I spent the entirety of my time along the Hoh river on the north side. The Upper Hoh follows the river east toward Mount Olympus. That is where the Hoh Olympic Park Entrance is as well as the Hard Rain. I’ve worked at both of these places for the last three years. I’ve explored all long the river from the mouth all the way up to the alpines where the glaciers are.

During my season at the entrance booth, I saw a man come across the river to report a fire. Then rangers crossing to do what they can to contain that fire. Then fire fighters come to put out the fire. Then a relief team to come and soak it until it is completely dead. The entire time, I wished I could go across the river and see the other side. Also, the fire was completely put out within twelve hours of report. I was the first point of contact. That felt pretty good. I love my job.

I’ve been thinking about going down the Hoh Mainline for a while now. I finally went and I’m glad I did.

There was nothing particularly special about this day. I wanted a local adventure. This one was on my list. So off I went.

My goal was to go down the road at least 12 miles, which parallels with the entrance booth, and preferred 18 miles, which would be the visitor center in the park.

The drive was beautiful. It was mostly a paved two lane road similar to the parallel road across the river to the north. I noticed it went further south than I thought before it meets back up with the river.

At mile three, I have that feeling that anyone who’s been on Upper Hoh Rd feels, “where the hell am I going?”

I felt comforted when I got to mile 6 and saw the mountains that lay behind the Hard Rain Cafe. I still new this land, I was just on the other side of the river.

I had no idea what to expect. I drove, noticing lots of forest roads. That’s normal.

Then I noticed a “State land. No stopping.” sign. It was about twelve miles in, so in line with the entrance station. The air around the place was serene. It didn’t feel like the mad was trying to get out, but that there was a lot of pent up energy in the place with twelve foot barbed fencing surrounding the Corrections Facility. I had a realization that this was some people entire world. The same goes for the people who live there and guard it.

I look around at the peacefulness of the woods surrounding the area. There are worse places to be. I offered a prayer of mindfulness over the property as I drove by.

Once I got through those few miles, the road opened back up in front of me.

I was ready for an adventure into the wild.

I got my wish. The roads were good, but they were twisty and mostly gravel. Slow and steady made sure Evie’s little engine could.

About 18 miles in, I found Coppermine Bottom Campground. (A name discrepancy note here - I accidently called it Copperbottom Campground on my visual and decided to keep it because this is one of those small campgrounds that I don’t want to spoil. So if you’ve read this far, please honor this places with respect. Thank you!)

This little campground tucked back into the woods was simply perfect. I was surprised to note that I was not the only one out here. It was both annoying and comforting. It’s amazing how far you have to go to be truly alone. That’s okay though, those people the venture out that far are usually people I want to talk to anyway. Camp folk are my people. You know who you are, I see you.

This campground had this cute group shelter that had a wood burning stove and even a clean trash bag, lol.

I realized I wasn’t as far out there as I thought. This meager shelter and divided sites turns this piece of wilderness into a place where society can reside. There are signs to lead you here if you are curious enough to come.

Still, it was A M A Z I N G !!!

I found the river, just like I thought I would. It feels good to know the land like I think I do. It’s a boost in confidence about my outdoors abilities.

First, I followed a little path.

Then there she was…

The might Hoh River.

I was so excited to find the water, I spent some time dancing around and listening to her steady flow.

I got the bright idea to go walk along these rocks and put my camera down to capture a time lapse of the water rippling. It all worked out. Still, as I slipped I thought I did this to myself because I wanted a closer view. Even with a wet foot, I was happy with my decision. Even happier when I realized it didn’t seep through my boots. That’s why I laced up the adventure boots to go on explores!

Check out the time lapse I Captured on these shores.

I spent some time praying, time meditating, and time journaling.

It was a spiritual experience sitting next to the waters edge.

That’s why I go out to these places. To take a step back from the everyday and reconnect with the steady flow of nature and the earth around us. I am immensely thankful for Mother earth and the peace she provides.

Then it was time to head back to the car and move forward on my journey.

I felt the call to move, but I wasn’t quite ready to go. So I distracted myself with even more of Nature’s Beauty.

Hug a tree!

One of my traditions of life is to hug a tree.
Why?
Because it hugs you back.
A tree is alive and will share its energy with you if you ask kindly.

New Growth

This is a beautiful symbol of Imbolc, the cross quarter between winter and spring. Life is still present, but it is buried, waiting for better conditions to thrive in. It will have to wait a little more longer, but spring will be here before we can believe it.

Radiant Reflections

This view stopped me in my tracks. The water was so still and the reflections so vivid. This is a side flood of the Hoh River. I imagine it was flooded earlier this season when we got those big rains. Today it was a blessing in passing.

I stopped for this spectacular sunset. It was brilliant and beautiful. I felt my cup overflowing. I was shining bright from within just as the sun floated behind the trees.

On the way back to town, the sun was continuing to set. I felt content in my trip, however, when I saw this sunset, I immediately turned into the Bogachiel State Park to get a picture. It was worth it!