Why come to the Olympic Peninsula??

Marymere Falls

Recently, far away from any large city, deep in a moss filled forest that is more reminiscent of Jurassic Park than of a typical national park, a question I was once asked popped back into my head. The question, asked by a good friend and well respected business person, was “what makes the Olympic Peninsula so special” to you. In fact, he went on to ask why anyone should visit this place when amazing areas such as the Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Yosemite National Parks are so much more developed and accessible.  At the time, I really didn’t have an answer. I love the area; I consider it my home and think that everyone should come to the Olympic Peninsula. Here are     just a few reasons…

Devil's Punchbowl, Lake Crescent

Hoh Rain Forest

The Olympic Peninsula is not only one of the most diverse areas in the United States, it is also one of the youngest developed. The Olympic Peninsula, in some ways, is like how the Yosemite Valley was in the 1920s. Sure, we have roads, the timber industry and all that, but we also have pristine, untouched wilderness, rugged views and nature that feels natural. Comparing Yosemite to the Olympic Peninsula may seem absurd, but that is just what I am going to do. In the early 1900’s, tourists flocked from the East Coast to go to Yosemite to see the wilderness of the west. Much of the east had been developed, and Yosemite offered amazing views, rivers, waterfalls and mountains to climb. It was a place of wonder and excitement, a place to reconnect with nature. Now, Yosemite is overcrowded. It is still beautiful, but when everyone comes to the same place to connect with nature, it tends to lose the natural feeling. The Olympics offer what Yosemite has and more. From hundreds of mountains to climb, to waterfalls around every corner of trails, The Olympics rival Yosemite for natural beauty, and beat it for crowds and truly have a unique vacation. With just under 3 million people in the park last year, the Olympic National Park seems nearly empty to all of us who frequent it, yet, this number of tourists is consistent and you are rarely alone unless you want to be.

Neah Bay

Ruby Beach

The Olympic Peninsula has all the amenities one would want, from fantastic, scenic hotels, to the latest in culinary arts. The proximity to Seattle Tacoma International Airport makes it easy and affordable to get to, unlike Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons. We also have many places to stay at all levels of price, rarely selling out. Numerous times I have been forced to drive to Yellowstone straight through, or car camp because of large amounts of tourists in the area. This has never happened to my family or I in the Olympics.

Sunrise from the Olympics

Mt. Olympus

From Hurricane Ridge

As far as mountains on the Olympic Peninsula, well don’t get me started! With well over 200 mountains in the area and 89 peaks between 6500ft and the tallest point, Mt. Olympus, stands at 7,969ft; the Olympic Peninsula is a mountain climber’s playground. In fact, peakbagger.com says that “For their height, the Olympic Mountains are quite possibly the most spectacular mountains in the world outside of the polar regions. Nowhere do the Olympics crack the 8000 foot barrier, making them of almost Appalachian stature, but their incredible array of jagged peaks, massive glaciers, and epic approach marches is only matched in one or two other ranges in the entire "Lower 48" United States.” Many of these are visible and accessible after just a 17 mile car trip to Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles!

Roosevelt Elk

Danger: Mountain Goat

Let’s say you want to see animals. The Olympic Peninsula may not be as animal friendly as Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Tetons, but we have quite a bit going for us!   Just a s a brief summary, on the Olympic Peninsula there are many species of Fish, Birds, Amphibians,Reptiles, Marine Mammals and Terrestrial Mammals. From the unique OlympicMarmot, the Roosevelt Elk in which the park was created to the many species of Salmon and the awesome, yet phallic Geoducks and Banana Slugs, as well as Whales, Porpoises and Otters, the Olympic Peninsula is full of unique and amazing wildlife.

Mt. Ellinor

Friendly Deer

The Olympic Peninsula is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. With stunning views of the ocean, the rain forest, numerous species of flora and fauna, as well as some of the most remote areas in the lower 48 states, the Olympic Peninsula will leave you and your family with memories to last a lifetime. The Olympic Peninsula has something for everyone. Instead of going someplace with everyone, come and experience the Olympic Peninsula with Exotic Hikes. 


