Because I live on the west side of Puget Sound, Olympic National Park is a short drive away. And I have many of its well-known day hikes under my belt and boots. The entire Olympic Peninsula is hard to beat for its uncrowded wildness—even for a day—and its diversity of environment, topography, and weather. After many years hiking the river valleys west of Hood Canal (especially the Dungeness), I'm spending more time in the upper lefthand corner, exploring beaches, cliffs, and tidepools.