Olympic National Park - Nature's Triple Wonder

Mountains

The Olympic Mountains tower over the park, offering dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine glaciers. Hiking trails wind through subalpine forests, providing breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. At Hurricane Ridge, I hiked High Ridge Trail (30 min. hike) and experienced panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountain Range and snow-capped mountains.

Beaches

The wild, rocky coastline of Olympic National Park stretches for miles, with tide pools, sea stacks, and sandy shores. Rialto and Ruby Beach offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing against jagged rocks and driftwood strewn across the sand. Whether exploring tide pools or watching the sunset, the park’s beaches are a serene contrast to its mountains and forests.

Rainforests

Olympic National Park is home to some of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the U.S. Lush, moss-draped trees and ferns cover the ground in areas like the Hoh and Quinault Rainforests. The dense canopy overhead and the constant, gentle hum of rain create a peaceful, mystical environment where diverse plant and animal life thrive.

Hole-in-the-Wall Hike

After a rainy start to the day, we were relieved when the skies cleared just before we began our hike to Hole-in-the-Wall on Rialto Beach. The walk along the shore was peaceful, with the sound of crashing waves and the salty ocean air guiding us for about a mile until we reached our destination. However, the tide was too high to walk directly up to the famous arch.

As we arrived, a few hikers were leaving and mentioned a steep path with a rope that could help us climb over a small hill to access the other side of the wall. What they failed to mention was how slippery and muddy the trail was! We carefully made our way up, getting dirty and trying not to slip as we navigated the steep incline. Once over the hill, we were rewarded with stunning tide pools and a close-up view of Hole-in-the-Wall. It was an incredible spot to explore, and we snapped some photos before making our way back.

On the return, we faced an unexpected challenge: the tide had risen much higher than when we started. We hugged the driftwood as much as possible but had to venture close to the water in a few spots. At one tricky crossing, Nicole timed it perfectly, dashing through with only her ankles wet. I wasn’t so lucky—I got caught by a wave and ended up soaked from the waist down. With my boots and socks drenched, I ended up taking them off and walking barefoot the rest of the way. Despite the challenges, it was a memorable and adventurous morning hike, full of laughter and a few mud stains!

A Walk in the Hoh Rainforest

Walking through the Hoh Rainforest felt like stepping into another world. The towering trees created a lush and vibrant canopy that felt both magical and serene. As we wandered deeper into the forest, the dense foliage seemed to swallow up the sound, leaving the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds to break the silence. The ground was damp beneath our feet, and the earthy smell moss and wood filled the air.

Everywhere we looked, nature was thriving - the vivid greens of the mossy trees, the rich browns of the forest floor, and the occasional beam of sunlight filtering through the canopy. We passed by crystal-clear streams filled with ducks splashing around, and marveled at the sheer size of the ancient trees, some of which had been standing for hundreds of years. The peaceful atmosphere made it feel like time had slowed down.

Sunset on Ruby Beach

We arrived at Ruby Beach just in time to catch the sunset, and it couldn't have been more perfect. As we walked down the hill to the beach, the tide was far out, revealing rocks we had to climb over before reaching the wide stretch of sand. The sky was painted in shades of pink and purple, with the bright orange sun slowly sinking into the water. The reflection of the colors on the wet sand made everything glow, creating a breathtaking scene. It was easily one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever experienced, a truly magical moment by the ocean.