Watching salmon leap at the Salmon Cascades stressed me out! The occasional sound of coho salmon smacking into the surrounding rocks is tough to hear. Some miss the falls entirely, landing in shallow pools where they flap on hard rock. Once they finally make it up to the next level after multiple attempts, they swim…
Crescent Beach in Washington is a sandy, private beach with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. I loved walking the beach at dusk when we stayed here for a 3-day holiday weekend. The sky was mesmerizing, with thin layers of orange and crimson stretching across the horizon and a…
Wondering where to stay on the Olympic Peninsula? In this guide, I share my top lodging picks from my firsthand experience as a local living just twenty minutes from the peninsula. With so many options, how can you know which accommodations offer comfort, cleanliness, value, and proximity to park destinations you want to visit? Easy!…
Planning a trip to Olympic National Park in October or November? I explore the park year-round, and autumn is my favorite season because it’s when this extraordinary landscape undergoes its most remarkable transformation. As summer fades into fall, bigleaf maple leaves and huckleberry shrubs turn to striking colors of amber and crimson. Coho salmon return…
Considering a stay at Log Cabin Resort at Lake Crescent? We’ve RV-camped here three times and enjoy the resort’s summer camp vibes. There’s no better way to start my day than waking up to the sounds of wildlife, drinking coffee on the shoreline, and soaking in serene lake views. This review shares all you need…
I admit I felt nervous about climbing up the Mount Storm King ropes. I could have easily psyched myself out after reading about other hikers’ terrifying experiences. But I knew that my risk tolerance was different. I also knew that I could turn around before the rope section began, so why not try it? The…
Wondering if a day trip to Olympic National Park from Seattle is worth it? I visit the park every season and wholeheartedly believe that the 6 – 8 hours of travel are worth the chance to explore the dynamic ecosystems the park is famous for, like old-growth rainforests and expansive, rugged coastlines. ➥ In this…
Wondering which beaches in Port Angeles are worth visiting? You’ve come to the right place. I live ninety minutes from these beaches and visited them in March—some twice! One has been a long-time favorite of mine, and I’ve visited it frequently over the last decade. This article reviews the best Port Angeles beaches for tide-pooling,…
Looking for things to do in Port Angeles? I’ve got you covered! In this article, I share my itinerary from a Saturday visit in March, featuring the must-visit outdoor attractions of this coastal city. On this trip, instead of my usual quick stop for coffee before heading west or a meal after hiking, I spent…
Searching for first-hand Emerald Valley Inn reviews before booking? You’ve come to the right place! I stayed at the inn in early March after exploring Port Angeles. I chose this spot for quick and convenient access to hiking trails around Lake Crescent. In this review, I cover the pros and cons of this inn and…