The Olympic Coast
A World of It’s Own
This is for my friends Luke and Chelsea who need to take a trip to this otherworldly place.
To the far west of our country, across an inlet from the Pacific lies a world all it’s own.
It reminds me some of Michigan’s upper Peninsula. It’s out there, far from civilization.
This area is known as the Olympic Coast, home of Olympic National Park.
To visit here is a multi day adventure. The more time you have to visit there, the better. What I am going to do is tell you about a few places I personally visited so that should you wish to spend the time there, you too can enjoy what I was privy to.
When it’s all done, you can plan this trip yourself using my recommendations.
While I came in from the south and I am going to write this as if on your visit you would come in from the north through Port Angeles.
Sol Doc Falls
Sol Doc Falls is a relatively easy hike. It’s going to be a busy one in the summer time, arguably the best time to be in the park.
This is a powerful water fall with a unique bridge across.
You will hike through a lot of rain forest here (which comprises much of the Olympic national park).
At the end of your hike, you will enjoy a wonderful view of the falls.
Take it in, enjoy your time there. Catch it from different vantage points.
Embrace the splendor of the massive Cedar forests and smaller falls along the trail.
Hoh Rain Forest
After departing the Sol Doc Falls area, you can visit the Hoh Rain Forest. While I didn’t get there myself, I do know it’s worth seeing.
The road had washed out due to a massive storm near the end of winter. We weren’t able to make it there. However, as of this writing, the road has been repaired and is back open for business.
Forks, WA
As you head south be sure to stop and enjoy a meal in Forks, WA, a town made famous in the 299 Days Novel series.
From here you could head out to La Push and hike to Rialto beach. This was not a place we made it to, mostly due to the fact the weather was so severe the day we were through the area.
Ruby Beach
Ruby beach is a spot which is amazing for some Sea Stack Photography. Sea Stacks are large rock formations towering up from the sea floor. These create special drama in particular at sunset. While we were not there at an especially good time for sunset photography, God saw fit to open up a slight window of time for me when we were visiting down there.
It’s an easy hike to the beach. Simply park and head down a series of ramps to get there. You will then have to navigate a number of large driftwood trees once on thebeach.
This is a wonderful location to watch the sunsets. For sure.
Kalaloch Beach #4
If you’re taking the kids or you yourself have never seen tide pools full of sea life, you are going to love Kalaloch beach #4.
Arrive and park where you can. You then head down to the beach.
As you face the ocean, you are going to see a couple of pretty significant sea stacks and rock formations to the right. The tide pools are on the north side of these formations.
At Kalaloch #4 you will find pools of some of the most spectacularly colored sea life live and in person.
It’s really a special place.
I’d ask you that should you visit, please exercise caution while there and be mindful of your kids.
When I was there looking around, it was stunning to me how many parents were letting their children “run wild” in this area.
I am the FARTHEST thing from an Environmentalist. However, these are live creatures dependent on these pools for their lives. To have kids poking at them with sticks and touching them, well, it was a bit upsetting to me.
Don’t miss this treat, however.
Also, you must plan this around low tide as the pools are entirely under water at mid to high tide. Sunset/Low tide = EPIC.
The Tree of Life
Down the road a short jaunt, make sure, if you can, to hike down and visit what the locals call “The Tree of Life”.
This is a massive “Juniper” type tree stretched between two rock cliffs, holding on for dear life.
It’s been a magnet for photographers for years. However, the past storms this winter have put it on it’s last legs. It likely won’t be there for much longer.
Quinault Rain Forest
On your way out, you will drive by the Lake Quinault.
While there I recommend two stops.
1) The Quinault Rain Forest Hike. This is a managed trail. Access costs $5 for the hike, payable at the kiosks. It’s wonderful. It’s easy, short, the kids will love it, and you will see some of the largest cedar trees in the entire country on the back side of the trail.
2) Merriman Falls. Just a short drive from the Rain Forest you will see Merriman Falls. A power series of Water Falls right at the road side. No hiking necessary.
The above is my list of places I can recommend based on my personal experiences. Yes, there is a TON more there to see.
But if you are looking at taking in quintessential Olympic Coastline, the above should set you up nicely to do so.
As always, I appreciate you being here and your support.
rob out
