HIDDEN GEMS IN ABERDEEN
KURT COBAIN
KURT COBAIN
Aberdeen has long been called the Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula,” because of its proximity to the southern end of the Olympic Peninsula and to Olympic National Park. More recently Aberdeen became more famous as being the “Birthplace of Grunge,” and the hometown of Nirvana members Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic.
But the group that started it all was the Melvins.
That band and their guitarist, Buzz Osbourne, heavily influenced every Northwest-based band since 1985. Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, The Screaming Trees, Pearl Jam; all have readily credited Osborne and the Melvins with creating that genre that came to be tagged grunge.
Osborne’s detuned, creepy-crawly guitar playing has spawned thousands of imitators, some of whom have become rich and famous.
In fact, it was The Melvin’s Buzz Osborne who introduced Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl to a young Kurt Cobain.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Mermaid Museum
Mermaid Museum
Three quarters of the world is covered with water. Yet the undersea experience is largely unavailable for most to explore. The International Mermaid Museum is dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology unifying oceanic cultures. Open Daily from 11am to 6pm.
Mermaid Museum
Mermaid Museum
Three-quarters of the world is covered with water. Yet the undersea experience is largely unavailable for most to explore. The International Mermaid Museum is dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology unifying oceanic cultures. Open Daily from 11 am to 6 pm.
Lake Wynoochee
Lake Wynoochee
Nestled in the heart of the Olympic National Forest, Wynoochee Lake is a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its crystal-clear waters, dense evergreen forests, and peaceful surroundings, this hidden gem is only an hour’s drive from Aberdeen and offers the perfect escape from the everyday hustle.
The drive to Wynoochee Lake is a scenic adventure itself, with winding forest roads, mountain views, and photo-worthy stops along the way. Arrive early to capture the morning mist over the lake, and stay late for a colorful sunset. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for breathtaking photos.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or a tranquil retreat, there is something for everyone.
Things To Do
Hiking & Nature Walks: Explore miles of scenic trails, including the 16-mile Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Boating & Fishing: Enjoy a day on the water with boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line for trout and salmon.
Swimming & Relaxing: Take a refreshing dip in the lake on warm summer days or relax along the peaceful shoreline.
Camping & Picnicking: Set up camp at Coho Campground, which offers lakeside sites and amenities, or enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning lake views.
Wander through the streets of downtown Aberdeen and you’ll find a wonderful array of metal sculptures. These whimsical sculptures, referred to as “the critters” were created by local artists are being restored to their original beauty. Take a stroll and enjoy these one-of-a-kind works of art by following this guide.
In 1988, in observance of the state Centennial, the State of Washington sponsored 80 statewide projects. In Grays Harbor, the celebration was kicked off in Aberdeen with the dedication of an initial four murals on November 11, 1988. Only one of these remains today; The History of Transportation at the Transit Center by Jenny Fisher (restored in 2012).
But today, murals abound in Aberdeen.
Take a stroll through downtown Aberdeen and enjoy:
A Maritime History completed in July 2019, Lighthouse completed in 2007, Nirvana and Aberdeen a 2014 tribute to the band Nirvana and the city that spawned the grunge movement, and many more.
Courtesy of Our Aberdeen.
Wander through the streets of downtown Aberdeen and you’ll find a wonderful array of metal sculptures. These whimsical sculptures, referred to as “the critters” were created by local artists are being restored to their original beauty. Take a stroll and enjoy these one-of-a-kind works of art by following this guide.
In 1988, in observance of the state Centennial, the State of Washington sponsored 80 statewide projects. In Grays Harbor, the celebration was kicked off in Aberdeen with the dedication of an initial four murals on November 11, 1988. Only one of these remains today; The History of Transportation at the Transit Center by Jenny Fisher (restored in 2012).
But today, murals abound in Aberdeen.
Take a stroll through downtown Aberdeen and enjoy:
A Maritime History completed in July 2019, Lighthouse completed in 2007, Nirvana and Aberdeen a 2014 tribute to the band Nirvana and the city that spawned the grunge movement, and many more.
Courtesy of Our Aberdeen.
Aberdeen, Washington, was incorporated as a city in 1888. Its primary industries were logging, fishing, shipbuilding, and retail services to support a growing population. Between 1903 and 1930, upper Broadway Hill was developed by the leaders of these very profitable industries. The architectural styles range from Greek Revival to Craftsman, all popular during this time period. Now Broadway Hill is the largest of three Aberdeen historic home districts: Broadway, Scammel, and Arnold Hill, neighborhoods which comprise, according to the Washington Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, one of the largest intact historic homes inventory in the state.
