The Hoh Rain Forest is one of four rain forests on the Olympic Peninsula. However, it is the only one that has been awarded the distinction of being a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years and it is now the most carefully preserved rain forest in the northern hemisphere. With about 14 feet of rainfall annually, it is the largest temperate rain forest in the US. We walked the Hall of Mosses trail, and it was like walking through a living, green cathedral.
Following a great walk/hike in the Hoh Rain Forest, the day’s itinerary took us to Leadbetter Point State Park. The state park is a 1,732-acre natural area open only for day use. It features beach frontage on the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay, and is adjacent to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Though it is a birding mecca, the birds, including the endangered Snowy Plover, were not to be today.
A rogue wave came in very fast, and it was impossible to outrun it. Both Kay and Ralph got wet feet! Shorebirds we’re abundant in the freshly wetted shoreline.
From Leadbetter Point, Ralph drove us to Ocean Shores, Washington, where we we were mesmerized by the large waves rolling in, unimpeded, from the Pacific Ocean. As the waves crashed into the big rocks comprising the jetty, spraying water flew high into the air. It was like watching a line of erupting geysers.
We overnighted at Ralph and Debra’s.
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