Ho Rainforest and Ruby Beach - July 6

July 6
From the Forks, we drove up the Ho River and back into Olympic National Park. It was an eight mile drive into the rainforest to get to the visitor center.

 Ho Rainforest Visitor Center

We decided to hike the 1.6 mile Spruce Nature Trail through the rainforest and over to the banks of the Ho River.

 Off we headed into a wonderland of green. There were green hues and shaded of every description. .

I strolled casually through this enchanted land while Emma strode purposefully forward to maximize her aerobic experience.

In no time, she was down yonder around the bend.

 Even Emma slowed to enjoy this amazing ecosystem. She stopped beside an arching moss covered tree so we could revel in the moment together.

Emma on the Spruce Nature Trail

Hanging mosses were everywhere

The root systems of these trees were broad but not very deep. Occasionally, a winter storm would blow over a forest giant.

The forest opened up as we arrived on the banks of the Ho River.

 Ho River

It was an overcast day so we did not get a good view of Mount Olympus.

 We continued along the loop trail back toward the Visitor Center.

It felt magical and very "other worldly" when we were in the middle of this old growth forest.

Too soon we were back in the RV and headed out of the rainforest and over to Ruby Beach.

We had lunch in the RV while looking through the trees toward Ruby Beach

 Path to Ruby Beach

This tree didn't look any too stable but going under it was the only access route to the beach.

 Ruby Beach on a Grey Day

 Driftwood on Ruby Beach

Once you arrived at the beach you had to scamper over, under or around a barrier of driftwood to get to the water.

It was a misty overcast day but this was part of the charm of walking along Ruby Beach.

There is nothing like a dash of colour to liven up a landscape on a grey day.

 Haystack on Ruby Beach

 Rock Formation on Ruby Beach

Intertidal Rockweed

Before winding our way out through the driftwood we took one last look along Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach

We said goodbye to Olympic National Park and headed for home. By late afternoon, we were back on the I5 and by midnight we were back in Vancouver.

This summer we visited seven National Parks, two National Monuments and one National Historic Site

Sol Duc Rain Forest and Rialto Beach July 5

July 5
We headed West from Port Angeles to explore other areas of Olympic National Park.

Crescent Lake

A short drive brought us to Crescent Lake and an opportunity for Sonaa to have a swim. Golden Retrievers are great swimmers and Sonaa paddled into the middle of the lake to fetch her ball.

Sonaa in Lake Crescent

Moments in Time Trail

Along the lake shore was a nice walking trail entitled "Moments in Time".

We enjoyed the tranquility of this short nature walk through the lowland forest.

There were several informative sign posts along the way which explained the flora, fauna and history of the area.

It always amazed us to see burnt out hollow tree trunks which were still supporting the living trees above.

Forest Canopy

We continued along the Olympic Highway then followed the Sol Duc River into the Sol Duc Rain Forest.

From the Sol Duc Visitor Center, we took the three mile round trip hike to Sol Duc Falls.

Emma was good to go and burst out of the RV and started power walking up the trail to the falls.

It was a magical experience to be immersed in the middle of an old growth temperate rain forest.

There were few flowers in the green darkness of the forest floor but this Foamflower found a way to thrive

Foamflower

Sol Duc River

After a 2 kilometer hike we arrived at Sol Duc Falls.

Sol Duc Falls

Emma at Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls

The three pronged Sol Duc Falls were not large but they were charming The setting in the middle of the rain forest made it a special experience..

We took out time on the way back so we could revel in the quiet majesty of the forest.

Oxeye Daisy

In the afternoon, we arrived at Rialto Beach.

Driftwood was piled up above the high tide line and we had to do some maneuvering to get Sonaa onto the beach.

From the beach, several islands were just off shore. These small islands were called haystacks.

The driftwood on the beach came in all shapes and sizes.

We were headed to "Hole in the Wall" which as a few kilometers down the beach. It was slow going as it always was when we hike in sand.

It was interesting to spend the morning in a temperate raiforest ecosystem and the afternoon in an intertidal ecosystem.

We had to keep a close eye on Sonna as she was always looking for something edible. Unfortunately for us, Sonaa thought just about everything was edible. The intertidal ecosystem was a veritable smorgasbord for Sonaa but her adventurous appetite did not work well with her sensitive stomach.

At last we arrived at "Hole in the Wall" The name was an accurate and literal description of the place.

The tide was coming in and it was getting tricky to continue beyond "Hole in the Wall".

However, I really got into the moment and forged ahead taking lots of pictures. On looking back I realized that Emma and Sonaa were ready to return to the RV.

Emma and Sonaa ready to head back

Driftwood Shelter on Rialto Beach

I reversed course to rejoin the pack.

Emma and Sonaa made good time as they hustled along the beach.

We stopped for one final look at this beautiful secluded beach.

In the early evening, we found a small campsite by The Forks.