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Day 1 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"
(record of 211") of annual rainfall to this area, which, along with
presence of Sitka spruce and "colonnades" (row of trees that grew 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 it's 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 Hoh Rain Forest is located 12 miles south of The Fisherman's Widow
B&B taking Highway 101 thru the town of Forks.
Scenic shores with easy access are found in the Kalaloch (pronounced
ka-lay-lock) area, just 15 miles south of the Rain Forest Road. Beach
Trail 4 is a pebble beach with a dramatic surf (beware of the strong
undertow), tide 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 this
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. On the south side of the river, at La Push,
First Beach is a mile-long crescent known for surfing-size waves and great
whale watching. Kayakers, surfers and seals add to the view. 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 - watch for the eagle nest above the
tree line. 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 2 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 beauty 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.
One can take a picnic lunch and spend the day at Hurricane Ridge and
cap off the day by watching an awesome sunset.
Day 3 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. There are numerous places to get away from
it all and to soak in the awesomeness of nature. Marymere Falls is a
mostly level one mile hike from Storm King Ranger Station. This walk takes
you thru 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.
There are numerous places around the lake to stop and enjoy a picnic
lunch. Dining is available at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort.
Driving west on Highway 101 takes you to the Sol Duc Valley road just
west of Lake Crescent. The approximantly 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 and a fresh H2O 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.
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 PA on Hwy 112.
Cape Flattery is located approx 7 miles from Neah Bay. The newly
constructed wooden walk way 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 archalogical 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.
In 1970 tidal erosion exposed a group of 500 year old Ozette homes that
have been perfectly preserved in an ancient mud slide. The thousands of
artifacts subsequently discovered have helped recreate Makahs' rich and
exciting history as whalers, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, crafts people,
basket weavers, and warriors. Lake Ozette is located off of Hwy 112 on the
Hoko-Ozette Road and follow the road 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger
Station.
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
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. The
Victoria Express is a
passenger only ferry. Crossing time is 1 hour. Phone 1-800-633-1589 or
360-452-8088. Reservations accepted. Dates of operation: mid-May thru
mid-October. 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 Stalion gardens, this 50 acre showplace still maintains the
gracious traditions of the past. The Royal B.C. museum is located in the
Inner Harbour area. The well designed museum offers something for
everyone. Also located in the Inner Harbour is the grand old Empress
Hotel; be sure to browse thru 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 1800's by Robert Dunsmuir, a
Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal.
Remember; Victoria is located in a foreign country and picture ID is
required to enter and leave Canada. U.S. Customs phone # is 360-457-1221.
Olympic National Park
Park fee: A pass is required to enter the Olympic National Park. The fee
is $10.00 per car load and is good for 7 days. It can be attained at any
of the Park entrances. No pass is required during the winter months for
the Elwha Valley or the Sol Duc Valley. Phone # for Olympic National Park
Visitors Center in Port Angeles is 360-452-2713.
Phone 360-374-5693
info@fishermans-widow.com
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Informative Links To Area Information
Visitor Information
City of Forks
Forks Chamber of Commerce
Forks Web Local
Forks Web Community Directory
Ferries
Victoria Express - Passenger Ferry
Coho Ferry - Passenger and Auto Ferry
Washington State Ferries
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park (Official)
Olympic National Forest
Fishing Guides
Fishing Northwest
A Venture Northwest
Jimmy Leons
Brazdafishing.com
Jeff Brazda specializes in fly fishing
Activities
Rainforest Paddlers
Mileage chart
- Port Angeles & Victoria Ferries 57
- Sequim 72
- Kingston Ferry 105
- Bainbridge Ferry 119
- Sol Duc Hot Springs 38
- Rialto Beach 13
- Neah Bay 47
- Lake Ozette 49
- Hoh Rain Forest 31
- Aberdeen 103
Photos of the Olympic Peninsula
Sunset at Second Beach
Beach found on the Washington State coast line. .6 mile hike, tide pools and marine life abound!
Hoh Rain Forest
The only
temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere!
Rialto Beach
Famous Beach which is great for storm watching in the winter and spring months and for beach combing.
Lake Crescent
A crystal clear 12-mile long lake located 26 miles east of
Forks on Highway 101.
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