Lake Crescent-Hurricane Ridge
Day Tour

The Olympic Peninsula is renowned for it’s scenic beauty. From the snow capped peaks, deep forests and shimmering blue lakes, there are few places that rival the raw, undisturbed splendor of this land.

We explore some of the finest examples of this marvelous ecosystem on this day tour to Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, and Hurricane Ridge. Your guide, Will Nelson, a naturalist who has spent many years tromping through the forests and ridges of Washington, shares his knowledge and love of this land.

We will start our journey from Port Angeles, traveling first to Lake Crescent, a deep and blue lake carved out by glaciers fifteen thousand years ago.

From the visitors center we will take an easy walk through a tall and verdant forest to Marymere Falls, a lovely cascade steeped in moss and
ferns. Along the way we will learn about the complexities of the old growth forest and it’s inhabitants. From there we will go back through town and up to the Heart O’ the Hills and wend our way up to the spectacular views from Hurricane Ridge, easily one of the most famous vistas in Washington.

By the time we reach the top we will have gone from sea level to sub-alpine forest. From this vantage point and across the valley of the Elwha, far below, one can gaze upon the many snow capped peaks of the Olympics, cloaked in glaciers.

Join us for this adventure that will leave a lasting impression, the highlight of your visit to the Olympic Peninsula.

Itinerary

8:30 am    Depart from Port Angeles waterfront at Ferry Coho ( you may be picked up
               at your hotel by prior arrangement)
9:30 am    Arrive Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls trail head.
9:45 am    Depart on forest walk to falls.
11:30 am   Arrive back at bus, lunch (included).
12:15 pm   Depart for Hurricane Ridge. We will make a short stop, if necessary at the
               Coho to pick up half day Hurricane Ridge passengers. On our way up we
               will take advantage of one of the pullouts to look out across the Strait
               of Juan de Fuca.   
2:00 pm    Arrive at Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center. After an orientation talk, we will
              depart on a nature walk, strolling through meadows of wildflowers and
              patches of sub alpine fir and mountain hemlock. After the walk you will have
              time to check out the gift shop, or just kick back and enjoy the spectacular views.
4:00 pm   Depart from the visitors center.
4:45 pm   Arrive at Coho Ferry dock.

The price for this full day excursion is $75 per person, including lunch. Sodas and water are
provided. A ten percent discount is offered to seniors 55 and over. We accept VISA, MC, or 
checks or cash. Please make reservations by calling us at 360-565-1139 or 460-7131.
  .
Weather conditions are unpredictable. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and
bring a water repellent over garment. Obviously, the peaks of the Olympics can be shrouded in
clouds, so there are no guarantees of views and no refunds for inclement weather.

Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Tour

On the West slopes of the Olympic Mountains lies an enchanted land of tall conifers, giant big leaf
maples and a vast variety of shrubs and flowers, all bathed by heavy mists and out right rain from
east bound weather systems from the Pacific Ocean. Yet in the summer months of July, August and
into September little moisture is available for this dense forest. This is a temperate rain forest.
Unlike it’s counterparts in the tropics, where it rains everyday, like clockwork, the temperate rain
forest receives the bulk of it’s moisture in the winter months, with constant rain and thick mists –up
to 140 or more inches a year.

These conditions are ideal for Douglas fir, western hemlock and sitka spruce. Within a fairly narrow
band that is the rain forest, the largest recorded of these and other species exist. Their size often
exaggerated by heavy club mosses hanging in festoons from branches high above the forest floor.

This, the true “forest primeval”, is home to the majestic Olympic elk, blacktail deer, black bear and
cougar. Scurrying through the under brush are deer mice and voles, while Douglas squirrels scold
from the branches of trees above. Bald eagles glide over the ever changing river plain, looking for
salmon carcasses after they’ve spawned. The “squawk squawk” of raven break the silence from
time to time.

All this lushness and life and mystery is protected by the Olympic National Park. With little access
by humans, life continues in the cycles set forth thousands of years ago, after receding glaciers lay
bare the landscape.

If you have come to experience the isolated and dramatic Olympic Mountains, your visit will be
incomplete without a visit to this remarkable and rare forest. All Points Charter and Tours offers a
wonderful opportunity to not only witness but to learn many of the secrets of the forest with the
guidance of Willie Nelson, naturalist and guide.

Join us on this one-day tour that explores the forest from the Olympic National Park Hoh Rain
Forest Visitors Center. Then take a side trip out to Rialto beach, where the Pacific storms that feed
the forest, first meet the rising land.     

ITINERARY
8:30 am  Depart Port Angeles at Coho Ferry Dock. You may be picked up at your hotel
              by prior arrangement and an earlier start.
9:45 am   Arrive Forks, rest stop.
11:00 am   Arrive Hoh Ranger Station and Visitor Center. After a short visit at the
              Visitor Center we depart on our walk through the deep forest on the “Hall of
              Mosses” trail. Your guide will tell the story of how this incredible forest
              functions, and identify many of the abundant flora and fauna encountered
              along the way. With the exception of a short steep pitch at the beginning, this
              is an easy walk with a number of stops along the way.
12:15 pm  Return to Visitor Center for a picnic lunch, included.
1:30 pm  Depart Visitor Center for Rialto beach.
3:00 pm  Arrive Rialto Beach. Rialto Beach is just north of the mouth of the Sol Duc
              River and Quilleute Indian Reservation. You will have time to do some beach
              combing or rest on a beached log to contemplate the Universe.
3:45 pm  Depart Rialto Beach.
5:00 pm  Arrive Port Angeles. A slight adjustment to this schedule will be made to
             accommodate folks needing to catch the 5:15 Coho Ferry back to Victoria.
             We cannot return in time to catch the 4:00 foot ferry to Victoria.

