The road curled around the edge of Lake Crescent as we neared the Log Cabin Resort. Lake Crescents' depth ranges from about 100 feet to nearly 600 ft with crystal clear waters reaching to about 100 feet below.
We will use the term "resort" loosely, just as the owners have. There is "rustic" and there is "old". This place was just old. But you could not beat the views, right outside your doorstep. (Once you jarred the door open...)!The photo above was just outside our door early in the morning.
Capt Flattery.
Capt Flattery Trail had the most beautiful destination that I have seen in a long time. This sight is on the northern most tip of the Olympic Peninsula. The walk was about 1 1/2 miles one way. The trail consisted of forest floor, sprinkled with delicate flowers, so tiny that the forest fairies had trouble getting out of the rain! Then the forest floor transferred to a hand hewn boardwalk which you had to watch your footsteps lest you stumble. You could hear the crash of waves as you walked, closer to the mighty Pacific. Needless to say, your eyesight took in the wonders of God, translating down to your jaw, gaping mouth and all. "The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof..." just watching the waves crash into the cliffs, birds twittering and the sun shining down to brighten it all, made me give thanks.
Coastal Trails. .
The next day we decided to hike the Coastal Trail which was about 9 miles, part on land, part on beach. It started with Aleva Trail down to the coast. This trail had boardwalks also, protecting the environment. You walked thru old growth forest which gave us the shade we needed. After a while (who was checking the time?) we passed thru a prairie like meadow with grasses and shrubs. Tiny pink flowers clustered in five or six heads, dominated the area. Soon we returned to the forest under the cool canopy of hemlocks and pines towering toward the sky. We arrived at the end, spilling onto the beach, where campers and hikers enjoyed the view. Off we went trekking to the left. Sometimes we had to climb across old trees that have long since given up and crashed into the rocks and waters. A very different hike.
We came across petroglyphs that they say date back 300-500 years. Maybe the summer of '42?! Who knows, but the Makah Indians lived around that era so I hope it is actual pictures from them. This hike took around 4 hours to complete. We were tired but happy we completed the hike!
Sol Duc Falls is one of my favorite hikes to a wonderful waterfall. Our feet padded over the soft pine needles embedded over the years and old growth trees reaching high over our heads with the sun peeking thru the canopy. You can hear a woodpecker, trying to find his dinner......
Arriving at the immense falls which break into 4 roaring falls that explode down into a raging gorge, what a sight to see. The roar of the water was majestically loud, the water clear and breathtaking. You could walk across a bridge and sit on old log benches, misted by tiny drops of water, carried by the uprise of wind from the falls. "Mightier than the thunder of the great waters.....the Lord on high is mighty. Psalm 93:4.
Elwah Valley to the hot springs.
We hiked the 2 mile one way trail to the hot springs in this area. The gently sloping trail was paved the majority of the way unless you crossed over a cascading fall. Certain parts of the trail were giving way to mother natures pull of gravity, but still passable. Reaching the first hot pool, made by diligent hands carrying large stones to mostly pool up the water, I took off my day hikers and socks, dipping my tired feet and calves into the hot water. Very relaxing indeed! It was time to explore the other hot pools. Some pools were on the upside of the mountain which you had to look for them. To my dismay, I saw a nude lady standing up. Please....if you do not have a body that is a perfect "10", wear a bathing suit. eeewwww!
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