Note – I was provided this book gratis by MB Communications in exchange for my honest review.
Horror Genre
I used to never pick up a book in the horror genre, just assuming I wouldn’t enjoy it. But as you know if you read this blog regularly, I am a fan of V.E. Schwab and have also enjoyed several other novels in this genre. But Alma Katsu is a new to me author, despite her many novels and her popularity.
Just Released
Katsu’s brand new novel Fiend, just hit book shelves yesterday (September 16th) and is highly anticipated by fans. I was actually surprised how much I like this book and how it held my attention. I read it very quickly while on a recent camping trip.
Fiend
We are introduced to the very wealthy American Berisha Family. Of Amenian descent, the family is one of the wealthiest in the country with their import company. But something is bit off about this family and their wildly successful business pursuits. The Berisha’s are “lucky” while anyone who might be their enemy or their rival stumbles into bad luck and sometimes even death.
A Mystery
As the three Berisha children come of age, heir to the empire Dardan lacks what it takes to run such a mega corporation. But middle child Maris is the most driven and business savvy. She wants to take over for her father, but a woman has never held the position…and her father says a woman never will. Youngest daughter Nora, takes full advantage of her wealth and is the family’s carefree party girl.
When Things Go Wrong
But when all the good ‘luck” begins to unravel the family members start to stab each other in the back…both literally and figuratively. When Maris finds herself thrust into the role she has dreamed of all her life, it’s not what she imagined and the family secret….always assumed to be a fairytale…begins to kill off people one by one.
Who Will Survive
Who will survive this cunning modern-day horror story of greed and power within one family. The secret is out…can anyone put things back in order?
Four stars for Fiend by Alma Katsu. I found this book easy to read and intriguing, although I wasn’t particularly fond of the ending. Still, I recommend it and think I might check out some other novels by Alma Katsu. Thank you for reading my book review Fiend by Alma Katsu.
Be sure to see last week’s book review Vianne by JoAnne Harris. We are always grateful when you pin, share and comment on our book reviews. Thank you.
Location: Mount Rainier National Park Washington State USA
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I had no idea what a little paradise I lived in. As kids we never do. Only as an adult and after traveling all over the world did I truly grow to love Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Today is the final post in my summer series. I hope you enjoy Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ashford to Paradise.
Myrtle Falls, Paradise Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford – Gateway to Mount Rainier National Park
We had avoided hiking in Mount Rainier for most of the summer, due to how busy it can be. But as fall came a knocking we started visiting The Mountain again. We hiked on the Sunrise side of Mount Rainier National Park two weeks in a row. Then, we decided to spend three days in Ashford with easy access to the Paradise side of Mount Rainier. I am so glad we did, a perfect hidden gem.
Whitaker’s Bunkhouse is one overnight option, and also a great place to have ice cream
History of Ashford
Ashford, Washington, was founded by Walter and Cora Ashford, who homesteaded there in the 1880s and platted the town in 1904. Named after the couple, Ashford became a railroad terminus for the Tacoma Eastern Railway, facilitating logging, mining, and importantly, tourism to the newly established Mount Rainier National Park. The impressive Ashford Mansion, built in 1903, served as a rural hotel and is a testament to the family’s success and the town’s connection to the park’s gateway.
Ashford General Store is small
Today there is not a lot to see and do in Ashford, except it is the perfect place to stay if you want easy access to the park. Ashford has a couple restaurants, a gas station and convenience store as well as a teeny market that does not offer much. But we came to stay at the Ashford Lodge.
Ashford Lodge
When I saw the vintage trailers that are part of the Ashford Lodge on Airbnb, I knew this was the perfect place for us. The Ashford Lodge has cabins as well as four vintage trailers set out in a field. Each trailer is authentically restored and includes a separate building next door for toilet and shower. We stayed in the Layla trailer, a vintage Shasta from the 1950’s. Layla is the largest lot of the four, and includes the biggest cherry tree I have ever seen, with a comfy hammock to enjoy.
The same trailer we had when I was a little kid. Somehow we slept six people in it in the 1960’s
We came prepared with enough food for our two nights and three days, and found the cooking set up reliable and the bed comfortable. We would certainly consider staying here again.
Beautiful restoration of the Shasta
Clean and functional toilet and shower
Peaceful
Paradise Lakes Trail
Mount Rainier National Park’s busiest area is definitely Paradise, home to the historic Paradise Inn and the very nice Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center (opened in 2008).No matter when you visit in the summer it will be busy though, and parking can be a challenge despite hundreds of parking spots. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER Dogs are NOT allowed in the park, nor should you leave your pet in your car. Be smart and leave your animal at home.
