olympic national park

Hikes 28-32 - Washington Hikes

Enjoy some photos from a few of my hikes in 2020. Washington is my favorite place, and I was lucky to get five hikes in while there in September.

Hike 28 - Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA (link)

September 24, 2020

I had heard of this park because some people I know in the PNW run here on occasion. My friend and I took a causal, rainy hike of about three miles through the trees in this wonderful city park. Can you imagine having a city park with tall trees, miles of trails, and lush greenery? Living in Texas has me fantasizing about places like this and I’m so thankful we found this park and had a good time. People kept their distance, masks were worn when necessary, and it was a lovely hike overall.

Hike 29 - Quinault Loop National Recreation Trail #854 (link)

September 25, 2020

Technically, I did part of this trail earlier in the year, but only part of it so I feel comfortable using it as a “unique” trail because I did the latter 80% of it. Along this trail we saw a baby snake, lots of greenery, and some big trees. It was a lovely hike that was a bit muddy, and confusing at one of the intersections. We ended up taking a turn that took us to the road in a place we did not expect. All was fine, and we just hiked back along the roadway.

Hike 30 - Hurricane Hill at Hurricane Ridge (link)

September 25, 2020

Paved trails are not my normal trails, but this one was the exception. I have a “no paved trail” policy, so I did take the offshoot at the end with no pavement to ensure I touched a little dirt on this glorious and windy hike. The trail is paved from the parking lot to the top, and it’s uphill the whole way. Fluffy spruce trees line the initial ascent and act as a windbreak and air freshener. Seriously, the freshest pine scent hits you and it’s so good. Take it easy, take breaks to enjoy the views, and don’t forget that the whole way back is downhill and can be hell on your knees!

Hike 31 - Cascade Pass (link)

September 26, 2020

This hike is one of my favorites of all time, and I got to do it again with the friend who recommended it to me last year. I was hoping we’d hike up to have a view, but there was only sleet and clouds. I saw more this time, through the clouds, but still not the views you see on the internet. The trail itself is steadily uphill, with endless switchbacks. On this particular day, the trial was muddy which made each step a little more calculated.

Hike 32 - Ranger Hole Trailhead (link)

September 27, 2020

If you’re looking for a quick little hike, down to the river, this is a great one. It starts in a gorgeous forest, where the sunlight can stream through, and ends along the Duckabush River. It’s a steady downhill trail to the river, but once there it is quite relaxing. Giant rocks offer places to sit along the bank, to listen to water rush by. I had the pleasure of watching broadleaf maple leaves fall gently down to the ground while there, in such a magical way.

#hike23 - Olympic National Park & Forest

I decided to take a walk in the forest and I found pure joy and happiness.

This particular hike included the Quinault Rain Forest trail, a stroll through the Maple Glade Rain Forest trail, and a quick exploration of the Kestner Homestead trail.

Hands down, Quinault is my favorite Rain Forest area of the Olympic Peninsula. Yeah, the Hoh is gorgeous too, and everywhere else is fine, but this is my jam. The walk was magical, and with my good friend Jenny The Trailhead. We soaked in the sunshine through the trees, listened to the streams and falls, and breathed deeply in the loamy smell of the northwest.

Enjoy some photos from a magical day of exploring the Olympic National Park and Forest areas in Washington state.

Mileage: Somewhere near 2-3? I didn’t track this hike

Highlights: Seeing all of the lush greenery, sun through the trees, the fresh air

Watch out for: Busy trailheads at Sol Duc Falls

#hike29 - Olympic National Park

Date: October 20, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Quinault

Distance:  5 miles

Trails: Enchanted Valley Route (to Pony Bridge & back)

I finally did it - I went back outside. I know, it’s been a while, but I’ll blame the weather in Texas. Really, it was a combination of feeling uninspired and the weather, but that’s a topic for another day.

I decided an autumn trip to the great state of Washington was necessary to compare to my spring adventures. I went back to the Quinault region and hiked to Pony Bridge. When I last visited the Quinault region, it was rainy, windy, and cold. This time, it was sunny, cool, and windy out in the open spots.

The hike started with the drive from Olympia, WA to the Graves Creek Campground/Trailhead. I started early, in the dark and fog, and go to the Quinault turn off as the sun started to illuminate the low hanging clouds.

The road beyond Lake Quinault goes through the valley where there are private residences and then follows the river. You take a turn off onto a gravel road and go about six miles along the river to the trailhead. The road winds through big trees, over various creeks, and is bumpy yet fun to experience.

