Olympic National Park

My sister, Karen, and I felt compelled to honor the 100th year anniversary of our national parks by spending a few days on the Olympic Peninsula.  We began our trip on the Bainbridge Island Ferry, watching the clouds get heavier and heavier.  Of course, this is Seattle, but we'd hoped for sunny skies all week so we could hike and see the views of the Olympic Mountains.

It was not meant to be, according to Tim, the volunteer at the Hurricane Ridge victor's center.  He told us to hold cotton balls in front of our eyes and that would be like our view all week from Hurricane Ridge.   The drive takes 45 minutes from Port Angeles, so we took his advice and drove to Crescent Lake.

The forest, with a carpet of fern and towering trees did not disappoint us.

 

We took some time to explore Crescent Lake Lodge, built in the 1930's.  

 I looked at their website when searching for lodging, but these old lodges are expensive!  I just imagine only wealthy people stayed in them over the years.  The dining room had a lovely view of Crescent Lake. 

 

We really enjoyed our hike to Sol Duc Falls.  Tim told us it was the only Falls near Port Angeles that had any water running this time of year, because of the drought!