Tree of Life

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

KALALOCH BEACH

Activity: Beach Hike, Sight Seeing

5.5 miles, 100′ feet elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-8-22

My son Alec and I, on our adventure through the Olympic National Park, heard about the Tree of Life and it sounded quite intriguing.

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The Tree of Life
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But first things first, we had just come from our trek at Ruby Beach, which was not only stunningly beautiful, but the starfish were incredible. Now it was lunch time and my sister had mentioned that during her trip she had camped at the Kalaloch Campground and had a great dinner at the Historic Kalaloch Lodge, so we decided to check it out for ourselves.

The Lodge itself is pretty cool, but it really looks like a splendid old beach house so don’t be expecting anything like the Lodges at Yellowstone or Crater Lake. The Lodge is set back from the rough Pacific on a quaint little creek. You can see the ocean and the drift wood piles, but the Creekside Restaurant dinning room is not right on the ocean.

Alec and I love to sample exotic and local fare so we splurged on Elk Burgers, and wow they were so good! (Btw I was not compensated by the Creekside Restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge for this shoutout, but probably should be, lol!) Alec and I also have sampled our way across the PNW trying different clam chowder and this was one of our favs.

Alec in Forks, WA enjoying his new sweatshirt and displaying his fork in Forks. Such a card that boy.

We splurged on Elk Burger at the Creekside Restaurant at the Historic Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, WA.

My beach hike began past the Lodge in the area of the cabins. I went down the bluff to the beach then I had to ford the creek I spoke of earlier. It seemed the best spot was up aways from the ocean where it was a little calmer in a wide section. It was about knee deep and chilly, but fun to maneuver through as part of my outing. Once across I had a big beautiful wide beach and a simply gorgeous day along the deep blue Pacific. There were stacks of massive gray drift wood and when I reached the bluff below the Kalaloch Campground the huge logs had been vertically placed as a protective barrier for the entrance to the little trail up to the campground making a pretty cool and attractive fence.

I hiked to Brown’s Point, this was the beach hike that I had selected. It was a wonderful 5 mile trek with an evergreen forest to one side and crashing surf to the other.

Beach hike along a Kalaloch beach to Brown’s Point.

I then hiked back stopping at the main attraction the Tree of Life. My son, whom had been “chillaxing”, having opted out on the long beach hike, joined me. Alec came down from the Kalaloch Campground onto the beach. And what to our wondering eye should appear, but a giant tree seemingly floating in space.

Alec stands under the Tree of Life also known as “Root Cave”.

The Tree of Life also called the Tree Root Cave is a spectacle to behold. We clambered over piles of enormous gray driftwood logs to gain access to this strange and unusual sight. The vision of a tree, bare naked to the world with no protection for it’s root system, fully exposed strikes all who gaze upon this tree as so odd and utterly unbelievable.

The Tree of Life is a Sitka Spruce, the largest type of Spruce Tree. Laying eyes upon this fantasy is awe inspiring. Defying all odds the Tree of Life flourishes where that is an impossibility. Isn’t this against the very laws of nature, science and even gravity? I mean the top is green and thriving, but this Sitka Spruce’s guts are basically hanging out. How does it receive nourishment? This certainly is a marvel of nature, this mystery of biology.

Trees along this rugged coast that are massive and well anchored are constantly being taken down by powerful Pacific Storms with gale force winds, and pounding massive waves. How can this freak of nature survive suspended in mid air?

The Tree of Life is a strange and wonderful phenomenon with a tiny waterfall running through it. This tiny stream obviously has eroded all of the earth from under this Sitka Spruce to the point that it should not be here, but year after year, decade after decade here it floats in space. Alec and I did something that should be impossible, stood directly under a massive tree. I don’t mean next to it’s trunk, nor under it’s shady branches, but right under it’s roots, truly magical.

