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

Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls: One of the Olympic Peninsula's Best Areas!

Beautiful Lake Crescent

Miles away from the hustle and bustle of the I-5 Corridor, Washington’s second deepest lake hides to the 17 miles west of the beautiful city of Port Angeles. Serving as a gateway to the Northern Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles usually boasts it’s gem of Hurricane Ridge, but don’t be fooled, Lake Crescent should be a major tourist draw. Home to popular trails, swimming spots and amazing views, Lake Crescent also boasts a lodge that is second to none. Lake Crescent is located near 2 great trails that are family friendly and host amazing views. Both the Spruce Railroad trail and the Marymere Falls trail will give you a great day hike, or a romantic getaway with memories to last a life time.

Mt Storm King and the Ranger Station

                Built in 1916, this turn of the century lodge seems like it belongs more in the alpine hills of Europe than it does in the Rain Forest of the Olympic Peninsula. However, once viewing this picturesque cottage, one easily falls in love with its location and rustic settings. The lodge, which sits on the banks of Lake Crescent, is perfectly situated to explore the northern Olympic Peninsula during the day, and staying in a relaxing, quaint cottage for the night. The Lake Crescent Lodge recently was put on the list of lodges that the National Park Service will be remodeling, making this lodge even more attractive and hospitable in the future.

                From the Lake Crescent Lodge, a quick walk will place you at the Storm King Ranger Station, giving you views of Mt. Storm King and Pyramid Peak, which used to be a World War II spotter cabin to watch for Japanese aircrafts that may attack Puget Sound. Looking like the fjords of Norway, Lake Crescent sits at the bottom of these small, rugged peaks. The log cabin style Storm King Ranger station, when open, will give you the history of the area, as well as provide some pretty fantastic pictures of the region. It is by this ranger station that the Marymere Falls trail is located.

Mt. Storm King Trail

                Well marked, easily followed and basically a flat walk through the dense forests of the Northern Olympic Peninsula Rain Forest. At 1.5 miles round trip, this trail is less of a hike and more of a walk. Half a mile down the trail, a fork appears, and if feeling adventurous, you can go climb Mt. Storm King, which is a 3.8 mile round trip hike in which you gain 1700 feet. At 2400ft, Mt Storm King offers fantastic views of Lake Crescent, as well as a great picnic spot away from the throngs of hikers on the Marymere Falls trail. However, if you decide to go to the falls and battle the crowds, you will be greatly rewarded. After you cross the new metal bridge over the river, the last 400ft of the trail climbs pretty steadily along a ridge, leading you to a great view of Marymere Falls. Take your time walking up this railed path, enjoy the greens of the rain forests and soon you will be given a breathtaking view of a small, yet gorgeous waterfall. At a height of 90ft, this waterfall is impressive in its simplicity.

Wooden Bridge Leading to Marymere Falls

                After a short hike back to the Ranger Station, you still have time to hop in your car and drive about 4 miles west until you get to Camp David Jr. Road, which is home to the Spruce Railroad Trail. The Spruce Railroad Trail, which was built as a working railway during World War I, was going to be used to transport Spruce trees to Port Angeles to build airplanes during the war, however, before the railway was completed, the war ended and the forests was not harvested. The trail is long, but flat, making it perfect for the family in nearly any weather. At around 8 miles round trip, it is long, but the plus side is that it is one of the few trails in any National Park that allows dogs and bikes. While there are a few places where the hillside has come over the trail, it is completely safe and well marked.

Marymere Falls

                On the Spruce Railroad Trail, one can see many things, ranging from scenic views and railroad tunnels to deep swimming holes and abandoned telegraph poles. One of the highlights of the trail, aside from the caves that used to be railroad tunnels is the Devil’s Punchbowl. A popular swimming hole in warm weather, the Devil’s Punchbowl is the ideal swimming hole. At nearly 100ft deep right next to the cliff, it is a safe place for swimmers and divers to jump for joy into an alpine lake. The severe drop off at Devil’s Punchbowl isn’t limited to that area, as Lake Crescent itself is officially 600ft deep, but some recent studies have placed it over 1000ft deep, making this hidden gem even more mysterious.

Devil's Punch Bowl on Lake Crescent

                Overall, the Lake Crescent area is so diverse it is best for a three day weekend, but you can do it over a day, albeit a long day. Driving up from Olympia, you can hike both trails, site see and have a few good meals and get back home in less than 12 hours. While this may seem a bit much, the views, the drive and the experience to enjoy one of Washington’s most underrated areas is well worth the trip. Do it this weekend, do it on your day off…do it now and enjoy Lake Crescent before the crowds arrive this summer! Book a tour with Exotic Hikes today and receive a free limited edition Marymere Falls print!

Sunset on the Olympic Mountains from Hood Canal

Until I see you on the trails, stay safe and keep experiencing the Olympic Peninsula!
Douglas Scott
Exotic Hikes
(360)350-8938

*Editor’s note: Obey all signs, check weather conditions and bring plenty of food and water, as there are no water sources on the trail.