We just returned from a trip out to Tacoma, Washington to visit my son. His job just transferred him from east coast Philadelphia the Pacific Northwest. What a way to see the country, right? Our visit lasted about a week and one of the days, we decided to take a day trip to the Olympic National Park. One of the stops we made was on the Washington coast, to see the Pacific Ocean and It. Was. Beautiful.

Kalaloch Beach and the Washington coast

So I’m sharing a few photos with a note to say: If you’re ever in the Seattle – Tacoma – Olympia area and you have enough time, consider taking a day trip to Olympic National Park. There’s so much to see that you wouldn’t be able to see it all in one day, but you will most certainly have your fill of fresh air, mountains, pine trees, and postcard worthy views galore.

The red line on this map shows the route we traveled from Tacoma. The arrow shows that location of the Washington coast that is part of the national park.

There are 6 beaches along this stretch that offer some camping and hiking areas and Kalaloch Lodge.

But mostly the area is very remote.

All of the beaches have a pull-off on the side of the road or a parking lot with a path leading down to the beach.

We stopped at Ruby Beach, which is the 6th and most northern of the beaches along this stretch. The entrance to the beach was blocked by a sea of driftwood. The only way to get to the beach was to climb over all of it.

Well worth it though when you can walk along the shore for what seems like eternity.

The big mossy rock formations are called sea stacks. We didn’t get too near them, but they make for a striking view from the beach.

Pine trees were everywhere, not only in the national park, but in Tacoma and Seattle, as well.

The little black spec in the middle of this photo is actually a whale. Can you see it? LOL.

We also spotted some whales playing in the water about 100 yards out from the shore. There was about four of them. From what we could see, we suspect that they were orca whales. We’re certainly no experts, but what a treat that was to see.

The living room update is coming along, and I’m putting together some travel photos.

What do you think of this one in the sepia tone?

With scenery like this you don’t need to be a professional photographer to get a photo worth framing, now do ya?

Have a great weekend – Amy

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