If you're heading to the Olympic Peninsula, you’ve probably seen the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor pop up in your search results. It’s hard to miss. It sits right on the water, literally steps from the Black Ball Ferry Terminal where the MV Coho chugs back and forth to Victoria, B.C. But here’s the thing: Port Angeles is a gritty, beautiful, transitional kind of town, and this hotel sits right in the middle of that energy. It isn't a five-star luxury resort, and honestly, it doesn't try to be.
The property is basically a classic mid-century motor inn that grew up. You get those exterior corridors that make some people feel nostalgic and others feel a bit exposed. But then you look out the window. If you’re on the harbor side, you’re staring at the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You see the fog rolling in over the water and the Coast Guard helicopters occasionally buzzing by from the nearby air station. It's real. It’s Northwest.
Why the Location of the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor Actually Matters
Location is the primary reason anyone stays here. Period. You are roughly 15 minutes away from the Olympic National Park visitor center. If you want to get up to Hurricane Ridge before the parking lot fills up at 8:00 AM—which it absolutely does during the summer months—staying here gives you a massive head start compared to people driving in from Sequim or farther out.
The proximity to the ferry is the other big draw. You can literally walk out the front door and be at the terminal in three minutes. For travelers doing a "loop" through the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island, this is the strategic home base. You’ll see a lot of people in the lobby with hiking boots and passports. It’s a transition point.
The Reality of the Rooms
Let’s talk about the rooms because that’s where the reviews usually get heated. The Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor has been around for a while. You’re going to see some wear and tear. Maybe a scuff on the baseboard or a bathroom fixture that feels like it’s from 1994. It’s clean, but it’s "well-loved."
What matters most is the balcony. If you book a water-view room, you get a private balcony. Sitting out there with a coffee while the sun comes up over the harbor is worth the price of admission. The city-view rooms, on the other hand, look out over downtown Port Angeles. It’s fine, but you’re mostly looking at rooftops and the street. If you can swing the extra twenty or thirty bucks for the harbor side, do it. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
The beds are standard hotel fare. They use the Serta mattresses common to the Red Lion brand. Not a cloud, but you won't wake up with a kink in your neck either. Honestly, after hiking 10 miles at Lake Crescent or Sol Duc Falls, you could probably sleep on a rock.
Eating and Drinking at 48º North
The onsite restaurant is called 48º North. It’s named after the latitude, which is a nice local touch. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, so the view is spectacular. They do a lot of seafood, which makes sense given the ocean is thirty feet away.
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The Dungeness crab cakes are usually the standout. This area is famous for crab, and they don't skimp too much on the meat. Is it the best meal you’ve ever had? Probably not. But sitting by the window with a glass of Washington state Cabernet while watching the ferry dock is a vibe you can't get at a fast-food joint down the street.
Prices are a bit high, but you're paying for the convenience and the view. If you want something more "local," you can walk two blocks to Next Door Gastropub or New Day Eatery. Port Angeles has a surprisingly good food scene for a town its size.
Managing Expectations in a Port Town
Port Angeles is a working port. It is not a manicured Disney version of a seaside village. You will hear seagulls. You might hear a ship horn. You will definitely see people working. The Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor reflects that. It’s functional.
One thing that surprises people is the wind. The Strait of Juan de Fuca can be brutal. Even in July, that wind coming off the water is chilly. If you’re planning on hanging out on your balcony, bring a hoodie. Seriously.
Logistics: Parking, Pets, and Perks
Parking is free. In 2026, that’s becoming a rarity for waterfront hotels, so it’s a win. The lot can get tight during peak season when everyone has a Thule rack and a bike hitch, but you'll find a spot.
They are pet-friendly. You’ll see a lot of Golden Retrievers and Labradors in the lobby because the Olympic Peninsula is a dog-lover’s paradise. Just be aware there’s a pet fee, and they have specific rooms designated for animal guests to keep the allergies down for everyone else.
The pool is outdoors. It’s seasonal. If you’re visiting in January, don’t expect to be doing laps. But in the summer, it’s a decent spot for kids to burn off energy while parents stare at the mountains.
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The Olympic National Park Factor
Most people staying here are using it as a jump-off point for the park. You need to know that the Olympic National Park is massive. It’s not one of those parks you can "do" in an afternoon.
From the Red Lion, you have three distinct ecosystems within an hour's drive:
- The Subalpine: Hurricane Ridge is right up the hill.
- The Rainforest: Hoh Rainforest is about two hours away.
- The Coast: Rialto Beach and La Push are about 90 minutes west.
Staying in Port Angeles is the best "middle ground" if you want to see all three without changing hotels every night.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
People often compare this Red Lion to brand-new Marriotts or Hiltons in major cities. That’s a mistake. You have to view it through the lens of Olympic Peninsula hospitality. This is a rugged area. The infrastructure is older.
The "Red Lion" brand itself has gone through various owners over the years, and consistency can vary. However, this specific location in Port Angeles is generally considered one of the better ones in the chain because the staff knows their bread and butter is the tourist trade. They are used to answering questions about tide tables and trail conditions.
Is it noisy? Sometimes. The walls aren't vault-thick. If you have a loud neighbor in the next room, you might hear their TV. Bringing a small white noise machine or using a fan app on your phone is a pro tip here.
Comparing the Alternatives
You could stay at a boutique inn or a B&B. There are some lovely ones in the hills above town. But you won't have the harbor view, and you certainly won't be able to walk to the ferry.
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There’s also the Olympic Lodge on the east side of town. It’s a bit more "lodge-y" with stone fireplaces and a cozy feel, but it’s tucked away near a golf course and a commercial strip. It lacks the salt-air smell and the immediate access to the downtown waterfront that the Red Lion offers.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, here is the move to make sure you don't end up disappointed:
Book the Second Floor. The ground floor rooms are convenient, but people walk right past your window on the way to their cars or the lobby. The second floor gives you much better privacy and a significantly better angle of the water.
Check the Ferry Schedule. Even if you aren't going to Victoria, the ferry schedule dictates the traffic flow around the hotel. When the boat gets in, the area gets busy. When it leaves, it’s quiet. Plan your arrival and departure around those gaps to avoid sitting in line behind fifty cars waiting for Customs.
Join the Rewards Program. Even if you never stay at another Red Lion, join the "Hello Rewards" program before you book. Usually, it knocks 10-15% off the rate immediately. It takes two minutes and covers the cost of your breakfast.
Visit the Wharf. Right next to the hotel is the City Pier and the Feiro Marine Life Center. It’s a small, local aquarium that’s great for kids. You can also walk out on the pier and see the big ships anchored in the harbor.
Pack for Layers. This bears repeating. Port Angeles weather is schizophrenic. It can be 70 degrees and sunny at the hotel and 45 degrees and snowing at Hurricane Ridge. The Red Lion is your basecamp, but your car should be stocked with jackets, extra socks, and water.
The Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor serves a specific purpose. It’s a reliable, scenic, and incredibly convenient hub for one of the most beautiful corners of the United States. It isn't fancy, but when you're watching the sunset over the Strait from your balcony, you probably won't care about the dated carpet.
Actionable Insight: Check the Olympic National Park website for "Timed Entry" requirements or road closures before you check in. In recent years, Hurricane Ridge has implemented restricted access due to construction and parking limits. Knowing the status of the road before you wake up at 6:00 AM at the Red Lion will save your entire trip from a major headache.