This one-day exclusive tour into the western Olympic wilderness is $75 per person, including lunch.
While the above described schedule is usually kept, one must be prepared for slight variances
brought about by unexpected events, such as a herd of elk crossing the road and posing for
pictures.

It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes and to bring a moisture repellent garment, just in case. After all,
it is a “rain forest”.     

Makah Tribal Culture and Cape Flattery Tour


The coasts of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia have long been home to a number of
tribes. The rich bounty of the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca and inland
waterways sustained the natives at a high level of nutrition, ample clothing and substantial
dwellings. Their livelihood rested on the seas that provided whales, sea lions and seals, and
salmon. From the forests of huge trees they took material for homes, large multifamily “long-
houses”. Seaworthy canoes were hollowed from large cedar logs and carved with intricate designs.
The beaches yielded an unending supply of clams, oysters and muscles, both food and
implements. Because of this bounty survival was relatively easy, allowing for time for creativity and
celebration. The highly developed arts are reflected in the huge totem poles, which stood
protective over the villages. Every tool and implement was decorated in some way with the unique,
stylized images of the creatures they shared company with.

Located at the very northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula, the Makahs held a powerful position
amongst the tribes. No one passed by the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait without their knowing.
Whales sought shelter in the lee of Tatoosh Island, making them easy prey. A well-developed
village grew along the shore at Cape Alava. Strung along the base of a clay cliff, the elaborate and
well-constructed cedar slab house seemed indestructible. But one day the cliff collapsed, burying
the whole village in an instant, encapsulating and preserving in a heart beat an entire culture. In
the 1970’s, an archaeology dig by Washington State University uncovered and revealed for the
first time the complex culture of the Makahs.

On this one day excursion to the furthest tip of continental United States, we visit the Makah
Cultural Center and Museum, where much of the artifacts are displayed in ways that tell the story of
the 4,000 year old lifestyle of these hearty people. Along the way we will learn about the salmon, so
important to their daily diet. We will also go out to Cape Flattery and stand above the rugged coast
that marks the northwesterly most tip of the peninsula. From here we can see the lonely Tatoosh
lighthouse on Tatoosh Island continuing to mark the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait, warning of
the dangers to seamen of these desolate rocky shores.     

Come join us on this adventure that explores the complex culture of the Makah Nation, and Cape
Flattery. Our tour begins from your hotel.

ITINERARY
8:00 am   Approximate time of pick up at your hotel. You will be notified the day
              before of expected time, depending on number of people going and their
              location.
8:30 am  Depart Port Angeles.
10:00 am  Arrive at Sol Duc Salmon Hatchery, operated by the Washington
             Department of Fish and Wildlife. Here we will learn about how salmon
             and its habitat are managed today.
10:45 am  Depart.
11:45 am  Arrive at Makah Culture Museum. We will explore this marvelous museum
              with its displays of native art, implements, clothing, canoes and ceremonial
              masks. One cannot fully describe this museum and come away satisfied that
              you have imparted its meaning.
12:45 pm  Depart for lunch at the local restaurant. Lunch is included.
2:00 pm  Depart for Cape Flattery.
2:20 pm  Arrive Cape flattery Parking lot and start short hike down to scenic lookout.
3:30 pm  Return to parking lot and start trip back.
6:00 pm  Arrive in Port Angeles. Our arrival time is approximate due to several
             potential distractions along the way, such as tide pools if the tide is right,
             and a short stop at the historic Joyce General Store.

Your day trip to the Makah Nation will remain as one of the most memorable of your visit to the
Olympic Peninsula. The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, lunch, entrance fees,
and guides. Water is also provided on the bus. The price is $85 per person with a ten percent
discount for seniors, 55 and over. Make your reservation through your hotel or contact us at 360-
565-1139.

This tour involves some out door activity. Be prepared by wearing casual clothes, sturdy walking
shoes and rain repellent outerwear, if the weather calls for it.

Olympic Winery Tour

The Olympic Peninsula is blessed with seven great wineries. We visit all of them on a fun filled day
that takes us from Port Angeles to Port Townsend and back. Sit back and enjoy the scenery
between stops and don't worry about your driving ability! We have lunch in colorful and historical
downtown Port Townsend. This is a Saturday only tour and costs just $85 per person, including
lunch and tasting fees.


Washington Winery Tours

Washington State wines are rapidly becoming famous around the world for their high quality. It all
got started in the Yakima Valley, and has spread across the state. We have partnered with Hotel
Vintage Park to do day tours to the Yakima Valley, Leavenworth, Woodenville and Olympic
Peninsula Wineries, from Seattle. Join us for a free-wheeling day of fun as we travel through drop
dead gorgeous scenery on our way to some very fine wines. These full day tours (except
Woodenville) are $85 per person, including a great lunch and tasting fees.