OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK - 1

JULY 17-18; 

Today , July 17^th, was a travel day to Seattle to meet up with the Photo Group and then drive to the town of Forks, Washington. Once in Forks we quickly checked into our Motel, The Towns Motel, and then scurried off to a late dinner at a nearby restaurant. It was a short night as sunrise on Thursday morning was at approximately 0530, and of course we had to be on location at least 30 minutes beforehand. We were off at 0430!

This morning, July 18^th, our destination was Rialto Beach where we were introduced to the beaches we would find along the Washington coast. They are quite rocky in places, and the shoreline is strewn with large logs which have washed onto the beaches due to winter storm activity. Once past the strewn logs, the beach opens up, and it is very enjoyable to stroll along.

 

Off the South End of Rialto Beach

Sea Stack in Morning Light

A Piece of Seaweed

Breakfast this morning and for the next four mornings was at The Parlor, which was limited in choices, and the coffee cold! A request for hot coffee was honored. I had the day’s special which was huckleberry French toast. We then had a short break before heading off to the Hoh Rainforest.

The Hoh Rainforest is located within Olympic National Park and is one of the largest temperate rainforests within the United States. It is located along the shore of the Hoh River and is 24 miles in length. One of the trails is The Hall of Mosses. We spent a good deal of time here photographing the various trees bedecked with moss.

SASQUATCH?

In the late afternoon we went to an early dinner at The Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant. As is typical there was way too much for me, but it was good. Then we were off to Ruby Beach which is located South of Rialto Beach. This was a nice beach best suited for sunset photography and we enjoyed composing and making photographs there. The low clouds were an issue and blocked the sunset a bit, but added some drama.

We were back at the motel by 2230. Time for a quick shower and then some zzzz’s.

FRIDAY, July 19^th:

We returned to Rialto Beach for sunrise. A different day, and different light. Today I walked South along the beach and enjoyed the arc of the beach which ends just South of a sea stack. At this point one is near where The Quillayute River meets the ocean. It is also across the river inlet  from the village of La Push, a small village known for its fishing, and nearness to local beaches: Second Beach, Third Beach and First Beach. All of these beaches allow camping, but you do need a permit.

Breakfast was at The Parlor in Forks. We then enjoyed a three hour break which I used to clean lenses and take a much needed nap.

We then headed for Cape Flattery, the most Northwest point in the contiguous United States. This is where the Strait of Juan de Fuca joins the Pacific Ocean.

The trail to the point is a little over a half mile, all downhill. It was well worth the hike as the view from there is beautiful. It would have been nice for a sunset, I believe, though the hike back woud require flashlights. The forest here is quite dense, as are most of the forests along the coast, and the beaches are reached through an area of forest. About a half mile off shore is Tatoosh Island which has a deactivated lighthouse on it.

TATOOSH ISLAND AND LIGHTHOUSE

On our return from Cape Flattery, we stopped in the coastal town of Neah Bay for some dinner. We ate at Calvin’s Crab House, located right on the shore of Juan de Fuca Strait. We all had the fresh crab which was served in a bowl with a side of melted butter, and home made fries. It reminded me of doing similar eating along the coast of Maine with lobster.

NEAH BAY

There was still plenty of daylight so we returned to Rialto Beach for sunset. As you can see, a different day brings different photo opportunities at the same location.

SETTING SUN