Washington: Olympic National Park

February 21, 2019
Washington
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We arrived in the Seattle area mid-afternoon on a sunny summer’s day to start our exploration of the Olympic peninsula. The plan was to camp and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors so we set out to find our campsite and get organized for what we anticipated would be two wonderful days of trekking and beach-combing.

We had bought two tents, one for grown-ups and one for Jack and Emily. Unfortunately, when we got the tents out it turned out that one set of poles was missing! This tent had been last used by our children, Jack and Emily, and somehow between there and here had gone missing. As responsible, mature adults we try not to operate a blame culture in the Hobbs household but it was clearly Jack’s fault! Anyway, rather than spending the morning exploring the fabulous Olympic mountains we explored tents in Wal-Mart. Luckily we found an inexpensive and spacious tent, which turned out to be much better than the one we planned to stay in – so Jack was forgiven. The tent was nice and easy to put up so in no time at all we had set up camp.

HURRICANE RIDGE

There was not much time left in the day so we thought we would take a drive up into the mountainous area of the Olympic National Park, to the viewpoint and visitors centre at Hurricane Ridge. We left the warm, calm surroundings of our campsite at the base of the mountains neighbouring the sea and climbed several thousand feet to the top of the mountains. Arriving at Hurricane Ridge we discovered how aptly it is named. The wind was blowing, if not a hurricane then certainly a gale. It was also very chilly. From the Park visitor’s centre, there were spectacular views across green pastures to the snow-tipped mountains beyond. We were joined by a number of very tame deer, who were more likely there for the lush grass than to enjoy the view. A short trip along a trail over the crest of a hill gave us a view across Puget Sound towards Vancouver, Canada. Up at this altitude, despite being the height of the summer, there were remnants of the winter with several patches of snow still remaining. The cool wind soon blew us into the visitor centre to watch a short movie on the geology and ecology of the Olympic Mountain region, after which we made a dash for the car to make our way back down the calm and relatively balmy haven of our campsite.

HOH RAINFOREST

We woke today to a cloudy and misty morning. Our plan was to take Route 101, following the coast around the peninsula to the western side of the Olympic range. This is one of the wettest places in the United States and not usually the place to consider visiting on a cloudy misty morning. This is the home of one of the world’s few temperate rain forests. As luck would have it as we closed in on our destination, the Hoh Rainforest, the clouds broke and we were greeted by lovely warm sunshine. Most unusual in these parts! Our first stop off was the National Park visitor centre. We were amused by a sign posted by the Park Rangers warning that some visitors who had approached the local Elk had been charged. I could only wonder how much had they been charged. Has the world gone mad? Even the Elk had gone commercial! Anyway, the amusement was over and it was time for some serious tourism!

We were a little too early for one of the Ranger tours so we took ourselves onto one of the self-guided tours along the trails. The sun was by now streaming through the canopy, illuminating the iridescent greens of the forest. One of the most amazing features of this rain forest is the thick, trailing mosses hanging off of the limbs and trunks of the densely packed trees! Our path took us down to the river, which carved the valleys to which the forest clings. Truly magical!

The Hoh Rainforest in the Olmpic National Park is one of the wettest places on earth - Washington

Returning to the starting point of the trail we arrived back near to our car and just in time for a spot of lunch before the Ranger-led tour. The tour took us on a different trail through the forests. We were introduced to the common trees of the forest including the Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, Western hemlock, Western red cedar, the black cottonwood, red alder and the big leaf and vine maples. The Ranger explained the distinguishing features of each tree and by the end of the tour, we could easily identify each species. The forest is dominated by coniferous trees, particularly the Douglas fir and Hemlocks and the Cottonwoods in the riparian areas by the creeks and rivers. There were some exceptions where the deciduous trees had gained a significant foothold and had been able to maintain their territory gain. One magical example of this was a grove of big leaf maples, which had a high canopy of translucent leaves, allowing the dappled sunlight down to the forest floor. The almost constant damp atmosphere of the rain forest had allowed the lichens and mosses to grow rampantly across the tree limbs, which hung down like fine lace shrouds from the trees. This sanctuary had a spiritual quality that even the most agnostic of visitors must surely appreciate.

