I'm an adventurous soul on a mission to explore all 63 national parks. My passion lies in crafting short stories and sharing personal photographs that capture the essence of these remarkable journeys. Through my words and images, I strive to convey...
Exploring the Pacific Northwest has always been a favorite of mine, and our trip to Olympic National Park was no exception.
Our adventure started with a slight hiccup—Hurricane Ridge was closed due to a fire a month before we arrived. But I've always believed that when something is closed, it's just a good reason to come back again. Hurricane Ridge is one of the park's most popular spots, known for its breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and numerous hiking trails.
We based ourselves at Olympic Lodge, a cozy and convenient place for exploring the park. For dinner, we headed to Downriggers on the Water in Port Angeles, where the baked garlic shrimp was absolutely dynamite—perfect after a long day of travel.
The next day, we visited Lake Crescent, a glacial lake famous for its crystal-clear, deep blue waters. I hiked to Devil's Punchbowl via the Spruce Railroad Trail, watching adventurous visitors leap from the bridge into the cold, clear water, while my mom enjoyed reading the paper in the car, doing her own thing. We also stopped by Lake Crescent Lodge, a charming historic lodge built in 1915. It was so peaceful there that I decided to rent one of their cabins next time around.
Early the following morning, we ventured into the Hoh Rainforest, one of the best-preserved temperate rainforests in the United States. The drive was scenic, with sunshine and fresh air all around. We were lucky to get into the Hoh Rainforest with no wait time and even snagged a parking spot. I'm an early riser, so I love beating the crowds and watching nature come alive.
The Hoh Rainforest felt mystical, with its moss-covered trees and cool, damp atmosphere. We hiked the Hall of Mosses, an easy trail with little elevation gain, surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees draped in moss, and ferns carpeting the ground. The Hoh Rainforest gets about 140 inches of rain a year, which explains its vibrant ecosystem.
From the rainforest, we drove to Ruby Beach, known for its dramatic sea stacks, driftwood, and rugged coastline. The view as we approached was breathtaking, and the misty sea air was refreshing as we wandered among the driftwood and admired the creations visitors had made with wood and rocks. Ruby Beach is part of the park's Pacific Coast section, which stretches along 73 miles of rugged coastline.
Next, we visited the famous Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach, a Sitka spruce with its roots exposed and growing between two cliffs, seemingly defying gravity. We also saw the world's largest Sitka spruce tree, an impressive giant over 58 feet in circumference and nearly 200 feet tall. The Tree of Life has become a symbol of resilience and nature's enduring power.
In the evening, we enjoyed a cocktail lakeside at Lake Quinault Lodge. This historic lodge, built in 1926, sits on the shore of Lake Quinault, surrounded by the Quinault Rainforest. Though the lodge was fully booked, we stayed at Quinault River Inn instead, which turned out even better. We relaxed on our porch, wrapped in blankets with an extra heater for warmth.
Before heading to our next destination, we stopped in Seattle for a waterfront lunch at Elliott's Oyster House, where the Bairdi crab with the most amazing drawn butter was absolutely delicious.
People often ask me what my favorite national park is. It's a tough choice because each one is unique, but Olympic National Park is definitely one I would return to in a heartbeat. With its majestic mountains, lush rainforests, serene lakes, and rugged coastlines, it has a little bit of everything. I'd love to stay longer and explore even more of its beauty.
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