On Thursday night (March 13th) I began the long drive to the Olympic Peninsula, looking forward to hiking Rialto Beach on Friday. The rain seemed relentless during the drive over and as usual, it took much longer to get there than I had hoped. I had thought about tent camping that night, but it worked out much better to stay warm and dry by staying at a hostel near Forks. Although the place was rather unsanitary, the bed was warm and dry.
On Friday morning the sky was mostly cloudy but there blue skies were emerging. As I neared the beach I came across a large cow elk trotting up the road towards the beach. She seemed content to use the road for some time before making her way down to the river and swimming across to the other side.
I arrived at the beach at 8 a.m. (near high tide) with high surf but enough beach to begin the walk. The weather ended up being superb (mostly sunny, no wind, moderate temperatures). I was able to work my way North several miles, enjoying the beach, the scenery, several eagles and great scenery. I came to a “dead end” (thanks to the tide) just before the Chilean Memorial. I could have waited for the tide to go out, but instead worked my way back to my car before heading for the Hoh River Valley.
I hiked the Hoh River Valley trail for three miles in (to the creek/waterfall) and three miles out. It was raining in the rainforest as one would expect. The trail was washed out in two places during those three miles. It was a nice walk and made me hungry for a future hike to Mt. Olympus.
Ended up being a great day of exploration on the Olympic Peninsula. I took the long drive home and was able to see Seal Beach as well as beaches 1, 2, and 3. I saw 4 different herds of elk during the day as well.
To view all my pictures go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_messner/sets/72157604126172235/
On Friday morning the sky was mostly cloudy but there blue skies were emerging. As I neared the beach I came across a large cow elk trotting up the road towards the beach. She seemed content to use the road for some time before making her way down to the river and swimming across to the other side.
I arrived at the beach at 8 a.m. (near high tide) with high surf but enough beach to begin the walk. The weather ended up being superb (mostly sunny, no wind, moderate temperatures). I was able to work my way North several miles, enjoying the beach, the scenery, several eagles and great scenery. I came to a “dead end” (thanks to the tide) just before the Chilean Memorial. I could have waited for the tide to go out, but instead worked my way back to my car before heading for the Hoh River Valley.
I hiked the Hoh River Valley trail for three miles in (to the creek/waterfall) and three miles out. It was raining in the rainforest as one would expect. The trail was washed out in two places during those three miles. It was a nice walk and made me hungry for a future hike to Mt. Olympus.
Ended up being a great day of exploration on the Olympic Peninsula. I took the long drive home and was able to see Seal Beach as well as beaches 1, 2, and 3. I saw 4 different herds of elk during the day as well.
To view all my pictures go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_messner/sets/72157604126172235/
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