“On earth, there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.” – Jules Renard

Thanks for joining Alec and I in the OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK on the enchanting and mesmerizing Washington Coast as we were ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, but found ourselves dumbfounded instead, with our eyes wide and glossy, taking in something that simply cannot exist, but somehow Nature has found a way. It was like seeing a unicorn or something, pretty crazy. There are more adventures ahead so stick with Alec and I as we continue our journey through the outstanding Olympic Peninsula by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Go to the menu above and you will discover that PBTA ventures all over this great West of ours in search of that elusive Balance that we all need to get reacquainted with and through magnificent outings in nature this can be accomplished. Our lives are hurried and stressful, Nature can help, it certainly can’t hurt- well unless you are eaten by a bear or something. The menu is categorized mostly by location, but sometimes by activity. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. It is our hope that these stories of adventure will ignite something deep inside of you so that you will get off the couch, put down the video games and venture out on your own exciting excursion. While you are on adventure you will need to be properly outfitted and looking the part, so why not pick up a hat or shirt at SHOP APPAREL where you can checkout my line of top quality Adventure Wear adorned with the PBTA logo and mantra.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Ruby Beach

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Activity: Beach Hike

6-8-22

Ruby Beach, on the rugged Washington Coast in the Olympic National Park, is a treasure. The beach is broad and long. There are natural rock sculptures, Destruction Island is off in the distance with it’s lighthouse warning of peril. The center piece for Ruby Beach is Abbey Island, at low tide it is a peninsula with some tide pools to explore.

Lighthouse on Destruction Island, just off the coast.

It is a scenic jaunt down a pathway from the parking area, (which by the way has a bathroom). There are stacks of driftwood adorning the beach in the splendor that is quite often so picturesque in the Pacific Northwest.

Abbey Island is a peninsula of Ruby Beach at low tide.

Once out on the beach I discovered that I was cut off from gaining access to Abbey Island, by Cedar Creek. This little freshwater stream was flowing pretty good and straight out to sea. It was knee deep and probably could be walked through, but should you take the chance at being swept off your feet and cast out into the frigid and turbulent Pacific? There was a thin, long and rickety log across the creek, and after searching for a better alternative I finally decided to go for it. I made it, but after watching the ordeal I saw a few others decide against it.

Wonderful beach just wonderful! Wooded forest to one side, big beautiful beach, rock formations, Abbey Island, tide pools, gorgeous day and that big beautiful Pacific. Wow… just wow!

I went on beyond Abbey Island which as you can see is from the attached map is about a half mile stroll. The beach is so nice I could have just kept right on going. I had heard about this beach being good for seeing starfish, but I really hadn’t see much sea life at all. It was low tide so Abbey Island was accessible. It was cool to explore up close to see it’s vertical cliffs and the vegetation and trees that crowned it perhaps 100 feet above sea level.

I did some rock scampering being careful not to fall as they were crusted in razor sharp barnacles. The waves lapped at the rocks as I ventured out along the Northside of the island. Once I got well off shore of the beach, about half way on the little island, I spied the treasure that I was seeking. I first observed a few orange starfish tucked in amongst the rocks that we mostly submerged then I also noticed the darker colored ones. The further I made my way along the more difficult the journey, but the more rewarding the finds. The wonderful starfish were at this point quite prevalent. I thought of how lucky I was as this was simple stupendous and most people aren’t going to get to see this when they come to Ruby Beach. As I carefully picked my way back towards the shoreline I was rewarded with yet another wondrous sight. A sea otter seemed to be just as interested in me as I was him. Be sure to check him out in my video.

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“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.”
– Emilia Wickstead

Thanks for exploring Ruby Island with me on my amazing journey uncovering a treasure trove of stardom whilst I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ on the Olympic Peninsula. You might be wondering where was my son Alec? Wasn’t he with you on this exploration of the Olympic National Park? Well, teenagers… what can I say? They certainly like to sleep in so he will have to enjoy this article along with my readers I am afraid to see any starfish. He did climb out of his sleeping bag and the rig for the next adventure so I invite you to continue in the Olympic Rainforest with us by doing a couple easy tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you peruse the menu above you will discover that PBTA ventures not only to our wonderful National Parks, but all over this great West of ours in search of the Balance in our lives that we all need and cherish. Adventures in Nature can help restore that needed Balance so get out in it as much and as often as you can. The menu is categorized mostly by location and each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. In the video you will see that I am wearing one of my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Caps. They are for purchase along with other Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

5.5 miles, 230′ elevation gain, 3.5 hours duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-7-22

After completing Hall of Mosses, a nice nature walk showing off this splendid and magical place, my teen son Alec decided to run the Hoh River Trail while I hiked it.

