Elwha Valley and Port Angeles

We wanted to visit the area that 2 dams were removed, the Clines Canyon Dam which was the largest dam removal in the country, and the Elwha River Dam, both located within the Olympic National Park, but I did not do my homework prior to visiting.  Back in 2011 the first dam was removed which was located near the Lower Elwah Indian Reservation just north of where we are and west of Port Angeles.  Removal of the first dam, Elwha, was complete then the second dam was deconstructed and restoration of the river was complete by the fall of 2014.

Road closed beyond where we were (you are here spot)

The Elwha River now runs wild and free, allowing the migration of salmon to once again journey up the river from the Strait of Juan de Fuca as far upstream as 45 miles to the headwaters of the Olympic Mountains.  Mother Nature is always the boss - she decided that with this past winter's heavy snows and rains, the river again had to run it's course, with no dams to interfere,  massive flooding took out roads, campgrounds, buildings, etc.

What it would have looked like if we could have seen the Clines Canyon Dam

Elwha River washout

Construction vehicles, smoke from 4 fires within Olympic NP 

When we turned off Route 101 to the Elwha Valley we immediately saw a sign that said road closed 2 miles ahead.  Huh?  I thought the road went much deeper.  So, at the end of the 2 miles barricades were placed across the road with signs that said no admittance - cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians.  Zip.  Seems that the rebuilding of the area that was washed out commenced just a week prior and with heavy equipment, the forces said no to anyone, safety first.  Also, very smoky conditions - there are 4 wildfires going on within the National Park, being monitored,

Could hear the waterfall at the start of the walk

Pretty - even the guy and his dog loved this spot

Lots of moss covered trees

We did get to walk to Madison Falls, a .1 of a mile quick little walk to the falls.  Nice, very cool and refreshing! And that was it - could not venture any farther, all hiking trails closed.  Oh well.  We drove back into Port Angeles and sat at the waterfront park and watched the sea traffic.  "Sittin' on the
dock of the bay...."  Tide just coming in, seagulls flying overhead.

The Coho, the ferry that goes between Victoria, BC and Port Angeles was in and loading - watched it go out.  Some fishing boats checking their traps for crabs, a large vessel anchored - not sure what it's purpose was - with some men hosing down the decks (swabbing the decks, matey!).  Just a lovely day.

Coho leaving Port Angeles for Victoria, BC

Lots of people on-board

Out of the port, made turn towards Victoria

Not sure if private or commercial - could see man swabbing deck

Crabs being measured and kept or thrown back in if too small

Whale watch cruise coming in to port

We clean up today, leaving tomorrow morning for a campground east of Portland, Oregon.  Sniff - we begin our journey back south but will drag our feet and see what can be seen.  Will be camping near the Columbia River and we hope to see a lot in the area.  Traveled along the Columbia about 30 years ago but never stopped.