We took a little stroll along the Metolius River, a tributary to The Deschutes (all you beer drinkers know this name). Bill took us to the southern end where it bubbles up from the ground and we strolled along the banks enjoying the beauty.

We strolled along looking at the plants and a few chipmonks, and just enjoying the day with our friends.

Bill thought we might enjoy the views at this park, and he was right.

This is a deep basaltic gorge through which the Crooked River runs.

There are 2 bridges across the gorge, both with points of interest.

The Trunk Railroad Bridge - circa 1911, and Crooked River High Bridge which is much newer.

The views of the gorge were amazing, but we were also treated to bungee jumpers. Yup

Apparently the Central Oregon Bungee Adventures operates on the west end regularly. While we were there we watch 2 people take the plunge. I was very, very tempted but figured the old bones would not be happy so I erred on the side of caution.

After we left Peter Skene Ogden Park we headed toward Bend and a look at Tumalo Falls.

The drive was very nice, and we got to do some dirt roads which we always like.

The hike up to the falls is not long or hard and the scenery was great.

We said goodbye to Oregon and headed into Washington. We are planning on exploring the Olympic Peninsula National Park and sights around it.

We got a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge. It is a nice place and the ocean is just down the bluff.

One evening we strolled along as the sun was setting.

Today it is the Ho Rainforest. Yes, seems redundant to say rain forest in Washington State but I guess it is descriptive.

First stop was Big Cedar. It is a really short walk to a huge tree.

Unfortunately it split during a storm in 2014 but I searched the reliable internet and found a before shot just so you could see what it looked like originally.

Even as only a part of its former self it is still impressive.

Into the woods! As you will see this is aptly named. Lots of really amazing trees covered in mosses of various types.

Yes there is a Ho Trail. And guess what? More huge trees, lots of moss, amazing canopies.

Today is beach day. All about shorelines, tidal pools and misty breezes.

We started by taking a short walk up the beach from our cabin to look at Root Cave aka Tree of Life. Pretty amazing it is still thriving.

Then we drove to Beach 6 aka Hidden Beach because there are no signs. Since everyone knows about it I think calling it Hidden is wishful thinking but who am I to mess with tradition.

Moving on up the coast our next stop was Beach 4. This one has tidal pools. We love tidal pools.

Moving on we stopped at Rialto Beach accessed by Mora Road through the Quillayute Reservation.

This is a rather extensive one with a huge amount of logs and lots of sea stacks to view from shore.

Yes, there actually is a Third Beach farther north and the literature is quite clear so you do not get confused.

We did this on our way home as dusk was beginning to fall.

Although we never actually touched the beach the two mile or so walk to it was well worth the time.

So we left our little cabin at Kalaloch Lodge and are moving north toward Crescent Lake.

On our way we made a stop in the Sol Duc area and did the short loop through The Ancient Groves.

Yes, it does look a lot like other forest areas, but we think it has it's own uniqueness making it a worthwhile stop.

Our new base of operations is The Lake Crescent Lodge on yes, you guessed it, Lake Crescent.

Built in 1915 it exudes all the charm of an old lodge with lovely views and varying accommodations from rooms in the lodge itself, to cabins, to small hotel like buildings.

It was just lovely and I would go there again.

Just a short walk from our cabin is the trail up to Marymere Falls. It's a nice little one mile walk up to the viewing platform across from the falls.

The area has some other nice places to visit, but was we were going to the trail we kept happening on packs of small children - or indigenous wildlife as we called them. There were 6 groups all out "learning". So we decided to move on to something else.

Hurricane Ridge Road runs up, you guessed it, Hurricane Ridge Mountain. With winds gusting to about 75 mph it deserves the name. Snow falls of 30 feet or more are common .

We did not do any hikes but just enjoyed the drive and our few glimpses of wildlife.

Next stop, Cape Flattery Trail to view Cape Flattery Lighthouse.


The trail is on Makah land so you must get a permit. They maintain the area, trail and also the island the lighthouse sits on.

The lighthouse was built in 1854, and it is still in use, although unmanned. The Coast Guard keeps the facility working but the island belongs to the Makah.

This is the most northwestern point in the U. S.

I have never been to The Space Needle. George has many years ago, but this was my first time.

Getting there through the very narrow streets and finding parking was not easy but we managed.

We bought our ticket and stood in line among the construction detritus. Seems the whole thing is under construction so the entrance is kind of make-shift, the observation deck is just bare concrete, and the restaurant was closed.

At least the views were good.

This was one of those surprises - we did not expect much but had a great time.

FIrst it sits quietly away from on a naval facility so the drive in is nice.

Second they have The Trieste II and The Mystic sitting on the edge of the parking lot. Having read of their exploits in years past we were pretty pleased.

Third, inside the exhibits are very well done. Lots and lots of science, undersea exploration, equipment development and research info as well as the torpedoes and other tools of naval warfare.

If you ever find yourself in Keyport, WA take some time to visit the museum.

We love forts - old, crumbling, in use or defunct - so naturally we had to get this one in.

The fort is now a state park. The buildings are used for meetings, conventions, weddings, vacations, etc.

In 1896 it was one of 4 to protect the Puget Sound its fortifications grew to handle big guns in WWI.

The guns are gone but the foundations remain along with most of the housing and other buildings.

It is also home to Point Wilson Lighthouse - built before Fort Worden itself – which continues to aid marine traffic today. Point Wilson marks the western entrance into the Puget Sound.