Wow, how beautiful this place is! The greens are so vibrant and plentiful. The Hoh River runs along much of the trail. The trail is easy, but there certainly will be mud- after all it is a rainforest, so come prepared. All of that rain has made this place exceptional. Everywhere you look are tall firs, stately Sitka Spruce, Maple Trees elegantly dressed out with hanging moss, and ferns- lots of ferns.

Maneuvering around all this mud, walking across logs and picking my way across roots is taking
the Balance portion of ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ to a whole other level. 
Well… it is a rain forest.

The last stop on the trek was the 60′ Mineral Creeks Falls. With the amount of rainfall in the Hoh Rainforest, some 14′ annually, the falls are flowing nicely most all of the time. The Mineral Creek Falls are nestled in a tangle of trees and brush making it pretty picturesque. I decided to get a closer view which ended up was a difficult climb up a steep, slick, muddy hillside through and around thick undergrowth. I grabbed a couple sturdy sticks, using them as climbing axes, I managed my way up. I was rewarded with an exquisite sight of tumbling water cascading it’s way toward the river.

Mineral Falls in the Hoh Rainforest of the Olympic Nation Park.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls
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“Run, wild and free like a Waterfall.” – Anamika Mishra

Alec and I appreciate your joining us ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in the Hoh Rainforest. The Olympic National Park is a special place, a place that can lower the blood pressure, fill the senses, and make you just stop and say, “Whoa”. For more ‘Whoa” experiences stay with us by doing a few very simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you review the menu above you will see that PBTA travels to many places in this Great West of ours in search of that much needed Balance. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you feel strongly about ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ or just want some cool gear then checkout SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses Trail

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Activity: Nature Walk

1 mile, 80′ elevation gain, 30 min duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-7-22

One of the most popular hikes in the Olympic National Park is Hall of Mosses Trail. The reason likely is that it is short and sweet, most everyone can enjoy this outing and discover what a rainforest is all about. It is a beautiful and interesting place. The stately evergreen Western Hemlock and Coastal Douglas Fir stretch for the cloudy sky as the splendid Sitka Spruce and the Big Leaf Maple trees are quite literally dripping with moss below. Everything seems to be growing on top of each other in a rainforest. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US.

The easy trail through this old growth forest is simply enchanting and is a must see when at the Olympic National Park. The trees, the moss, the ponds and the streams are all incredibly gorgeous.

Be sure to stop in the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, which is where the nature walk begins. It is very informative and quite interesting. The water gauge is crazy- to think that amount of rainfall is even possible.

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Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses

“No other place on earth feels so lush. Sometimes we picture it as an echo of the original Garden of Eden.” – Diane Ackerman

Alec finds Hoh Rain Forest’s Hall of Mosses Trail truly magical.

Thanks for joining Alec and I at the Hoh Rainforest’s Hall of Mosses hike. Like I alluded to, it is more of a nature walk, but what you see during the outing is not to be missed. It is quite an experience. Just this little jaunt leaves an impression that won’t leave you. Rainforests are marvelous and this spot showcases, in an easy manner, what you would see on more aggressive hikes. There is more to come in our adventure in the Hoh Rainforest so stay tuned by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. When you go to the menu above you will discover that PBTA travels all over the West to not only National Parks, but State Parks as well as backcountry hiking, backpacking and a host of other activities. Each category, be it by location or activity, is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Now that you are getting ideas about where you want to take a hike you will need Adventure Wear. I literally have you covered with my fine line of top quality lids and shirts, please visit SHOP APPAREL and check it out.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Hole in the Wall

RIALTO BEACH

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Activity: Day Hike

3.5 miles, 100′ elevation gain, <1 hour duration, rated Moderate

Rialto Beach is one of those special places that you will not soon forget, tiny little forested islands just off shore, magical sea stacks, stunningly beautiful broad beach framed by green forest, stacks of drift wood, tide pools and the star of the show ‘Hole in the Wall’ a large natural arch.

Strolling along the blue pacific on this magnificent beach, the salted air, the sound of the waves, the cry of the gull and the cool ocean breeze invigorates your senses. Just off shore you will spy ‘James and little James’, tiny little islands lined with ever green trees. Further along the beach you will encounter numerous sea stacks including Gunsight Rock a spectacle to behold. If you have timed the tides correctly and the tide is out then Hole in the Wall, a natural arch, is yours to explore. It really is a gorgeous spot, beyond that are tide pools to checkout and some more beach if you so desire.

