We drove to the Olympic Peninsula in February. The weather was beautiful. The sunniest we had seen in weeks! We hiked Hurricane Ridge, and then car-camped for the night at Elwha River. We have decided to make a habit of exploring all the hotsprings we come near, so we made the trek up to Olympic Hot Springs our first night. The trail was incredibly icy... and surprisingly full of people. Lots of hippies, woodsies, and springers seeking warm sulfur water. The springs were a disappointment. Shallow, murky, and trashed, they left much to be desired. And that night was COLD. Kelsey slept in nested 20 degree and 0-degree sleeping bags, and ALL of her clothes.
Our friend Renee met us the next day in Port Angeles. From there we drove out to the Olympic Coast. For the next two days we explored the wild beaches, tide pools, and semi-tropical forests. Our campsite was next to a river where we watched 2 seals, 2 river otter, and a bald eagle play. There was a bathroom at the campsite we stayed at, and it had warm hand-dryers. That, and a crackling fire, got us through the night! We have both decided that while backpacking is ideal, car camping is a pretty good time, too!
