The Olympics
My sister and I went on the Hoh River trail in August. We decided to go on that trail because it was the longest one out of the other Hoh rainforest trails. We went a total of 10 miles up. We had a great time despite some small problems. It was raining almost constantly with some sun breaks, although we were covered by the canopy most of the time, so it was actually humid and nice. Once you get 3 miles or so up then it starts to get more beutiful. We came across about 3 waterfalls, and played in them for a while to cool off. We were on the trail for 4 days. I strongly recommend having mace and cow bells, because there were cougar warnings all over at the recreational area. I really liked the fact that you had to sign in, at the rec. area. The trail is mainly cross country with some hills occasionally. My sister and I being young 23, and I 20, we were definately inexperienced, and we packed in with 100 pound packs. We decided to go in with 45 pound packs, next time. WATER- we ran out of water, so we did the boiling water thing, although we got sick, if you know what I mean, the last day of the trip, and that was NOT fun!!! I recommend boiling and filtering and tablets, hey why not' There were elk all over the place, and fecees as well. Sites-- Day 1 we stayed at the 4th place up. Not recommended, for there were a lot of people there, like families who had kids. Day 2 we crossed a little foot bridge that is like a fallen tree that's cut flat, with a railing, and stayed at that designated place. Day 3 we crossed another foot brige and went off trail and followed a animal trail (with our compasses, so as to not get lost) this trail put us on a little side stream that was about a quarter block from the hoh river. This is where we caught a 12 inch rainbow, and 1 baby salmon a couple inches long that we threw back. We ate the rainbow and it was wild and great. We tried fishing on the Hoh river, but it was the wrong time of season I guess. This last place was the last place to go before it got cold, and black flies were a regular occurance. On the 4th day it took half a day to pack out to the rec. area. This trail is a horse trail also and horse poop is not too bad, although the horses make big ruts, and big mud pits occasionally. Evereything makes up for it in the end, and I would reccomend and Internal backpack and light weight and a water purification system of some type so that you don't get diarriha. This is not a very populated trail and you don't have to deal with a lot of people. ANIMALS- There were raccoons trying to get our food that were in bags in a tree, and elk are everywhere and are not shy( a buck charged us less than 10 feet away) so be cautious, the bucks are MEAN!! We also saw chipmunks and some weird looking small deer. Cougars are a warning in the park and we saw tracks on occasion near the waters edge, just keep your wits about you and never let your guard down, and don't be alone, and you'll be fine. Remember that this is a park and don't be too antimedated. This is the most beutiful park I have seen so far and my sister and I have gone to almost a couple in Verlot and Olympia. It truly is a rainforest, like they say. Oh and by the way take a great aps camera, because if you don't you'll wish you had, for that area is truly one of washington's greatest places. There were people from all over the world who signed in in the rec. area, and we were among a few from washington. Other places: Check out Forks Park and Lake cresent looked cool as well. Be prepared for wasting half the day on the road. We came from Everett, WA. and we left at 6 and got there at 12:00pm. Well worth the drive I'm tellin ya!!!!