DOG FRIENDLY OLYMPIC PENINSULA LOOP

Some Dogs Chase Cars, I do too, but what I really like is Chasing Waterfalls, Basking in Sunrises and Sunsets and Lapping up Fall Color!

And, we had it all on our 6-Day DOG FRIENDLY OLYMPIC PENINSULA FALL LOOP ADVENTURE late October 2017 – Sunrises and Sunsets at Lake Quinault Lodge, Quileute Oceanside Resort and in Port Angeles; Brilliant Fall Color  everywhere we Drove, and Hiked; Inviting Forest Trails that led to Enchanting Waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean and Strait of Juan De Fuca; Drives along Sparkling Rivers, Lake Quinault, and to Inspiring Vistas; All while Experiencing the Solitude and Peace of our Surroundings.

OUR LOOP TOUR ROUTE (follow the paw prints)

DAY 1 – MONDAY, PORTLAND, OR to QUINAULT, WA

We set off from Portland in the Fog on a Monday, the fourth week of October in 2017, and by the time we turned off the I-5 N just past Centralia, WA toward Aberdeen, the sun had come out to play,  and the hills were ablaze with Fall Color.

Our first planned stop was SPOON CREEK FALLS, a 3.5 hour drive from Portland, OR. We used our phone and Google Map Directions to get us there, And Luckily Found It!…after turning onto a Forest Service Road.  However, a downed tree blocked our way so we decided to continue on to LAKE QUINAULT LODGE, an additional 1-1/2 hour drive.  

This time we used Magellan since there was no cell coverage. (on this trip we relied on a combination of paper maps, phone GPS and our car’s Magellan to navigate. And of course there was always the CODESTER’s Exceptional Nose in case of an emergency!)

A FOREST SERVICE ROAD NEAR SPOON CREEK FALLS

When we arrived in Quinault, there was a Chevron gas station on the right, WHEW!, so we stopped to fill up.  Then just a few feet away on the left was the historic  LAKE QUINAULT LODGE.  WHOA CODY, it’s “Back to the Future.”

At registration, they gave us a trail and driving map for the area (this map is also available at the Ranger Station next door) and pointed us around back to the Dog Friendly Boat House, and our guest room for the night!

In the middle picture below, the Boat House is on the far left. 

We absolutely loved the Boat House!  Our room looked out one direction up the sprawling lawn to the Lodge, and the other toward tranquil Lake Quinault….CODY and Carole’s little slice of Old World Charm From A Bygone Era…Just What The CODESTER Ordered!

And, as an added bonus, there was a covered porch where we could sit and watch the sun set and rise over the Lake.

Our beds were inviting and comfy too! One for Me and One for Carole. PURRfect! (As our neighbor cats would say)

Once we unloaded our bags, exploring we did go, taking the trail down by the Lake, right to nearby FALLS CREEK FALLS in the neighboring Campground. Check me out Getting my “CODY ON” PawTripping through the Leaves!

Once back on our deck, we sat watching the sun go down over Lake Quinault, me lying in the glow of the setting sun with Carole enjoying a Glass of Wine.  This was the first of what was to become the many days of sunsets and sunrises on our trip!

Today we hiked a total of 1.5 miles. CODY’s Off On The Right PAW!

DAY 2 – TUESDAY QUINAULT to LA PUSH

We had set our alarm the night before, and got up to watch the sunrise at 7:45 a.m., sitting out on our deck, Carole with her cup of coffee.

Then with trail map in hand we walked across the road and followed the CASCADE FALLS LOOP TRAIL for 1.6 miles. (click on the “Quinault National Recreation Trail System” link below for a map of this as well as the other trails)

By the end of the hike our map had pretty much disintegrated from the moisture, reminding us we were after all in the Rain Forest.  

Note:  All of the Quinault National Recreation Trail System is Dog Friendly.  Northwest Forest Pass Required. (We were parked at Lodge so no Permit was Required)

SUNRISE on LAKE QUINAULT and our CASCADE FALLS HIKE

After our hike we packed up the car and drove around Lake Quinault counter clockwise from the south to the north shore, first on a narrow country road,  stopping a mile from the Lodge at the largest SITKA SPRUCE, parking on the left, taking the short 1/3 mile trail out and back; then on to MERRIMAN AND BUNCH CREEK FALLS, both on the right and easily viewed from the road; before continuing on the one-lane gravel and dirt road along the North Shore.

