You really have to want to go there to get to the Olympic Penninsula. We had a little delay in Tacoma at Camping World. Al wanted to check the brakes and it took the better part of the day. We were able to visit the Museum of Glass (while we were waiting) where we watched a visiting artist work with hot glass building her art piece. We got a late start and couldn’t get in to an RV park, so we settled for our 3rd choice…a Walmart parking lot. It was our first time boondocking at a Walmart, but we managed without any problems.
Our first stop on the Penninsula was Port Angeles. We had trouble getting a space to stay here also and ended up in a KOA next the the tenters. We kept being told this is their high season. Guess we’ll plan better if there is a next time. But there is a lot to do in the area and we spent five days travelling around. Port Townsend is an historic town on the NE corner. We checked out Fort Worden State Park and toured the Commanding Officers Quarters after being quized by the docent asking for our calling card (expected of visitors in early 1900’s). Even though we didn’t have the card, he finally let us in.
Port Angeles is a ferry ride away from Victoria, BC, so we hopped on and took a one hour fast ferry to Canada. We had been there before and really enjoyed it, so a second visit was an easy decision. We took a Grey Line tour and were suprised to see the number of very expensive houses. Left off at the Empress Hotel, we had reservations for High Tea. This had been our favorite spot on our prior visit, but this time it was too expensive and not as good as the first time…a reminder that sometimes you should just stop after a great experience. We were able to tour the Provincial Capitol of BC. It’s a visually impressive building on the harbor. We were treated to some tour theater in the form of Queen Victoria, the mayor, and the building architect (characters in costume) carrying on in the mood of the early 1900’s. Al was heard to suggest that we visit all the Canadian capitols (there’s only 9)!!!
Did you know that Sequim (pronounced Squim) is the lavender capitol. You see the most beautiful plants everywhere, but the lavender farms not only smell great, but provide an interesting beauty in the fields. Located nearby is the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge…didn’t see any wildlife, but enjoyed a hike out on the spit. Of course the big part of the Penninsula is the Olympic National Park. The northern entrance leads to Hurricaine Ridge. Not sure how it got that name, but we tried to go on a clear day, however, the clouds didn’t get the message and were low over the mountain tops limiting our views. At 5,000 ft in elevation it was pretty chilly — in the 50’s. Guess we picked the wrong day. We did get an up close and personal view of a young buck who seemed more interested in eating than the strangers sneaking up to take a picture.
From Port Angeles, we moved to the western edge of the park. We’re in Forks, WA. Al says it’s named after the forks in the rivers. We took a day trip to the very NW corner of the United States at Cape Hattery. It’s located on the Makah Indian Reservation and to get to the trail, you have to take the shuttle from the Museum. The trail is about 3/4 mi and leads out to view platforms where you can view the Pacific and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. It’s quite spectacular. Another day trip to the coast at Rialto Beach on the first day we’ve seen totally blue skies was a real treat. It even got up to 80 degrees! The coast is rugged, the beach beautiful water tumbled stones, and covered with huge logs that have piled up over time. It’s just a beautiful and serene place.
We had enough time left to visit the Hoh Rain Forest in the SW part of the park. It’s a World Heritage Site. Due to it’s location, it rains 132 inches/yr there. Fortunately, August is the driest month. The trees grow faster and taller and are covered with epiphytes (air plants). It’s reminescent of the moss covered trees in the south. Then again, it’s kind of like the forest primevil…quite lovely.
The Olympic Penninsula is big and out of the way, but certainly worth a visit for the many sights and things to do. Tomorrow we head off the penninsula. On to the next adventure.
