San Juan Islands Oct 2018: Day 11 - Quinalt and Astoria 10/12

Woke today to pea soup fog, but it cleared off by the time we were ready to go. We headed west on Rt 101, along the shores of beautiful Crescent Lake, past where we were yesterday, off into the wilderness. Miles and miles of standing timber, with a few clear-cut spots. We were surprised that there isn't more evidence of active logging, except for an occasional truck loaded with fresh cut logs.

We headed south from the little town of Forks until we reached a sliver of the National Park right along the coast. There were a few "beaches" but they we not easily accessible. The first was Ruby Beach, which offered a good view. We came across a funny little resort called Kalaloch which provided an easy drop to the beach, where we took a walk among the seashells. Looks like a relaxing place to hang out sometime!

Next stop was the Quinault Lodge. We'd stayed there some 20 years ago (?) and remembered it fondly. Our plan was to have lunch at the lodge but, alas, the dining room closed. So we walked across the street to The Merc and got a rather good sandwich, which we took back to the lodge and sat at their picnic table. The weather is perfect! And what a beautiful spot! It reminded us of The Otesaga in Cooperstown.

Then back out into the wilderness until we came to Gray's Harbor/Hoquiam/Aberdeen where the Chehalis River enters the bay. Looks like this was a thriving commercial center - at one time. Now, not so much.

By the time got down to Astoria and crossed the Mighty Columbia, it was nearly dark so we couldn't see much but, boy, it that bridge tall! Our Comfort Inn is a couple of miles south of the bridge. Nice dinner at Mo's.....including Slumgullion in a bread bowl!