Goodbye Lake Crescent! After waking up, eating breakfast and taking a stroll around the property, we checked out of the Lake Crescent Lodge.
After driving along Lake Crescent, we stopped at the Fairholm Store at the west end of the lake to pick up items for lunch. They have a limited supply of items, but you can find something if you are not too picky. We finally settled on bread and salami; we already had mustard from our Hurricane Ridge picnic.
Our next stop was Rialto Beach. As we approached the beach area, the clouds got lower to the ground. When we got out of the car we were greeted with chilly winds. I only had shorts on because it hurt to have pants on my knee wounds, but I finally decided to put on some more layers to warm myself up. We took advantage of one of the picnic tables located near parking lot to eat our self-made sandwiches. We then took a peek of Rialto Beach. We only stayed for a few minutes to take a few pictures and catch in the scenes but the wind was too much for us to handle and we had to catch low tide at Second Beach.
On the trail to Second Beach
Second Beach was next on our list. We found a parking spot even though there are a limited number of spaces. We trekked down the trail to get to the beach. It was a well groomed trail with steps for much of the descent. As you leave the trail you are greeted by loads of drift wood that you must scramble over to get to the beach. It is fairly easy to get across because you can choose numerous routes. The fog was extremely thick as we walked onto the beach. It was a surreal experience to see the fog breezing by even though at times you could not see more than a few feet in front of you. Billy made sure to time it just right so we were there during low tide which gave us an opportunity to check out the tide pools. During low tide be sure you keep your eyes on the water as the waves will still approach closely in the tide pools. We were able to see starfish, urchins and other sea invertebrates. After checking out some of the tide pools at the north end of the beach, we headed in the direction of Third Beach. After walking aimlessly in the fog, we headed back to the car to venture on to the Hoh Rainforest.
The drift wood you must climb over to get to the beach
Second Beach
Billy at Second Beach
As we approached the Hoh Rain Forest area, we get the typical feeling of being in other National Park areas. The parking lot was crowded, but we were able to find a spot fairly easily. It is amazing to see the change in scenery from our earlier adventures. We started off with the Spruce Nature Trail and then checked out the Hall of Mosses. We would have done more, but my knee was not in the best condition for hiking. Billy was disappointed that he did not see any elk. We enjoyed seeing the different trees and other fauna in the area . As we were leaving Hoh Rain Forest, we checked out the largest cedar tree in Washington.
Phone at Hoh Rain Forest Area
Hall of Mosses Trail
Billy at the largest cedar tree
Now it was time for us to go to the Lake Quinault area. As Billy drove, I called the Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge to make reservations (they are required to dine there). The drive was fairly easy and non-descript in many areas due to the logging companys' removal of trees. There were some very beautiful sites of the ocean to counterbalance the blight of the forest removal. As we approached the Lake Quinault area, we knew we were in northwest Washington because we saw a bunch of men standing around a dead black bear hoisted up on a forklift.
Billy checked in to the Lake Quinault Lodge in the gift shop/reception area as a I waited in the lobby. We then unloaded our stuff into our room. I was quite a sight walking up the stairs with my bum knee. After settling into our room, it was time to go to the Roosevelt Dining Room for our dinner reservation.
We were seated at a table by the window with gorgeous views of the lake. We were there just in time to see the beginning of the sun setting over the mountains behind the lake. Breathtaking! For dinner, I chose the clam chowder along with the seared tuna appetizer – yummy. Billy had Frogmore Stew which he thought it tasted like spaghetti sauce on potatoes. We shared a fruit cobbler for dessert; it was huge and tasty.
Lake Quinault Lodge at twilight
After dinner, we walked/limped around the hillside area beside the lake. Then we settled down in the lobby area to read and relax for a little while. The wireless Internet was not working.
Another great day in the Pacific Northwest!
Daily Reviews
Fairholm Store – 2 stars
Pros: It is the only store in the area.
Cons: Not very many choices.
Rialto Beach – 5 stars
Pros: Lots of parking, nice bathrooms, quick walk as well as handicap accessible, interesting landscape
Cons: Not an actual con, but the weather is unpredictable – it was cold when we were there.
Second Beach – 5 stars
Pros: Not super popular because it is not as easy to access due to the short trail and logs, beautiful beach with lots of opportunities to explore
Cons: Worst smelling pit toilet-be sure to go to the bathroom beforehand
Hoh Rainforest Area – 5 stars
Pros: Lots of different options for different experience levels
Cons: Parents who don’t teach their children about trail etiquette; it is off the main road
Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge - 3 stars
Pros: Views of Lake Quinault; some of the food was tasty
Cons: Frogmore Stew was a disappointment; expensive
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