Olympic National Park (# 15/63) – No rain in the rainforest

June 7, 2024

Olympic National Park – Day 1

Sunset over the Olympic Mountain Range
Olympic National Park — Sunset over the Olympic Mountain Range

Home to Vampires:

Diverse Landscapes:

Easy Touring:

The Cullens must have been on vacation. The weather last week in Olympic National Park was so outstanding that had the vampires been in town, it would have felt like touring a jewelry store instead of a rainforest. Even though it would have been extraordinary to meet Edward or Bella, the warm air and sunny sky more than made up for missing them. Olympic National Park is the 15th park in my quest to visit all 63 National Parks in the U.S.

This park is the most diverse I have visited so far on my journey. In three days, we saw the snow-peaked Olympic Mountain range, pristine alpine lakes, two temperate rainforests, and the intimidating Washington coast. Each of these three landscapes has a beauty and magic of its own. As you are walking in the forest or along the coast, it isn’t difficult to believe in vampires, werewolves, and other fictional creatures. If you have more time… a week, a month, a summer… I recommend spending it all in this wonderful place.

For those of you who don’t enjoy day-long hikes– no worries! We had spectacular views with short, easy hikes. There is a lot of driving though, so choose your travel companions wisely. Luckily for me, my brother joined us for this trip. He has lived in Washington for several decades, and thus was the perfect tour guide.

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

We arrived at the Hurricane Ridge visitor center (which burned down in 2023) at about 10:00 am on a Wednesday. There are many hikes that start here that all sounded fabulous. But because we had a lot of ground to cover in a short time, we opted for the High Ridge Trail. This is a moderate, 1-mile round-trip trail with great views for the effort. You even get to pass the quaint ski patrol cabin and lift. Olympic National Park is one of only three national parks to offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. (Yosemite and Cuyahoga National Parks being the other two.) There were a few remnant patches of snow on the trail to remind us of how fun -and cold- this park might be in the winter.

Clear view of the Olympic Mountains on High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge

Clear view of the Olympic Mountains on High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

Picture perfect weather on High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge

Stunning views of the Olympic Mountains on High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

A reminder of winter recreational activities at Hurricaine Ridge in Olympic National Park as see on the High Ridge Trail

Great visibility of the Olympic Mountains on High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge

Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park

View of Lake Crescent from the Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park

After Hurricane Ridge, we meandered over to Lake Crescent. This glacier-carved lake is simply stunning… and chilling. For those True Crime fans, if you aren’t aware of the story of the Lady of the Lake, you are missing a good one.

Before eating lunch at Lake Crescent lodge, we hiked the Marymere Falls trail. This hike is just under 2 miles, easy, and full of outstanding views.

The light was amazing on the sunny hike of Marymere Falls Trail in

Have to get a sign photo of Lake Cresent

Moss covered tree - Marymere Falls Trail

A bridge over troubled water on Marymere Falls Trail

Trees on Marymere Falls Trail are big enough that you can fit inside them.

The star of the trai - Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park

Enormous moss covered tree on Marymere Falls Trail in Olympic National Park

Picture perfect scenery on Marymere Falls Trail in Olympic National Park

Grinch-like moss covered tree on Marymere Falls Trail in Olympic National Park

A bridge over troubled waters on Marymere Falls Trail in Olympic National Park

Friendly face in the parking lot of Marymere Falls trailhead in
Olympic National Park

Cute tunnel on Marymere Falls trail in
Olympic National Park

Fun times on Marymere Falls trail in Olympic National Park

Lunch at the Lake Crescent Lodge was delicious. On the drive from Seattle, we passed through the town of Sequim and the Dungeness Spit. The former is known as the “Lavender Capital of North America,” and the latter is associated with the crab. Not having had the time to visit either place, we honored them by ordering the Lavender Lemonade and the Dungeness Crab Louie Salad. We were fortunate to arrive at the lodge just before they stopped serving lunch. We were also fortunate to dine at a window table, from which the views were something out of a Normal Rockwell painting.

View from Lake Crescent Lodge

The quaint Lake Cresent Lodge as you approach from the parking lot.

Lake Crescent Lodge

Sol Duc Valley,

Olympic National Park

After lunch, we hiked to another waterfall, Sol Duc Falls. This trail is another easy, 1.5-mile hike with stunning views and a waterfall. If you are like me, waterfalls alone are worth a hike.

On the drive to the trail head, we passed a great viewing spot over the Sol Duc river where, if you time it right, you can watch the salmon run.

Another activity we had to pass on this trip was a visit to the hot springs in Sol Duc. Since my visit to Hot Springs National Park is just around the corner, we opted to take a rain check on the Sol Duc hot springs.