Until I see you on the trails,
Douglas Scott
Exotic Hikes
(360)350-8938

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity in the Olympic Peninsula. (2012 April Fools Day Joke)

Every so often, we here at Exotic Hikes get great opportunities in the Olympic Peninsula, and when we do, we like to pass them onto our loyal followers. As you may have heard, due to the growth of the mountain goat population, the Olympic National Park has called for select individuals to lead the culling of this invasive species. Today, we are amazed and excited to announce that we were selected and our now the only local licensed business to operate and lead on mountain goat hunting parties in the Olympic Mountains.

The rules and regulations are a bit challenging, so only serious inquiries please. The permits we have obtained are good through 2012, and all goats must be culled only with hiking and climbing materials as to not disturb the environment with noise pollution. All goats culled must be shown to rangers before they can be taken home or to a taxidermist. Unwanted goats can be donated to local museums of Natural History and schools who have expressed interest in obtaining one.

For more detailed information, please email exotichikes@gmail.com with the subject heading “Mountain Goat” for a full package breakdown. Act quickly as number are limited to the first 20 qualified individuals.

Thank you for supporting Exotic Hikes! Oh...and APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!!

Douglas Scott

Why I Hike

                After being asked this question nearly every day, I decided I would finally put these words down on record, hopefully inspiring some for you to discuss your reasons for hiking. I also do this in hope that my story, like your stories, will get passed down through the generations, building hiking up for future adventurers.

Mt. Erie, Wa

I remember my first hike, years ago on Deception Pass. Well, I wouldn’t call it a hike. I remember getting shoulder rides and carried by both my parents during this hot summer day. I must have been 5 or 6 years old, but being out in the woods with my family made me happy at that young age. I felt safe, I felt a sense of adventure, and above all, I felt loved by my parents and nature.

My home away from Washington

I have always had a life where I was connected to the outdoors, from family birding trips and day hikes, to travelling to national parks around the country and visiting Yellowstone for 10 straight years, nature has been in my veins. At the age of 13 I did my first long hike across the Olympic Peninsula. Taking 7 days and carrying a pack of 55 pounds when I only weighed like 105 (long story for a later date); we explored and connected with nature. At the age of 19 I left college at worked near Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Having three days off a week gave me time to explore so many areas that I almost decided then and there to never go back to a city or a college. Instead, I left, went back to school, graduated and soon was serving 2 years in China with the Peace Corps. I would have to say that China is where hiking went from a hobby to an obsession.

The Great Wall of China

If you ever go to China, you will be told repeatedly that they have over 5000 years of culture. This is more than likely true, and for some is viewed as a great achievement. However, in my 2 years there, I realized that all the roads, trails and forests I was walking in, 5000 years’ worth of people have been traversed same area. It was then and there that I realized just how special the Olympic Peninsula is. Yes, there is a history of peoples here for tens of thousands of years, but the area is so rugged and underdeveloped that it gives you the sense that you are out there exploring an area untouched my humans. China did not give me that impression at all, so upon my return, I vowed to explore the mountains as often as I could.

The Grand Tetons from Jackson, Wy

When I returned from China, personal struggles and family illness took over, and hiking fell away for a while. However, whenever I would feel that life was just putting too much on my plate and I was near my breaking point, I would take a hike, and drift back into the woods where the only reality was the one I was in. Hiking became my safe place, my happy place, my place of healing. Being alone on a mountain, sitting along an alpine lake and being able to finally get away from the distractions of life to focus on getting in touch with nature and myself is my therapy. The repetitive steps trudging down a path, up a hillside of scree or wading through a river all take focus away from the pains and sorrow that life so often brings and allows you to be alive.

