OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

Spent last weekend getting soggy in Olympic National Park, and it was totally worth it. Where else can you hike from ancient rainforest to wild Pacific beaches in one afternoon? The Hoh Rain Forest is like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film (if you’re into moss, this is your place). I ran into a herd of elk blocking the trail—and not one of them cared that I had places to be.

Highlights:
- Ruby Beach at sunset (bring a camera and a raincoat)
- Hall of Mosses Trail (so green it hurts your eyes)
- Sol Duc Hot Springs for the “wet sock” recovery

Local tip: Forks is way more than a Twilight joke—there’s a diner that makes salmon hash that could convert any skeptic.

Anyone else have Olympic secrets or favorite hidden corners?

Gotta agree—Hoh is magic. Last time I camped there, it rained so much my tent turned into a swimming pool, but I saw more banana slugs than people. Don’t miss Lake Crescent—rent a kayak, or just skip rocks and act philosophical.

I went to Rialto Beach on a dare and ended up obsessed. Giant driftwood, fog, and the world’s best tidepooling—seriously, starfish everywhere. Bring coffee, it’s always chilly.

Met a couple on the Spruce Railroad Trail who swore they’d seen Bigfoot. All I found were epic views and the best blackberry pie in the region (try Granny’s Café outside Port Angeles). Olympic is wild—just how I like it.