We arrived about 9:30am on a gorgeous hot day, the day after Labor Day. The weather was hands down the hottest weather I have ever encountered at Mount Rainier, well over 80 degrees Fahrenheit at 7000 feet. The mountain too seemed to have the least amount of snow on it I can remember in my lifetime.
The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, Paradise
Lakes Trail on a glorious September day
Lakes Loop Trail
We found parking pretty easily and headed out to do a hike called the Lakes Loop Trail that we had never done before. Our first stop was Myrtle Falls. Getting to the park early meant we were able to take some beautiful photos of Myrtle Falls before the crowds descended. Often this destination, only 0.5 miles from the parking lot, is crawling with visitors.
At Myrtle Falls before the crowds arrived
After Myrtle Falls we continued on the Lakes Loop Trail. It was hot. We walked and climbed and enjoyed the spectacular views. We ran out of water though, even though we were carrying a lot. We returned to our car where a welcome seltzer awaited in the cooler. Such a great day.
We had the Lakes Loop Trail all to ourselves
Back to Ashford Lodge and our cute little Layla where we enjoyed dinner I had brought from home and relaxed with a glass of wine.
This isn’t roughing it
Paradise Skyline Loop
The weather was going to be hot again, so we got up early and entered the park at 6:50am. We were on the trail by 7:20am. The Skyline Loop Trail is the most popular trail for visitors to Mount Rainier. We had done this hike once before and loved it. On this day we encountered few visitors in the morning, but by afternoon it was busy again.
Beginning the climb on Skyline Loop as the sun comes up
Wildfires in the region cause the sun to have an eerie glow
The Skyline Loop trail is not for everyone. It takes anywhere from 4-5 hours depending on your ability and speed. It’s just over five miles total but includes some uneven rocky surfaces and loose shale crossing as well as an over all elevation gain of 1800 feet. But the views are what everyone comes for. On this day however, the Pacific Northwest was experiencing heavy smoke from several forest fires burning in the region. Forest fires in Washington State are not uncommon in late summer, although this problem has gotten much worse with climate change.
At the top of Skyline Loop. You can see the hazy smoke in the valley below.
Despite the smoke, such a beautiful day
Some of Skyline Loop is very rocky and loose
Wildlife in Mount Rainier National Park
In addition to the spectacular views, spotting wildlife and birds is a favorite part of visiting this spectacular park. While hiking the Skyline Loop Trail we were thrilled to see several mountain goats (caution these animals are dangerous and people have been killed), dozens of marmots, pika, chipmunks and a new to us bird, the white tailed ptarmigan.
Four mountain goats napping just off the trail
Marmots are common and not dangerous
Ashford and Elbe
There are a few other things you can do in Ashford as well as in neighboring Elbe. We visited the Ashford Creek Gallery, filled with art, pottery and historic images and books. We also really enjoyed visiting the Ashford Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park – home to a fantastic outdoor collection of art made from scrap metal. Very entertaining. Alder Lake is very close, although at the end of a long hot summer there was very little water in this reservoir lake. The water level changes seasonally.
Ashford Creek Pottery
Spirit of Iron Sculpture Park
We also made a brief visit to Elbe. Elbe grew as a logging town until the Alder Lake dam project in the 1940s flooded the valley. Today, Elbe is a small community known for its historic Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1906, the Elbe Market Country Store, and its location on the route to Mount Rainier National Park, attracting tourists with its historic railroad depot, home to the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. We wanted to have breakfast in Elbe at the Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company to eat in a railroad car. Alas they don’t open until 11am. If you want to visit be sure to check hours on their website.
Elbe’s Evangelico Lutheran Church
Elbe General Store and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ashford to Paradise
There are other hikes and activities in the region and I definitely think we will come back again, stay in cute little Layla and explore even more of Ashford to Paradise. I highly recommend you do too.
It’s been a great summer. More fun travel on the way! Thanks for your continued interest and support. We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts.
Note – I was provided this book gratis by MB Communications in exchange for my honest review.
This is a prequel to the 1999 novel Chocolat by Joanne Harris. This new novel, which released just last week, returns to France to learn the back story of Vianne Rocher, the protagonist in Chocolat. Here is my book review Vianne by Joanne Harris.
Who is Vianne
The beloved book (as well as additional series and film) Chocolat left readers wanting more…how did Vianne Rocher arrive in Lansquenet and make such a magical impression as a chocolatier? Here is the novel you have been waiting for to learn the answer.