Not to skip, however, is the Native American legend of the creation of these hot spring.

The Sol Duc Falls trails winds through tall, moss covered trees in Olympic National Park. — Sol Duc Falls Trail

A stream flows through a gathering of moss covered rocks on Sol Duc Falls Trail in Olympic National park — Sol Duc Falls Trail

Forks, Washington

Next on the agenda was to check into our lodging. We stayed in the town of Forks at the Pacific Inn Hotel. The rooms were clean, freshly painted, and well kept. The town itself is very cute and conveniently located for touring the park. For those interested, Forks also houses the infamous Twilight Museum.

Feeling a little Team Edward AND Team Jacob, we picked up a pizza at Pacific Pizza in Forks and then headed to the beaches of La Push, home to the Quileute tribe and the Black family.

The unassuming but comfortable Pacific Inn in Forks, Washington in the
Olympic National Park

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park

The goal was to hike to Hole-in-the-Wall on Rialto Beach, back to the parking lot, and then enjoy our pizza while watching the sunset over the sea stacks. We did, in fact, achieve our goal, but I completely underestimated Rialto Beach and the difficulty I would have getting around.

The beach is rocky with enormous logs of drift wood scattered about, making it quite literally an obstacle course. At one point the path along the beach was interrupted by a stream of water too wide for a human to jump. Being neither werewolf nor vampire, we had two choices: get wet or walk on top of the lattice-work of logs. Adding to my anxiety was the approaching high tide. Not to have my plans thwarted, we made it across the stream, to Hole-in-the-Wall and back to safety in time to enjoy the sunset. Needless to say, I slept well this night!

Rialto Beach

Driftwood Scramble

Hole-in-the-Wall

Sea stacks

Sea Stacks

Sunset on Rialto Beach
Olympic National Park

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Olympic National Park: From Crashing Coasts to Serene Streams

June 6, 2024

Day 2:

Cape Flattery, near Olympic National Park

One of the bazillion problems with having a bucket list item of visiting all 63 national parks by the time I turn 63 years old, is that I don’t get to spend enough time in any one place, an understatement for Olympic National Park. My focus is usually to hit the highlights and move on. Having this mindset, I tend to limit myself and underestimate how much I can see in one visit.

A benefit of having the right travel companions is that they can help you stay positive and spontaneous. I had taken Cape Flattery off our itinerary because I thought we would run out of time. Thankfully, my brother thought that was a terrible excuse and we started the second day of our trip at the most northwestern tip of the lower 48 United States– in Cape Flattery.

The view of the coast as seen from the viewing platform at the end of Cape Flattery Trail

Happy to have made the drive to Cape Flattery

The view of the coast as seen from the viewing platform at the end of Cape Flattery Trail

Cape Flattery is near Neah Bay, actually outside of Olympic National Park, in the Makah Reservation. A permit is required to park by the trailhead. We got ours for twenty dollars at the Makah Marina.

The Cape Flattery Tail is an easy, 1.5-mile trail that is picturesque from beginning to its astounding end, and absolutely worth the trip.

Oversized chair at the trail head of Cape Flattery Trail — One of the several oversized chairs seen on the trip.

Wooden planked walk day on Cape Flattery Trail — Wooden planked pathway of Cape Flattery Trail

Frog on Cape Flattery Trail near Olympic National Park — Friend on the Cape Flattery Trail

Tatoosh Island, Cape Flattery as seen from the viewing platform at the end of Cape Flattery Trail — Tatoosh Island, Cape Flattery, as seen from the viewing platform at the end of Cape Flattery Trail

The Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park

Iconic Photo from Hall of Mosses Trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park

Want to feel like you are in a Disney movie? Then visit the Hoh Rain Forest and all its enchantment. The moss-covered rocks, the densely packed trees, the unending ferns, the gentle streams, and the blue Hoh river all work together to create a magical world, fit for all of us princesses. Twelve feet of rainfall per year helps create the lush growth of this temperate rainforest. The other temperate rainforest we visited is the Quinault Rain Forest, which is on the agenda for Day 3 in Olympic National Park.

Tree draped in moss on Hall of Mosses trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Trees draped in moss on Hall of Mosses Trail

Large heart shaped tree root on Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Large heart-shaped tree root on Spruce Nature Trail

Two easy hikes that are worth the effort are the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail.

Serene Stream seen on the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Serene Stream, Hall of Mosses Trail, Olympic National Park

Snake in fern on Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Slithery friend on Spruce Nature Trail

The Hoh River at the end of the Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Skaff by the the Hoh River

One of my favorite parts of the Spruce Nature Trail was spending some time by the Hoh River. I could have stayed here all afternoon. The boys had fun walking on logs, while I watched a Bald Eagle fly over head.