LAKE QUINAULT TOURING MAP 

SITKA SPRUCE Left, Top Right: MERRIMAN FALLS and Bottom Right: BUNCH CREEK FALLS

After circling the Lake we rejoined Hwy 101 Northwest, and headed up the Coast to RUBY BEACH (Note: driving directly from Lake Quinault Lodge it is about a 45 min. drive)   From the parking lot, A short trail led us down to the beach where, “SHIVER ME TIMBERS,” there were piles upon piles of driftwood with no clear path to the beach.  So what did CODY Do?  CODY Be Nimble, CODY Be Quick, CODY Jumped, Went Around, and Through All Those Sticks… eventually making it to the beach!  

RUBY BEACH
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

Then, “Hi Ho, Hi Ho,” to the HOH RAIN FOREST We Go…taking a right onto Upper Hoh Road.  This drive was so inviting with fall in the air, and sparkling HOH River, It Made My TAIL WAG!  

Since the HOH Rain Forest is part of the OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, I was only allowed to get out at the Entrance Sign, and in the parking lot once we reached the end of the road at the Visitor’s Center, But it was definitely worth the drive!

National Park Pass Required.

As we made our way along the Road, a car in front of us suddenly slowed down, and when I looked out my window to the right, there, was a Roosevelt Elk grazing, so I Barked, it raised it’s head, and Carole got a great picture. Then on our return, another Elk…”Second verse same as the first!”  “I’m Cody the Dog I am, Cody the Dog I am, I am….”

From the HOH Rainforest, we continued up the 101, then headed west on the 110 to La Push and the QUILEUTE OCEANSIDE RESORT, our home away from home for the next two nights, a little over an hour’s drive. 

At the Resort, we had a great Dog Friendly Cabin with a back deck facing the ocean.  This is my kind of place! – No WiFi, Cell coverage or Television. CODY AND CAROLE UNPLUGGED!  We loved the peace and quiet…gazing out at the ocean, beachcombing, and watching the sun set and rise! (what was becoming our trip theme song “Sunrise, Sunset”)… It was also unusually warm for the end of October “forcing” (tongue in cheek) Carole to take off her jacket as we sat on the back porch enjoying this unseasonally balmy weather.

QUILEUTE CABINS WITH DECKS FACING THE OCEAN and our DOG FRIENDLY CABIN
In the top panoramic shot our cabin is the one to the left of the larger cabin

QUILEUTE SUNSETS and SUNRISES

Today was a 4.1 mile day with the equivalent of 23 floors Climbed. “For CODY’s a Jolly Good Fellow, That Nobody Can Deny!”

DAY 3 – WENDESDAY LA PUSH & RIALTO BEACH

This morning we woke to the sound of a gentle rain; a welcoming sound.  

it was a great day to explore the beach behind our cabin, and also take the short 18-minute drive to nearby RIALTO BEACH.

To get to Rialto Beach from the Quileute Oceanside Resort, we took Ocean Front Drive to Mora Road, then a left, and ended at Rialto Beach.

BEACH BEHIND OUR CABIN

We had read and were intrigued by an article in Sunset Magazine where Emmy-winning sound artist Gordon Hempton had called RIALTO BEACH “the most musical beach in the world, for the acoustics made by waves pulling pebbles back into the sea,” so we wanted to see (and hear) this for ourselves.  

We didn’t get the full effect, but did hear the sound created by tinier pebbles, which reminded us of a maraca, as the waves washed over and pulled them back into the sea…and could imagine the added acoustics of the larger stones as they tumbled against each other at high tide.

On another NOTE (ha! ha!) and a side benefit, walking on the rocks was good for my paws, A SPAW TREATMENT for the CODY DOG! That’s What I’m Talking About!

RIALTO BEACH
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

Then Back to our Cabin, and BOY! OH BOY! OH BOY!, what a GLORIOUS sky, with rays of light filtering through the clouds illuminating the ocean’s surface.

