Discovering the Mystical Beauty of Olympic National Park

Our next stop on our journey took us to the breathtaking Olympic National Park, a place we had never explored before. Since it was still the height of the summer travel season, finding reservations within the national park was impossible. However, luck was on our side as we discovered an epic boondocking spot on the banks of the Hoh River. This popular spot was a gem, and we managed to snag a space large enough for our rig, just feet from the water. Waking up to the gentle sounds of the river each morning was truly magical.

Olympic National Park is vast and diverse, offering everything from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines. Ideally, you’d spend several days in one area before moving to another to fully immerse yourself in the park's beauty. Unfortunately, time wasn’t on our side this trip. We have a tight travel schedule, aiming to reach San Francisco by mid-September for a work commitment, so we only had the workweek to explore. Our adventures had to wait until after 5 PM each day, but even with limited time, we got a taste of what this incredible park has to offer.

Our first adventure took us to the Hoh Rainforest, a place that truly lives up to its name. The dense, moss-draped trees and lush undergrowth create a mystical atmosphere, making you feel like you've stepped into another world. We also visited the worlds largest western red cedar tree, a towering giant that left us in awe of nature’s grandeur.

No trip to Olympic would be complete without visiting its stunning beaches, so we made sure to check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach. Ruby Beach, with its rocky shorelines, sea stacks, and driftwood-strewn sands, was beautiful in the soft, diffused light of the overcast skies. The ruggedness of the coast added a sense of wildness and adventure.

Rialto Beach, however, was the real highlight of our coastal explorations. The beach is famous for its dramatic scenery and unique features. We hiked along the shore to see the iconic Hole in the Wall, a natural arch carved by the relentless waves over centuries. The sight of the Pacific Ocean crashing through this rocky formation was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Rialto Beach is the "tree graveyard"—a vast collection of massive driftwood logs that have washed ashore over the years. These weathered trees, bleached by the elements, create an eerie yet fascinating landscape that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. We spent time exploring this unusual graveyard, climbing over the logs and marveling at the sheer power of nature.

Tide pooling at Rialto Beach was another highlight. As the tide receded, it revealed a hidden world of marine life clinging to the rocks. We spotted sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and other creatures in the shallow pools, each one a tiny window into the vibrant ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest coast.

One challenge we faced during our stay was the relentless rain, a reminder that we were in a rainforest after all. The lack of sunshine made it difficult to replenish our power via solar, so we had to run the generator periodically. Despite the rain, the park’s beauty shone through, and the misty, wet conditions only added to the park’s mystical feel.

While our time at Olympic was short, it gave us a good feel for the park and left us eager to return in the future when we can dedicate more time to fully exploring all its wonders. This was just the beginning, and we can't wait to come back and dive even deeper into the magic of Olympic National Park.