Port Angeles, Washington is located in Clallam County on the North Olympic Peninsula between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. The majority of the city looks out to the north onto Port Angeles Harbor and, twenty miles further, Victoria British Columbia. Port Angeles is the County seat of Clallam County which makes up the tip of the North Olympic Peninsula - surrounded by Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean. The Port Angeles name derives from Spanish for "Port of Our Lady of the Angels."  The city of Port Angeles was incorporated in 1890.

Population growth in Port Angeles, WA has been steady since 1990 when the total was 17,710. A small but steady growth pattern that matches the areas business progress shows population at 18,397 in 2000 Census and an estimated 18,984 for 2006. Economic growth in the area has been given a boost by the Washington State Government's low interest Federal loans to restart or begin projects, many of which are taking place directly in Port Angeles. Almost all of these projects can be attributed directly to intervention by Governor Gary Locke.

The Port Angeles School District’s motto, "Quality Education in a Quality Community", is demonstrated by the district's partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates Foundation grants go to districts that demonstrate the characteristics of nationally recognized districts. Port Angeles students consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests. In addition to the Foundation monies, the community contributes generously to a local scholarship program for graduating seniors. Peninsula College serves degree-seeking students and those pursuing specialized training or retraining. The college works in partnership with local businesses to design curricula responding to local development needs. Its Corporate Training Institute attracts companies and their executives from a broad area. Four-year degree and certificate programs from Washington State University and Western Washington University are available through Peninsula College. Additional opportunities for training are provided by programs such as the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center.

Port Angeles, Washington is the activity center of the North Olympic Peninsula The convenient downtown shopping district is alive with friendly shops, and outdoor art. The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is open year round and presents exhibits of visual arts in all media. Gallery exhibitions average two to three months in duration and feature both well established and significant emerging artists from the Pacific Northwest. Port Angeles' geography suits it to those who love the outdoors. From golfing and tennis to gardening and boating, weather seldom interferes. Seventeen miles from the city is snow-capped Hurricane Ridge, the most popular feature of Olympic National Park. The Olympic Discovery Trail, for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, is one of the longest trail systems in the nation and the ideal Mountain Bike destination. The Port Angeles region offers incomparable recreation opportunities for year-round activities. Close by are the Dungeness National Wildlife Preserve, Lakes Crescent and Sutherland, Sol Duc Hot Springs and numerous rivers, beaches and parks.  

Cultural boasts are the award-winning Port Angeles Symphony and the hilltop Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, a noteworthy museum of contemporary art, and year-round opportunities to enjoy live theater, concerts and festivals. In 1997, a new $4.2 million library was constructed.

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