Finally around 5 p.m. from our cabin deck, our day ended with yet another beautiful Sunset on the horizon!

Today was a 2.3 mile day. Just What The CODESTER Ordered!

DAY 4 – THURSDAY LA PUSH to PORT ANGELES

Up and At’em!  It’s a Travel Day!  Car packed…A nice walk on the beach… And, We’re Off to CAPE FLATTERY, and the furthest Northwest Corner of the Continental United States, for a much anticipated hike on the CAPE FLATTERY TRAIL.

We even had more Autumn Color to enjoy as we headed North from La Push on this 1-1/2 hour drive, where we took the 110 to the 101 North, then 113, which turned into the 112, cutting across the Mountains, before heading west on the two-lane road (almost level with the water) hugging the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the town of Seiku on the Makah Indian Reservation. 

In Seiku we purchased the required Recreational Permit at the Washburn General Store, before heading out to CAPE FLATTERY and the CAPE FLATTERY TRAIL.

This was a great 1.5 mile out and back hike.  And, I give it FOUR PAWS UP!  We loved taking the pine needle trail, which quickly turned into a series of stairs, wooden stepping stones and boardwalks, through the Forest to several observation decks, where we had views of the Pacific Ocean from a cove on one side, and Sea Caves and Strait of Juan de Fuca on the other, ending at the furthest point and platform accessed by climbing up a ladder (Carole left me below for this one) where you could see Tatoosh Island, the Pacific Ocean, and Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Trifecta!   

CAPE FLATTERY TRAIL RECREATIONAL PERMIT REQUIRED

Then from Cape Flattery we set out on our final 2-hour scenic drive today to Port Angeles…

…where For the next two nights, we stayed in a walk-up room on the second floor at the QUALITY INN , above the Harbor…which proved to be A Good Workout For The CODY DOG.  

…And at the end of our hillside street?…we had a wonderful view of the Harbor and Strait of Juan de Fuca.  

After lugging our duffel bags up to the room, we asked the Front Desk for a recommendation to a dog friendly restaurant nearby, and were sent to the JASMINE BISTRO Thai and Tapa cuisine, a short 5-block walk downhill, where the Bistro welcomed us on their front fenced patio…and we ended Our Most Wonderful Day watching the water turn pink from the setting sun.

Then, After dinner, it was back up the hill to our hotel, up the stairs to our room, and I immediately CONKED OUT!  This Pooch Was DOG TIRED!

It was a  3.5 mile day with equivalent of 12 floors climbed. BOW WOW WOW!

DAY 5 – FRIDAY PORT ANGELES

Today’s itinerary, HURRICANE RIDGE, MADISON CREEK FALLS, and DEER PARK.

And, we’re Up early and off to HURRICANE RIDGE where we showed our US Parks Pass to the Ranger at the entrance, then continued up to the Ridge.  First thing we noticed at the top was the large, mostly empty, parking lot, but in the distance, man-oh-man, there were the snow-capped Olympic mountains as far as the eye could see….what a view!

Carole spied a Raven on a patch of snow in the parking lot, so jumped out to take a picture, along with several shots of the mountains, before we drove back down, pulling over at a turnout where we took in the sweeping Autumn views of the Olympics, Sea, and Mt. Baker.

US PARKS PASS REQUIRED

From Hurricane Ridge, we headed to MADISON CREEK FALLS , near the Elwah River, a little under an hours drive, taking Hwy 101 W to Olympic Hot Springs Road, a left turn, then another 2 miles and and the Parking lot on the left. 

MADISON CREEK FALLS
.2 miles out and back walk on a paved trail 
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

We had planned to drive from here to a dog-friendly hike, “Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail,” at Lake Crescent, but found the road was under construction with a line of traffic and 45 minute wait, so instead we turned around and went back to see if we could drive up to DEER PARK. 

As we approached the entrance, signs indicated the Campground was Full and Park was Closed, however, when we reached the Gate, it was open, so we drove through…and I have to tell you, we were the only ones on this 18 mile (treacherous) road with the exception of a lone cyclist we saw pedaling up as we were driving down.

