Olympic Peninsula and more
 

Hey all,

I've been hiking around Vancouver area for years but lately I have been interested in doing some hiking south of the border. I was looking into going to the Olympic Peninsula in a few days;

Does anyone have any suggestions of what to see? Where to hike? I'm also always interested in any mining/spelunking. I can google search all of the main places but if anyone can suggest lesser-know spots to check out or even give some feedback on the main attractions.

Thanks so much!

We did a few days in OP a few years back, epic and enchanted, the trees everywhere we're dripping in moss. Don't remember the names of the trails but I don't think you can go wrong. We picked up a trail book at the visitor centre and just went for it. Forks has very little in the way of food or amenities, don't expect much. Drove right to the beach at La Push, it was a windy day and the power of the Pacific was on full display.

Try and stay a night in Port Townsend on your way out. Great indie shops and restaurants with a Victorian feel.

A few years ago we visited Olympic NP. Forks was nice (especially for my wife... she loved the Twilight Saga...)

We hiked

- hoh river trail (https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvis...iver-trail.htm) nice impression of rainforest
- sol duc trail (started at the hot springs then lovers lande and went up to deer lake) https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvis...&PageID=176483

Both were very easy but nice.

There are also nice beach hikes, for example Rialto Beach http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/r...le-in-the-wall or Shi-Shi Beach http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/north-shi-shi-access. But no mining or spelunking there as far as I know.

Ozette Triangle is a very lovely easy coastal hike. You can do it in a day or overnight on the nice beach. Be aware you need a bearproof food canister, available at Port Angeles ranger station. Also on another part of Olympic Peninsula, Mt Ellinor is probably one of the nicest easy hikes, if you get a chance to camp near the top for sunset, it's magnificent.