Leave the text messages, phones, email and 24-hour news cycle behind. The Olympic Peninsula offers ample opportunities to breathe deep, recharge and let nature take its course. You can choose, or maybe the lack of cell coverage in some areas can help you.
Take a hike. Trek a peaceful and mystical rain forest trail. Hike above the tree line for panoramic views and a little personal perspective. Whether you go deep into backcountry wilderness or stroll an easy nature path, hitting the trail is one of the best ways to recharge your personal battery. Check out 10 great day hikes for starters, and explore multiple trail options in Olympic National Park and in parks and forests across the Olympic Peninsula.
Soak it all in at two hot springs locations. Sol Duc Hot Springs is a rustic-cabin property featuring three mineral pools ranging from 98 to 104 degrees and one freshwater pool. An on-site spa provides an additional “aaah” factor. If you’re looking to get remote, Olympic Hot Springs awaits at the end of a 2.5 mile hike offering forest scenery, waterfalls and a river canyon. Soak in one of seven pools tucked along the river, ranging from lukewarm to nearly 140 degrees. NOTE: Currently the road to Olympic Hot Springs is closed indefinitely due to washouts and parking is limited at Madison Falls at the park boundry. This makes the route to Olympic Hot Springs from Hwy 101 intersection 2 miles to park boundary by car, and 9.6 miles by foot or bicycle to end of road.
Feel the surge. Science tells us falling water has a profound effect on physical and emotional health and well-being. Meditate or simply relax along the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail, featuring a plethora of cascading falls that provide a natural reboot.
Listen to the silence. You don’t have to travel far off the beaten path to find peace and quiet in Olympic National Park. Who needs ear buds when you have a soundtrack of chirping birds, rushing water and your own footsteps on soft forest paths? If you want to seek out some truly serious silence, take a hike through the Hoh Rain Forest where there is One Square Inch of Silence, deemed the quietest place in the lower 48.
Also, check out Four Ways to Relax & Recharge for more inspiration during the cozy, Autumn months.