Before
Six years before Chocolat, we find ourselves in New York, where a young woman is scattering the ashes of her mother. She has spent her life adrift with her mother, changes cities and aliases always as her mother would say, avoiding the man in black.
Vianne now finds herself alone, and pregnant. With forged papers she makes her way to France and into a job with room and board at a bistro in Marseille. But Vianne has spent her life in fear and flight mode…and she begins to feel too settled in Marseille. Vianne’s magical gift helps her see inside of people and understand their past griefs. As she gets to know the old and crabby bistro owner, she knows what he is hiding, and the grief he has carried for twenty years.
Chocolat
Vianne also makes friends who are trying to open a Chocolateria. Here she she hones her cooking skills and learns she has a talent for making chocolates with a magical touch. As the babe inside her grows, she too grows in awareness of what she must do, to secure a future for herself and her child.
Joanne Harris
Harris states in a press release that her own life has mirrored Viannes over the past twenty-five years, and she felt it was time to stop and take a deep look at the past. Understanding where we come from, she says, helps us move ahead. A great reason to write a novel, and an important task for each of us to follow in midlife.
Book Review Vianne by Joanne Harris
I really did enjoy this book, even though I have never read Chocolat or anything else by Joanne Harris. I think I will now. At times the magical aspect of the story seemed unnecessary, but it still added a romantic flavor to an already flavorful plot.
We listened to this book on Audible on our recent road trip in British Columbia. Both my husband and I found it very engaging, and it kept us guessing until the end. Here is my Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.
A Murder Trial
The book opens with a murder trial. The reader is made aware that someone is dead, and someone is on trial for murder. But who? Hall will develop the story in a way that keeps you engaged, even while the reader begins to realize the reality of this sad tale.
Thirteen Years
Hall will give the story two timelines. First it’s 1955, young Beth really wants to go to college, but college is not an option for most girls in 1955. She will meet Gabriel, way out of her league in family and wealth status. But she loves him and so does her family, so Beth endures the not so subtle hints from Gabriel’s mother that she should move on.
Next we see Beth in 1968. She is a hardworking farmers wife, to her devoted husband Frank in the town they both grew up in. A tragedy has touched their young lives…they have lost a son. Though their grief is acute, and touches all aspects of their lives, they have managed to keep their marriage and their farm intact.
Gabriel
When Gabriel makes a sudden reappearance in Beth and Frank’s life, with his own son in tow, nothing will ever be the same. Gabriel has returned to his families estate, after splitting with his American wife. And this is when the drama begins…a love triangle and a life of lies. For Beth, for Gabriel and even for Frank. It’s a sad and sordid tale that will end in another tragedy and a murder trial. But it may not be what you think, so keep reading.
Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Parts of this book I really loved, and parts I found infuriating. The story is so well crafted you really don’t guess the outcome until right when it happens. The characters have kept so many secrets from each other, that the last few chapters the truths are just tumbling out in a rushing stream.
I loved the character of Frank although I found him to be too besotted with Beth to change the course of events, though he really is the hero. I did not love the character of Beth who should have been stronger and more dedicated to her husband, not so selfish. And the character of Gabriel, well, his life of privilege skews his thinking and bad things will happen.
But I give Broken Country 4 stars**** for an imaginatively written novel of family, love, loss and most of all, being brave enough to do the right thing.
This book. Wow. I listened to this book and it truly blew me away. This is my first read by Wally Lamb, and he is brilliant. I haven’t read a book in a REALLY long time that gave me such a visceral reaction. Let me explain. Here is my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
Corbin and Emily
Author Lamb introduces us to Corbin (Corby) and Emily, two college students madly in love with each other. Then madly in love with their twins Niko and Maisie. Life is pretty damn good, until it isn’t.
Let me be honest with you. If you can get through the first chapter of this book, you will be rewarded with a rich, deep and heartbreaking personal story. My husband and I were in the car when we started The River is Waiting on Audible. It starts out innocuous enough, but then…
The moment my brain realized what was about to happen in the first chapter I began to hyperventilate. I squeaked OH NO and reached over and shut off the book. My heart was racing I was not able to continue.
Twenty-Four Hours
I could not stop thinking about this book for the next 24 hours. But I steeled myself to go back and try again. I decided it was better I listen to this book on my own, without anyone else around to witness my response. Good idea. This book gave me more of a physical reaction than anything I have read in years. I gasped, sobbed, wept. Found myself wide eyed and my hand covering my gaping mouth.
