the coast will take no more than 10 minutes. For those arriving in Port Angeles by ferry from Victoria or Vancouver Island, the pier will be one of the first sights you see, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Drivers can take advantage of the free 2-hour parking located right at the entrance to the pier. Local public transport also runs within the city center, and taxi services can quickly bring you from anywhere in Clallam County to the waterfront.

The history of this site is rooted in the distant past, when the Klallam villages of I'e'nis and Tse-whit-zen were located on the northern shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Over time, the settlement transformed, and in 1890, the city became the county seat of Clallam County, providing a powerful boost to waterfront development.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, from 1920 to 1941, the waterfront was the industrial heart of the region. Large sawmills, such as Crown Zellerbach and Peninsula Plywood, defined the city's economic character. Today’s recreational pier is the result of a long transformation of an industrial zone into a welcoming public space.

A new chapter in the pier's history began after 1961, when the opening of the Hood Canal Bridge made the region more accessible to travelers. Tourism gradually replaced industry, and the Port Angeles City Pier turned into the primary viewpoint for everyone coming to enjoy the nature of Olympic National Park.

To take a leisurely stroll along the entire length of the pier, climb the observation tower, and snap some memorable photos, most visitors find 1 to 2 hours to be sufficient. If you plan to visit the marine life center or just sit on the shores of Hollywood Beach, your visit might take a bit longer.

During concerts or festivals, such as the famous crab festival, it is worth budgeting at least 2–3 hours. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the cultural program without rushing.

The City Pier is an open public space and is accessible 24/7. This makes it an excellent spot for early morning walks at sunrise as well as romantic evenings under the starry sky.

Although the pier itself is open 24 hours, specific facilities on its grounds, such as the Marine Life Center or gift shops, have their own operating hours. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the official city website for the latest event schedules and center opening times.

After a walk by the water, be sure to explore the surrounding area—the city center is full of cozy spots and interesting locations that help you get a better sense of the local culture and lifestyle. Exploring the adjacent streets will lead you to excellent restaurants and hidden viewpoints.