Is Port Angeles Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Port Angeles, located on the northern edge of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, is a city that blends natural beauty with a rich history.

Originally inhabited by the Klallam people, the area was named “Port of Angels” by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1791.

The city developed as a logging and fishing hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and its maritime roots are still prominent today.

With a population of around 20,000, Port Angeles offers a small-town feel with a vibrant community spirit.

It’s known for its stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which make it a gateway to outdoor adventures.

The nearby Olympic National Park provides a backdrop of lush forests, hiking trails, and scenic vistas, attracting nature enthusiasts year-round.

Port Angles is the anchor town for access to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

Port Angeles is also a key transportation hub, with ferry services connecting to Victoria, British Columbia, making it a point of interest for cross-border travelers.

Warnings & Dangers in Port Angeles

OVERALL RISK: LOW

It appears at first glance that there’s a medium risk in Port Townsend, but I’m going to explain throughout this article why that is a sensational slant on a low-risk town.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Getting around Port Angeles is easy with several options. You can rent a car, use local taxis, or hop on public buses, which run throughout the city and to nearby attractions. Look up Dungeness Bus Line and Clallam Transit System to see the public transportation routes. Ferry service is also available to several Washington and Canadian locations. For a more scenic experience, bike rentals are available, and the city is pedestrian-friendly for walking tours.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, a dozen pickpockets and purse snatchings have happened. That is still a low risk, but it’s higher than you’ll find in other Olympic Peninsula cities of similar size.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Port Angeles faces a medium natural disaster risk for things like earthquakes, tsunamis, and winter storms. The city is near fault lines, making it susceptible to earthquakes. Coastal areas have tsunami risks, while severe weather can cause flooding and landslides.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is exponentially lower than the national average, and just one in five robberies fall into the category that includes muggings. The risk is low, but don’t let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Port Angeles, WA, generally has a low risk of terrorism. As a smaller city, it isn't a major target. However, like any location, it is not completely free from risk. The “port” itself will have a higher risk but also comes with extra security. The best action you can take is to report suspicious activity if you see it.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Check the fraud section of each department’s website for more information and to learn about common tactics. Most of the scams here are run-of-the-mill IRS, spoofed phone calls, and utility scams, which would only impact residents. The risk is low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests that women are at a greater risk than men. The risk is low, but you’ll still need basic personal safety steps.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report for Port Angeles shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Port Angeles

The city’s tourism website is visitportangeles.com.

You can quickly download a free digital tourism guide on the website without having to share personal information like email or phone numbers.

The city’s visitor center and one of Olympic National Park’s visitor centers are located here.

Be sure to get the list of things to do at the Port Angeles Visitor Center, as it has more than 330 options.

To learn more about the Olympic Peninsula, visit olympicpeninsula.org.

A must-see is Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and stunning coastlines.

Visitors can explore popular spots like Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking mountain views or the Hoh Rain Forest, known for its dense greenery and unique wildlife.

Before heading up to Hurricane Ridge, check out downtown Port Angeles, with charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

This is a great place to go antiquing, and be sure to check out the mixed-use building Port Angeles Wharf on the water.

The Olympic Discovery Trail is a scenic, multi-use path that stretches over 130 miles from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean, passing right through the heart of Port Angeles.

Try to get an underground tour if you have time and spots are available, as this fascinating tour takes you to what used to be the street level of Port Angeles.

The 2.5-hour adventure takes you to the level below downtown to see old storefronts and even a former brothel.

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is a cultural gem, showcasing contemporary art in a serene setting.

The center’s Webster’s Woods Art Park features outdoor installations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, providing a tranquil space for reflection and inspiration.

The Feiro Marine Life Center showcases interactive experiences with local marine wildlife.

The center features touch tanks and educational exhibits that highlight the diverse marine ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest.

Places to Avoid in Port Angeles

While there aren’t parts of Port Angeles that are considered too dangerous to visit, you want to stick to the main roads and highways.

Most hotels are off the main thoroughfares, so you won’t need to worry about being away from other travelers or in a sketchy neighborhood.

Winter visitors should know that Hurricane Ridge Road isn’t always open.

Visiting between mid-May and October will allow the most access, with the road scheduled to be open 24/7, barring severe weather or storm damage.

However, from November through early May, the road closes on certain days, usually only opening on weekends and holidays.

