Bart Weiss
Tuesday 9/7/2021 – Heart O’ the Hills Campground
I started off Tuesday with a small .6 mile hike on my way out of Sol Duc Valley. After a 1.5 hour drive I arrived at the Heart O’ the Hills Campground hoping to get a first come first serve campsite. I was surprised to find the campground close to empty and grabbed a prime site around Noon. I went into town and found a place with WIFI to grab some local beer and catch up on work and plan the next few days of my trip.
Wednesday 9/8/2021 – Hurricane Ridge
After catching up on some work and organizing a bit in the morning, I drove 30 minutes to Hurricane Ridge. This place was amazing. I arrived at the visitor center and hiked the paved path up to the ridge. This was only 1.6 miles but a 750 foot ascent, The pavement made it easier but it was still was very steep. The view on the way up the ridge and at the top were amazing. I spent at least a couple hours at the top checking out all the different vantage points. I was in awe of the stunning views in every direction. The views were absolutely breathtaking. I wish I had the words to describe it. I loved the sense of peacefulness I found atop this mountain range. Id recommend checking out the full photo album and not just the highlights I have on this post. This place was stunning.
Thursday 9/9/2021- Spruce Railroad Trail
I woke up and decided I wanted to get some biking in on the Olympic Discovery Trail. I found a part of the trail that was not super hilly about 45 minutes from my campground. I drove to the trailhead at Crescent Lake and took a ride on the Spruce Railroad Trail. This converted rail to trail was amazing. I only did 10 miles each way on the trail to avoid some of the major climbs and give myself and easier day. I just loved this trail. The majority of the route I took had Crescent Lake to one side and I was surrounded by Spruce and Maple tree’s most of the time. The ride was beautiful, if your ever in Washington I would go out of my way to see it. The route I took was mostly uphill for the first part of my trip and downhill for my return. I loved this trail
One thing I have to mention is the driving, this is some real 2 handed driving around this area with the mountain roads with no shoulder. The last few miles to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and to Crescent Lake for my bike ride featured roads that were barely wide enough for 2 cars with lots of blinds turns. Nothing I would ever want to do at night.
After my ride I went to 2 of the craft beer places in town to try out the local ale’s. As I contemplated what tomorrow would bring me, I decided it was time for the Hoh Rainforest. This place has been calling me since I decided to take this trip and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Hurricane Ridge Photo Album – https://photos.app.goo.gl/pwdY4uJpoaYXf1P1A
Spruce Railroad Trail Photo Album – https://photos.app.goo.gl/VY7UrSoPqMHq3euj7
