Experience Day 3 of our adventure with a serene visit to Madison Falls and a peaceful walk along the Peabody Creek Trail!
Madison Falls
Our third day began with a visit to Madison Falls, located in the Elwha Valley. This area was not crowded at all, and there was plenty of parking spaces available in the parking area by the trailhead.
This short, easy hike led us to a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The falls are a beautiful example of the natural beauty that characterizes the Olympic Peninsula. Toby enjoyed the cool, misty air and the opportunity to explore the area around the falls. The Elwha Valley is rich in history, including the recent removal of the Elwha Dam, the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, which has allowed the river to return to its natural state. After seeing the waterfall and walking back to the parking area, we spent some time playing around, walking on top of the rocks along the Elwha river as well, which was extremely peaceful and beautiful.
Peabody Creek Trail
After visiting Madison Falls, we went back into town and had lunch. Then we headed off to do our afternoon walk on the Peabody Creek Trail, a lesser-known but charming path that winds through the forest near Port Angeles. We parked in the parking lot right next to the Olympic National Park visitor center.
This peaceful walk offered a quiet respite from the more popular trails, allowing us to enjoy the sounds of nature and the beauty of the forest. The trail is named after Charles Peabody, an early settler in the region. Toby enjoyed the tranquility of the trail and the opportunity to explore at his own pace. We even spotted some deer along the way, which added to the charm of the trail. The shaded path made it a perfect option for an afternoon walk, keeping us cool and comfortable as we explored.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Our final stop for the day was the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. We planned to drive up to the top to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. However, we didn’t realize that during the summer, the park limits the number of visitors allowed to the top due to crowding. By the time we arrived, the park rangers were no longer letting more people pass through.
If you want to experience the stunning views from Hurricane Ridge, make sure to head there first thing in the morning. It’s definitely worth the early start!