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Day 1 Hurricane Ridge

The must see jewel of the Olympic National Park.

Hurricane Ridge is an easy 17 mile drive taking you up to 5,200 feet elevation. The spectacular mountains are beautiful beyond words. The day lodge and many trails offer breath taking views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Olympic Mountains, panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the alpine meadows. Numerous trails range from easy to very difficult, making it possible for all people to enjoy the area's beauty.

 

You will most likely see a variety of wildlife while hiking up the trail such as deer, mountain goats, rabbits and Olympic marmots. Remember to admire the wildlife from a distance and do not feed the animals.

 

Wear comfortable hiking shoes, clothes, bring water, and its always safer to bring a friend to hike with. One can take a picnic lunch and spend the day at Hurricane Ridge then cap off the day by watching a spectacular sunset.

 

Day 2 Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Area

Lake Crescent is a crystal clear 12-mile long lake located 17 miles west of Port Angeles on Highway 101. The glacier-carved lake offers swimming, boating and fishing.

 

Marymere Falls is a mostly level, one mile hike from Storm King Ranger Station. This walk takes you through the forest of moss-covered trees and large ferns.

 

The Pyramid Mt. Trail, reached from the North Shore Road, offers an excellent view of Lake Crescent, Mt. Storm King and the blue-green slopes of Aurora Ridge. One can also hike along the north side of the lake on the Spruce Railroad Trail (named after the railroad that was there during WWI). The rail was used to haul out spruce to make airplanes for use in the war.

 

Driving west on Highway 101 takes you to the Sol Duc Valley road just west of Lake Crescent. The approximately 12 mile drive winds thru the valley. Two areas of interest along the way are the Salmon Cascades and Ancient Forest Trail. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers dining, a small store & gift shop and three mineral pools, in addition to a freshwater pool. Soaking in the hot mineral pools is a great way to relax those sore muscles after hiking all day.

 

The spectacular Sol Duc Falls are a must see!! The trail head is located a short drive past the resort and camp grounds. Several trails take off from the Sol Duc Falls Trail taking you up into the Seven Lakes Basin. Sol Duc Falls is the most photographed area in the entire Olympic Peninsula offering breath taking shots, and memories to last a lifetime.

 

Day 3 Hoh Rain Forest and Wild Coastal Beaches

The Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction here on the Olympic Peninsula. Moist ocean air from the Pacific brings over 150 inches (record of 211 inches) of annual rainfall to this area, which, along with presence of Sitka spruce and "colonnades" (row of trees that grow atop downed trees called "nurse logs"), qualify the west-facing valleys of the Olympics as the only temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere!

 

The park was established in 1938 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited and was duly impressed with the region and its wildlife. Three loop trails near the Hoh Visitor Center are easy to stroll and give a great sampling of the area: The Hall of Mosses Trail is 3/4 mile and shows the moss-draped maples, magically green in the spring, spectacular with color in the fall and a treat any time of year; the 1 1/4 mile Spruce Trail follows the Hoh River along red alder and maple "bottom", and shows the landscape carved by this glacier-fed river; and a paved 1/4 mile path suitable for a wheelchair or stroller.

 

The year- round Visitor Center is the starting point for many longer and more challenging hikes up to the alpine meadows and glaciers. The Mineral Creek Falls is on the upper Hoh River trail in Olympic National Park 2.8 miles up past the visitor center.

For more information click here.

 

The Maple Creek Falls is a small but very picturesque fall hidden along the south shore of the upper Hoh River. You can view the falls from the upper Hoh River. Click here to view a map of the area.

 

The Hoh Rain Forest is located 90 miles west of Port Angeles Inn on Highway 101 thru the town of Forks. Scenic shores with easy access are found in the Kalaloch (pronounced kalay-lock) area, just 15 south of the Rain Forest Road. Beach Trail 4 is a pebble beach with a dramatic surf (beware of the strong undertow), tidal pools and is a popular place to dip for smelt.

 

Picturesque Ruby Beach with a meandering creek and dramatic sea stacks is named for the garnet-colored sand. Miners panned for gold here earlier in the last century.

 

Rialto Beach, north of the Quillayute River, is one of the few drive-to beaches in the area and a beautiful spot to enjoy the surf and watch shorebirds, eagles and seals.