READ.THIS.BOOK
I will not give away too much, but I will say, the character development in this story is incredible. Bravo to Lamb for creating characters you love, root for, hate, fear and feel personally attached to. This novel covers basically a period of about 3 years, but also looks at much of the past of the main characters. Lamb brilliantly writes the evolution of these characters as they deal with their guilt, love, addiction, and most of all, the horrors of incarceration and the USA justice system. I’ve learned Lamb himself is a recovering addict and works with prisoners. All of that comes through so perfectly in his writing.
There is redemption, although it may not be what you are expecting in the end. Lamb keeps you hanging through the entire novel, as you hope and wish for a happy ending.
Book Review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Lamb has created a hero for our time in Corbin Ledbetter. I can’t stop thinking about this book, or this character. A sure sign of an exceptional read. My favorite book so far this year – even though it was, at times – very painful to continue. Brilliant.
Thank you for reading my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. This one gets five stars Plus*****! See last week’s book review So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
I am always grateful when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. I thank you.
This book. Wow. I listened to this book and it truly blew me away. This is my first read by Wally Lamb, and he is brilliant. I haven’t read a book in a REALLY long time that gave me such a visceral reaction. Let me explain. Here is my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
Corbin and Emily
Author Lamb introduces us to Corbin (Corby) and Emily, two college students madly in love with each other. Then madly in love with their twins Niko and Maisie. Life is pretty damn good, until it isn’t.
Let me be honest with you. If you can get through the first chapter of this book, you will be rewarded with a rich, deep and heartbreaking personal story. My husband and I were in the car when we started The River is Waiting on Audible. It starts out innocuous enough, but then…
The moment my brain realized what was about to happen in the first chapter I began to hyperventilate. I squeaked OH NO and reached over and shut off the book. My heart was racing I was not able to continue.
Twenty-Four Hours
I could not stop thinking about this book for the next 24 hours. But I steeled myself to go back and try again. I decided it was better I listen to this book on my own, without anyone else around to witness my response. Good idea. This book gave me more of a physical reaction than anything I have read in years. I gasped, sobbed, wept. Found myself wide eyed and my hand covering my gaping mouth.
READ.THIS.BOOK
I will not give away too much, but I will say, the character development in this story is incredible. Bravo to Lamb for creating characters you love, root for, hate, fear and feel personally attached to. This novel covers basically a period of about 3 years, but also looks at much of the past of the main characters. Lamb brilliantly writes the evolution of these characters as they deal with their guilt, love, addiction, and most of all, the horrors of incarceration and the USA justice system. I’ve learned Lamb himself is a recovering addict and works with prisoners. All of that comes through so perfectly in his writing.
There is redemption, although it may not be what you are expecting in the end. Lamb keeps you hanging through the entire novel, as you hope and wish for a happy ending.
Book Review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Lamb has created a hero for our time in Corbin Ledbetter. I can’t stop thinking about this book, or this character. A sure sign of an exceptional read. My favorite book so far this year – even though it was, at times – very painful to continue. Brilliant.
Thank you for reading my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. This one gets five stars Plus*****! See last week’s book review So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
I am always grateful when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. I thank you.
When I was a child in the 1960’s I spent a lot of time on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. We hiked and camped throughout the peninsula and in the mountains and at the ocean too. My great-grandparents lived in Port Angeles, the official gateway to the Olympic National Park, and I have fond memories of their farm, about 15 minutes out of what then was a small city. At the time that farm seemed so big to me. I’ve driven by there a few times in recent years…it is small. So I have a history and thought it was time to go discovery the Hidden Gems of the PNW – Port Angeles & Olympic National Park
My sweet grandparents John and Clara
The old farm today
Glorious summer day in Port Angeles Washington along the Strait of Juan de Fuca
In the past few decades I have spent very little time in Port Angeles. We would ride our bikes on the Olympic Discovery Trail, (it too a hidden gem) but never actually stop in Port Angeles. So this summer, I had a great opportunity to spend a couple days getting reacquainted with “PA” while also enjoying time in the beautiful Olympic National Park. Here is my story.
Riding the Olympic Discovery Trail a few years ago just outside of Port Angeles
History of Port Angeles
Port Angeles, Washington, has a history rooted in its natural harbor and strategic location. The area was originally home to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. In 1791, Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza named the harbor Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, later shortened to Port Angeles. The town later became a gateway to the Olympic National Park.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln designated land in Port Angeles as a potential location for the nation’s capital if Washington D.C. were to fall to the Confederacy.
