The Olympic Coast & Forks, under near constant cover of clouds and
rain:
A very ~ Twilight ~ photo capsule
Written from my home in Seattle on 10.04.2022
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A trip made of dreams... mostly shot on Fujifilm 35mm (Kodak Portra 400) and iPhone.
In late August, a few Chicago friends and I ventured to one of the most enchanting places in the Pacific Northwest - the Olympic Peninsula. This vast wilderness of Olympic National Park, ranging from misty rainforests and towering mountains to rugged coastlines, was an absolute dream.
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Into the emerald forest...
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We began our journey by hiking through the lush Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States. As we followed the meandering trails, sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of bigleaf maples, Douglas firs, and Sitka spruces. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and decaying vegetation. Every twist and turn revealed new wonders - nurse logs cloaked in iridescent green ferns, babbling creeks, and towering trees draped in curtains of lichen. It felt like stepping into a fairytale realm, protected by the familiar comfort of the PNW's rain. I recall coming across a quote describing this exact feeling of comfort about the PNW by Canadian designer, Douglas Coupland:
"The richness of the rain made me feel safe; I have always considered the rain to be healing — a blanket — the comfort of a friend."
Coastal magic at La Push
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We headed to the breathtaking Pacific coast at La Push. The beach stretched endlessly in both directions, its golden sands meeting the crashing waves of the mighty ocean. Dramatic sea stacks rose from the turbulent waters like ancient sentinels. As the evening light painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink, we built a crackling bonfire and cooked our dinner, sharing stories and laughter late into the starry night.
At first morning light
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The next morning, we rose early to witness the sun's first rays peeking over the horizon. The rising tide left intricate patterns in the sand, and a family of deer exploring near the coast. It was a moment of pure tranquility, a reminder of nature's peaceful beauty.
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Until next time...
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As we reluctantly packed our bags and headed home, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for this incredible adventure. Olympic National Park had cast its spell on us, leaving us enchanted by its diverse landscapes and humbled by its grandeur. The memories of our dreamy trip will forever be etched in our hearts, fueling our wanderlust and inspiring us to seek out more of nature's hidden gems. Until next time, Olympic – we'll be dreaming of your emerald forests and rugged shores, just as John Muir said it best:
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like fall leaves."
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By the way, the drive back was absolutely insane...
And last but not least, of course we had to do a quick pitstop at
Forks, WA - where everyone's favourite vampires are from...
