The National Park website states, "With nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park encompasses several diverse ecosystems that preserve a rich collection of natural and cultural history. Waves crash against a shoreline rich with life, wild rivers flow from glacier-capped peaks through valleys of old-growth forests, and only trails cross the remote and vast interior of this wilderness."
We found a short loop trail to hike after getting #allthetrinkets from the Visitor Center.
Next we hiked the Madison Falls trail. The boys dipped their feet in the water.
We drove to Elwha Dam where the boys learned about different types of fish present and how the dam disrupted the river.
Next stop was Hurricane Ridge for an ice cream and a quick loop trail. NPS states, "Life at Hurricane Ridge is shaped by wind and snow. Winds gusting over 75 miles an hour hammer the ridge, lending the name "Hurricane." The 30-35 feet of snow that falls annually lingers into summer, shaping life year-round. Its weight challenges trees; its persistence maintains open meadows." Beautiful views of the mountains and not too smoky for a change.
The boys saw their first deer.
We got a very early start the next day and drove from Sequin to the other side of Olympic National Park over two hours away. We stopped at Rialto Beach for a coffee/climbing on the fallen trees break. Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
Next stop was the Hoh Rainforest. Described by the NPS, "Mild winters, cool summers and up to 12 feet of annual precipitation produce the giant conifers that rule this rain forest. It's one of the best models of temperate rain forest in the world.
Big leaf maple and vine maple host an abundance of epiphytes (plants growing upon other plants) that give the rainforest its characteristic look and supernatural quality. An excess of mosses, ferns and plants compete for space on the forest floor; grazing elk keep the understory open. Dead and downed trees decay slowly and support new life as "nurse logs". The eternal cycle of life and death is strikingly apparent in this magnificent forest community."
We hiked a loop trail which took us through the forest and down by the river.
Back in the car to drive to Sol Duc Springs described by the NPS as "one of the prettiest waterfalls in Olympic National Park." Anything that involves touching water, climbing and exploring gets two thumbs up from the boys.
We had planned to stop at the hot springs pools but they were way too crowded so we just headed back home. We stopped for a seafood dinner... Dungeness crab cakes were fantastic and we learned that Aiden will eat pesto sauce. Who knew?
We passed a gorgeous lake while driving. We decided to stay another night in Olympic so we could hang out by the lake the following day. The next day we packed up and headed to Elwha Dam RV Park. And yay... we could have another fire for s'mores!! Wifi and a fire always makes the boys happy. Crescent Lake is clear, cold and massive! We also explored nearby tide pools and taught the boys about the ecosystem there.
Mahalo to the best Dam RV Park. Next stop to stay with friends in Edmonds, Washington.
No comments:
Post a Comment