Olalla (Washington)

Olalla is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.

Olalla means "place of many berries" from the native Chinook word "olallie." Olalla Valley strawberry farms were an important source of strawberries for the Seattle markets, shipped over via the Mosquito Fleet via Colvos Passage by boats such as the famous Virginia V. This historic area is a combination of thick forests, small farms, streams and scenic country roads surrounded by Puget Sound.

Understand
Olalla has some small claim to fame as the location of an early 20th century health retreat (Sanitarium) called Wilderness Heights a.k.a. "Starvation Heights", The sanitarium was owned and operated by Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard. Dr. Hazzard's practice of starvation to cure one's ills resulted in the death of a visiting English heiress in 1911, and the conviction of Dr. Hazzard for her murder. The original bathtub where Hazzard performed autopsies is still in the house, which has a family residing there. However, she also maintains a strong following, in the US, Europe and Australia, that testify to her fasting techniques as having cured them of many ills and believe she was ahead of her time, both then and now, in her methods.

By car
There are several main roads that lead through the area including the Olalla Valley Road and Banner Road, both of which have easy access from the ferry at Southworth and can be reached by driving scenic back roads from Gig Harbor.

By bike
Olalla has many hilly and twisty country roads which are popular with bikers coming over from Seattle or any of the other more populated areas. Many maps of suggested scenic bike rides can be found online but be forewarned that it may be awhile between pit stops so plan accordingly.



Get around
Olalla can be reached via the Fauntleroy, Vashon, Southworth ferry from the north and from the South via Gig Harbor and the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula with its nearly 371 miles of coastline Olalla is an excellent place to explore by boat.

See
Olalla Valley is home to many historical barns and structures including the Olalla Community Club and the Olalla Bible church. Drive down Olalla Valley Road on the way in or out for a nice view of the club, the church and about a half a dozen very old barns.



Do

 * Olalla hosts an annual Polar Bear Jump on January 1 and Olalla Americana Music Festival the 3rd Saturday in August. There are several nice parks in the area including Anderson Point Park and a public salt water boat launch near the intersection of Olalla Valley Road SE and Banner Rd SE.

Beachcombing
Unlike many beach areas in the Puget Sound Olalla does offer a long sandy beach at Anderson Point Park. Oysters, clams and moon snails are common sites and seals, otters and eagles are not uncommon.

Sea shells and driftwood are considered part of the natural environment and should not be removed, however the often rocky and wild shores are havens for creating and revealing beach glass and anything artificial found is fair game for removal. Be respectful of private property and gentle with sea creatures. Keep a wide distance away from nesting birds, seals and other shore animals and always put back anything removed from the shoreline.



Horseback riding
It is common to see horses being ridden in the areas around Olalla and drivers should be vigilant watching for horseback riders traveling on the side of the road. Banner forest is common destination for riders that share the trails with mountain bikers and hikers.

Sea kayaking
The Olalla boat launch is on an estuary with a wide variety of birds and just across Colvos Passage from Vashon Island making it an excellent place to start a Sea kayaking adventure and a rewarding way to explore the Kitsap Peninsulas 371 miles of coastline allowing the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings and making Kitsap one of the most popular areas to kayak in Puget Sound. Thick forests of majestic pine and deciduous trees and hundreds of creeks and estuaries dot the coastline. Or just explore Kitsaps many harbor towns that cater to kayakers with shops and restaurants accessible from the water. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sites while the occasional viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.

Kayak trails
Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate and scenic travel destinations.



Buy
Although Olalla was once a thriving business center larger than Port Orchard, there are not many businesses left in the area except Al's, small farms, a few local craftspeople and a small farmers market in the summer.

Drink
The popular Olalla Valley winery is in the area and should be a stop for anyone exploring the area's wineries.



Grape Wines - Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Voignier, Gobulak (A Russianred fleshed grape that does well in the Olalla Valley).

Berry Wines - Blackberry Wine, Raspberry Wine

Other Wines - Lavendar, Marionberry, Loganberry, Boysenberry and Apple

Sleep
There are not many places to spend the night in the area, look towards Gig Harbor and Port Orchard for more options.



By car
There are no highways that run through Olalla, but Gig Harbor lies to the south and Port Orchard lies to the north via back roads.

By ferry
Vashon Island lies to the east via Southworth Ferry which also connects to the Faunteroy Terminal in West Seattle.

By boat
Olalla is an excellent launching area to explore the area by boat however there are a few things to know. The tidelands at the boat launch become challenging at extreme low tide as the whole area becomes a large mud flat. After the boat ramp boaters will need to pass under a bridge to gain access to Puget Sound which means no sailboats or any boats with a large mast. Olalla is about 6 nautical miles from Gig Harbor but the current in nearby Colvos Passage generally runs northward which would make a southbound journey difficult for paddlers. The next large port to the north is in Manchester with a smaller hand carried outtake closer to Southworth. Vashon Island is also nearby including Lisabeula Park which offers overnight access for non motorized boats.