Camping on the Peninsula

By Benzino September 09, 2013

Well after two years, we finally made our way to the Olympic Peninsula. We had been these once before for an overnight trip, but this was BT (before Theo). This time we got to take him on a real live camping trip!

We camped for two nights at the Heart O' the Hills campground just inside the Olympic National Park entrance on the way to Hurricane Ridge. We had a hard time getting Theo to fall asleep for the night, so Daddy went all cliche on Theo and took him for a car ride....and he promptly fell asleep within the first half mile of driving.

Family photo at the Port Angeles entrance to the park

Our campsite

The next day we got up early (surprise, surprise) and went hiking in the mountains. We ended up driving a narrow and rocky dirt road eight miles out to our trail head at Obstruction Point. There we did a short hike, soaked in the scenery, and ate lunch. After that we went back to the campsite and hiked a flat forest trail...it was the perfect opportunity for Theo to actively participate in his first hike!

The narrow dirt road on along a cliff to Obstruction Point

Theo checking out the rocks before the hike. Elevation 6100 ft.

Walking along Lillian ridge overlooking Mount Olympus

Enjoying the view

Feed me already

Not a bad place for a nap

Higher Mommy!

Our first wildlife sighting - an Olympic Marmot

Views of Elwha and Lillian Valleys

My first real hike (not being carried the whole time)

Through old growth forest

Checking out the sounds of the forest

The next day we decided to relocate to the the beach. But first, on our way there, we stopped by another section of the Olympic National Park and got to see salmon trying to jump their way up waterfalls as they headed for their spawning grounds, and we went on a short hike to see a beautiful waterfall. Maybe most importantly, Theo got his National Parks Passport and got his first stamp and sticker! This is a favorite tradition of Mommy's and we are excited to start it with Theo.

Watching the salmon before they jump up the falls

Playing with rocks

Sol Duc Falls, local tribes called this "Magic Waters"- only 3 stars but still pretty

After the falls we stopped by Clallam Bay so Theo could get out of the car and play. He had a great time in the sand, but now he will forever be suspicious of the ocean as a small wave knocked him over!

Daddy Walking Theo-Style

Ooooh, sand!

Playing in the waves with daddy

By dinnertime, we finally made it to the Hobuck Campgrounds on the Makah Reservation near Neah Bay. What a gem! Good facilities on a large grass field right next to a pristine beach. Theo had a fun time exploring the beach, eating sand, looking for sand dollars (we found three dozen the first thing on Monday morning), and keeping a watchful eye on those pesky waves.

After our early morning hike on the beach, we went out to Cape Flattery, the western most point in the continental United States. It is a beautiful bluff area with great views of sea caves, the tops of kelp forests, and Canada. In fact, the signs said when the waves are coming in at the right angle, and are big enough, you can feel the earth shake when they hit the back of the sea caves!

Contemplation #1

Contemplation #2

Theo the Wave Watcher

Contemplation

More fun for Dad than Theo

As it was Monday, we needed to head back to Seattle, but on the way back we stopped off at Crescent Beach/Tongue Point Park and Salt Creek for lunch. It was a great place to stop for lunch since the views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island were impressive, but the real reason to go there came after we finished eating. The area is renowned for its tide pools, and even though it was close to high tide, we got to see a few pools that contained little fish, hermit crabs, and sea anemones. Mommy and Daddy had a fun time checking out the sea life, while Theo was more excited to crawl on the rocks and splash the water in the tide pools.