Things To Do
Mount Storm King
This trail is a big climb (2056 ft) and 4 miles round trip. Not for the faint-hearted....There is a little rope climbing at the very top. But a rewarding view looking down towards Lake Crescent reveals deep Carribean like blues of the deep clear waters. The great thing is that the trail head is at the Storm King Ranger Station, which is a short walk from Nature Bridge! Sophie and Dru ask that you please be careful during your hike! We do not want to have to send SAR (Search and Rescue) up there during the big day! no broken bones PLZ!! (knock on wood*)
Marymere Falls Trail
For those who want an easy to moderate hike to a beautiful falls, this one also starts at the Storm King Ranger Station. (A short walk from Nature Bridge) a 500 ft elevation gain and a 1.8 mile roundtrip (with a lollipop loop). Kid friendly.
Moments In Time Trail
Go explore outside of the Nature Bridge Campus, walk the lovely Moments in Time Interperative Trail (kid friendly) to the Lake Crescent Lodge for a swim or a drink with a view. This trail is a 1.6 mile loop with not much elevation gain. Make it what you want, connect to Barnes Point or even Marymere Falls, or if you're feeling bold, Storm King.
Pyramid Peak
This is a 6.8 mile roundtrip trail with 2750 ft of elevation looking across the opposite side of the Lake (Crescent). a different perspective. There is one dangerous slide area that needs a lot of precaution, but a lookout cabin awaits at the top for a spectacular view!
Spruce Railroad Trailhead-Camp David Junior Road
Just across the lake is a fully ADA accessible Trail, great for wheel chairs, strollers and bikes (This is where Dru took Sophie to get some vitamin Nature when she broke her ankle and got around by wheelchair). Check out the Devil's punchbowl, walk through the spooky tunnels, or sit on a rock by the water. There are two ways to get to this trail, from the west end, just keep driving on Camp David JR road until the road ends. From the east side, E beach road will cross over the Lyre River and after the road curves south, there will be parking at the trailhead.
Elwha River Mouth
The Elwha is a sacred Waterway for the people of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. It is known for it's double dam removal, the impressive return of salmon upriver, and the restoration efforts that have gone in effect afterwards and has become an important model for future dam removals. This is the same River that Dru and Soph got engaged at! There are many ways to see the River. One way is to see where the River meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From the parking lot, it is a short walk (5 ish min) to see all sorts of views: Victoria BC across the Strait, Freshwater bay across the bay and to the south, the Olympic mountains.
Elwha River (Olympic National Park)
See the Elwha River from inside the Olympic National Park. Check out Madison Creek Falls (ADA Accessible bathroom and trail-0.2 miles), walk along the River to see the washout and old campgrounds that have been shaped by cycles of riparian lifecycles, erosion and path of least resistance. A big day hike allows for a viewing of the old upper dam site. Bikes help make things go faster. No park pass necessary.
Salt Creek Recreation Area and Beach
Soph and Dru love taking Boo boo here for the big beach zoomies during low tide, and walk the upper bunker trails during the high tide. Big bonus for being the closest beach to their home. Tide pooling by the big island and Tongue point during a low tide is Extra special. Fun spot to spend a day with the fam or play soccer on the beach. Soph spent a lot of time learning to surf at this beach because of it's beginner-friendly waves. Free parking is available down by the salt creek beach parking lot vault toilet (east of the creek). The Crescent beach & RV park (just west of the creek) is overpriced. Check tides b4 visiting! Low tide recommended for tide pooling!
Sol Duc Hot Springs (and Falls)
Sol Duc has it all, Hot springs, trails, salmon cascades, camping, mushrooms, moss, lichen, river, dappled shade, old growth cedars, and so much more. The end of the road is the trailhead to the infamous Sol Duc Falls (1.6 miles roundtrip, 200 ft elevation). Whatever you end up doing, please stay behind the railings, we don't want any of our fun guests to have a not-fun fall.
Hurricane Ridge
No matter what time of year it is, it's always worth a trip up to Hurricane Ridge whether you have an hour to spare for the round trip drive or the whole day to explore and even check out Obstruction area of ONP. This is one of the only ways to see the highest point of the Olympics, Mount Olympus, from a car accessible area. So many possibilities exist for your Hurricane Ridge visit. If you only have time to do one thing during your whole trip outside of the wedding, this might be at the top of Dru and Soph's list of rec's! (Besides Salt Creek!) Be sure to check the webcam (link below) to make sure the visit is worth it. Most recommended with clearer skies for the views.