The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most remarkable and lush temperate rainforests in the world, located within Olympic National Park in Washington State, USA. This ancient forest is a prime example of a temperate rainforest, characterized by its dense vegetation, abundant mosses, and a cool, moist climate. Here's what makes the Hoh Rainforest unique:

Geography and Climate

• The rainforest is situated on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula, where it receives a staggering 140 to 170 inches (12-14 feet) of annual rainfall. This, combined with mist and fog, creates a consistently wet environment.
• The temperate climate ensures cool summers and mild winters, which are ideal for the growth of the lush vegetation.

Flora

• The forest is dominated by towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock, some of which grow over 300 feet tall and can live for hundreds of years.
• Mosses, lichens, and ferns blanket tree trunks, branches, and the forest floor, adding to the mystical, emerald-green ambiance.
• Large nurse logs—fallen trees that provide nutrients for new plant life—are a defining feature of the forest ecosystem.

Fauna

• The Hoh Rainforest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, which are often seen grazing in the area. These elk play a key role in maintaining the forest's ecological balance.
• Other animals include black bears, cougars, bobcats, raccoons, and various bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and bald eagles.
• The rivers and streams in the rainforest support salmon, which are vital for both the ecosystem and local wildlife.

The Hoh River

• The Hoh River, fed by glacial melt from Mount Olympus, runs through the forest, adding to its serene beauty. The river is known for its milky blue appearance, caused by glacial silt.

The Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park has it all—towering trees, cascading waterways, alpine lakes, snowcapped peaks and wildlife. This is a nice gentle and short hike through old-growth forest to a beautiful three-prong waterfall that comes from the Sol Duc River and captures rainbows in the spray.  You will pass over a few spring-fed and snow runoff creeks along the way.  Sol Duc Falls rages under a wooden bridge and the hike has a wooden platform at the end of the trail - a nice place to sit and enjoy the view!

Marymere Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Lake Crescent . The waterfall cascades down approximately 90 feet in a single, elegant drop, surrounded by lush temperate rainforest. The area is rich with moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense greenery, creating a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere.

Rialto Beach is a stunning and rugged coastal destination located on the western edge of Olympic National Park in Washington State, USA. It is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty, featuring a mix of pebbly and sandy shores, striking sea stacks, tide pools teeming with marine life, and a wild, untamed atmosphere. The beach is part of the Olympic Peninsula and offers visitors a chance to experience the pristine wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

Key Features:

• Sea Stacks: Towering rock formations that rise dramatically from the ocean, creating a photogenic and iconic coastal landscape.
• Driftwood: Massive, weathered logs and driftwood scattered along the beach add to its unique character and serve as a reminder of the area's powerful tides.
• Tide Pools: Low tide reveals pools filled with starfish, sea anemones, crabs, and other marine creatures, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers.
• Hiking Trails: Rialto Beach serves as a gateway to some great hikes, including the short walk to Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural sea-carved arch accessible during low tide.
• Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, bald eagles, seals, and occasionally migrating gray whales.

Ruby Beach is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty and dramatic landscapes. It's one of the most iconic beaches on the Olympic Peninsula, drawing visitors with its unique blend of rugged shoreline, sea stacks, and serene atmosphere. Here's a closer look:

Key Features:

• Sea Stacks: Towering rock formations dot the shoreline, creating a striking visual contrast against the surf. These sea stacks are remnants of ancient coastal erosion and are a haven for birdwatchers, as seabirds often nest here.
• Pebbled Shoreline: The beach is covered with smooth pebbles and coarse sand. Driftwood, including massive logs, is scattered along the shore, adding to its wild, untouched charm.
• Tidal Pools: During low tide, Ruby Beach reveals vibrant tidal pools filled with marine life like starfish, anemones, and crabs, offering excellent opportunities for exploration and photography.
• Misty Atmosphere: Fog often rolls in from the Pacific, enveloping the beach in a mystical ambiance, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
• Views of Destruction Island: From the beach, you can see Destruction Island in the distance, which features a historic lighthouse.

Kalaloch Beach is one of the most breathtaking coastal destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its rugged beauty, unique marine ecosystems, and rich wildlife, the area offers a serene escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Here's an overview:

Kalaloch Beach

• Diverse Beaches:
  • The Kalaloch area includes several beaches (numbered 1 through 7) that each have distinct landscapes, from sandy shores to rocky tide pools.
  • Beaches like Ruby Beach, just north of Kalaloch, are famous for their dramatic sea stacks, driftwood, and striking sunsets.
• Driftwood-Lined Shores:
  • Large pieces of driftwood scattered along the shore create a picturesque and rugged environment, making for a unique coastal landscape.
• The Tree of Life:
  • One of Kalaloch's iconic features is the "Tree of Life," a Sitka spruce that clings precariously to cliffs eroded beneath its roots. Despite its seemingly fragile position, it continues to thrive, symbolizing resilience.
• Marine Life and Tide Pools:
  • During low tide, Kalaloch’s tide pools reveal a vibrant world of sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more. The area is part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, making it a haven for marine biodiversity.
• Wildlife Viewing:
  • The area is ideal for spotting bald eagles, seals, and migratory gray whales (especially in spring). Inland forests and meadows provide habitats for elk, deer, and other wildlife.

After a BIG breakfast at camp, we start our scenic drive back to Seattle.

The Olympic National Park Scenic Drive offers an incredible journey through one of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Olympic National Park encompasses lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and serene lakes. A scenic drive through the park allows you to experience its varied ecosystems, each offering unique sights