Finding the meaning of life, Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

Hiking to me gives a sense of adventure that I thought was long since lost when I became an adult. Hiking to me is about experiencing nature on a holistic level. Mountains that appear as one become individual rocks and dirt; tall cedar trees become vulnerable strips of bark, needles and branches, all working together to form this massive plant. Much like those, hiking has taught me that my life isn’t as complex as I make it. Life is a series of small parts coming together to become what we perceive as reality, yet, just like a hike, some parts are easier than others, but no less important. Hiking has allowed me to see life for what it is and have a new level of enjoyment in every activity. Without hiking, I don’t know where I would be in life. Luckily, hiking is always there for me, and when I lace up my boots, strap on my backpack and take that first step, all the worry in the world drifts away and I get to become innocent and adventurous again.

So, that is why I hike...how about you????

See you on the trails,

Douglas Scott

Exotic Hikes

Easy Day Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula OR Hikes to do While Injured

One of my many injuries. This was
from a tree branch nearly
killing me during a storm

                Often, injuries plague us longer than they should and make us choose between hiking in discomfort and not hiking at all. For many of us, the latter is will only happen if we lost both legs and had no prosthetics readily available. Any number of days I am battling chronically sprained ankles, a never fully recovered fractured shoulder and bursitis in my hip. Don’t get me wrong, this is not about me complaining I am in pain. In fact, being an ex-cross country runner, pain while working out seems normal to me. Injuries impact us all, and while we may not want to stay home, especially with good weather coming up, we may need to find some places that are a big easier on us so our bodies can heal quickly.

                The Olympic Peninsula is diverse in many ways. From many unique species of flora and fauna spread around rain forest, to having beaches, rugged peaks and miles of switchback trails, the area has something for everyone. Today, we focus on the hikes that may not be as physically challenging, but are still rewarding in many other ways. Next time you are hurt and can’t climb up 3000ft of scree, or you are just looking for an easy hike to do with your kids or grandparents, check out one of these areas.

Some of what Neah Bay has to offer

     1)      Shi Shi Beach- Don’t be too shy about taking a long walk on a beach. In fact, millions of people can’t be wrong putting this on their dating profiles as something they enjoy! You don’t have to be Kajagoogoo  to get to this beach. Located close to Neah Bay, this may be out of the way, but it is a scenic drive and a fantastic place to take pictures. Flat, scenic and close to the farthest northwest point in the continental United States, this trail is perfect for all. Bring a camera, rain gear, and a sense of adventure for this 8.0 round trip hike.

-          Quick Facts:

o  Location and directions- Neah Bay

o   Distance- 8 miles

o   Terrain- flat

o   Needs- Rain gear, extra socks, towel, bird books, binoculars

 

The view from Hurricane Hill

      2)      Hurricane Hill- Love the views of mountains, but not a fan of the scree, switchbacks or isolation? Check out Hurricane Hill at Hurricane Ridge. 17 Miles south of Port Angeles, this is a great day trip during any season. Stand atop a nearly 6000ft “hill” and take in view of Victoria, BC, Mt. Baker, Sequim and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to your north. To your south you can look into the interior of the Olympic Mountains. This is a great hike to see Marmots, Deer, vistas, valleys and wildflowers. At only 3 miles round trip, the elevation may be the only thing that wears you out. This is a great summer hike, but can (and should) be done with snowshoes in the winter months.

-          Quick Facts:

o   Location and directions- Hurricane Ridge

o   Distance- 3 miles

o   Terrain- mostly flat, but one main climb

o   Needs- Rain gear/sun screen, snacks, good shoes, binoculars

Murhut Falls

     3)  Murhut Falls- Read more here at our recent trip report!!! http://exotichikes.blogspot.com/2012/01/murhut-falls-trail-and-trip-report.html

     -          Quick Facts:

     o   Location and directions- Duckabush Rd

     o   Distance- 1.5 miles

     o   Terrain- Slightly hilly, a little flat until the end where the trail to get to the water fall is quite steep

     o   Needs: Good shoes, snacks, a camera, rain gear

Dungeness Spit from above

     4)      Dungeness Spit- This is probably the longest, easy hike around, as it takes nearly 11 miles to complete the trip. However, walking along a sandy beach for 11 miles on the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a great trip for a family for a day or weekend. With views of the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, Mt. Baker, a light house and more, this hike pleases everyone. This strip of sand is a marvel of the world and a fun place to beach-comb after a storm or to just enjoy a sunny day in the rain shadow of the state. It is also a great place to bird watch, picnic and build structures out of driftwood.