This was a nail-biter of major proportions at every bend in the steep, single-lane, gravel, Deer Park Road, presenting Carole with all sorts of obstacles, from chuckholes, random rocks and sheer drop offs (NO GUARDRAILS HERE,) to glaring sunlight.  It was S..C..A..R..Y!  

And…She drove in first gear at about 2-5 mph the entire way up, the blinding sun causing her to come to a complete stop and get her bearings before each sharp turn.  

I was a Good CODY DOG and didn’t move a muscle the entire drive, knowing this was not the time or place.  Besides, I wasn’t too thrilled by the prospect of going over the cliff!

When we got to the top, we only drove a short distance into the campground (which was EMPTY) before we immediately turned around without stopping, and headed back down the way we’d come….only later to find out we missed the main attraction and viewpoint just on the other side of the campground.  Next time, if there is one! (Note:  there are trails but dogs not allowed on the trails in this National Park)

DEER PARK
NATIONAL PARK PASS REQUIRED

This was mostly a scenic drive kind of day, but I managed to walk .83 miles and climb the equivalent of 1 floor…Which Was Just Fine with this CODY DOG!

Other Port Angeles Dog Friendly Activities:
OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL
SALT CREEK RECREATION AREA Sandy Beach – at Low Tide
ART MURAL TRAIL
WEBSTER’S WOODS SCULPTURE PARK
OLYMPIC CELLARS WINERY

DAY 6 – SATURDAY PORT ANGELES to PORTLAND

Today we hit the road at 8 a.m., but not before taking a couple of final photos from the end of our street of the beautiful sunrise over Port Angeles, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Harbor.

SUNRISE OVER PORT ANGELES and STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA

Then we began our journey home, driving along the 101 and Hoods Canal.

HWY 101

First Stop, FALLS VIEW FALLS, a little over an hour’s drive from Port Angeles.  The Campground was closed, but we saw another car parked outside the gate, so we pulled over and parked.

To see the Falls, we headed into the campground taking a left, then walking all the way to the back of the campground where there was a short loop trail and  several places to view the Falls. For me, I’m just say’n, It was a little spooky walking through the dark, deserted campground. BOO! 

We never did see the other people, and when we got back to our car, their car was gone. Like I said, Spooky!

FALLS VIEW FALLS
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

MOUNT WALKER

Then on to ROCKY BROOK FALLS near Brinnon, a 15 minute drive from the Falls Creek Falls Campground, a right on Dosewallips Rd, then it was another 3 miles to the Falls, which turned out to be on the right behind a small building.  This was a short .3 mile out and back.

ROCKY BROOK FALLS
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

Our last Waterfall hike of the day was MURHUTT FALLS, a 1/2 hour drive from Rocky Brook Falls. So, Back to Hwy 101 South we went, then turning west/right onto Duckabush Rd. where we drove a little over 6 miles, headed over the Duckabush River Bridge, and staying right at the road junction before continuing up the gravel road a little over a mile to the Parking area on the Left. The Trailhead for this hike was across the road.  

When we arrived, there was only one other car parked, which made us a little anxious about possible wildlife encounters, but we made our way up the trail anyways…eventually hearing and seeing the lower Falls. Then, when Carole hesitated, I pulled her around the bend to where the trail ended…and, Voila, there was a lovely bench and terrific view of the Double Falls.  

When we finally headed back down the trail, a number of people hiking up to the waterfall, and by the time we reached the parking area,  the empty parking lot was full.  Looks like we got there just at the right time!  See, I told you,  There Was Nothing To Be Frightened of, you’ve got the CODY DOG to protect you!

MURHUTT FALLS was a 1.4 mile out and back trail.  

MURHUTT FALLS and ME PAWTRIPPING
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED

DUCKABUSH RIVER

Then it’s Back to the 101S, where we drove along Hood Canal, the water sparking like diamonds in the afternoon sun.

LAKE CUSHMAN – Hoodsport

HIGH STEEL BRIDGE & VINCENT CREEK FALLS – Shelton

And, as we approached the I-5 S at Tumwater, there, was the perfect picture of Mt. Rainier framed by Golden Fall Leaves;  the Exclamation Point on our UNFORGETABLE DOG FRIENDLY OLYMPIC PENINSULA LOOP Trip!

