I lied. There were so many cool shots from Hoh (which is pronounced with the long O as in OH), that I’m saving Rialto Beach for next time. Sorry, Bob.
There’s a ton of pics in this post, so I want overburden you with words. The image captions say enough, I think.
Well, maybe this first image needs some explanation. To get to the Hoh Rain Forest, we had to drive through the town of Forks, Washington. That’s the actual town where author Stephenie Meyer based her Twilight book series. I haven’t seen the movie(s) or read the books, but enjoyed the Twilight theme in Forks. Especially this sign.
One of the main attractions in the Hoh Rain Forest is the Hall of Mosses trail. A really easy 0.8-mile trail that introduces visitors to the complex ecosystem and unique arboreal tapestry. The trail begins at the ranger station. Another trail, which we also followed for a bit, travels above and along the Hoh River.
See why it was so hard to choose? I hope y’all enjoyed the pics as much as I enjoyed the Hoh Rain Forest.
Next up, I promise, is Rialto Beach.
TRIP Re-cap
Installment 1: In the Beginning (Friday, August 30 – Monday, Sept 2)
Installment 2: Portland Morning (Tuesday, Sept 3)
Installment 3: Exploring the City of Portland (morning of Tuesday, Sept 3)
Installment 4: Beyond Portland (afternoon of Tuesday, Sept 3)
Installment 5: Olympic Peninsula, Here We Come!
Installment 6: First Rain Forest Hike & Another Gorgeous Beach
Installment 7: Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park
Installment 8: Madison Creek Falls & Lake Crescent
Kathy:
I am glad that you are seeing most of the sights in our part of the world. It has been a while since I have been to ONP. I believe that this is the last Rainforest in North America and Rialto Beach and the beach trail north is the last virgin beach on this Continent so it is being left in its natural state. It is a rugged place with violent wave action during the storm season. I really like it there so it was hard for me to contain my enthusiasm. I am glad that you discovered it. Unfortunately you may not have had time to visit Cape Flattery. Along the north Coast Hwy 112 there are many sea stacks. We rented cabins at Clallam Bay right on the beach.
I love your photos of the Green moss and the decaying trees. It’s just the cycle of life in the forest
I am not sure if you went to SOL Duc hot springs. It was voted best romantic getaway in the Pacific Northwest by KINGTV.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
I am guessing they don’t have chiggers there? as if you walked thru the woods and ferns here in NJ this time of year you would be loaded with them
So pretty. Feels just like home. After 13 years in the PNW I feel we should have grown moss by now.
I like the idea of the black spots on the banana slugs meaning they’re overripe. Too funny.
Awesome Shots…
Bob, we didn’t make it to Cape Flattery or Sol Duc. But we will one day. 🙂
Michelle, I think it’s too wet for chiggers. They may not even have ticks. Wouldn’t that be nice? Of course, they don’t get much sun either, LOL.
Brandy, Yves is a hoot. The banana slug comment was spot on. 🙂
I guess one would feel quite mossy living there year-round. But I imagine you all really appreciate sunny days!
Thanks, Kelly Ann! If only it had been raining in the Hoh Rain Forest that day, you may have seen some water droplet shots. 🙂