-          Quick Facts:

o   Location and directions- Sequim

o   Distance- 11 miles

o   Terrain- flat and sandy

o   Needs- water, comfy shoes, binoculars, snacks, camera

(Similar to this is Damon Point in Ocean Shores)

Devils Punchbowl at Lake Crescent

      5)      Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls- Read more here at our recent trip report!!! http://exotichikes.blogspot.com/2012/03/lake-crescent-and-marymere-falls-one-of.html

-              -          Quick Facts:

              o Location and directions- Near Port Angeles

                            o   Distance- Depends on trail

                            o   Terrain- flat 

              o   Needs- Rain gear, binoculars, camera

While this list is obviously not complete, these places help you experience some of the best of the Olympic Peninsula without injuring yourself more. The nice thing about these places is that they can be done in any season and typically don’t require a lot of strenuous activity to have a good time. They are a great way to start to get into hiking, heal from an injury, or just take an easy day to enjoy the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. To experience one of these with us, please call us at (360)350-8938

Until I see you on the trails,

Douglas Scott

Exotic Hikes

Alternative Hikes:

1)      Pony Bridge

2)      Hall of Mosses

3)      Ruby Beach

4)      The Olympic Discovery Trail

The American Himalayas

          












 

       The Himalayas are shrouded with a mystique as being the gateway to Shangri-La and the roof top of the world. Diverse plant life, wildlife and natural features bring millions of tourists to Kathmandu to experience the Himalayas, and everyone wants to experience the raw and awesome power of nature that they can offer. While the Himalayas are beautiful, awe-inspiring and breath-taking, one can find a place in America that is almost as diverse and able to serve as a place for a spiritual journey to connect with nature.  While the Himalayas may be the ultimate bucket list destination, the Olympic Mountains can offer you one thing that the Himalayas are getting less likely to give you: solitude.

                Nestled in the northern most point in the continental United States, Tucked away deep within a National Park, the Olympic range juts out from the rainforest canopy, towering above everything else on the Olympic Peninsula. While it is just a few hours’ drive or ferry ride from an urban population of well over a million people, few of the masses take the time or have the passion for exploration which will take them deep in the Olympic Mountains. With hundreds of peaks about 5000ft and over 89 peaks over 6500ft (with over a 400ft of cleared prominence) climbers have a wide variety of skills sets to master in order to experience them all. Like the Himalayas, the Olympic Mountains offer little as far as infrastructure inside the area, with much trekking done up old animal trails and through weather beaten landslide and avalanche prone areas. In both the Olympic Mountains and the Himalayas, weather can change quickly and it can be weeks before you can be warm or dry. Also, bugs, flooding and natural disasters can all ruin what would normally be a good trip. While the Himalayas are world renowned, the Olympic Mountains serve as a miniature version of them, allowing for exploration, isolation and developing a deeper connection to nature while you are at either place.

                To best appreciate the vastness of the Olympic Mountains, one needs to journey to the Kathmandu of the Olympic Peninsula.  The city which serves as a gateway is Port Angeles, Washington. Port Angeles is located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and a few hours ferry ride from Victoria British Columbia, Canada. With almost 20,000 people (according to the 2010 US Census), this small town acts as a Port of Entry to the United States,  to the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. Port Angeles was also established as the headquarters for the Olympic National Park, which was created in 1938. While the city itself has a few rolling hills, few parts of the town lay above a few hundred feet above sea level. Yet, following a 17 mile road to the south, you climb to over 5000ft to the Hurricane Ridge area. Random side note: Port Angeles is the birthplace of Quarterback John Elway.  
                         

