Olympic National Park!

Park number 2, checked off! Definitely a fun one to visit! We drove over to the park Saturday afternoon (crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge!) and headed over to Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge is a little bit more on the beaten trail than we would prefer, but it is also an incredible view, and it was getting close to sunset, so it seemed like there would be some fantastic picture opportunities.

There are actually 2 options, Hurricane Ridge itself, or you can continue on to Hurricane Hill. We ended up going to Hurricane Hill, there were fewer cars, and a (optional) 2ish mile hike to the top of the hill. As it was almost sunset we opted out of the hike, but the view from the area around the parking lot was still spectacular. There were mountains on all sides, and to the north we could just make out the fog covered sound. We took MANY pictures (a few of which are at the bottom!)

Personnel:
We stopped at the visitor's center for Hurricane Ridge (located just south of Port Angeles) and asked about getting water from an off duty ranger who was very willing and helpful and give us guidance on where to get water. We didn't end up talking to any other personnel as it was after hours when we were in the park.

Climate/weather:
The day was clear and beautiful up on the ridge. No rain in sight, and a few scattered clouds positioned perfectly for a picturesque skyline. We did wake up to fog in the Port Angeles area, but it was all in the low elevations and as soon as we got up away from the water it was gone and we could again see the mountains! This seems like a great time to visit this park!

Facilities/signage:
There were several locations that had toilets available for public use during business hours, but the visitor's center closed at 5:00 and they locked the toilets... so that wasn't very handy. Fortunately up between Hurricane Ridge and Hurricane Hill there was a restroom that was unlocked and useable (although there was no lighting...) which was very welcome. There were also plenty of signs in the area that directed us to the Hurricane Ridge location, and all of the trailheads appeared to have the appropriate signage. Since this is a big tourist location it is quite well marked.

Hiking trail experience:
Our hiking was only about a mile in total. The trail was incredible with views on both sides of the ridge of the mountains and sound, but we wanted to get set up for pictures so we stopped at the first good viewpoint and set up our cameras. I am definitely planning to go back for some hiking here, it was amazing!

Driving experience:
The driving experience was the best so far (out of our 2 data points!) But really it was amazing. There were several viewpoints on the way up that offered views of the Olympic Mountains towering around, and of the valleys around Hurricane Ridge. The road was well maintained but it is very winding and only 1 lane each direction so you can't really hurry up it if you are late for a sunset or something... I would recommend starting your drive at least an hour before you want to get to the ridge so you can stop at the viewpoints and enjoy.

Camping options:
There is a campground about 10 miles from Hurricane Ridge called Hart O' the Hills that was full when we drove by, this is prime camping season, so it would be good to check before assuming you can camp there. Also, there is backcountry camping available but overnight campers are required to fill out trip permits and itineraries before they leave. There was water available at the visitor's center (even during non-business hours) and the restroom up past Hurricane Ridge had several water spigots. 

Hammockability:
This is a rain forest... there are PLENTY of trees. And beautiful views. We were on the eastern side of the park; towards the west side rain would definitely be a bigger concern as it rains over 200" a year in some places, so just make sure to check the weather!

Scenery:
Wow. No really, wow. When you get to the top of the ridge, and you look around and see snow covered mountains (in August!) all around, and out to the north the valley that turns into the sound, it is breathtaking. We did have to share it with several other adventurers (we had about 8 people pass by us while we were taking pictures) but if we had been off trail backpacking I feel like we would have been effectively alone taking it all in!

Nearby food:

The nearest food was at Port Angeles, which is about 45 minutes away. There are restaurants and groceries stores (I even saw a drive in organic food place) in town, so whatever food situation you are in you can probably find something there! Or, you could fight a bear for its dinner... whatever works.

Such an amazing place! And this park is huge! We only went to a tiny piece of it! Fortunately it is located in the Northwest! And so are we! Going back is high on the priority list, and exploring more, especially on the west side! One thing to note, this is bear country, so if you come here for camping, be prepared to deal with good bear camping practices. Definitely would be a bummer to end the trip running away from a bear because you forgot you left some dirty dishes in your tent...just sayin.