In the last 30 years, there has been an effort to preserve these prizes and sift through the historical significance of each building. Explore Grays Harbor’s history and take a driving or walking tour of Aberdeen’s historic homes.
Courtesy of Our Aberdeen.
HIDDEN GEMS IN HOQUIAM
7TH STREET THEATRE
7TH STREET THEATRE
Built in 1928, Hoquiam’s 7th Street Theatre is one of the few remaining atmospheric-style theatres on the West Coast. The theatre’s unique interior, adopted from the works of John Eberson, transforms the interior into a simulated open-air playhouse with a painted “sky” ceiling complete with clouds and twinkling stars. The 7th Street Theatre is a beautiful and unique venue. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. In 2008 the 7th Street Theatre was the first building in the city of Hoquiam to be placed on the newly formed Hoquiam Register of Historic Places.
Today, the 7th Street Theatre is undergoing constant work under the guidance of the 7th Street Theatre Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that owns and operates the theatre. The venue hosts events all year long, and regularly features classic movies on certain weekends each year.
HISTORIC OLYMPIC STADIUM
Funded through the New Deal WPA (Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration), Historic Olympic Stadium officially opened on November 24, 1938.
The stadium, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed from local old-growth fir, with cedar shingles siding. and the grandstand forms an L shape; enclosed on the Western side, to protect spectators from wind and rain coming off the Pacific Ocean.
With a current capacity of approximately 7,500 and an original capacity of over 10,000, the stadium was able to house nearly the entire population of Hoquiam when it was built.
HISTORIC OLYMPIC STADIUM
Funded through the New Deal WPA (Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration), Historic Olympic Stadium officially opened on November 24, 1938.
The stadium, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed from local old-growth fir, with cedar shingles siding. and the grandstand forms an L shape; enclosed on the Western side, to protect spectators from wind and rain coming off the Pacific Ocean.
With a current capacity of approximately 7,500 and an original capacity of over 10,000, the stadium was able to house nearly the entire population of Hoquiam when it was built.
HIDDEN GEMS IN QUINAULT
Surrounded by giant Sitka spruce trees, Douglas fir, and Western Red Cedar trees, situated next to one of the more pristine lakes and rivers in North America, the Lake Quinault Lodge sits quietly on the shores of Lake Quinault.
In 1926, this classic rustic lodge was built in the same style as the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and the Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, making it perfectly suited for the heavily forested locale. Set in one of three temperate rainforests in the world, the Lake Quinault Lodge has been the destination of tourists and residents alike.
The Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a true getaway, with the majority of guest rooms lacking a phone, TV, or even a radio. For those who want to escape from the hectic city life, the Lake Quinault Lodge is the perfect gateway to the wilderness.
Courtesy of Grays Harbor Talk
Known as the Valley of the Rain Forest Giants, the Quinault Valley is home to some of the largest trees in the world, with only the sequoias and coastal redwoods of California growing larger. In total, the temperate rain forest of the Quinault Valley is home to six champion trees (the largest of their species) as measured and counted in points by the American Forests Association.
One of these champions is the Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce, and with 883 points it is considered the overall largest* Sitka spruce in the world. Estimated to be roughly 1,000 years old, the tree stands 191 feet tall, 17.7 feet in diameter. It has a total volume of 10,540 cubic feet and an impressive crown spread of 96 feet. The remaining five champion trees include the world’s largest western red cedar, Douglas fir, Alaska (yellow) cedar, western hemlock, and mountain hemlock.
To access the Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce, you’ll only need to walk a short 0.3 miles one-way from South Shore Road on a well-maintained, relatively flat gravel trail.
Courtesy of Tyson Gillard/Outdoor Project
Known as the Valley of the Rain Forest Giants, the Quinault Valley is home to some of the largest trees in the world, with only the sequoias and coastal redwoods of California growing larger. In total, the temperate rain forest of the Quinault Valley is home to six champion trees (the largest of their species) as measured and counted in points by the American Forests Association.
One of these champions is the Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce, and with 883 points it is considered the overall largest* Sitka spruce in the world. Estimated to be roughly 1,000 years old, the tree stands 191 feet tall, 17.7 feet in diameter. It has a total volume of 10,540 cubic feet and an impressive crown spread of 96 feet. The remaining five champion trees include the world’s largest western red cedar, Douglas fir, Alaska (yellow) cedar, western hemlock, and mountain hemlock.
To access the Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce, you’ll only need to walk a short 0.3 miles one-way from South Shore Road on a well-maintained, relatively flat gravel trail.
Courtesy of Tyson Gillard/Outdoor Project
