PORT ANGELES — Donalynn Olson quashed the rumors that Olson’s Resort is changing hands.
“I’ve had quite a few customers say, ‘We heard you sold it,'” said Donalynn Olson, who with her husband, Arlen Olson, has operated the sport fishing resort for 50 years.
“No, we haven’t sold it.”
It’s business as usual at the 20-acre landmark in Sekiu.
Big summer ahead
Arlen, 74, and Donalynn, 72, are busy filling reservations for what they believe will be a big summer for salmon fishing.
“It sounds like we’re going to have a pretty decent September,” Donalynn said.
Once they passed retirement age, the Olsons considered selling the resort that Arlen Olson’s father, Alvin, built in 1936.
But they hesitated, saying that if the parcel were developed, fishermen would lose one of the best launching and lodging facilities on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Olson’s Resort has a boat launch, beach access, 38 units and lots of camping space.
“We get a lot of return customers, which is fun to see,” Donalynn said.
For now, the Olsons are content to hold the fort.
“We would sell it if it was left open for sportsmen and that kind of thing,” Donalynn said.
“We would probably sell it if the right people came around, but we’re not actively pushing it.”
If those people don’t come around, Donalynn said that her sons are capable of running the resort.
“We’re both in our 70s, and we’re thinking we need to start thinking in that direction,” she said of retirement.
“We’re not really actively pursuing [selling] it, but it’s in the back of our minds.”
On the front of their minds is salmon season, which is tentatively scheduled to open July 1.
To reserve a space at Olson’s Resort, phone 360-963-2311.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
