savvynomadadventures

It would be absolutely disrespectful for me to write this blog without discussing the rich culture and history of the Native Peoples of this land. The local communities in the Olympic Peninsula are inexplicably intertwined with the park. Their heritage, culture, language and traditions provide a cultural map to the Parks’ landscape and their rich history paint a picture and help us visitors understand the truly beautiful and harmonious relationship they have with the land. Currently there are 8 tribes dating back to time immemorial that continue to have robust relationships with to the lands and waters now within Olympic National Park. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm

Olympic national Park was deemed a World Heritage Site in 1981. Basically, this means that this area is an international treasure chest that contains irreplaceable jewels that contain universal value to our world. Pretty awesome right?  We thought so.

Now, let’s take a hike…

Hurricane Ridge- Hurricane Ridge is nestled in the middle of the Olympic Mountains. It was a spectacular drive from Lake Crescent through this mountain range until we reached our turn off road (7900 ft). Now of course, I didn’t want to do the hike that everyone else was doing, so I asked a local at our lodge what the best “non-tourist” hike is. He said, “it’s not for the faint of heart…you will need to drive on an unpaved, one lane dirt road with no barriers, with steep drop offs along the ridge to get to the trail head”. Say what? We’re in!

Hurricane Ridge- So Obstruction Point to Moose Lake it is!

He wasn’t kidding. Anyone who has driven the Road to Hana in Hawaii will know what I’m talking about when I say this was similar only without ANY barriers (Sorry Mom).  Yup. Insane. At a few points I wanted to turn around and drive back but, umm, there was no way to turn the vehicle around.

The hike itself was breathtaking! It was a strenous 5 mile hike through the mountains but we were rewarded by Mother Nature’s seemingly private show. It was a clear day and we were offered magnificent views from the glacier covered Olympics to the Strait of Juan de Euca and Vancouver island! Howdy Canada, You ready for us? We may be moving there in November if we can’t get things right here…

We hiked through snow fields where we made snow angels to rolling meadows full of wildflowers. We witnessed mamma and baby deer, salmon spawning in the river and even a few marmots. Yes Marmots! What’s a Marmot you say? Well we didn’t know at first and were confusing them with beavers. They are actually huge squirrels that look to me like beavers. Super cute and cuddly but don’t get to close!  They are protected, as is all of the wildlife in the park!

We reluctantly leave Lake Crescent Lodge tomorrow and head to La Push for some Vampire, Werewolf and beach action! Stay tuned!