                                                              Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge stands at over 5000ft, (600ft higher than Kathmandu!) but is located just mere miles from sea level, showing the sheer power that was needed to create such a rugged terrain. Huge sweeping valleys dive deep along gorges of old growth forests, only to jut back up into the heavens with yet another ridge of mountain peaks. With a new, state of the art lodge, miles of trails, as well as a small ski/snowboard run(open in the winter only), Hurricane Ridge offers the entire family a great wealth of activities to do. Besides the day activities that one can do at Hurricane Ridge, it is also a great place to stand and stare at the impressive vista of the interior of the Olympic National Park. From the lodge, one can see miles in every direction, laying their eyes on peaks that otherwise may be hidden from view from everywhere else on the Olympic Peninsula. Hurricane Ridge allows the imagination to take over, giving the viewer the full force and greatness of nature.

Hurricane ridge provides tourists with a vantage point to see what lies deep within the temperate rainforest. With views of Mt. Olympus, and numerous other peaks, Hurricane Ridge is the place to go to be inspired to explore the green, alpine jungles of the Pacific Northwest. With miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails (some well-groomed with the VW Bus you see above) in the winter, to summertime ridgeline trails with sweeping vistas, blooming wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife, the Hurricane Ridge area in the Olympic National Park is the rooftop to the Pacific Northwest.

For tours of the Olympic Peninsula and Hurricane Ridge, call Exotic Hikes at (360) 350-8938 or follow us on twitter @exotichikes. Until then, see you on the trails!

Douglas Scott
Exotic Hikes

Quick link to pictures

I will be blogging soon about the wonderful trips to Graves Creek and Hurricane Ridge that we just led, but until them, check out the links to our photo galleries.

As always, feel free to ask questions, leave comments or share with others!

Here is just a taste of what you will see:

Graves creek pictures = http://www.flickr.com/photos/exotichikes/
Hurricane Ridge pictures= http://on.fb.me/x752yU


Until then, See you on the trails!

Douglas Scott
Exotic Hikes

A Long Overdue Questions and Answer Post

We here at Exotic Hikes are constantly being asked questions about hiking, so we decided that today we would finally address some of the more common questions about hiking in, on and around the Olympic Peninsula in a blog. These answers will be brief, so if you have any questions that require more specific detail, please email us at Exotichikes@gmail.com and we will respond as soon as possible.

As always, please feel free to add comments, add questions or give us feedback in the comment section.

 “I am not in great shape, but are there hikes that I can do?”

            The simple answer is yes. The Olympic peninsula has trails for people of all abilities. From handicap trails around the Hurricane Ridge Area, to Steep climbs up scree to hidden mountain lakes, The Olympic Peninsula has all style of hiking. In fact, some of the most popular, remote hikes along the Olympic Peninsula have zero elevation gain! The Olympic Peninsula is for people of all ages and skill, so don't be intimidated by the mountains and peaks. I think that the Olympic Peninsula is suitable for everyone, and encourage you all to come on out and see for yourself. 

”Are there miles of beach trails along the Olympic Peninsula?”

            Again, yes. The Olympic Peninsula has some of the most rugged, isolated coast in America, and trails litter the beach areas. From Ruby Beach to Shi Shi (pronounced Shy Shy) beach, one can walk for mile or feet and see the force of the Pacific Ocean, discover tide pools and watch seals, otters and even gray whales. The Washington Coast is also the perfect place to cuddle up with that special someone and watch storms roll in, while keeping each other warm from the wind and the rain. With lodges, hotels and campsites aplenty, you have no reason not to experience the Olympic Peninsula coast year round.  

“Are there any close hikes to Seattle, Tacoma or Olympia?”

