Olympic National Park’s coast is the longest section of undeveloped coastline anywhere in the contiguous United States! Today we explored along the southwestern half of this wilderness coastline.
Day 5 | Olympic National Park
The Olympic Peninsula coastline is filled with rocky cliffs, sea-stacks, misty mornings, and endless waves crashing. We picked our way over rocks and driftwood, and the occasional coastal stream, wandering up and down the shoreline.
Banana Slugs & European Slugs
While exploring the parking lot, waiting for the crowds to thin, we spotted more slugs! We saw several more banana slugs and plenty of European slugs too. Not to play favorites, but one of these is native and one is invasive…
Tree of Life & Coastal Forests
The “Tree of Life” or “Tree Root Cave” is an impressive specimen! It straddles two massive cliff faces, and continues to thrive despite having many of its root systems exposed. The fact that so many trees can survive in such hard conditions is incredible.
Starting in the forested areas, then traveling to imposing mountains, to temperate rain forests, and to rocky coastal beaches – we loved our visit to Olympic National Park! But now, it’s on to our next destination.
Bumblebees
No matter where we are, I always love to watch the bumblebees roll around in pollen!