HOLE IN THE WALL
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Impressive Sea Stacks at Rialto Beach on the Olympic Coast.

Looking through ‘Hole in the Wall’, Rialto Beach in the Olympic National Park at Gunsight Rock and James and Little James Islands.

Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone. 

My son Alec and I appreciate you joining us on this sensational day at the Olympic Coast. A wonderful spot to reconnect with Nature and feel her healing arms wrap around you as you are almost overwhelmed in her beauty and magnificence. That my friends is what Nature can do, so whenever you can and as much as you can experience her glory. That is what ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ is about- taking off that pack filled with stress, ho hum, day to day routine and fill that pack with fresh air, exercise and the bright colors of Nature, and Adventure. There is still more to come as far as the outings that Alec and I encountered in the stupendous Olympic National Park. So stayed tuned by completing just a few easy steps COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the menu above you will discover that besides our wonderful National Parks PBTA ventures to many wondrous locations in this great West of ours. Each location or activity is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. SHOP APPAREL is the place where you can deck yourself out with top quality Adventure Wear by PBTA now that you are inspired and ready to set out on your own Adventure.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Angel’s Landing

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

5.5 Miles, 5790’ elevation, 1604’ elevation gain, 3.5 hours duration, rated HARD

Date: 7-24-21

One of the Scariest Hikes in America

Zion National Park is one of the most popular of our National Parks with approximately 4.5 million visitors per year. Angel’s Landing is a bucket list type of hike for many people. It is a place of unparalleled beauty with colorful peaks and cliffs, and views that are simply stunning. On top you have a Condor’s Eye View of the gorgeous park below that can only be described as picture perfect.

The hike is a short 5.5 miles, and certainly the elevation gain for a regular hiker is not that dramatic, but what is dramatic is that this is an on the edge hike, exposed areas with drops straight down 1,400 feet. The last portion has chains to hold on to, and they should be held on to for dear life, because death is right beside you. One section known as the Knife’s Edge is just that and has death on both sides. Angel’s Landing is not a hike for the faint of heart, or someone with a sever fear of heights. That being said, if you don’t have a healthy respect for heights then something is wrong with you. Most people will feel a real sense of accomplishment completing this hike and proclaim this is the highlight of any hikes they have ever done.

When I first did this hike I thought to myself, I can’t believe that they are allowing everyday people to do this hike. I wondered why we were not in a climbing harness and clipping in. I saw people in beach sandals, children in tears with their parents trying to coax them on, and some folks frozen in fear. Conversely, I also saw college kids on each other’s shoulders standing on the edge for pictures.

Caution should be heeded, and rightly so, as this is not only “One of the Scariest Hikes in America”, but also “If it is not the most dangerous trail in America it certainly is in the top five”. The reason for these ominous condemnations is that 13 people have plummeted to their deaths from the cliffs of Angel’s Landing since 2004.

My own experience is that being on the edge like this certainly is an adrenaline rush, and if you can do this relatively safety then it is an insatiable high. The beauty of Zion, and in particularly the Angel’s Landing hike, is like no other. It would certainly be a spiritual journey, because it is that magnificent, except for this is a bucket list hike for so many. How many you might ask? About 641 hikers per day are also on this hike with you and that certainly is detracting, but then again there are a lot of spirited, energetic, adventurous people on this hike and that is not only fun, but the enthusiasm is contagious. When you checkout my PBTA YouTube video you will see some of the throngs of hikers, and mind you we were in line before dawn to try to escape the crowds, but certainly it only got more crowded later. When you enjoy the video you will also see the young, healthy fun seekers with smiles brimming from ear to ear.

Obviously if you are safe, take your time, watch your footing this is a very doable hike for people in descent shape. But hiking on the edge is not for everyone, and some may decide that the steep, exposed chain section leading to the summit is not for them and that is fine. Scout Lookout is still a very beautiful hike and the views up and down are wonderful.

