Venturing inland, Derrik explored the heart of Olympic National Park, where he hiked through the ancient, cathedral-like stands of the Hoh Rainforest and summited the iconic Hurricane Ridge. “The sheer scale and beauty of this landscape was almost overwhelming. I felt small and insignificant, yet deeply connected to the natural world around me, even as the winter weather began to set in.”
Derrik’s journey culminated in a visit to the rugged coastal regions of the Quinault and Hoh rainforests, where he beachcombed for driftwood, sea glass, and the elusive Dungeness crab. “As the sun began to set on the final days of 2024, I retreated to one of the region’s cozy eco-lodges, where I could soak in the natural hot springs and gaze out at the endless Pacific. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable adventure in this Pacific Northwest wonderland.”
