Hands down, if you were to ask me the first place that really sparked my love for nature and the outdoors..it would be this place. The Olympic National Park is an expansive temperate rainforest, encompassing nearly a million acres and receiving an average of 138 inches (3.5 meters) of rain annually. It is a rare refuge for species dependent on old-growth forests and wild coastline (70 miles worth)! I spent my childhood exploring the Olympic Peninsula, and I am so excited to share some of my favorite spots today.
Below is a map of what this itinerary would look like if you are coming from Seattle, but no worries if you aren't... it can easily be adjusted on Google Maps. I grew up in Olympia, so when I was a kid, we would start backwards; Quinault first, then Ruby Beach.. etc.
Day 1:
My adventure started in Seattle, where I live now. I decided to take the Edmonds to Kingston ferry from my home because Google Maps recommended it. It actually ends up being the same amount of time if you choose to take the ferry or not, but I highly suggest taking the ferry if you leave on a Friday (traffic gets awful if you head south of Seattle down to Olympia after 12pm). Before you step foot into this beautiful, wild place: please look up Leave No Trace principles here. Remember to always leave a spot better than you found it.
Our first stop on this weekend adventure was Hurricane Ridge for sunset. The sunset was so beautiful, and we were lucky to experience golden hour. I keep reminding myself I need to bring my XC skis or snowshoes— I will be sure to bring that gear next time! Side note, please look at the NPS website before going. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days.
Photo by Ryan Resatka
The nearest campground to Hurricane Ridge is Heart O' the Hills, 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge and 5 miles south of Port Angeles. Open year-round, Heart O' the Hills has 105 campsites in the old-growth forest.
One thing I enjoy about road trips is camping outside. It is so fun to make the campsite super cozy. I love smelling the fresh air when I wake up while being all bundled up in the sleeping bag. I brought along all the gear I needed and my usual essentials: sleeping bag, jet boil, mat, tent, extra clothes, and toiletries. I am incredibly excited about my new addition for my travels: the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush. Dental health is essential to me, and with this toothbrush, it feels like going to the dentist. I am obsessed with the Oral-B iO display that allows you to pick your preferred brushing mode. The visual timer tracks each brushing session duration, so users know when they have brushed for the dentist-recommended two minutes. My favorite thing is that Oral-B has partnered with dental professionals across all 50 states to identify patients who need iO most during this time. Once identified, their team sent each patient their very own iO.
Day 2:
We decided to wake up around 8am, pack up our gear, and go to Lake Crescent to start our day. We were lucky to have a thick layer of fog and a light drizzle of rain.. my favorite conditions for this area. I love shooting portraits here on the dock with the beautiful turquoise blue water.
Photo by Ryan Resatka
A great thing to do during any time of day is to hike Mount Storm King. It is a beautiful 4-mile trail (but definitely steep, with over 2,065 ft of elevation), and it overlooks Lake Crescent. This hike is quite tricky, so be prepared and only hike this trail with good boots/shoes and proper gear. I do not recommend this hike for young children. The ropes might seem intimidating at first, especially if you are afraid of heights like me, but if you take it slow and pay attention to your footing, you'll be fine. The views are so worth it once you at the top.
End your day at Sol Duc Falls. For photography purposes, I would go when it's the foggiest and most moody. I know that you can't control the weather, but I believe these are the best conditions to see this magical place, you can even pray for some sunlight. We got some fog this time around, and it was perfect. During peak season, the best place to camp is Sol Duc Campground: usually open May 29 - September 27. During the offseason, lodging is also available in nearby Port Angeles or Forks.
Photo by Ryan Resatka
A fun activity is to visit the Sol Duc Resort and soak in the natural hot springs from March to October.
Day 3:
On our last day, we went to one of my favorite places in the Hoh Rainforest: Hall of Mosses. Winter is the wet season, and the rain forest radiates in deep, healthy greens. It is a short but sweet loop from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. If you have more time, I highly recommend hiking the Hoh River Trail. I did this backpacking trip in 2012 (pre-Instagram days), and it has still made a lasting impression on me. It is best hiked late June through September; the trail is lined with massive old growths and lots of moss. It leads past multiple camping areas, and you can take a dip in Elk Lake when the weather is warm in the summer. The last camping area is Glacier Meadows at 17.3 miles (27.8 km), and ultimately ends 18.5 miles/ 30 km out at the Blue Glacier moraine looking up at Mt. Olympus. You must get permits at the Wilderness Backcountry page if you decide to do that. Please plan and pack accordingly.
Photo by Ryan Resatka
The best place to camp near the Hall of Mosses is the Hoh Campground. No need to reserve since it's first-come, first-served. Be sure to check the campground status to see if its open.
We ended our day at Ruby Beach, a place very near and dear to my heart. One of my favorite beaches on the west coast, a gorgeous rocky beach area with huge driftwood pieces and many rock formations erupting from the ground. We decided to go for sunset but the weather was very windy and rainy, so there wasn't one. I tend to like the the mysterious conditions of rain and fog instead, so I was quite happy. While we were there shooting, our camera gear almost got swept away by a wave, so please be sure you are checking the tides before you go. Always be careful of big waves because they tend to sneak up on your there. When the tide is out, the board sandy beach connects to a large seastack island with tide pools at the base with crabs, sea stars, mussels, and anenomies. This a great place for a beach walk and exploring. Available camping nearby at Kalaloch Campground.
Photo by Ryan Resatka