So about the hike itself. You will take the tram from the Visitors Center to the Grotto Trailhead from there you cross a bridge over the Virgin River which is lined with greenery and is quite a tranquil spot. You will hike your way to Refrigerator Canyon, which is a nice reprieve from a hot Summer day as it is shady from the enclosed cliffs and greenery making this section quite picturesque. Then it is the infamous Walter’s Wiggles a paved area with a steep incline and 21 switch backs that will get your heart racing. This leads to Scout’s Lookout, (where you will find port-a-potties), and this is the last stop before things get real. The last section is the iconic picture you have in your head of a narrow, exposed, scramble with death defying drop offs, inching your way along the edge of a harrowing cliff that is sometimes slick with a dusting of sand, all while others squeeze by you going the other way.

The pro tip is to get in line at the tram before day break, it is still going to be crowded, but it will only get worse. Also the Summer is the Monsoon Season for the desert and there is a good chance of afternoon Thunderstorms. You do not want to be on the top of Angel’s Landing in a Lightening Storm with high winds, flash flooding or even hail. The day we were there we were down off of Angel’s Landing by late morning, but we did experience an afternoon thunderstorm along the River Walk Trail. We were certainly glad not to be up above on Angel’s Landing at that moment. Make sure you have proper footwear, bring snacks, and plenty of water in a day pack that is secure to your body and not flopping about. Don’t carry a water bottle as you need to have both hands for scrambling. Take it easy, watch your footing, hold on to the chains, don’t do a selfie on the edge for goodness sake, be aware, and most importantly have fun.

When you are finished you will undoubtedly feel some of that euphoria that we talk about ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. You will have taken in spectacular vistas, got your heart pumping through not only adrenaline, but through physical exertion, and experience a feeling of empowerment on what you have accomplished.

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  Lots of folks in line before dawn at Zion National Park.

Virgin River, muddy from flash floods.

The Infamous Angel’s Landing

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  In the foreground is the Grotto portion of the journey.

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  Refrigerator Canyon

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Scout’s Landing

Look closely at the steady line of bucket listers heading up Angel’s Landing.

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It’s about to get real.

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“If you are not living on the edge then you’re taking up a little too much space.” – Morgan Freeman

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel, (Click to Play)

‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ on one of the deadliest hikes in America.

Thanks for joining me on this exciting and exhilarating journey in Utah taking on Zion National Park’s infamous Angel’s Landing, known for being tough, scary, deadly, and extraordinarily breath taking… breathtaking in it’s beauty, exertion, and dizzying heights. It’s on the edge hiking that you will never-ever forget. This was my birthday hike celebration to myself, and my second time to summit this special place. The first time was exactly 5 years ago almost to the day. I did the hike solo the first time huffing and puffing on the Walter’s Wiggles 21 switchbacks, so much so that I sat down to take a break and a young French woman asked me, “Are you okay?!” I guess I have hiked myself into better shape, because it did not seem to be a problem this time. On this my birthday I was accompanied by Roman and my good Hobie Cat Sailing National Champion Friend Tom. We were on our way back from our Lake Powell Houseboat Adventure. It was fun to share the dare. Well, there is always more fun to be had here at ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ National Parks Hiking. Stick around for more by doing these very simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the menu above you will find more inspirational spots to adventure. They are categorized by location and some by activity. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Do you see the cap I have on in the picture? You can get one at SHOP APPAREL. My PBTA Adventure Wear is top quality and carries the mantra, check it out.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Shi Shi Beach Trail

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Makah Indian Reservation

Activity: Day Hike

11 miles, 625’ elevation gain, 5.5 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: 6-6-22

Starts out with a lovely forest- green and plush, wooden walkways and bridges, really something out of a fairytale and the forest never deviates from that beauty. A walking stick, (Some muddy places such as this have numerous ones available to choose from, which I though was most kind), I think it is a must as much for support and balance, tip toeing across limbs and logs in the mud, as testing just how deep the mud is. However, the trail gets muddier and muddier…  Sometimes it is so muddy that it is better to find an alternate course.  If you are alert and searching you might find a side trail that’s up higher and out of the wetness.  However, sometimes the side trail is just as bad, with the side trail being quite the obstacle course stepping over roots, navigating slog, going over downed trees, limbs and decay.  But, it is an adventure right?

I kept thinking is this really worth it?  This mud sucks! Then I emerged from the woods to the beach and I was rewarded with a splendid Washington wild and rugged coastline.  Then all the way to the rocks, tide pools and the sea stacks at the ‘Point of Arches’, one of the most photographed spots on the Washington Coast.  It’s simply mesmerizing, enchantingly unbelievable, and fascinating.  It makes all that mud worth it. Until you start coming back… but then you remind yourself to just keep concentrating on how beautiful the rocks were.

