Destination: Olympic Peninsula – Great sights and terrific golf abound on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

There might not be a better place in the Pacific Northwest to challenge your game this fall than on the Washington Olympic Peninsula.

With its mild marine temperatures and sunny days, the Olympic Peninsula has plenty to offer. Besides the numerous natural attractions the golf courses are outstanding.

The northern part of the peninsula has what’s called the “Rain Shadow” effect, meaning the Olympic Mountains shield the area making it drier than the rest of the coastal region.

For golfers, the Cedars at Dungeness has always been a popular spot. The course changed its name a few years ago when the Seven Cedars Casino bought Dungeness and added ‘The Cedars’ to the name. Located in Sequim, the Cedars at Dungeness opened in 1969 and has been considered a solid test for all players. The clubhouse and landscape have recently undergone several upgrades.

Also in Sequim, SkyRidge Golf Course is an entertaining nine-hole course with great conditioning and well placed hazards.

Down the road in Port Townsend, Discovery Bay Golf Course and Port Townsend Golf Course are a couple of other options. Port Townsend Golf Course is a nine-holer that is a short distance from downtown and offers views of nearby Admiralty Inlet. Discovery Bay is located above Discovery Bay and used to be called Chevy Chase. Nine holes were added 11 years ago making it a challenging 18-hole layout that runs through trees and along a hillside.

To the south sits Port Ludlow Resort, a 27-hole paradise with great golf, accommodations, views, the works. The resort opened with 18 holes but in 1992, a new nine called Trail Nine opened. It goes along nicely with its Tide and Timber Nines.

A little further south on the Olympic Peninsula is a group of courses all worth the trip, including Lake Cushman, a nine-holer with some challenging shots that must remain between the treeline.

In addition to the golf, the Olympic Peninsula is a playground for travelers with the majestic peaks, hidden lakes for fishing and endless miles of walking and hiking trails. Saltwater fishing and sightseeing is another popular option, with charter boats heading out of Neah Bay, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. Hood Canal is another place that offers miles of water.

A new development called Pleasant Harbor along the Hood Canal is in the permitting stages for a golf community and resort.