Angiemom's New Itinerary

Hoh Rain Forest

Among the only protected temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction on the West Side of the Olympic Peninsula. Moisture-laden air from the Pacific brings an average of 140 inches of annual rainfall to the Hoh Valley,(record of 190 inches) in addition to condensed mist that contributes another 30 inches. Nineteen miles inland from Hwy 101 you’ll find the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center.

Location

Hoh Rainforest WA
United States
See map: Google Maps

Moments in Time Trail

The Moments in Time Nature Trail is an easy 0.5-mile trail that meanders through the woods and along the shoreline of Lake Crescent offering a variety of environments from breathtaking views of Lake Crescent and Pyramid Mountain to tiny fern and wildflower meadows to lush woods with towering evergreens and spectacular mosses and fungi. Appropriate for the entire family, it begins just off the parking area of the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park.

Location

Storm King Ranger Station
U.S. Highway 101
Port Angeles, WA 98362
United States
48° 3' 27.468" N, 123° 47' 14.7696" W
See map: Google Maps

Wildlife Viewing

The Olympic Peninsula is one of the best places on the globe to view diverse wildlife at close proximity. Black-tailed deer inhabit the hills and lowlands and are frequently seen through the region. Likewise, eagles and raptors such as falcons and hawks populate many areas on the peninsula. In the fall, spawning season brings different species of salmon into the rivers and streams. In Olympic National Park, mountain goats live in the higher altitudes, while Roosevelt elk roam in the lower areas and move in and out of the Park boundaries.

Location

WA
United States
48° 5' 28.1472" N, 123° 3' 3.8916" W
See map: Google Maps

Olympic National Forest

Olympic National Forest covers over 633,000 acres and is made up of two ranger districts: the Hood Canal and the Pacific. It offers a wide range of recreation, including hiking, camping, backpacking, picnicking, boating and other outdoor activities. It operates 17 campgrounds that are on a first-come, first-served basis and have varying overnight fees. There are five designated Wilderness Areas. These do no require wilderness permits, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required for all vehicles parked at many ONF trailheads.

ONF Hood Canal District
Quilcene, WA
tel: 360-765-2200

Location

Station WA
United States
47° 53' 49.6788" N, 123° 1' 21.0792" W
See map: Google Maps

Olympic National Park

The majesty of the Olympic Mountains, the fairy-tale quality of the rain forests and the pristine wilderness coastline are great reasons to visit Olympic National Park. This World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly one million acres and also includes glacier-carved lakes, waterfalls, over 600 miles of hiking trails, dozens of campgrounds and scenic vistas. Highlights of the Park include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest and 60 miles of unspoiled coastline.

Location

Olympic National Park Visitor Information Center
600 E. Park Ave.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
United States
48° 6' 6.0048" N, 123° 25' 59.6748" W
See map: Google Maps

Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway - Hwy 112

One of the nation's newest National Scenic Byways, it follows the shoreline of a glacial fjord that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean, separating the Olympic Peninsula from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This dramatic stretch of coastline with rugged cliffs and forests, reaches farther into the cold waters of the North Pacific than any other mainland point in the lower 48 states. Eagles, otters and gray whales are common sights, depending on the time of year.

Location

Highway 112 Scenic Byway Clallam Bay, Sekiu, Neah Bay
United States
48° 9' 38.9448" N, 123° 57' 14.1624" W
See map: Google Maps