Be sure to check the tide table as although this is a broad beach there was a warning sign that it could be impassable at high tide and you certainly would not want to get stuck.  You will need a Makah Tribe Pass, which can be purchased at Neat Bay and if you will be backpacking over-night an additional permit is required as well. That can be purchased at the Olympic National Park Visitor’s Center in Port Angeles.  

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“The heart of a man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths, it has it’s pearls too.” —Vincent Van Gogh

Thanks for joining me, and I would say along with my son Alec, but he opted out of a trail of mud and instead caught up on his teenage beauty sleep, back in the rig.  I will say, he missed out to be sure… For more on our trek through the Olympic National Park and beyond be sure to do this:  LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE.  If you go to the menu above, each location or activity is a separate Website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. The menu will verify that PBTA seeks that elusive BALANCE that we all hunger for, to put our busy lives in check, all over this great West of ours.  I hope it will provide some insight and inspiration for your next adventure.  At SHOP APPAREL you will find top quality Adventure Wear with the PBTA logo and mantra.  

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Storm King

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Near Port Angeles, Washington

Activity: Day Hike, Scrambling

4 miles, 2100’ elevation gain, 3 hours duration, rated: HARD

Date: 6-5-22

When they say hard in relationship to a hike in the Olympic National Park you can take that to the bank. There is no fooling around in the beauty department either. The area is magnificent. The trail is steep, when your heels don’t touch in back, I categorize that as a hard hike.  Up up up through the verdant green old growth forest, moss, ferns and a light splash of wildflowers decorates the way. Certainly the sort of splendor that takes your breath away.  If that doesn’t take your breath then there is always the calf burning, muscle fatigue, and cardio crunch.

Soon after you reach a sign that says “End of Maintained Trail, which by the way scares some people away, and rightly so.  I think that it is sort of like an insurance full disclosure deal.  Hey… our sign said, “End of Maintained Trail…”  How much clearer could we be?  Well, I guess they could have posted “Abandon All Hope Ye Who Passes Here”.   

The hike proceeds along some rather sketchy spots until you reach ropes that will assist your ascent of a very steep, rocky and muddy incline. Damp rock, muddy boots, deadly drop, and an old, frayed, thin line you are relying on. What could go wrong?  You would think once past the junky ropes the fun is over, right?  Wrong!  Finally near the view point, it’s a scramble in a spot that has no room for error.  Once up the climb carefully make your way along a bit of a knifes edge with death on both sides for a heavenly view.  It is intense… both the event and the view of the mountains, cliffs, and the star of the show gorgeous Crescent Lake far down below.  

It is a Olympic National Park must do for the adventurous thrill seeker.  If however you are the slightest bit squeamish about heights turn around at the “Abandon All Hope Ye Who Passes Here” Sign.  (It doesn’t really say that it says ‘End of Maintained Trail”, which in this case is quite similar.  

Important note this hike known as Storm King is not to the Summit of Storm King Mountain, which is higher and set back even further than what you view.  With the National Park Storm King Hike take a button hook just passed the ropes out onto an outcropping of rock.  Going straight up the mountain instead requires fullclimbing gear and even those guys usually take a different route.  

As you stand on the outcropping of rock of Storm King peering through wisps of misty clouds at Crescent Lake far down below you can’t help but be in awe of how powerful the moment it. That is what “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure” is all about.

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The challenge is to dance as close to fate as we can without overstepping it one time too often.

Thanks for joining Alec and I on this treacherous, but daring and exciting adventure to Storm King in the Olympic National Park.  We did this hike just following and really in conjunction with the lovely and enchanting Marymere Falls. For more bold outing in Nature, as we find ourselves ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’, please stay with us by completing the following: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE.  The above menu will provide other fabulous areas, besides the National Parks, in the West that will give you plenty of ideas and inspiration for your next adventure.  If you like the hat that I am wearing in the video then I invite you to check out my line of Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.  

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Marymere Falls

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic View, Chasing Waterfalls

2 miles, 500’ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-5-22

The trailhead for Marymere Falls is near the beautiful blue waters of Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Forest.  Stop by the Storm King Ranger Station for information.  

