INTO THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST
After leaving Mount St. Helens, we drove northwest through Olympia and into the Olympic National Forest. Our first stop on our loop around the peninsula was an area in the southwest corner called Colonel Bob Wilderness.
We hiked to Colonel Bob Peak, which took us through dense forest, arid hillsides, and deep snow on our way to the top.
ALONG THE COAST
We drove west and followed the 101 up through Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, Forks, and La Push, with a quick detour into the Hoh Rainforest.
The coast was a nice change of pace, allowing us to stop and relax along the way.
LAKE CRESCENT
Our next stop was Fairholme campground on Lake Crescent as we headed back east. The hike up to Storm King gave us incredible views of Olympic National Park.
HURRICANE RIDGE
With snow still limiting our access to hikes and campgrounds at higher elevations, we were somewhat limited, but Hurricane Ridge provided us with some great views before we left the peninsula on a ferry from Port Townsend.
