Olympic & North Cascades National Parks

Hello from Olympic National Park. Wow, this is one huge park and our campground location probably wasn't the best in terms of seeing the whole park. We stayed at Potlatch which is by the southeast entrance of the park and the Staircase area. Too bad it was over 3 hours to the Hoh Rain Forest area so we never made it there. We did love the campsite however as it was right on the Hood Canal.

After a VERY rough road leading to the Staircase area we made it to the North Fork Skokomish River trails. Probably one of the worst roads we have ever been on, I was amazed when it finally turned to pavement and we were in the park area and an actual entrance station! 

We hiked along the Rapids Loop and saw some amazing Douglas Firs and a huge fallen Cedar tree that was 14' across.

 

Some of the trees were a little smaller and made nice bridges for us as we crossed over the creek. Another lush green forest and a perfect day for a hike and even some bird watching!

Crazy huge trees but I liked this "pair" especially. I liked how they were two different species of trees (Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir per Dave, my tree man) but yet grew right next to each other in harmony. Kinda made me think of another couple who are quite different but seem to co-habitat in a 36' RV pretty well!😍 

Dave showing off how big the trees are and we're back at the bridge to take that crazy rough road home. The view of Lake Cushman was at least a lovely distraction from the rough road.

Some home baked gluten-free cookies, milk and a campfire was a perfect way to end the day!

The next day was a lot of drive time going almost 2 hours one way to Port Angeles and then up to Hurricane Ridge. It was quite a bit cooler up top and the road past this point was still closed due to snow.

 

Wish the picture was a little clearer but we got to see these two marmots come out and play; they were so cute!

 

On to Elwha Valley and Madison Falls. We thought we would at least get a hike in for the day but the falls ended up only being about .1 from the road. 😏We had a nice stop for lunch though and a beautiful view.

The road just past the falls was closed due to a wash out but we walked part of it running into this cute little friend...who had other friends. 

 

Our last night at Potlatch was Dave's birthday so the best present I can offer him is to not cook! 😜 A prime rib dinner and he's one happy birthday boy.

Next stop was North Cascades National Park. Our timing isn't the best here as a lot of park is closed off due to the FBI hunting a man who murdered his 3 little girls (so sad!). The day trails were open so we stayed close to the road and again Dave was missing his gun!

Probably one of the cooler entrance signs we've seen with the rocks and the "snow" (it was paint, not actual snow). An interesting park because in the middle of it is Newhalem where there is a dam and power plant that gives power all the way to Seattle.

Behind the power plant is a trail to Ladder Creek Falls. At one time the trail was a thriving botanical garden but has been neglected and needs some love. We still saw lots of beautiful flowers along the way.

We were even graced with this striking butterfly who stopped long enough for me to get a photo. The falls were lovely too!

 

Next was the Trail of the Cedars (more big trees for Dave) which started with a cool suspension bridge. In contrast, it was hot afternoon with our truck registering 95 degrees. Not what we were expecting for northern Washington state but we'll take it!

We drove a little further to see the Gorge Creek Falls which this picture just doesn't do it justice. The depth and the massive amount of flowing water was impressive. Of course the view once it opened up into the lake wasn't too bad either.

Our time at North Cascades has ended with an amazing Strawberry moon tonight. Tomorrow is a big day as we cross over into Canada. We covet your prayers for a smooth and uneventful border stop for us! Stay tuned in to find out how it goes...