The trail and the area are exquisite.  So green, so lush, you “just gotta’ luv” the tall fir trees, the draping moss, maple trees, abundant ferns and the overwhelming beauty. When you come upon the rushing stream and cross the wooden bridge, you will then begin switch backs leading to the falls. The Olympic National Park definitely knows how to do waterfalls. It is an enchanted hike to be sure. 

Marymere Falls is a 90 foot waterfall surrounded by a bewitching old growth forest.  This is one of the most popular hikes in the Olympic National Park. Easy hike that is good for the whole family.

The only way to view a waterfall is in motion. CLICK THE PIC!
PBTA YouTube Channel

Crescent Lake in the Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls in the Olympic National Park

“Waterfall don’t ever change your ways, fall with me for a million days, oh my waterfall.” – Jimi Hendrix 

Thanks for joining me on my solo hike to Marymere Falls.  You might ask, What about your son Alec?  Wasn’t he with you?”  Alec slept in on this day in the back of the rig from the location of our last adventure, Hurricane Hill, and while I did the Marymere Falls hike.  Don’t worry he was still ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.  When I told him on the walkie-talkie-talkie how gorgeous the falls were instead of just joining me for the next hike of the day he used his cross-country skills trail running to the falls and then caught me heading up the steep hike to ‘Storm King.’  The boy’s got wheels!  Stick with us for the upcoming and exciting post regarding ‘Storm King’ by doing a few simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE.  If you go to the menu above you will see not only is PBTA journeying to our wonderful National Parks, but extensively throughout this great West of ours.  Each location or activity is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.   If you like my hat in the YouTube video then I invite you to deck yourself out with your own high quality adventure wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

NEAR PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON

Activity: Day Hike

3.5 miles, 825’ elevation gain, 2 hours, 

Date: 6-4-22

Our trek along Hurricane Ridge to Hurricane Hill was quite windy, living up to it’s name I suppose.  It was cold with low cloud cover and partial snow. I understand that the views on a clear day of the Olympic Mountains from Hurricane Ridge are simply extraordinary.  On this day however, it was a little more of the adventure type of day rather than the tourist type of day where you might break into song, “The hills are alive with the sound of music”, because those are the type of scenic views that one might have.  

We first stopped at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center area late in the day where apparently there is a gift shop and a restaurant.  At least that is what it seemed to have going on there.  We were just glad that this early in the season that the bathrooms were open, because everything else was closed for the day. 

It was a couple mile drive from Visitor Center to the trailhead.  Portions of the hike were paved, but there was still a lot of snow around.  Alec got to try micro spikes, I had trekking poles so we were able to make our way without too much problem.  Moody day with drizzle and just partial views of snow capped mountains. The views heading up were of fir trees that were so thick on the mountain, and so vividly green that it was really something quite special.  It was starting to get dark, we were in snow, and it was cold and windy.  We had time and light to make it back, but there wasn’t room for error.  I actually wanted to head back before the summit.  We saw some cool views, that is when the clouds lifted a bit, and some of the terrain reminded me of some nice ski bowls. Alec really wanted to push on towards the summit.  We only had one set of micro spikes and he being in top shape from his cross country high school team took off at a very quick pace, despite my objections. He high stepped it up to an above vantage point, but turned around after that as we were burning daylight fast, plus Dad was having a “Major Pouty Fest”.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel, CLICK THE PIC!

On the way up to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center were so thick and green.

First time with micro spikes for Alec.

“Getting to the top is optional getting down is mandatory.” – Ed Viesturs

I know in this get up I look like the ‘Flying Nun’, but I tell you it was an adverse climate, lol.

Alec and I appreciate you joining us on top of a chilly, snow top mountain, with night quickly approaching and with no one else around while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.  This is one of the first of our many adventures in the Olympic National Park so stick around for more by doing this: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE.  If you care to checkout the menu above you will see that besides National Parks we travel extensively around the WEST to find adventure and to take a break from the responsibilities of school, and the busy lives that we all experience and need to balance out when we get the chance.  Balance is exactly what adventures in nature can achieve, so it is important.  The menu is categorized by location and in some cases activity, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.  When I am not wearing full rain gear and a burka to face the storm then I like to adorn myself with Adventure Wear from ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.  I invite you to check it out at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure