Hoquiam Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Hoquiam, Washington. Get tips on food, culture, safety, and transportation for a memorable trip.


Introduction to Hoquiam

Nestled in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, Hoquiam offers scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Known for its fishing and logging history, the city features various museums and historical sites. Visitors can explore the lush forests, mountains, and beaches, or go hiking, biking, or kayaking in the nearby areas. Besides its natural beauty, Hoquiam also boasts of a vibrant arts and culture scene and a growing food and drink scene. Getting to and around the city is convenient via air, bus, or car.

List of Places to Visit in Hoquiam

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Polson Museum: A restored Victorian mansion showcasing the history of the Pacific Northwest with exhibits on early settlement, industrialization, and World War II.
  • Hoquiam Castle: A castle-like building with a unique architecture from the 1920s built by lumber industry magnate, Robert Lytle. It now houses the city hall and police station.
  • Aberdeen Museum of History: Located in the neighboring city of Aberdeen, the museum has exhibits on the pioneer days, logging, fishing, and famous people like Kurt Cobain.
  • Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority: Offers tours of tall ships like Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.

Natural Attractions of Hoquiam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Olympic National Park: A vast reserve with rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, glaciers, wildlife, and over 600 miles of hiking trails.
  • Ocean Shores: A neighboring beach town with miles of sandy beaches, dunes, a wildlife refuge, and recreational activities like horseback riding, clamming, and kite flying.
  • Quinault Rainforest: Part of the Olympic National Forest, this lush forest has waterfalls, streams, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take hikes, nature walks, or go fishing or kayaking.
  • Johns River Wildlife Area: A 200-acre destination with rich wetlands, cedar trees, and diverse bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hoquiam

  • Hoh River Trail Loop: A 17-mile trail that takes you to the Hoh River, huge trees, and wilderness areas.
  • Enchanted Valley Trail: A 14-mile hike that features waterfalls, wildlife, and a remote valley with an old homestead.
  • Lake Quinault Loop Trail: A 31-mile trail around Lake Quinault, offering pristine views of the lake, mountains, and forests.
  • Montesano City Trails: A series of trails in and around the city, perfect for biking, jogging, and walking.

Best Things to Do in Hoquiam: Activities and Tours

  • Fishing Tour: Join a fishing charter tour to catch salmon, halibut, tuna, and other fish in the rich waters of Washington.
  • Kayak Tour: Paddle through the calm waters of Lake Quinault or the Chehalis River and witness the wildlife, forests, and landscapes.
  • Wine Tasting: Visit the nearby vineyards like Westport Winery, Cranberry Road Winery, and Red Willow Vineyard to taste local wines and learn about the wine-making process.
  • Art Walk: Take part in the monthly art walk in downtown Hoquiam, where local artists showcase their work in galleries, studios, and shops.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hoquiam

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore downtown Hoquiam, the Hoquiam Castle, and the Polson Museum
Day 2 Visit the Aberdeen Museum of History and take a tour of the tall ships
Day 3 Hike the Hoh River Trail Loop in the Olympic National Park
Day 4 Take a kayaking tour in Lake Quinault or the Chehalis River
Day 5 Go fishing with a charter tour in the Pacific Ocean
Day 6 Visit the Quinault Rainforest and witness the wildlife and waterfalls
Day 7 Explore Ocean Shores and enjoy the beach, dunes, and recreational activities like horseback riding

Food and Drink Scene of Hoquiam

Must-Try Dishes

  • Razor Clam Chowder: A creamy soup made with razor clams, potatoes, herbs, and cream.
  • Pacific Scallops: Fresh scallops caught from the Pacific Ocean and prepared in various ways.
  • Salmon: Grilled, smoked, or baked salmon dishes are popular in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Wild Berries: The region offers a variety of wild berries like huckleberry, blackberry, and raspberries in jams, pies, and salads.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beers: With a growing craft beer scene, Hoquiam offers various breweries and taprooms like Queets Brewing, 8th Street Ale House, and Rainy State Brewing.
  • Wines: Taste the local wines made from grapes from the nearby vineyards like Westport Winery, Cranberry Road Winery, and Red Willow Vineyard.
  • Coffee: The Pacific Northwest is known for its coffee culture and cafes like Mazama Coffee Co, Valhalla Coffee Co, and Good Vibes Coffee.