The beautiful harbor at Port Angeles
Port Angeles Harbor is recognized as one of the largest natural deepwater harbors on the West Coast, with depths exceeding 90 feet, according to the USGS. The town is also known for Ediz Hook, a prominent 3-mile-long sand spit that extends into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Port Angeles has served as a backdrop for several films, including “The Hunt for Red October” and “Wyatt Earp”.
History of the Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, established in 1938, has a rich history rooted in the protection of its diverse ecosystems. Initially, the area was designated as the Olympic Forest Reserve in 1897 to protect the trees. Later, parts of the reserve were designated as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 to preserve the Roosevelt elk. Finally, in 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill creating Olympic National Park.
The park’s history also includes the indigenous peoples who have lived on the Olympic Peninsula for thousands of years, as well as the arrival of European explorers and settlers. The park now protects a wide range of ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks, as well as a section of the Pacific coast.
But most visitors pass right through Port Angeles and continue on the loop through the Olympic Peninsula. That is a nice way to see all the sights, but you should also consider making PA your home base to explore the Hidden Gems of the PNW – Port Angeles & Olympic National Park.
Where to Stay
Of course Port Angeles has hotels, but I wanted something a little more down to earth, in keeping with my hiking itinerary. I was flying solo on this trip, so I chose to “glamp” in a teeny cabin about 15-20 minutes outside of the town. Best way to describe this cabin is camping with a bed. It was perfect.
My teeny and comfy cabin
Home Sweet Home
Room with a View
Tiny cabin with comfy bed, great linens, even a TV though I never turned it on. Roughing it with the cooking and cleaning, a Blackstone was provided and dishes, but bring your own cooler. Sparkling clean sani-can and a wash-up area complete with mirror and beauty products. I enjoyed the gas fire pit too and all of this in a stunning setting surrounded by towering mountains and lots of deer. Interested in this little hidden gem? Learn about it here.
Port Angeles Hidden Gems
Though small, Port Angeles has a remarkable downtown area with fun and unique shops. I asked around for some ideas from friends of mine, and they steered me to lots of great retail stores –
Swains
This store blew my mind. I can’t believe I have never stopped in here before. It’s no exaggeration to say, whatever you might be looking for, Swains has it. I could have spent hours here, and will definitely make sure my husband visits this store on our next trip to Port Angeles.
Swains General Store a Port Angeles institution
Whatever you need it’s here
Recreation to Garden to Housewares and even clothing and shoes
McPhee’s Grocery
As you begin the ascent out of Port Angeles towards the National Park, you will pass the tiny McPhee’s Parkway Grocery. In operation since 1937, McPhee’s is your last opportunity to pick up some snacks, fruit, beer or maybe an ice cream before you head out of PA.
Tiny but great service and product at McPhee’s
Port Book and News
Nothing makes my heart go pitter pat like a really good old fashioned book store with REAL books. I admit I read on my Kindle, because I can’t carry books around the world. But I love the feel of a book in my hands. Even the smell of the darling Port Book and News is nostalgic. Of course I bought a novel I have been wanting to read. You’ll see a book review about it soon.
Right on First Street you will find Port Book and News
Employee recommendations
Something for everyone
Country Aire Natural Foods Market
Port Angeles’ version of a Whole Foods but so much better because it is all local. Country Aire Natural Foods Market has a great little deli, espresso and wine shop as well as beautiful produce and dry goods. Right in the heart of downtown Port Angeles with parking in the back.
Don’t miss Country Aire
Beautiful fresh produce
Great selection of wine
Brocante Antiques and Collectibles
I think I get it from my Dad, who was the ultimate flea market and vintage store junkie. Proud to say I am as well. I was just strolling down First Street when I noticed Brocante. Wow. Another store you could spend all day in, looking for hidden gems amongst the various booths. I did not buy anything, but boy I came close to coming home with an antique cooler…regretting that a bit.
Brocante is a large store full of hidden gems in the heart of Port Angeles
Treasures galore
I was so tempted…
Moss
I loved this store, and it was full of visitors. Moss is the place to find a perfect authentic and high quality souvenir or gift. Moss has beautiful things from cards to cardigans, hats to candles to camping gear. A little bit of everything in this high quality and beautifully displayed store.
