Sequim, Washington

Sequim is located at the top of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca to its north and the Olympic Mountains to its west and south. Having visited western Washington on many occasions, I can confirm its reputation for a gloomy, cloudy, rainy, dreary climate for most of the year. However, one of the benefits of this climate is the unusual smell and visual appeal of a lush green landscape. Because of its location, Sequim enjoys a rather peculiar distinction. The area is referred to as the 'rain shadow' or Washington's 'banana belt'. The town of Sequim enjoys a micro-climate of annual rainfall significantly lower than its surrounding neighbors. The theory is that the moisture-laden Pacific winds are propelled against the mountain formation to the southwest of Sequim. As a result, most of the precipitation 'jumps' over the town. Sequim holds the title of the Lavender Capital of North America. The area is also known for its Dungeness crab. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a national park just outside the city. You can ride your bicycle for 30 miles on the Olympic Discovery Trail from Sequim to Port Angeles. Another 30-mile extension is in the planning stage.