October was spent in a few different parts of Washington state. If all were perfect, we would have been able to spend more time here, but who has time for perfect? Below are some things that made our trip memorable and places we enjoyed seeing.
Seeing the Alps in Washington
Have you guys been to Leavenworth? It’s an old logging town that revamped itself into a Bavarian themed village with the help of some clever Washington business men. I’m pretty sure everyone would agree that this German village is a keeper, as Leavenworth has been a 4 season tourist draw for quite some time now.
We’re sure glad that hearing about it peaked our interest enough to go! The thing that stuck out the most to us were the mountains. We had never seen anything like that in the U.S. The mountains truly resembled the Alps! Tall and steep, they were a site to see.
Our first and only night in the area technically was a little outside Leavenworth, at a place called Lake Wenatchee State Park. I had read it was a very sought after park with a beautiful glacier lake. Unfortunately when we arrived it was so smoky that we could barley see it. I suppose it worked out for the best as exploring the state park and the town of Leavenworth was just too much to do in only 2 days.
When it was time to see Leavenworth, we followed the same scenic road out that had brought us in. The towering Alp like mountains rose up next to us with the majestic and Frozen like Wenatchee river at it’s base. Arriving in Leavenworth is unmistakable as the theme filled town was decorated with colorful flower baskets and complete with buildings and signs reminiscent of Germany.
We first explored down by the river, doing a nature walk and learning some of the past history from when it was a logging town. Later found a really fun pump track and skate park for the kids, and after that walked the town until we found the perfect restaurant to enjoy some German bratwurst.
Vancouver
Our next destination in the state of Washington was Vancouver. Another case of an over due visit to friends, as it was too late in the season last year to drive or even stay in such a cold and wet area. What a visit it was! Two days of nothing but friends, food, and hiking. It was perfect. We were spoiled. And we liked it. Thank you to our host for all the love we were given while there! Thank you for taking us to Multnomah Falls. It’s a place we have passed so many times but never got the chance to hike.
North Bound
Following Vancouver, we headed north to visit friends we made while camp hosting in California, and then on up to Olympic National Park. This national park is set up kind of like a circle and campgrounds can be accessed on different sides like spokes on a wheel. You can not go completely through the park at any point as Mt Olympus sits in the middle. To access a new campground, the majority of the time, you will have to leave on the same spoke you came in on, go up or down the freeway, and then come onto a new spoke.
Our first day at the park was at the south end and it was a thoroughly pleasing day exploring the soft forest floors by foot and bike. We passed some really big tree stumps, ferns, different kinds of mushrooms. Burning through all those calories, we opted for dinner and a movie right out our front door and under the canopy of all the big trees.
Next destination was to the Hoh campground on the west side of the park. We took part in ranger talks and walks. Experienced more beauty the temperate rain forest had to offer, and simply enjoyed being together while camping. The glacier waters were enticing, but Jason and I never got in. (Ice baths or cold water dips are kind of our thing)
All most to Canada
I thought we would have another great time if we kept driving north, rounding part of the Olympic Peninsula and going to the Sol Duc Hot Springs. Unfortunately after finding out what you get for the price we opted for a new plan.
That new plan ended up being pretty sweet. We spent the majority of the day at an aquatic center in Port Angeles. Then, as the evening came on, took our bus out on the very large jetty (Ediz Hook). We were at the ocean for the first time in five months.
It was cold. The wind was blowing hard making waves that crashed just feet from us on the rock wall. The smell of the ocean was amazing, and for me inparticular, the beauty of it was captivating. That evening and night could not have been any better. While all that weather was happening outside, we were perfectly cozy inside the bus. Cuddled up, string lights overhead, eating warm pie, and doing crafts. Canada all but 30 miles or so in front of us.
Finishing the Olympic Peninsula
Rounding out our circular journey on the Olympic Peninsula was our final stay at Doswalleps State Park. Another unplanned destination with a big pay off, as we were lucky to arrive during the same time as a salmon run.
We met and had nice conversations with other campers at Doswalleps State Park. They helped spur our desire not only to return to that area but other places in Washington for more exploration and sight seeing.