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The Olympic National Park has the
distinction of being designated an
Biosphere Reserve & World Heritage Park.
The park is recognized internationally,
because of its scenic and scientific
value. It is an area of exceptional
natural beauty. It contains the largest
and best example of virgin temperate
rain forest in the western hemisphere,
the largest intact stand of coniferous
forest in the continuous forty eight
states, and the largest truly wild herd
of Roosevelt elk. Fifty seven miles of
spectacular coastline and numerous
offshore islands combine with heavily
forested mountain slopes, alpine meadows
and glacier capped mountains in scenic
splendor. The park contains a pristine
ecosystem, with over twelve hundred
varieties of plants, over three hundred
species of birds, and over seventy
species of mammals. At least eight kinds
of plants and eighteen kinds of animals
are found only on the Olympic Peninsula
and nowhere else in the world. |
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Hurricane Ridge:
The Olympic Peninsula is renowned for its scenic beauty. From the snow-capped peaks, deep forests and shimmering blue lakes, there are few places that rival the raw, undisturbed splendor of this land. We explore some of the finest examples of this marvelous ecosystem on this day tour to Lake Crescent, Merymere Falls, and Hurricane Ridge. Your guide, Will Nelson, a naturalist who has spent many years tromping through the forests and ridges of Washington, will share with you his knowledge and love of this land.
TOUR TO HURRICANE RIDGE and LAKE CRESCENT:
We will start our journey from Port Angeles, traveling first to Lake Crescent, a deep and blue lake carved out by glaciers fifteen thousand years ago. From the visitors center we will take an easy walk through a tall and verdant forest to Merymere Falls, a lovely cascade steeped in moss and ferns. Along the way we will learn about the complexities of the old growth forest and its inhabitants. From there we will take back roads over to the Heart O¹ the Hills and wind our way up to the spectacular views from Hurricane Ridge, easily one of the most famous vistas in Washington. By the time we reach the top we will have gone from sea level to sub-alpine forest. From this vantage point and across the valley of the Elwa, far below, one can gaze upon the many snow-capped peaks of the Olympics, cloaked in glaciers.
ITINERARY
8:00 am Depart from your hotel.
8:45 am Arrive Lake Crescent and Merymere Falls trail head.
9:00 am Depart on forest walk to falls.
10:30 am Arrive back at bus and depart for Hurricane Ridge.
12:00 pm Arrive at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and view point. We will enjoy a box lunch (included) before departing on a nature walk exploring the sub alpine ecosystem, a sharp contrast from the forests at Lake Crescent. Upon our return you will have ample time to just relax and enjoy the views, or poke around in the gift shop.
3:00 pm Depart from the visitors center. On our way down we will take advantage of some of the viewpoints along the way.
4:00 pm Arrive at hotel.
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Weather conditions are unpredictable. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and bring a water repellant over garment. Obviously, the peaks of the Olympics can be shrouded in clouds, so there are no guarantees of views and no refunds for inclement weather.
Please call us at 360-582-3736 or toll free at 888-673-6626 for your reservation.
TOUR TO HURRICANE RIDGE and LAKE CRESCENT: Round trip scenic drive on comfortable bus. The price for this full day excursion is $80 per person, including lunch. Sodas and water are provided. A ten-percent discount is offered to seniors 62 and over.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE. BOOK NOW.
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Hoh Rain Forest:
South of Forks and 19 miles off its
Highway 101 turnoff, the Hoh Rain Forest
with its 14 feet of annual rainfall is
one of the last surviving primeval
wonders of the world. It boasts some of
the largest Sitka spruce and western
hemlock trees in creation, with many
reaching almost 300 feet in height and
23 feet in circumference. From the
visitor center, you can select several
ways of viewing this moss and
fern-decorated wonderland: a short
.75-mile self-guided walk through the
Hall of Mosses; the 1.3-mile Spruce
Nature trail into the heart of it all;
and the more adventurous Hoh River
Trail, a 17 mile entry to alpine meadows
and glaciers.
TOUR TO HOH RAIN FOREST: Tour coming soon!
Check back for updated information.
Sol Duc:
Many streams and rivers carrying the melt waters of heavy winter snows and incessant rains that define the character of the forests cloaking the slopes and valleys scour the Olympic Mountains. On the northwest end of the mountains is one of those rivers- the Sol Duc (means ³sparkling water² in the local native tongue). Rising from the snowfields and descending through deep forests and plunging over falls and through rock outcrops it finally reaches the lowland, where it meanders quietly to the sea.
Today much of the river is within the Olympic National Park, where the surrounding ancient forest is protected. The only development, beyond the access road and campground is the historic Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, a destination for those seeking the soothing hot waters of the natural springs since 1912. Once the ideal reproduction site for salmon, the upper river sees few salmon now as a hatchery downstream intercepts the returning salmon, thus ensuring maximum production from the returning fish.
SOL DUC FALLS Half Day Tour:
We will visit the Sol Duc River on this half-day tour. The tour will include a naturalist led walk through towering old growth forests to Sol Duc Falls, a cataract that slices through basalt bedrock. This one and a half-mile easy walk winds through tall forests of old growth Douglas fir, and western hemlock. The forest floor is covered in thick mosses, ferns, and wildflowers. Along the way we will discuss the complexity of these forests.
We will have lunch at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. If time permits, we will also visit the salmon hatchery and learn about the life cycle of salmon and steelhead trout. We will be able to see how today¹s fish managers ensure that the salmon will always return to the Sol Duc River.
The tour will take approximately four hours from the time we leave your accommodation and return, including an hour for lunch. If time allows, an additional hour will include the salmon hatchery. The price for the four-hour tour and lunch is $50 per person. The pick up at your hotel will be prearranged for your convenience. One should wear sturdy shoes for the hike, and bring rain repellant outerwear, in case it rain.
TOUR TO SOL DUC FALLS and SOL DUC HOT SPRINGS:
Round trip scenic drive on comfortable bus.
Please call 360-582-3736 or toll free at 888-673-6626 to book your group tour.
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Coast Beaches:
There is only one word for beaches in
the park: spectacular. At some 3,300
square miles, the coast here is a
designated national marine sanctuary,
twice the size of Yosemite National
Park. From Kalaloch in the south to Ruby
Beach alone there are public paths or
parking for six diverse and dynamic
beaches. South of Mora near La Push are
three public beaches, all short hiking
distances from the road. Trails wind
through wild forest and descend to
log-strewn coastlines rich with sea
mounts and islands. There is camping
sites at Mora and Kalaloch and wild
camping on the coasts. Campers, swimmers
and surfers: Beware the tides!
STAY AT OCEAN RESORTS: OnLine Reservations coming soon.
2 Nights at Ocean Resort.
3 Nights with SPA Package.
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