On this, our final day, I did 3.8 miles, climbing the equivalent of  22 floors. That’s the way the CODY Bounces!

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DAY 1 Sunday – Portland to Quinault STOPS

• Spoon Creek Falls – Wynoochee Rd to  FS#23 then 2.6 mi.
• Lake Quinault Lodge – 345 S. Shore Rd., Quinault, WA

DAY 2 Monday – Quinault to La Push STOPS

• Lake Quinault Lodge – 345 S. Shore Rd., Quinault, WA
• Sitka Spruce  – South Shore Rd., Quinault, WA
• Merriman Falls – South Shore Rd., Quinault, WA
• Bunch Creek Falls – South Shore Rd, Quinault, WA
• Ruby Beach – Hwy 101 Olympic National Forest. No Permit
• Hoh Rainforest – Upper Hoh Rd. off Hwy 101, Forks, WA. National Park Pass Required.  No dogs on trails.
• Quileute Oceanside Resort – 14271-14365 La Push Rd, Forks, WA

DAY 3 Tuesday – La Push STOPS

• Quileute Oceanside Resort – 14271-14365 La Push Rd, Forks, WA
• Rialto Beach – Mora Rd., Forks, WA. No Permit

DAY 4 Wednesday – La Push to Port Angeles STOPS

• Quileute Oceanside Resort – 14271-14365 La Push Rd, Forks, WA
• Quileute Oceanside Resort
• Cape Flattery – Cape Flattery Rd, Neah Bay, WA. Recreational Permit Required. 
• Quality Inn – 101 E. 2nd, Port Angeles, WA
• Jasmine Bistro – 222 N. Lincoln St, Unit 111, Port Angeles, WA

DAY 5 Thursday – Port Angeles STOPS

• Quality Inn – 101 E. 2nd, Port Angeles, WA
• Hurricane Ridge – 800 E. Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA. National Parks Pass
• Madison Creek Falls -Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA. No Permit
• Deer Park – Deer Park Rd., east of Port Angeles, WA. National Park Pass Required.  No dogs on trails.
• Quality Inn – 101 E. 2nd, Port Angeles, WA

DAY 6 Friday – Port Angeles to Portland STOPS

• Quality Inn – 101 E. 2nd, Port Angeles, WA
• Falls View Falls  Hwy 101 between Quilcene and Brinnon. No Permit Required.
• Rocky Brook Falls – Dosewallups Rd., Brinnon, WA. No Permit Required.
• Murhutt Falls –     Duckabush Rd, stay right at junction…gravel rd. Trailhead on right, between Shelton and Quilcene, WA. No Permit Required.
• Portland

LODGING

LAKE QUINAULT LODGE 
https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/lodging/lake-quinault-lodge/

• 345 South Shore Rd, Quinault, WA
• 360-288-2900
• Room Rate + Pet Fee per stay
• Amenities:  Coffeemaker, Wifi in Lobby, toiletries

QUILEUTE OCEANSIDE RESORT 
quileuteoceanside.com

• 330 Ocean Front Drive, La Push, WA
• 800-487-1267
• Room Rate + Pet Fee per day
• Amenities:  Ocean View, Full Kitchen, propane fireplace or wood stove, toiletries, drive up to cabin

QUALITY INN PORT ANGELES

• 101 East 2nd, Port Angeles, WA
• 360-457-9434
• Room Rate + Pet Fee per day
• Amenities:  Wifi, Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffeemaker, Toiletries, Heater/Air Conditioner, Breakfast, Flatscreen TV, partial water view.

RESOURCES:

Olympic National Park
Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail Brochure
Jefferson County Activity Map (for Hoods Canal Waterfalls)
– 360-437-0120
Olympic Peninsula Pet-Friendly Travel
TripAdvisor
Pinterest

CODY’S PACKING LIST
Dog Food
Medications
Paw Butter
Towel
Dog Treats
Brush
Dog Bowls
Dog Food
Canned Pumpkin
Sheet
Dog First Aid Kit
Water
Fleece Vest for Cold
Calming Vest
Regular and Handsfree Leash
Dog Waste Bags
Safety Harness

Note:  For this trip Carole brought food.  And besides water (we always have a case or two,) a couple of bottles of wine.