Spruce Railroad Trail

On our last day of vacation, we were looking for a short hike to do in the morning before heading to Seattle, and the Spruce Railroad Trail seemed like the perfect fit.  This trail is built on an old railroad track and follows the northern shore of Lake Crescent for four miles.  A nice feature of this trail is that the main line is fully paved and is wheelchair accessible along its entire length.

This railroad was once used to haul Sitka spruce trees to be used in manufacturing WWI aircraft . . . 
After the war it was used for another forty years for commercial logging

This trail wanders through the lush Olympic Peninsula rainforest with it's many mosses and ferns

Crossing one of several bridges that span small streams along the way

More of those fungi's that Allison is so fond of photographing

After about a half-mile of walking, the shoreline of Lake Crescent comes into view . . .
For the remainder of the hike the trail follows just above the shoreline
(That's Mt. Storm King rising above the clouds . . . we hiked to it's summit four days ago)

About a mile in (and just before the tunnel) there is a side trail that takes off around a craggy point . . .
While unpaved (and not wheelchair accessible), don't miss taking this path which leads you to the Punchbowl

A unique stump along the path

Surprisingly, there was a nice bridge at the Punchbowl that allowed us to continue on
and wrap back around the point to reconnect with the main trail

The little inlet or bay known as the Punchbowl (or Devil's Punchbowl??) . . .
It had crystal clear water and appeared to be a favorite diving spot for swimmers

One last view from Lake Crescent's shoreline before heading back

Heading back through the tunnel we bypassed by going to the Punchbowl on the side path . . .
This part of the trail reminded us of the Hiawatha Bike Trail that we did last month in Idaho

As we were making our way back over one of the bridges, we notice that the old rails were still visible . . . .
I guess we were in too much of hurry on our way that we missed them the first time around . . .
Anyway, it was a nice reminder as to what made this trail possible

This was a nice trail to stretch our legs before we made the long drive back to Seattle.  The only drawback we could find (and it was minor) is that the trail is 4-miles one-way and if you didn't want to make this an out and back hike (which you can at any point along the trail), you would have to arrange a car shuttle or hike 8-miles (r/t).  It would have been nice to have another trail, maybe higher up the mountain, that could have been used for the return portion . . . I know we're getting pretty nitpicky!

Mt. Angeles

On our final full day at Olympic National Park, we decided to challenge ourselves and hike Mt. Angeles (6,454 ft).  We had read that this was a very taxing climb (2,100 ft elevation gain achieved in less than two-miles) that finished with a scramble through scree and boulders to reach the top.  We have to say the description was pretty accurate!  After a struggle, on the final push, we were rewarded with breathtaking views as we relaxed on the summit rock.  We could see the ocean to the north and the majestic Olympic Range to our south.  It was truly an unforgettable experience!

Just a reminder as to where we are!

Milk Thistles

There are a couple of different options to reach the unmarked trail to Mt. Angeles . . .
Most people start from Hurricane Ridge, and hike 6.25 miles (r/t), with 2,550 ft elevation gain . . .
We opted for the Switchback Trail, and hiked about 4 miles (r/t), with 2,100 ft elevation gain

Olympic Marmot

Almost at the junction with the Klahhane Ridge Trail . . .
We're not certain, but we believe the knob in the center of the picture is Mt. Angeles
(We won't be hiking it from this side . . . instead we'll head around to the west side before starting up)

We are now on the Klahhane Ridge Trail . . .
This trail stays at the same contour line for .3 mile and provides great views . . .
It also allows you to catch your breath, before tackling the final push to the base of Mt. Angeles
(This is looking towards Mt. Olympus [7,980 ft] and it's eight glaciers)

This female Sooty grouse nervously waited for us to pass by so she could finish gathering up her chicks

Working our way up the unmarked trail and hoping for a defined route to the top . . .
(Although the trail was unmarked, it wasn't too hard to find . . . it's obviously well used!)

The trail (for the most part) ends at the rock base of Mt. Angeles . . .

Bumble bees feeding on thistle flowers

The last five hundred feet requires several sections of scrambling . . .
It was primarily class 2/3 . . . we had to use our hands on several of the rock sections

If we weren't scrambling, we were sliding through scree . . . which was very annoying!
(That's Klahhane Ridge in the center of the picture . . . it's suppose to be another nice hike)

The final push involved going up a chute that had a chokestone that needed to be negotiated . . .
At first look, it appeared intimidating, but actually had nice hand and foot holds
 (Sorry we didn't take a picture) . . . 
Once past this blockage all you have to do is scramble to where Kent is resting
 

Here's the reward you will receive for scaling Mt. Angeles heights (6.454 ft)
 (Looking south towards Hurricane Ridge)

Kent struggled with his fear of heights and waited for Allison to explore the tippy top . . .
Notice the cloud layer behind Kent . . . that blue is the Pacific Ocean!

