A Mixed Bag: Olympic Peninsula Day10

Kalaloch Beach

Our destination today is Kalaloch Lodge/Beach but we're going to stop along the way at the highly-touted Hoh Rain Forest, a 24 mile diversion. 

The Rain Forest visitor center is mobbed, mostly by kids running amok and ignored by their parents. We walk 100 yards along a trail that leaves from the center and decide it is not for us. On the way back, we are almost knocked off our feet by a young girl who tried to climb the embankment on the side of the trail (contrary to ubiquitous posted signs instructing people to stay on the trail), did not make it, and fell back to the trail.

This unpleasantness is quickly forgotten over an excellent lunch of clams, chorizo and white beans at Kalaloch Lodge, followed by a long beach walk and a couple of hours of beach reading in our Tommy Bahama chairs. Back at the lodge, we hoped to enjoy an ocean-view aperitif on our front deck but the early evening sun is too intense and we settle for the back porch with a view of the parking lot. 

On the Way to Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest Elk 

Sunset Kalaloch Lodge

Tree of Life: Kalaloch Beach