Olympics

Olympics

Areas and hikes of interest:

  • Hurricane Ridge
  • Beaches
    • Second Beach
    • Rialto
    • Shi Shi
  • Hoh Rain Forest
  • Mt Ellinor
  • Dungeness Spit

The Olympic Peninsula is a secluded wonderland. A few hours drive or a ferry boat ride from Seattle gets you to the peninsula, dominated by the national park. There are three main areas a trip to the peninsula should not be without. First, a stop at the Hurricane Ridge visitor center just south of Port Angeles is a must. Even if you do not like hiking, the view of the Olympic Mountains from this spot is breathtaking and you need not venture beyond the visitor center. If you are looking for a hike, Hurricane Hill will lead you up a well traveled path and add the Strait of Juan de Fuca to your view.

Next you need to see one of the many beaches along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. I have been to Rialto, Second Beach, and Shi Shi – each with increasing challenges to reach the beach. At Rialto you can park in a lot right next to the rocky beach and enjoy the seastacks (rock formations) just off the coast. I’ve even see a few seals. Second Beach requires about a half mile hike to the beach but the sand beach is well worth it. It is just a little ways south of Rialto and also has many sea stacks just off its coast. The tide pools are also amazing to explore at low tide. Shi Shi has two approaches, the shorter of which crossing the Makah Nation’s land and requiring a few extra permits to do so. It is more remote because of the challenges associated in getting to the beach, but the tide pools are equally as entertaining to explore. When traveling to the beach, be aware of the tide schedule to ensure safe passage.

The last stop on the Olympic peninsula should be to the Hoh Rain Forest, one of two temperate rain forests on the peninsula – Quinault being the other. This mossy haven follows relatively flat trails along the river for miles. There are many mountains to hike on the peninsula too. The furthest east is Mt Ellinor which provides a grand view of the Olympic Mountains. The trail is quite steep gaining 2300’ over 1.5 miles and the goats may abound, but the view from the top is exquisite. Another popular hike is along the Dungeness Spit, a 5 mile journey into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a nature refuge sure to entertain all.