Lots of cool stuff
Perfect souvenir for your time in PA
Something for everyone
Field Arts and Events Hall
Be sure also to visit the Field Arts and Events Hall, right on the water next to the Black Ball Ferry Terminal. This gorgeous building opened two years ago and has brought diverse artists and performances to Port Angeles. An incredible undertaking for a small town and an impressive and beautiful addition to this community.
Field Arts & Events Hall
Field Arts & Events Hall is a private 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. The construction of Field Hall was made possible through the generous donations of Port Angeles locals Donna M. Morris and Dorothy Field, along with corporate and individual donors who value a vibrant arts community on the northern Olympic Peninsula.
This facility is really changing arts and culture on the peninsula. Check out the events schedule and definitely visit the building.
Let’s Go Hiking
Entrance fees to Olympic National Park are $30 per vehicle. If you are over age 62, you definitely should have the America Golden Eagle pass, $80 one time fee gives you national park entrance for the rest of your life.
View from Storm King
Entering the park can be tricky in the summer when it’s busy. Go as early as possible, because once the parking lots are full, they usually will only let one car in as one car leaves. The early bird gets the worm. I’m always an early bird so it worked out great. Below is a list of the ONP places I visited –
Hurricane Ridge
When I was a little kid we would come here to go sledding, and this was also the first place I ever strapped on a pair of hand-me-down skis when I was only five. Today Hurricane is a destination for hikers from all over the world, and home to a lot of wildlife too. Unfortunately the historic WPA era lodge burned down a couple years ago, but there is a large parking lot and restrooms. Obstruction Point is also a jumping-off point for miles and miles of overnight hiking trails.
Looking across at Mount Olympus for Obstruction Point, Hurricane Ridge
Obstruction Point hike
Summer blooms on Hurricane Ridge
The Hoh Rainforest
I really wanted to visit here, because I can’t remember when the last time was. Today, visitors from all over the world make the Hoh Rainforest a destination for the beautiful Hall of Mosses and Spruce Trail and much more. Parking is limited. I found one of the last spots. Once parking is full the Ranger will hold the cars, only letting one in as one leaves.
Spruce Trail in the Hoh Rainforest
All about the moss in the Hall of Mosses Trail
Green is the color of the day
Sol Duc
There are several trails here but I only did the short, and accessible for most people, trail to Sol Duc Falls. Parking is also very limited here too. Many people park along the road. I was there on a Thursday in August and it was crowded. No services at this trailhead, but you will love this easy nature walk and beautiful falls.
Sol Duc Falls
Elwha River Trail
Not inside the park but in the National Forest, this trail meanders along the Elwha River, on a trail about 20 minutes from Port Angeles. The road into this trail washed out a few years ago. It used to continue up to the Olympic Hot Springs. Today you can drive to the washout and hike for miles along the old road. Today the hike is mostly on the old road but also on trails, with beautiful scenic options along the way. Hot Springs is a 20 mile round trip.
Back when cars could come here, there were services including gas
The Elwha River
Lake Crescent
There are three trails I love near Lake Crescent, offering hikers of all levels options –
Spruce Railroad
The Spruce Railroad Trail is super easy, mostly paved or flat gravel old railroad bed with lake access and beautiful views. Full distance roundtrip is about 9 miles, but easy to turn around anywhere.
Visitors enjoy the access and view to Lake Crescent
Marymere Falls
An easy walk from Lake Crescent Lodge to this beautiful falls, about two miles round trip. Involves some stairs but accessible to most abilities.
Marymere Falls
Mount Storm King
I love this one though it isn’t for everyone. Mount Storm King trail is short but steep and narrow and it ends with a rope option for the brave. I usually park it on the rock near the rope and just enjoy the view from there.
View from Storm King
Granny’s Cafe
Driving out 101 to the park entrances be sure to make a stop at Granny’s Cafe for their not-to-miss $3 giant soft serve ice cream cone. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the ice cream is what most people come back for again and again. Granny’s has been serving ONP visitors and the greater Port Angeles area since the 1950’s. It is the epitome of a Hidden Gems of the PNW – Port Angeles & Olympic National Park.
Giant ice cream for only $3 at Granny’s Cafe
Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Angeles & Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park encompasses 922,651 acres, or approximately 1,442 square miles. This vast area includes diverse ecosystems like glacier-capped mountains, a rugged Pacific coastline, and temperate rainforests. It’s the 13th largest national park in the United States. So you can’t possibly see it in one visit. If you can, try to come several times, in different seasons to enjoy the hidden treasures it holds. And spend at least one of your visits in the Washington Hidden Gem of Port Angeles. You will be glad you did.
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