Sequim’s Lavender Festival and Farms
I have visited the Olympic Peninsula – home of the amazing Olympic National Park – many times. For years, I have driven through the small town of Sequim without stopping.
Little did I know, that was a big mistake! (Especially in summer). Because Sequim is lavender central here in Washington state.
What began in the mid‑1990s as an experiment by local farmers and the Chamber of Commerce has blossomed into over two dozen fragrant lavender farms lining the Sequim–Dungeness Valley.
Stretching from late June through early August, the purple fields attract visitors from across the globe—especially during the famed annual Lavender Festival in July. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to follow that lavender rainbow in the Olympic Peninsula!
Sequim Lavender Farms and Festival History
The Sequim Lavender Festival—locally known as Lavender Weekend—kicked off as a one‑day event in 1997 and has since grown to a relaxed three‑day celebration every third full weekend in July. The main festival hub is at Carrie Blake Park in downtown Sequim, featuring live jazz and blues, a street fair with more than 150 local vendors, farm tours, u‑pick lavender fields, lavender ice cream, artisan crafts, and on‑farm demos.
Folks affectionately refer to Sequim (pronounced “skwim”)—a single‑syllable native Klallam word meaning “hunting ground”—as America’s Provence, due to its expansive lavender fields and charming agritourism vibe.
Treading the Sequim Lavender Trail
More than just an event, the Sequim Lavender Trail is a self‑guided agritourism route. Popularized by the local Lavender Connection and other farms, it invites visitors to cruise or cycle between family‑run lavender farms that dot the valley within a short drive of one another.
- When to go: Peak bloom hits mid‑July; expect lavender to appear from late June and proceed into mid‑August.
- What to expect: U‑pick fields, sweet lavender-scented air, fragrant gift shops, essential oil demonstrations, and lavender‑themed treats like honey, lemonade, and ice cream.
- Tips: Grab a trail map (free at the Visitor Center or participating farms), pace yourself, and avoid traveling south on Sunday afternoon (traffic can be murder).
Featured Farms Along the Trail
I took a full day just to make the trip from Seattle to browse all of the lavender farms in Sequim. It was such a treat to enjoy this town and its lavender treasures and discover something new in the Olympic Peninsula after all these years.
Here’s a mini‑tour of what I found in the way of lavender farms in the region.
A cozy, family-run operation known for its handcrafted lavender sachets, essential oils, and baked goods. As I strolled through neat rows of English and French lavender, chatted with the Victor family, and sampled lavender‑infused lemonade under shady trees, I wondered what took me so long to find out about this place.
Located close to Sequim’s center, B&B sounds like a bed and breakfast, but is really a huge property that dazzles with photo‑ready lavender fields and a charming U‑pick area. Their gift shop offers lots of culinary lavender blends, bath salts, locally made honey and so much more. It’s also a great place to learn about lavender distillation up close.
As the namesake connector of the trail, Lavender Connection serves as a launch point for many (if you’re coming from the west), but it was my third lavender stop. Here you’ll find multicolored lavender varieties, live farming demos, u‑cut lavender, and informative staff who can help you plan the rest of your day.
A French‑inspired lavender garden that’s as photogenic as it is fragrant. I took the most pictures here! Wander manicured paths through vibrant lavender beds, sip lavender gelato or lemonade, and enjoy artisan soaps and culinary lavender products. They also have lavender ice cream!
This was my first stop on the Lavender trail and I was a bit disappointed that it was just a gift shop in the middle of downtown Sequim – not a farm. From what I gathered, the farm (located somewhere near Sequim) is not open to visitors – at least not as of this writing. Nevertheless, Cedarbrook specializes in therapeutic-grade essential oils, sells carefully distilled lavender products, and offers a lovely gift shop full of lavender goodness.
Something Fun that Brings It All Together – The Purple Pursuit
Don’t miss out on the Purple Pursuit Scavenger Hunt, a fun and family-friendly activity that adds a playful twist to your lavender trail adventure! \Stop by all five farms on the lavender trail, spot the featured item (you’ll see the Purple Pursuit sign), scan the QR code, snap a pic (a selfie with the item is even better!), and share your photo(s) on Instagram , tagging @sequimlavendertrail. It’s a great way to explore the full trail, discover the distinct personality of each farm, and make your Sequim lavender experience even more memorable.
Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes and breathable layers (morning can be crisp, even in summer).
- A wide‑brimmed hat and reusable water bottle—the Washington sun and fragrant air can be surprisingly intense come the afternoon.
- U‑pick safety: bring a sturdy basket and scissors or snips (many farms provide tools).
- Don’t forget your camera—fields can vary from deep purple to pale pink and white, depending on lavender varietals.
Sequim’s Lavender Festival and Trail have transformed a once‑ordinary valley into North America’s lavender capital. Whether you make it a day trip from Seattle or a weekend escape into the Olympic Peninsula’s quiet beauty, this fragrant journey feels part agritourism, part spa day and wholly immersive.
So this July, in the land of skwim, come breathe deeply, wander purple lanes, say “bonjour” to lavender ice cream, and drift home with bundles of memories—and lavender—undoubtedly in tow.
If you’ve been to Sequim, I’d love to hear your favorite farm or lavender treat—drop me a note!