I had planned for somewhat warm weather, ignoring the morning and night temps. I showed up to the trailhead in shorts and a hoodie, thinking I’d be fine. I was fine, but it was definitely chilly. It was somewhat dim yet, even being 8:40am. I was on a time crunch with this hike because my priority for the day was getting back to the suburbs and meeting a friend who was going to show me Mount Rainier National Park. I set off at a more rapid than usual pace for me, up the gradual elevation gain for the first two miles. It is a gorgeous, tree lined trail with all the lush rain forest vibes and hints of bright yellow autumn moments.

My quick pace took me up to the point of decent to the river and bridge in no time at all. I had time to slow down and enjoy the area around Pony Bridge and could take it easy walking back to the car. It started to get lighter as the morning went on and by the time I was making my way back through the forest the sun was illuminating everything. Sunshine poured in every crack of the canopy, making it feel like a completely different trail than earlier.

I noticed mushrooms and plants as well as heard the birds chirping. It was a completely different hike out than in. I love that the same trail can be so different the second you turn around and see it a different way.

Olympic National Park & National Forest areas are some of my favorite places that I’ve seen in life. Hike 29 along a river, between the mountains, and under the trees was everything I could have wanted out of a hike.

#hike13 - Olympic National Park (the coast)

Date: March 31, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Washington

Distance: 9.3

Trails: Ozette Loop

I woke up as the morning became light, decided it was time, and made my way to the Ozette Ranger Station to park and get acquainted with the trail and area.  It was about 7:21 and I wanted to be done before noon, as I had planned to check out of my cabin by then.  Four-plus hours was plenty of time to complete 9 miles, even at a slow pace, but I was off in a hurry.  After about a half mile, I consciously calmed myself down and went a normal pace so I could enjoy all of the lush greenery and skunk cabbage blooms.  The Ozette Triangle, or Ozette Loop, is really two trails and a beach hike.  The two trails to/from the beach go through coastal forests, random clearings, swamps, and crosses creeks.  The paths are either soil in boxes, boardwalks, or dirt.  Elevation gain is minimal, until the end, but here are stairs and a rope for any necessary assistance making it acceptable for all types of hikers.

I remember stopping when I heard the first sign of waves - the ocean was near.  The air changed, my pace changed, I was smiling uncontrollably, and I was finally to the beach.  As I got closer, the beach smelled less fresh and more fishy, but what can you do?  Walking the beach from trail to trail had some obstacles such as large fallen trees, rocks, and tide pools.  I ran into a group of hikers who didn't have a map so we looked at mine and made friendly chatter.  It's nice to run into people with the same idea as you, wandering down the beach in search of the next trail.  I eventually left them in the dust, hike your own hike, but I did enjoy their company for a little while.

This hike was secluded enough and offered the most variety as far as terrain and plants of any over my weekend in the Olympic.  I hope you find your path and happy trails!

#hike12 - Olympic National Park (inland hikes)

Date: March 30, 2018/April 1, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Washington

Distance: 8 miles

Trails: Marymere Falls, Mt. Storm King, Sol Duc, Maple Glade, Hall of Mosses

WHAT A HIKE.  Hike 12 encompassed several trails from my weekend away on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest Washington.  For this, I'm taking all the little hikes I did over two days and counting them as one for record keeping purposes, as many were at just about a mile.  It's amazing - as I look back at previous hikes, they were longer but much less impressive.  A mile on the Olympic can blow your mind.

Marymere Falls: This trail started at the Storm King Ranger Station and goes through a tunnel, under US-101, and follows the river back to a couple of bridges and some stairs to a waterfall viewing area.  The sound of rushing water, the bright green undergrowth, and the moss covered logs all accompany you along the path.  Take your time, take it all in.

Mt. Storm King: This trail branches off of the Marymere Falls path and goes straight up!  I climbed about 17-1800 feet in 1.4 miles, and I didn't make it to the very top due to wind and lack of confidence.  BUT, I did make it up past the marked trail and had excellent views.  If you don't mind heights or just love hills, this is the trail for you.  It begins with sweeping switchbacks and transitions to more straightforward and steep trails.

Sol Duc, Hall of Mosses, and Maple Glade:  These trails are rainforest hikes!  The Quinault Rainforest area houses the Maple Glade and by far my favorite.

Trail to Sol Duc Falls

Tree growing out of a tree - Quinault Rainforest North Shore

Maple Glade - Quinault Rainforest

Mossy limbs in the Hoh Rainforest

Some vegetation contrast - Quinault Rainforest

The time spent in these areas was magical.  I have never felt so grounded and free-spirited all at once.  If you get a chance to hike in the Pacific Northwest, DO IT!  Sending everyone happy trails ahead.

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