Where to Stay in Hoquiam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hoquiam River RV Park: Offers RV and tent camping on the Hoquiam River, with amenities like a clubhouse, laundry, and hiking trails.
  • The Guesthouse Inn: A comfortable hotel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, located near the Museum and local restaurants.
  • The 1927 Lake Quinault Lodge: A historic lodge with a stunning lake view, cozy fireplaces, and a rustic charm.
  • Valley View Motel: A budget motel with clean rooms and a family atmosphere, located near the downtown area.

What to Buy in Hoquiam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Salmon and Seafood: Get fresh or smoked salmon, crab cakes, scallops, and other seafood from the local markets.
  • Quinault Crafts and Arts: Shop for locally made pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, and art pieces at the Quinault cultural center.
  • Grays Harbor Honey: Buy pure, raw honey from Grays Harbor beekeepers at the local markets.
  • Outdoor Gear: Find outdoor gear, like kayaks, fishing rods, hiking boots, and clothing, at the local stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Hoquiam

Hoquiam has a rich cultural heritage of logging, fishing, and industrialization. The city celebrates its history and heritage through various festivals and events, like the Loggers Playday, the Grays Harbor County Fair, and the Polson Museum Christmas Open House. It also has a growing arts and cultural scene with local theaters, galleries, and music venues. The Pacific Northwest is known for its friendly, laid-back lifestyle, and visitors are expected to respect the local customs and values, like being eco-conscious, tipping, and greeting people with a smile.

Best Time to Visit Hoquiam

The best time to visit Hoquiam is from June to September when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The summer months also offer various festivals and events, like the Loggers Playday, the Aberdeen Art Walk, and the Ocean Shores Kite Festival. Winter months can be rainy and cold, but it’s perfect for indoor activities like visiting museums and art galleries. Spring and fall months offer fewer crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hoquiam

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife. Follow the hiking and camping rules.
  • Try local cuisine like seafood, beer, and coffee.
  • Be friendly and courteous to the locals.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the environment or wildlife
  • Be rude or disrespectful to locals or other visitors.
  • Ignore safety signs and warnings.
  • Trespass on private property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hoquiam

Hoquiam is generally a safe city, but visitors should take some precautions like:

  • Lock cars and keep valuable items out of sight.
  • Avoid walking alone in unlit, isolated areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the police.
  • Follow the safety rules for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Health in Hoquiam

Hoquiam has several medical facilities, pharmacies, and clinics for any medical emergencies or needs. Visitors should maintain standard hygiene practices, like washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing, given the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Getting to Hoquiam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hoquiam

  • Bowerman Airport: Located six miles west of Hoquiam, the airport offers limited flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Hoquiam

  • Grays Harbor Transit: The local public transportation system offers bus services around the county, including connections to other cities and towns.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Several car rental services are available at the nearest airports, bus stations, and downtown areas.
  • Taxi Services: Local taxi services, like Little Taxi Company and Lyft, provide transportation in and around the city.

How to Get Around in Hoquiam

The best way to get around Hoquiam is by car or bike. Visitors can rent cars or bring their own vehicles, as it allows them to explore the nearby areas too. The city also has several bike and walking trails for a leisurely experience. Local taxi services are available but may be expensive. Public transportation is limited, and schedules may not fit the itinerary.

Where to Go Next from Hoquiam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Seattle: The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is known for its iconic landmarks, like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, and its thriving arts and music scene. It’s a two-hour drive from Hoquiam.
  • Portland: Known for its food and drink scene, Portland is a lively city with a vibrant culture, music, and entertainment. It’s a three-hour drive from Hoquiam.
  • Victoria: Located across the Strait of Juan De Fuca, Victoria is a charming city in Canada, known for its historic buildings, gardens, and whale watching. Ferries run from Port Angeles to Victoria daily.

Conclusion

Hoquiam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. From the Olympic National Park to the Polson Museum, visitors can explore the rich history and art scene of the city. The city’s food and drink scene captivate the taste buds with fresh seafood, beer, and coffee. With easy access to air, bus, or car, getting to Hoquiam is hassle-free, and the city offers various lodging options to suit all budgets. Explore Hoquiam for an unforgettable experience of the Pacific Northwest.

the Hoquiam waterfront the Hoquiam waterfront Hoquiam's Castle Hoquiam's Castle