Washington State.

 Crossing into Washington State.

 The area around Hwy 101 in Washington was depressing for me. It seemed as soon as we crossed over the border between Oregon and Washington the scenery turned from beautiful to tragic. All the mountains were clearcut or in some stage of regrowth for tree farming. I know that this is the areas crop and somewhat manditory for our survival but, It was such a shock after driving up the protected coast of Oregon (I'm sure that inland OR looks similar to WA) that it totally bummed me out.

We went to Cape Flattery for a day on our way out of Washington. To get there you drive through a small Indian reservation. On the way through we passed a sign for fresh smoked salmon and I knew it was the place to stop. We bought a couple pounds right off the smoker. It was by far the best smoked salmon I have ever had. I made it last for right at a week trying to savor every bite.

 Cape Flattery.

 Cape Flattery is the Northwestern most point of the United States and is worth the drive for sure. There is a lighthouse on an island just off the point. The whole area is stunning with steep cliffs dropping into the blue water.

 The first Puffin I have ever seen outside a cage.

Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park.

 Not sure but I think this is a Manzanita Tree. It was huge though so maybe just related to the bush in Yosemite. But very similar for sure.

 Shipwreck Point. 

This is supposed to be one of the best places to see whales. We didn't see any but it was some of the nicest blue water I've ever seen.

 The water was full of these little crustaceans and crabs.

We took a ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville. Neither of us had ever been on a ferry before so it was fun and WAY cheaper than driving around. Who woulda thunk.

Olympic National Park.. The High Country

 We had a second night of backpacking planned but my feet started acting up and I could barely walk. When we did the lost coast hike I wore my Chaco Sandals for the first time in years for a long backpacking trip and after walking on all the rocks my feet were so bad I almost couldn't walk around on flat ground and the easy hike up the HOH had caused them to flair up again. So, we decided to skip the coastal hike since we had spent so much time on the Cali coast and just drive to the high country. Hurricane Ridge is the place, it is very similar to Glacier Point in Yosemite. I felt really bad about "seeing" the high country in this way but wanted to let my feet heal so I could climb in British Columbia.

 The view from Hurricane Ridge is amazing.

 Lupine. 

 Like I said... Glacier Point. People, deer, flowers, and a building with junk for sale.. It was very pretty though.

 We drove down the hill and slept at a pullout. This was the view at sunset. The land on the horizon is Canada. Our next major destination.

Olympic National Park. HOH Rainforest

 We went to Olympic National Park for a few days. This place is beautiful and doesn't seem like your normal national park. It is very remote with not much road access. We hiked up the HOH river for a few miles and spent one night then came back out. The place is really unique. The park covers ground from the rugged coast, through a beautiful rainforest, and up into the high mountains. We were very glad that we stopped through.

 

 

 Right after we started hiking I shot this photo of a black snail proving that I too will take pictures of the "local squirrels."  These things were everywhere for the next couple weeks. Hmmm

 This tree was Spectacular. Closest thing we saw to the rainforest of Peru.

 When we got to our campsite for the night we tried to stick our feet in the water. Not happening the glacier fed water was way too cold.

 Home for the night.

 This is a root from a large tree that had formed a natural bridge over the little creek. Fun.

 

Heading back down the trail.

The Oregon Coast...Beautiful

 We drove up the west coast through Oregon. This was hands down the most beautiful drive I have ever been on. The road winds along the cliff/coastline and is simply outstanding.

 Breakfast...

 Lunch...

 thought this feature looked like "King Triton" walking out of the ocean.

 The road is right over my shoulder taking this photo and runs along to the point on the other side of this cove to a neat little lighthouse.

 Sea Lion

 We got a huge kick out of these signs. everywhere that the road dips inside the "tsunami zone" you see one and everywhere the road rises above the zone there is one to let you know you are safe... wonder if this guy can outrun that big wave.... personally i think he's had it.

 We found this beer in Oregon... Its gluten free. They actually take the gluten out of a normal beer. So, its amazing... problem is its only sold in Oregon. Kinda a bummer but it gives me hope that someday there will be good GF beer around.

 Bessy saying goodbye to Oregon.

Dinner