We’re getting better at planning our outings. Preliminary research indicated that we needed to arrive to the park before 10am to avoid wait times into the park. We wanted to enter the park near Forks, WA which is about a 4 hour drive from our Airbnb, so we decided to leave Friday evening and spend the night in Port Angeles, then drive to the park in the morning.

Olympic National Park is on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. The park sprawls across several diverse environments – from the  ~8,000 ft glacier topped peaks of Mt. Olympus, to the cool temperate rainforests, hot springs and rugged coastline. Our plan was to hike the temperate rainforest, specifically, the Hall of mosses in the Hoh Rainforest.

Hiking Trails

We hiked two trails, both originating from the visitors center, and both crossing this cute crystal clear creek that feeds from the Hoh river.

The Hall of Mosses is a loop that takes you through old growth forest, with a grove of maple trees, and of course, lots of moss.

The Spruce Nature Trail is 1.2 miles that loops through both old and new growth, and meanders along Taft Creek and the Hoh River.

We saw lots of cool things, like 500 year old trees, every kind of tree……

Big honkin’ trees

Moss covered trees

Curved trees

Exposed roots trees

Downed trees

All sorts of trees – all happy and thriving.

 

We saw all different kinds of moss, lichen and mushrooms…..

…and then there was the moss…..everywhere

The reason we chose the Hoh Rainforest….not because it’s one of the Seven Wonders of Washington, or that it’s one of the world’s most lushest forests (receiving over 14 ft of rain per year), or that it has the distinction of being a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Nope, it’s because David loves moss and lichen. So much so, he thought I would love a lichen corsage, lol.

Here’s David, loving his day of being one with the lichen

And another with the son-in-law doing a photo bomb.

😄😄😄

My other son-in-law Ty calls this the cover of my debut album, lol!

I thought for sure that David would slip and fall. I didn’t want to miss the moment!

Luckily for him, he only got his shoes wet.

I’ll close with these two videos: An overview of the Hoh River, and a drive out of the park.

The Hoh River

Driving out of the Park

Seattle WA
By July 20222 Comments on Olympic National Park

2 Replies to “Olympic National Park”

  1. Hellooooo, Mariam! I have been closely following your fabulous blog and living vicariously through y’alls travels! Although we have been to many of the places you’ve described, it’s so nice to revisit them through your eyes. We especially loved Butchart Gardens and taking those ferries. You are a great writer and I have enjoyed your sense of humor. And the food pictures look wonderful. Since I am not a cook, I will be showing your blog’s recipes to Ralph. I want him to make that mouth-watering mousaka and the lentil soup for me. My mouth is salivating right now!
    You and David look so happy! Please be safe as you continue on this fabulous journey and keep the words and pictures coming! I miss you and wish you the best.
    Love,
    Anita

    1. Anita!!! So great to hear from you! I was going to text you some photos, but you beat me to it. It’s a blessing that David and I are able to take this adventure and now I’m so happy that we have shared experiences. Much love and hugs to you and Ralph!!

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