Welcome to the first of Moss' blog series - Inspiring you to explore and soak up the scenery of the beautiful Olympic Peninsula!

Today we’re kicking the winter blues by sharing some of my favorite locations to take a walk and enjoy the slow chill of February. With one of our main transportation outlets, the Coho Ferry, down for its annual dry-dock maintenance period, and many park trailheads closed or under snow for the season, it's a great time to stroll these 3 local foot-trails that allow you to choose your distance and difficulty and are easily accessible in the off-season.

1. EDIZ HOOK

Our first location is closest to town yet often overlooked by locals and visitors alike: Ediz Hook. Just minutes from downtown Port Angeles, Ediz Hook (though most residents refer to it simply as "The Spit") is a narrow sediment-formed stretch of land that protects our harbor from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:  Alongside the many geographical features you can view from this breakwater, expect a juxtaposition of nature's serenity & bustling marine traffic. Harbor seals, river otters, and bald eagles frequent the area, and on a lucky day you may even catch a pod of Southern Resident orcas playing and feeding in our harbor. Expect to see tugboats, tankers, and cruise ships maneuvering the waterways while kayakers and dog-walkers enjoy the shoreline. On a clear day you'll get sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains to the south, the North Cascades and Mt. Baker to the east, downtown Victoria and Vancouver Island to the north, and one of the best spots to catch the sun setting in the west.

LET'S ROLL!  Choose any pulloff to park on Ediz Hook and start your stroll. With 1.5 miles between the now-defunct paper mill at the start to the Coast Guard Air Station entrance at the end, you can choose your turnaround distance and path option including a wide shoulder that is frequented by bike and foot traffic on the roadway, a stretch of trail that weaves alongside the southern shore, and, tides permitting, a mix of rocky/sandy beach to walk on either side of the spit.

KEEP GOING:  Continue your trek on the marked route through the mill site to a portion of paved trail that connects to the Olympic Discovery Trail!

GETTING THERE: From downtown Port Angeles, head west on Marine Drive. The road curves to the right becoming Ediz Hook Road. Park past the mill in designated lots or pulloffs.

ELEVATION GAIN: Zero

DOG FRIENDLY: Yes

2. SPRUCE RAILROAD TRAIL

A relatively moderate trail with plenty of distance to choose from, the Spruce Railroad checks all the boxes for a perfectly-PNW day, rain or shine. Soak up the sights and smells of lush greenery as the trail follows a historic railroad route, winding its way in and out of the woods and around the moody blue waters of Lake Crescent.

WHAT TO EXPECT:  The Spruce Railroad Trail spans a well-maintained, ADA-accessible 4+ mile section of the Olympic Discovery Trail and is located within Olympic National Park boundaries. Expect heightened senses as you meander along a paved pathway through a dense, moss-draped forest with peekaboo views of the lake, flowing waterfalls, tunnels, bridges, and an endless sea of sword ferns.

LET'S ROLL!  Once you've set forth from the east-end trailhead parking lot, you'll  encounter several gradual uphills and downhills - but the trail is otherwise mostly flat. Turn around at your desired distance (though we recommend at least checking out the first tunnel at the 1-mile mark!) or switch it up and start at the west end lot for different views or a longer saunter beyond the lake.

ADDED BONUS: Look for the primitive trail that bypasses the first tunnel to experience Devil's Punchbowl. With its iconic rust-framed bridge and seemingly bottomless turquoise waters, the Punchbowl offers a perfect rest stop with views of Mt. Storm King across the water.

GETTING THERE: From Port Angeles, head west on Highway 101, turn right on East Beach Road, then turn left on Boundary Creek Road until you reach the Spruce Railroad trailhead lot.

ELEVATION GAIN: 300 ft.

DOG FRIENDLY: Yes

3. STRIPED PEAK LOOP

Although the slow and strenuous switchbacks of Striped Peak would categorize it as more of a "hike" than a walk, we've added it to our list for its flexibility to once again customize your distance, pace, and difficulty. And believe us, the views are worth the climb (or at least worth the warm-up on a chilly winter's day!)

WHAT TO EXPECT: Magestically looming over Crescent Bay within the Salt Creek Recreation Area, Striped Peak is a winding multi-use trail that offers views of the North Olympic Peninsula's forest coastline and Vancouver Island's southern shore, peeks into WW2 bunkers, and a WTA-maintained system of trails that will have you coming back to explore more.

LET'S ROLL! Less than a half-mile from the lot comes a choice on the trail - Either stay on the Strait Slope Trail or take a right at the Bunker Ridge Trail to choose your 6.5-mile loop direction (or plan on a shorter out-and-back hike in either direction.) The clockwise loop option will have you starting on a longer gradual climb with greater downhill grade on the return; Counter-clockwise will warm you to the core with inclining switchbacks to the Peak followed by a meandering moss-studded stroll to close the loop. Enjoy a series of sea views and picnic areas along the route, and welcoming log benches at the top.

ADDED BONUS: Take a side trek down the Cove Spur Trail for a steep but scenic jaunt to an enclosed cove that's sure to take your breath away, both ways!

GETTING THERE: From Port Angeles, head west on Highway 112, then turn right at Camp Hayden Road until arriving at the entrance to Salt Creek County Park. Parking lot and trailhead are just past the gate on the right.

ELEVATION GAIN: 1545 ft.

DOG FRIENDLY: Yes

Heading out to experience one of these trails this winter? Let us know via Instagram at @moss_angeles!

When visiting, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack it in / pack it out, respect wildlife and others, and leave the Olympic Peninsula better than you found it!

All (360)BLOG words and photos property of Hayley Sharpe, Moss.