On our most recent visit to the Kitsap Peninsula of  Washington we had the privilege of taking a tour of Olympic National Park with Evergreen Escapes. Beginning with a Mercedez van pickup at Agate Pass Park we were in for an adventure of spectacular proportions and breath taking scenery at every turn.

Our group of about 10 was led by two naturalist guides who made sure we enjoyed a diverse array of scenery from the very beginning of our expedition.

After a brief visit to a Native American Reservation and a break for lovely scones and tea we were off to the heart of our adventurous escape to enjoy the area’s points of interest.

We visited Dungeness  National Wildlife Refuge where our guide led us on a moderate hike out to the sandy spit where a lone lighthouse has lit the way for ages. There we enjoyed a half an hour of beach combing and exploration where we saw giant kelp varieties and even an octopus on the beach.

Beautiful trees, berries, flowers, and wildlife were enjoyed both to and from the spit along with waterfowl and shorebirds we spotted frequently along the way in both directions.

Shortly after our visit to the beach we drove out to Olympic National Park where a delicious gourmet picnic was served for all to enjoy. This was no ordinary picnic but rather artfully presented barbecued chicken, gourmet salads, roasted vegetables, numerous home baked desserts to choose from and even wines to accompany the meal. The food far exceeded our expectations and keeping with Evergreen Escapes Eco-Tourism model, the cuisine incorporated local and organic ingredients.

After being satiated we took a delightful hike along world reknown Hurricane Ridge which provided majestic vistas and jagged pinnacles to observe. Wildflowers and wild life were everywhere including numerous black tailed deer and one black bear we spied from a distance. We enjoyed the views of the summit and strait along with the San Juan Islands.

All in all, our tour provided a tiny glimpse into the majestic grandeur of Olympic National Park and the surrounding areas but it also proved a perfect tour for anyone without a whole lot of time. We know now some of the highlights of that part of the state and will return for a more comprehensive visit next time. But for now we have lasting memories of our Evergreen Escape.