July 2026 Newcomers’ President’s Pick
Our July 17, 2026 President’s Pick is the Kathy Metz-Carson Memorial Port Angeles Underground Tour with noted guide Steve Hargis. The tour begins with a fascinating explanation of the history of the city and the tactics used to raise the city streets in 1914. Next, take a short stroll through downtown Port Angeles to visit rediscovered basements and long-forgotten tunnels during the underground portion of the tour. Stop in at one of the city’s original movie theaters, and venture into a hidden brothel above the unassuming family shoe store.
This fully-guided 2.5 hour tour provides insight into the past living conditions of the community. There are several short flights of stairs and multiple opportunities to sit and listen to stories during the tour.
Our plan is to gather in the lobby of the Port Angeles Visitors Center (121 E Railroad St) at 1:45 PM prior to the 2:00 PM tour. The cost is $15 per person and can be paid at the Visitors Center when we gather prior to the tour. Please RSVP so that I know how many will be joining us on the tour.
The photo above was taken in 1914 after the planking of this section of Front Street was completed. An earlier photo of this same section while still under construction identified it as Front St and Laurel St. I believe that the view is looking east since the street appears to be rising towards the hill where water blasted the soil that was used to raise the street a full story.