Jean Clemes's New Itinerary

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

Miles of Saltwater Shorelines

Clallam and Jefferson Counties combined have over 400 miles of saltwater coastline. The inland waters of the 61-mile glacial fjord of the Hood Canal, the glacier-carved Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit and the wild, rugged Pacific Coast comprise differing habitats and nearly endless opportunities to explore.

Tide pooling, beach hikes and days-long backpacking excursions are a grat way to experience the calming rhythms of waves and tides and the view the wildlife and sea creatures of the tidal zone.

Location

Rialto Beach
United States
48° 13' 14.8224" N, 124° 7' 6.186" 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