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