            This question is difficult to answer, as the word close is subjective. Distance wise, the best hikes are a few hours’ drive at minimum from Seattle. You can get to the Staircase Entrance of the Olympic National Park within an hour from Tacoma or Olympia, but this is just a small trail area. Your best bet is to plan a weekend trip, or do what I do and wake up early and get to the trails by 8 or 9am. For beginners, a scenic car trip and a short hike is just what the doctor ordered!

“How many mountains are there on the Olympic Peninsula?”

This may be the toughest question to answer, as there are no consistent numbers of mountains in the Olympic Range. My personal estimate and belief is that there are well over 200 areas which are considered mountains by scientific standards. In fact, while no peak breaks 8000ft, there are 89 peaks between 6500ft and the tallest point, Mt. Olympus, standing at 7,969ft.

In fact, peakbagger.com states that “For their height, the Olympic Mountains are quite possibly the most spectacular mountains in the world outside of the polar regions. Nowhere do the Olympics crack the 8000 foot barrier, making them of almost Appalachian stature, but their incredible array of jagged peaks, massive glaciers, and epic approach marches is only matched in one or two other ranges in the entire "Lower 48" United States.”

With so many mountains on the Olympic Peninsula, everyone can find their favorite, private peak. From the heights of Mt. Olympus, to the views from Hurricane Ridge, all levels of tourists can ascend into the mountains and discover their own personal Shangri-La.

“What types of wildlife are located on the Olympic Peninsula?”

            On the Olympic Peninsula, there are many species of Fish, Birds, Amphibians,Reptiles, Marine Mammals and Terrestrial Mammals. From the unique OlympicMarmot, the Roosevelt Elk in which the park was created for and the Douglas squirrel to the many species of Salmon and the awesome, yet phallic Geoducks and Banana Slugs, as well as Whales, Porpoises and Otters, the Olympic Peninsula is full of wildlife. In fact, we have linked directly to the OlympicNational Park’s website listing all the species in the Park.

“Where can I stay if I want to spend the night on the Olympic Peninsula?”

            The Olympic peninsula, while isolated, is full of numerous places of lodging. On the Olympic Peninsula, you can stay at campgrounds in remote areas or stay at resorts located by hot springs, all travel needs are covered. Just a quick Google search shows hundreds of places of lodging, from hostels, bed and breakfast homes to fantastic National Park Lodges and fantastic hotels. The Olympic Peninsula is scattered with places to sleep for all levels of tourists, and for more information, please contact us for our recommended places of lodging.

“Is it dangerous to hike on the Olympic Peninsula?”         

            As with all areas of nature, danger lurks around every corner. However, even with all the wildlife, mountains, streams and trees, you do always have a better chance of being injured in a car accident. That being said, one needs to always study the weather, the trail conditions and talk to rangers and locals about the area. With any drive, hike or climb, certain precautions should be made. Make sure you tell people when and where you are travelling, bring a first aid kit, and sign in to all trailheads, ranger stations and access points.

            Nature is full of unexpected events, making it exciting and connecting our most instinctual motions to landscapes, animals and sweeping vistas. Just because there is a very slim chance for an accident, it is a rare day when your trip to the Olympic peninsula won’t end ina feeling the awesome power of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Peninsula.

“Why go to the Olympic Peninsula and not Mt. Rainier?”

            Occurring to my girlfriend, as well as many other locals, Mt Rainier is where you go when you want the crowded, typical tourist trip.  Tend to agree with this because year round, Mt. Rainier is packed with tourists from around the world. While majestic, amazing and inspirational, Mt Rainier offers very little diversity of hikes and views, as well as limited wildlife. The Olympic Peninsula on the other hand is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. With stunning views of the ocean, the rain forest, numerous species of flora and fauna, as well as some of the most remote areas in the lower 48 states, the Olympic Peninsula will leave you and your family with memories to last a lifetime. The Olympic Peninsula has something for everyone.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment or ask any questions remaining in the comment section!

See you on the trails,

Douglas Scott

Exotic Hikes