Olympic National Park - Beaches and Rain Forest

Ruby Beach

We headed west and south around the Olympic Peninsula. Our first  stop was Ruby Beach. Through the mist and rain we saw some rock haystacks close to shore which provide a safe habitat for birds. Along the shore were large logs, we explored the shoreline until the rain started pouring. We then continued on to Beach #1 which had a short nature trail around a grove of Spruce trees. The trees were unique because of their huge burls.

Burls on the Spruce Tress

We headed on to the Lake Quinault section of the park on the south side. Here we took a hike through the rain forest. What was surprising is that we were walking through moss-covered maple trees, not spruce tress. Just think of what the color would be in a few weeks. We continued on to an old homestead with a mix of five or so buildings, old and new. Finally, we took the loop road around the lake. Then we bid farewell to Dick and Char, while we spent the night in camp. Next to us was the world's largest Cypress, 58 feet in circumference . I guess it helps a tree's growth if you get 12 feet of rain a year.

World's Largest Cypress Tree