 

First Beach, On the south side of the river, at La Push, is a mile-long crescent known for surfing-size waves and great whale watching. Kayakers, surfers and seals add to the view.

 

First Beach is where Jacob Black meets his childhood friend Bella Swan in La Push and famously tells her the legend about the Cullen family. In the Twilight book series, Bella spends a lot of time at La Push, and even almost drowns while cliff-jumping in La Push.

 

Second Beach, just east of La Push, is popular with photographers and is reached by way of a .6 mile forested trail that leads to a 2 mile long sandy stretch of beach with sea stacks and tidal pools.

 

Third beach, a mile east of Second beach, is a mostly-level 1.5 mile trail through natural second growth forest, a result of winds up to 170 mph in January 1921. The "21 Blow" leveled nearly 8 billion board feet of timber, enough to construct 600,000 3-bedroom homes. In the fall, mushrooms flourish under the forest canopy, be sure to take along a guide book

 

Day 4 Neah Bay, Cape Flattery, Makah Museum, Lake Ozette

Head to the most Northwestern tip of the lower 48, visiting Cape Flattery on the Makah Reservation located 75 miles NW of Port Angeles on Hwy 112. Cape Flattery is located approx 7 miles from Neah Bay. The newly-constructed wooden walkway takes you to some of the most gorgeous, rugged and wild scenery on the Pacific Coast.

 

Be sure to take time to explore the internationally known Makah Museum. The museum is open every day during the summer months and closed Mondays and Tuesdays from Sept. 16 through May 31. Hours are 10AM-5PM. The Makah Museum is the nation's sole repository for archeological discoveries at the Makah Coastal village of Ozette. The centuries old village was located 15 miles south of present day Neah Bay. Ozette served the Makah people as a year-around home well into the 20th century.

 

Three miles of planked trail lead the hiker to Sand Point, one of the most beautiful and primitive beaches on the coast. Continuing north along the beach you will find dozens of Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, ask for the interpretive handout at the ranger station.

 

The northern point of this 9 mile triangular trail is Cape Alava, with a rocky shore and reefs to explore at low tide. Cape Alava is also the site of an ancient Makah village. The site is now closed and marked with a small sign. Be sure to check a tide table and carry the 10 essentials - and lots of film as seals, deer, eagles and perhaps osprey, otters and whales may be there, rain or shine! Hike north to Cape Alava along the beach to keep the ocean breeze at your back, and avoid vibram- soled shoes as the cedar plank walkway can be slick!

 

Day 5 Victoria, BC, Canada

Enjoy the sparkling lights of Victoria by night from your guest room at Port Angeles Inn and by day take a ferry over to Victoria and enjoy the friendly, flowered English city.

The 18 mile crossing time is 1 1/2 hours. Phone 360-457-4491.

 

The M.V.Coho Ferry operates all year except for 2 weeks in January. Dates of operation: mid-May thru mid-October. Early morning breakfast is served for guests going to Victoria. A vehicle is not necessary for a day trip. There are numerous tours available as well as excellent public transportation.

 

While in Victoria, you'll have a vast array of activities to choose from including the world famous Butchart Gardens founded in 1904. From the exquisite Sunken Garden (once a limestone quarry) to the charming Rose, Japanese and Italian gardens, this 50 acre showplace still maintains the gracious traditions of the past.

 

The Royal B.C. museum is located in the Inner Harbor area. The well-designed museum offers something for everyone. Also located in the Inner Harbor is the grand old Empress Hotel. Be sure to browse through the many intriguing shops and perhaps linger awhile and enjoy High Tea.

 

Another interesting part of Victoria's history is the Craigdarroch Castle built in the late 1800s by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

 

Remember, Victoria is located in a foreign country and a Passport is required to enter and leave Canada. The U.S. Customs office phone number is 360-457-1221.

 

Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park is a soul-awakening experience eliciting " oohs and aahs" at every turn with breath-taking views of snow capped mountains, deep valleys, beautiful meadows, and wildlife. There are numerous trails throughout the park for moderate to experienced hikers.

 

Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes and clothing, sweater if you are going to be staying to watch the magnificent sunset (it gets very cold towards evening), drinking water, and you should always be safe by hiking with a friend.

To contact the Olympic National Park Visitors Center in Port Angeles call 360-452-2713.

 

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