Olympic National Park, WA

I visited three areas within Olympic National Park - Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, Hurricane Ridge. Each one featured a different type of environment. While they are just a small part of this park that spans the majority of the Olympic Peninsula, together they gave me a clue into the area's diversity.

Hoh Rainforest

I arrived early because I understood this to be a very popular destination. Sure enough, when I returned from the last of the hikes, all of the parking spots appeared to be full. The three hikes were each rated "easy" and together totaled about 8 miles.

Spruce Nature Trail

Trail through Ferns & Trees

Tree Does Yoga

Rainforest as Far as the Eye Can See

Catch a Glimpse of the Hoh River

Massive Root Structure of a Fallen Tree

Trees All in a Row as They Straddle Their Nurse Log

Hall of Mosses

Creek Flows Gently Along

Towering Trees

Moss Covered Archway

Moss Hangs from the Branches

Where is the Tree Behind the Moss?

Trees Clad in Moss

Fungi with Interesting Shape & Colors

Hoh River Trail

Tree with a Hollow Burl at its Base

Branches Cloaked in Moss

Plants Grow Out of the Top of the Remains of a Tree

Rainforest All Around

Mineral Creek

Mineral Creek Falls through the Branches
(turnaround point)

Hoh River as Seen from a Spur off the Main Trail
(blue-gray color is from a mixture of melted snow & glacier ice)

Rialto Beach

I wanted to see another aspect to the national park, so I decided to visit one of its beaches. Although it was an overcast day, my outlook was not dimmed nor was my enjoyment lessened.

The beach was over a mile long. And although there was sand, its surface was dominated by rocks ranging from tiny to quite large in size.

Rialto Beach

I began walking along the beach close enough to low tide that large sheets of rock were exposed.

Rock Exposed by Low Tide

This timing with the tides also allowed me to view some sea creatures.

Sea Anemones

Multiple rock formations poking out of the ocean and surf added character to the setting.

Isolated Trees Find Purchase on Sea Rocks

Countless logs which had washed up over time lined the beach's outer edge where it met the forest.

Beach Bordered by Logs

A primary destination for many visitors was the arch created by water and wind erosion.

Arch

View Through the Arch

The beach presented other sights including this rock with its unique design...

Rock Swirl

...and this remnant of a tree that once must have stood tall.

Remains of a Tree

I got so interested in everything around me that I didn't keep track of the tide. I almost didn't make it back through the arch without getting wet (I had to time my crossing of one small section of rocks in between surges of the waves). And the surf narrowed the strip of beach considerably during my return to the parking lot.

Surf Encroaches

Hurricane Ridge

The night before I hiked at Hurricane Ridge, I parked just off a forest service road in the Olympic National Forest. Here was my view of the Sol Duc River.

Overnight View

On the way up, I drove through a thick bank of clouds. On top, it was sunny and 45 degrees. But with none of the strong winds that can occur and from which Hurricane Ridge gets its name. Here is the view that greeted me when I arrived at the parking area. 

View from Parking Lot

For the hike, I chose the Sunrise Ridge Trail to Klahhane Ridge which climbed and then followed atop or near the spine of ridges and gave great views on either side.

Trail Climbs

View from Trail

Within the first half hour, I came across a small patch of snow atop the trail. This was a portent of bigger things to come.

Snow on Trail

The third dark green peak to the right was my destination.

Trail along Spine

To the sides were trees as far as the eye could see.

Trees & Snow atop Peaks

Here are two examples of the blooming wildflowers that dotted the slopes.

Purple Spreading Phlox

Yellow Wallflowers

In this direction I took in snow right in front, a blanket of clouds, and blue of water and/or sky in the distance.

Snow, Clouds & Blue

While the trail was mostly out in the open with broad views, a small section did make its way through some trees.

Trail through the Trees

This rocky peak provided a good reference point to ensure the direction I was headed.

Peak in the Distance

However, I was unable to make it to the peak and beyond because I encountered a mass of icy snow covering the steeply slanted slope I needed to navigate along. After about a dozen steps, I decided to turn around because I just didn't feel comfortable with my footing.

Turnaround Point

I enjoyed the views on the return trip just as much as the first time.

Return View

Two of these birds flew into the branches next to me and stayed around for several minutes.

Bird Says Hello
(this photo is not zoomed in)

This deer came out of the trees and decided to have a snack right next to trail. Since hikers didn't want to disturb him, he blocked traffic for a few minutes.

Young Buck with Velvet Covered Antlers