Hey there Reader,
Welcome back for Part 2 of our 'Last Summer in the PNW' series!
Last time, we shared our adventures to Multnomah Falls and Ruby Beach. This time, we’re heading deeper into the Olympic Peninsula’s mossy rainforests and all the way to the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S.
Into the Hall of Mosses
Olympic National Park is famous for its moss-draped trees, and the Hall of Mosses trail in the Hoh Rainforest is the best place to see it all up close. Just east of Forks, this easy one-mile loop takes you right through the rainforest with towering trees, ferns, and—you guessed it—plenty of moss.
Standing at the Edge of the U.S.
After a two-hour drive up to the cozy town of Sekiu (where we stayed for three days!), we had one goal: to get as close to the edge of the U.S. as we could. This brought us to the stunning Cape Flattery—a beautiful and dog-friendly hike that takes you to the very northwesternmost corner of the country. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales offshore.
The Rugged Beauty of Shi Shi Beach
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, the 2-mile hike to Shi Shi Beach (pronounced 'shy shy') is worth it. The first stretch is through a muddy forest, but when the trees open up to a view of the stunning coastline, you’ll be glad you hiked out there! Just a heads-up: dogs are not allowed on this trail, but it’s a must-see for humans!
Up Next: Hurricane Ridge & Grand Valley
Part 3 is all about going higher. We’ll take you up to the breathtaking Hurricane Ridge and share one of our favorite mountain hikes on the Grand Valley Trail. If you love mountain views, you won't want to miss it!