Ranger tour at the Hoh Forest - Olympic National Park, Washington

This tree has an amazing root structure - Olympic National Park, Washington

Moss on every tree and rock - Olympic National Park, Washington

RUBY BEACH

The weather remained remarkably good throughout our trip to the rainforest; rain-free days are such a rarity in these parts. We decided to chance our luck with a visit to the rugged coastline of the Olympic peninsula, and traveled a few miles further south to Ruby Beach. On this part of the coast the trees descend down to the cliffs that look out across the great Pacific Ocean. These cliffs are battered and eroded by the pounding of winter storms causing complete trees drop into the ocean which are then carried away out to sea. These trees, stripped of foliage and bark, eventually end up washed on the beaches as smooth, and often contorted driftwood sculptures. Ruby Beach provided a glorious backdrop to the power of nature. Its shores are strewn with huge trunks of trees, often piled up by the action of the waves. We spent some time walking among the driftwood, which inspired Jack and Emily to turn into modern-day Robinson Crusoes and build shelters from the wood on the beach. This allowed us grownups to have some alone time and enjoy the sounds and smells of the beach. After an hour or so the children had to be dragged from their ever so important endeavours so we could make our way back home to Port Angeles.

A stack at Ruby Beach - Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach on the Olympic Peninsula is wild and rugged but beautiful - Olympic National Park, Washington

There is an enormous amount of drift wood on Ruby Beach on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Planning your visit to the Olympic National Park

Address:	3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA
Website:	https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
Telephone:	T:(360) 565-3130
Hours:	The Park is open all year around. The visitor centre opening hours vary by season. Check the Park website to get the current hours.
Admission Fees	Vehicle (Non-Commercial) – $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days. Applies to private, non-commercial vehicles (15 passenger capacity or less). The pass covers all vehicle occupants. Motorcycle – $25.00 Valid for seven consecutive days. Fee admits one individual on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Per Person and Bicyclists – $15.00 Valid for seven consecutive days. This fee admits one person without a vehicle, including hikers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Individuals fifteen years or younger are admitted free of charge.

Best time to visit the Olympic Peninsula

The best time of year for sightseeing in Olympic National Park is spring through fall. This time of year is ideal because the rainforests can experience up to 50 inches of rain in the winter, and by late spring, the landscape is lush and vibrant with life. Also, the mountains can see a considerable amount of snow during the winter, and by late spring, most of it has melted from the high country, giving you access to incredible vistas of the Olympic Range. Late spring typically sees a decrease in overall precipitation, so you are able to enjoy all aspects of the park. And, the rainy season begins again in fall, but if you are there early enough in the season, it is still a wonderful time to sightsee in the park.

Where to stay near Olympic National Park

1. KALALOCH LODGE

Nestled between towering evergreen forests and driftwood-lined beaches, this cosy, comfortable Forks, Washington, the retreat provides a laid-back charm that travellers will appreciate. The Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park gives visitors the ideal location for exploring Olympic Peninsula’s mist-shrouded rainforests, pristine beaches, and snow-capped mountains.

2. BOND RANCH RETREAT

The Bond Ranch Retreat is like a summer camp for adults with its charming cedar cabins nestled into the densely forested Sequim, Washington terrain. The ranch’s guests will be conveniently situated a short drive from Sequim’s retail stores and appetizing restaurants. Just minutes from the ranch, guests can explore Olympic National Park’s sparkling Lake Crescent, the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest, and the marvelous Ruby Beach. The rooms are comfortable and provide plenty of natural light, are tastefully decorated with individual themes, and provide antique furniture pieces.

3. COLLETTE’S BED & BREAKFAST

This luxurious and award-winning oceanfront bed and breakfast is situated on 10 marvellous acres between the shimmering Strait of Juan de Fuca and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Visitors that choose Colette’s Bed & Breakfast as their lodging accommodation will be treated to Olympic Peninsula’s warm hospitality, stunning sites, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Twilight fans will appreciate exploring the home of the popular movie series with self-guided touring maps of Port Angeles, La Push, and Forks, Washington.