#37: Olympic National Park

Where do I begin with my visit to Olympic National Park? Our time on the Olympic Peninsula was tumultuous, but it’s an incredible park and, so far, a favorite. Let’s get into it.

Olympic National Park is in the most northwest corner of the continental United States. And it’s pretty large. Not only is its size a factor to consider when visiting, but how to get around is a consideration as well. There are no through roads in the park to connect you from one area to another. Instead, the main road (the red-ish line below) essentially circulates the park. Then, roads off of that get you inside the park to the different sections (except, of course, the coastline part - the red-ish road takes you right to that).

Olympic is unique in that it hosts coastline, rainforest, and mountains. Of course, I wanted to visit all of it. By the time I hit the road from Mount Hood, it was later in the day, so I drove about three hours and camped about an hour south of the Quinault Rain Forest area.

Coast

The next morning I headed out for the coast. Since it was still early, I couldn’t see much due to the marine layer. Great view, huh?

As we made our way up the coast, though, the marine layer lifted. Then, it was beautiful. We spent some time at Ruby Beach - Addie running around, me walking around, both of us taking in the beauty around us.

Rain Forest

The campgrounds in the park are plentiful, and a lot are first-come, first-serve. I made the 45-minute drive to Hoh Campground, in the Hoh Rain Forest. I arrived mid-day, and I was SHOCKED to find available campsites. Without spending too much time in shock, I grabbed one, unhitched, and explored, leaving Addie in the Airstream with the back door open to circulate the air.

The Hall of Mosses is a short, notable hike near the campground that I read as a must-see. This iconic trail takes you through an old-growth forest.

Near the Hall of Mosses is the Spruce Nature Trail, a 1.2-mile walk through new-growth and old-growth trees. It’s more of a walk than a hike, but it was worth the 20 minutes, at least for the creekside (Taft Creek) views.

I returned to the Airstream to find Addie safely lying down. She is so good. As the afternoon carried on, though, I noticed that Addie was becoming more noticeably uncomfortable. She was having horrible diarrhea and also vomiting bile. Later, my girl was asking to go out more frequently, to try to poop. I started to panic when she began pooping blood: not blood in her poop - just blood. For the entire night, I was taking her out every 20 minutes.

I had to get her to a veterinarian. After a quick google search, I found a reputable one called Olympic Veterinary Clinic in Port Angeles, a two-hour drive away. I would hit the road at 6 am to get there by 8 am, as soon as it opened.

We arrived at 8 am, and I called immediately upon arrival. With COVID precautions, no humans were allowed inside. Fortunately, they were able to take Addie within a few minutes. She was so confused, leaving me in the parking lot, but she had to go, and I had to stay. I thanked the vet tech, who was extremely reassuring - which I needed.

Within a few hours, the doctor called me. They diagnosed her with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, likely from eating something toxic. I’m sure she found a spoiled piece of food at an old campsite or in the woods. She was severely dehydrated, so they put her on an IV for fluids and electrolytes. They also had her on medication to fight the infection. The vet kept her, monitored her all day, and called me regularly with updates. The staff was incredible. She stayed until the next morning, but I was content knowing that she was safe with the care she needed.

I took the day for laundry and to clean my car and Airstream. That night was my first time staying in a Walmart parking lot. It was a “nice” one, though, with views of the mountains.

When I picked Addie up the next morning, she was like a new dog. She had the usual pep in her step, and it was obvious she felt a lot better. The doctor sent us off with some bland wet food and five medications for me to administer over the next 1-2 weeks. But I had my girl back.

For the rest of the day, we laid low and relaxed. Addie needed it, and I did too. I wanted to make sure she was stable and feeling better before we started venturing out again. Another night at the lovely Walmart for us!

Mountains

The following day, with a healthier Addie in tow, we made our way (cautiously) to the mountain area of Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge. For the first time, we waited in a line of cars at the entrance - it made sense, though. It was 12:30 pm on a Saturday.

We got lucky and nailed a campsite inside the park at Heart O’ the Hills Campground. Yet again, it was a relief to have a 16-foot trailer because the campground spots were tiny.

After dropping the trailer, we drove about 15 miles to the Hurricane Visitor Center. After chatting with the ranger, I decided to hike a short trail while Addie rested in the car: High Ridge Trail to Sunrise Point. This hike was short but had a steep incline, allowing for breathtaking vista views (and some wildlife).

Our last stop at Olympic National Park was to Madison Falls. I found this short trail because it’s one of few that allows dogs. It is a paved path that takes you to an anticlimactic waterfall, but I was happy to be with Addie and take a little stroll with her. It was a positive way to wrap up the past several days on our emotional roller coaster.