A winter storm can lead to short-term or days’ long closures.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Port Angeles

Port Angeles has a local police department that works with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and a regional drug task force. You can follow the department on Facebook @portangelespolicedept. The phone number is (360) 452-4545 if you want to ask specific safety questions.
Use the interactive crime map to check crime statistics closer to your visit. This map allows you to choose the parameters – distance, type of crime, and time frame. It’s the best way to get the most recent data and spot crime trends before your visit.
Sign up for emergency alerts through the Everbridge website. You’ll be looking for the Clallam County Alert System. With some basic information, you can opt into emergency alerts about the weather, disasters, and public safety threats through text, email, or phone calls.
If you notice evidence of a crime or receive information about a crime that has already happened, you can report it anonymously on the police department’s website. Even if you aren’t sure the activity you witnessed was illegal, like a possible drug deal, you can still share the information without your email address or name appearing to law enforcement on the other end of the message.
If you plan to take the boat to British Columbia while you’re there, you’ll need to check the Canada Border Services Agency information for documents required to enter the country. Keep in mind that Canada is strict about criminal history, even if it’s a DUI or DWI charge from years ago.
Download the National Park Service app to get the latest alerts and safety information from Olympic National Park. The app also allows you to download maps to use offline while you’re at the park. Just be sure to download it when you have a strong internet connection.
Anglers need a license from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. There are different restrictions and seasons to know before you purchase the license. Also, check the fish advisories and shellfish toxicity reports before you head to the water.
Read the Living With Wildlife section of the city’s website before you visit. Between black bears, cougars, and coyotes, there are several tactics you need to know about how to handle a chance encounter. Never bait or feed a wild animal. If you see an animal acting strangely or aggressively, call Wildlife Management at (360) 902-2936.
Even with the bears in the region, Olympic National Park doesn’t recommend carrying bear spray. However, there are parts of the park where bear canisters (to protect your food or other scented objects) are required. Instead of using bear spray, learn the bear aversion tactics. Most parks change their stance on bear spray if grizzlies are present, but you won’t have that issue in this region.

So... How Safe Is Port Angeles Really?

The violent crime rate in Port Angeles is 74% higher than the national and state averages.

Even more importantly, the crime rate has been on a steady increase over the past decade, rising 65% during that time.

Since the population here is less than 20,000 people, it’s also important to note the raw number of crimes.

For 2023, there were 132 violent crimes in Port Angeles.

That averages out to about 2-3 violent crimes a week.

The percentages make it seem worse than it really is, but it’s still a trend going in the wrong direction.

Between 2018 and 2022, about 28% of violent crimes happened against strangers, leaving the majority of crimes being domestic in nature.

The theft rate is 74% higher than the national average, but that rate has dropped 42% since 2015. About 40% of thefts are related to car break-ins or car accessory thefts.

Another 40% fall into the category of “Other,” which can mean anything from stolen construction equipment or boat accessories.

All that might not make Port Angeles sound very safe.

In fact, it often ranks as “one of the most dangerous cities in Washington.”

But here’s the thing–the crime data starts off looking a little skewed when it has to be blown up to the level of “crimes per 100,000” people.

Then, there’s the fact that crime rates in Port Angeles don’t include the 3.5 million people who visit each year.

Every crime category becomes nearly non-existent under that microscope.

Sure, you need to use proper precautions and safety steps when you’re visiting a small tourist town.

However, nothing about the reality of the crime numbers, when presented in the right context, should make you shy away from this terrific town.

How Does Port Angeles Compare?

City	Safety Index
Port Angeles	72
St. Louis	58
Los Angeles	56
Oakland	57
New Orleans	57
Baltimore	56
Boston	67
Sofia (Bulgaria)	73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)	63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)	61
Niagara Falls (Canada)	87
Calgary (Canada)	82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)	60

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

The weather stays cold to mild year-round in Port Angeles. Highs don’t get out of the upper 60s on average, with drops into the low 50s F even in summer. Winters have highs in the 40s, with lows near or slightly above freezing. October through April brings the rainy season. Pack layers of clothing with waterproof outer layers, and don’t forget the bug spray.

Airports

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is about two and a half hours from Port Angeles. There is a public airport in Port Angeles, but you’d have to opt for a charter flight instead of a commercial flight.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancellations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Port Angeles Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 5° C

Feb 6° C

Mar 7° C

Apr 9° C

May 12° C

Jun 14° C

Jul 16° C

Aug 16° C

Sep 14° C

Oct 10° C

Nov 7° C

Dec 5° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	8	9	10	13	16	18	20	20	19	14	10	8
Low °C	2	2	3	5	7	10	11	11	9	6	4	2
High °F	46	48	50	55	61	64	68	68	66	57	50	46
Low °F	36	36	37	41	45	50	52	52	48	43	39	36

Washington - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Anacortes	82
Bainbridge Island	85
Bellevue	84
Diablo	78
Forks	85
Gig Harbor	75
Kennewick	40
Kent	42
Kettle Falls	78
Longview	82
Mercer Island	82
Moses Lake	46
Neah Bay	77
Ocean Shores	79
Olympia	57
Port Angeles	72
Port Townsend	81
Poulsbo	79
Pullman	79
Quinault	82
Renton	70
San Juan Islands	83
Seabrook	78
Seattle	55
Sequim	77
Snoqualmie	78
Spokane	74
Spokane Valley	62
Tacoma	38
Walla Walla	72
Wenatchee	80
Westport	78
Yakima	62

Is Port Angeles Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Washington : Safety by City