Bald Eagle flies over Hoh River at the end of the Spruce Nature Trail, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park — Sean pointing to the Bald Eagle flying over the Hoh River at the end of the Spruce Nature Trail

Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

Before dinner, we made a stop at Ruby Beach. Another beautiful sight with rocky beaches, large logs, and sea stacks.

Sean scrambling atop large driftwood log over stream on Ruby Beach

The rocky beach and sea stack of Ruby Beach

Dinner at Longhouse Cafe in Forks

If I’m honest, I get as excited about food as I do about nature. The Longhouse Cafe in Forks is just down the road from the Pacific Inn, but tucked away in the parking lot of Dew Drop Hotel, making it a bit difficult to find. We ordered fresh halibut bites, birria fries, and barbecue sandwiches on fry bread. So good!

Freshly caught halibut served at the Longhouse Cafe in Forks, Washington

Halibut Bites

Longhouse Cafe in Forks

Birria Fries at Longhouse Cafe in Forks, Washington

Barbecue sandwich on fry bread at Longhouse Cafe in Forks, Washington

Wildlife Spotting

The last item on our list for Day 2 in Olympic National Park was to see some wildlife. We got lucky and after dinner saw two herds of Roosevelt Elk and one deer. It was an excellent way to end our day, and certainly made our hearts grow fawn’der!

A deer in Olympic National Park

Roosevelt Elk in Olympic National Park

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Olympic National Park: Lasts but not Leasts

June 5, 2024

Day 3:

Quinault Rain Forest, Olympic National Park

Our first destination on Day 3 in Olympic National Park was the Quinault Rain Forest and Lake Quinault. We opted to hike the Falls Creek and Quinault Loop Trails. Together, this was an easy 2-mile hike with all the right components including that enchanting moss, tall trees, creeks, and waterfalls.

Quinault Loop Trail Quinault Rain Forest Olympic National Park

Quinault Look Trail Quinault Rain Forest

Falls Creek Trail Quinault Rain Forest

Falls Creek Falls

Remember my new appreciation for champion trees after visiting Congaree National Park? Well, Quinault Rain Forest in Olympic National Park is home to SIX champion trees. In fact, this rain forest is sometimes referred to as the “Valley of Giants,” and it does not disappoint. Here, the enormous trees are often draped in moss to create an idyllic place to spend a few hours.

I realize that my descriptions of the scenery from the rainforests don’t vary a lot… incredibly tall trees, enchanting moss-covered everything, babbling creeks, turquoise blue rivers, magical lakes, marvelous waterfalls. There’s only so many times one woman can search “spectacular” on Thesaurus.com, so please do not let my monotonous adjectives deter you from visiting. My language might get old, but the views never do.

Moss covered tree on Quinault Loop Trail

Sean admiring the tall trees on Quinault Loop Trail

Quinault Loop Trail

The Quinault Loop Trail was not only beautiful, but informative as well. The signage on the trail was very well done. In particular, the information pertaining to temperate rainforests was successful in its attempt to increase awareness about the threats to their wellbeing from deforestation and climate change.

Example of the excellent signage on Quinault Loo Trail pertaining to rainforests. — **Signage on Quinault Loop Trail**

Did I mention this hike had outstanding water features? In addition to the streams and waterfall, we also enjoyed views of Lake Quinault.

Sean NOT trespassing to view Lake Quinault

Sean contemplating the meaning of life at Lake Quinault

Lake Quinault

Lake Quinault as seen from the Falls Creek Trail

Staircase

Our last stop for the day, and unfortunately for the trip as a whole, was the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. The Staircase Rapids Loop Trail had all the usual suspects (trees, moss, water), plus a very cool suspension bridge. This area is in the southeast corner of the park and a bit out of the way, but it is totally worth the detour.

Skaff and Sean by Staircase Rapids

Douglas Fir by a Cedar tree with their different barks. Common trees in Olympic National Park's rainforests.

Douglas Fir and Cedar trees with their different barks.

No Caption

Suspension Bridge over Staircase Rapids

Sean on wooden bridge Staircase Rapids Trail Olympic National Park

Staircase Rapids Loop Trail

Moss covered boulders Staircase Rapids Trail

Moss covered boulders on Staircase Rapids Loop Trail

Staircase Rapids Trail Olympic National Park

Staircase Rapids Loop Trail

I was so sad for this perfect trip to end. My only hope is to report another amazing day in Hot Springs National park in July… anticipating a truly sizzling experience!

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