Allison came back to rescue and encourage Kent . . .
Really she just wanted a selfie of us!

Click on the picture for an expanded view from the top
(Looking north and slightly east)

Off the rock and scree . . .

and congratulated on our accomplishment by a deer!

Harebell . . . Bluebells of Scotland

Allison taking a well deserved break!
(That rock was perfectly formed for a sitting stool . . . make sure to give it a try!)

We just couldn't get over the views!
(Hurricane Ridge in the middle; Mt. Olympus in the clouds)

Heading back down the Switchback Trail . . .
This angle shows how steep the terrain was . . . we were so thankful for a trail . . . even if it was steep!

Burl . . . an abnormal growth from stress, injury or fungal infection

A couple of lazy bucks sunning themselves on the south side of Hurricane Ridge

After getting back to the trailhead, we drove up to Hurricane Ridge . . .
From this angle, it looks as if you could walk the top of Mt. Angeles from one end to the other . . 
But that is not the case, unless you're going to use ropes and helmets!

What a great hike to conclude our final full day in Olympic National Park!  We are still in awe of the views from the top.  Where else are you going to be able to look down on the Pacific Ocean, then turn around and view the Olympic Range with it's many glaciers?  We're not going to lie . . . it was a very steep hike, but the sense of accomplishment from reaching the top was amazing!  Get out there and give this one a try!

Second Beach

This was probably one of our favorite hikes that we did while visiting Olympic National Park.  We arrived early at the parking area and enjoyed a three-quarter mile stroll through the forest before reaching Second Beach.  Surprisingly, very few people were exploring the beach and it made us feel like we had the whole place to ourselves.  The tidal pools were incredible and since the tide was extremely low, we even were able to walk out to Crying Lady Rock.  It was pretty close to a perfect morning!

Making our way through the rainforest on our way to Second Beach

Descending the last 150 ft to the beach . . .
Peeking through the trees and it looks like this is going to be a good one!

Once down on the beach we began making our way north towards this rock pillar . . .
There was so much to explore on this beach we almost didn't know where to start!

Looking back at Crying Lady Rock . . .
From this angle it doesn't appear to be accessible . . . but during low tide you can walk between these rocks . . . Which we later did (see below)

Second Beach also has it's own Hole-in-the-Rock, but this one couldn't be reached from the shore

Kent found this interesting shell, but then it began to move in his hand!

Mr. Hermit crab was still inside and sidled away quickly once he was released back into the tide pool

As you can see . . . Second Beach has pristine sand, beautiful sea stacks, and amazing tide pools

Different colored starfish and a few green sea anemones were thrown into the mix

Making our way around the south side of Crying Lady Rock . . .
This picture shows how low the tide was . . . notice the staining on the bottom of the sea stack . . .
That's were it's at during high tide!

Starfish were everywhere!

Some of the most interesting pinnacles we've ever seen!
No wonder the Quileute tribe hold these natural formations with spiritual and cultural pride!

Looking out of a sea cave on the seaward side of Crying Lady Rock

Mr. & Mrs. Shadow even made their appearance on Second Beach . . .
They give this beach a 10 out of 10!

Heading back towards the mainland

One more rock to climb before leaving the beach

Sometimes it was hard to find the trail due to stacked driftwood blocking the entrance, but mainly to us not paying attention of our whereabouts while exploring . . . If this happens to you (as it did to us), watch for this sign posted on a tree . . . we're not sure if it's a tsunami escape route symbol, but we found it helpful to locate the trailhead on most of the beaches we visited

Coral fungus

Making the final push up the embankment before heading through the rainforest back to our car . . .
It was a great visit!

We are both in agreement that this was our favorite beach . . . even more so than Rialto!  Arriving fairly early (7:30am), gave us plenty of time to wander and explore Second Beach without the crowds (oh, there were a fair amount of visitors, but they arrived as we were leaving).  It seemed like the only people on the beach with us were those who had camped overnight (yes, this is allowed with a wilderness permit).  If you only have time to visit one beach on the Olympic Peninsula, make sure it's this one!