Don't say "Spotted Owl" was the caution in the RAW guide book. We let PA for the logging capitol of the Washington coast — Forks. We traveled the back roads across the Elwha River. A river that environmentalists are working with government to remove the dam to restore salmon runs. On the way to the river we were warned about a couple of dogs chasing cyclists along the road. I got out my dog deterent spray and readied the water bottle. As we hit the downhill to the river I saw the dogs running up a driveway to the left. We were going downhill and knew they would never catch us. No need for the water bottle. When we got to the bottom and stopped on the bridge I looked back and saw that the dogs had chased us about a mile or two down the road and were at the bridge. Amazing. They then turned around and followed a pickup truck back up the road and didn't bother us at all.

We stopped at the bridge to enjoy the view of the river and then started the climb out of the river valley. We stopped at Cresent Bay for a break and enjoyed the view of the area I had paddled the day before. From there we stopped at Pillar State Park for lunch. Then headed into the hills for a 5 mile climb then down to Sappho and back on to US 101. It was around 90 degrees so we took a detour at Beaver Lake for a swim. I had no problem jumping into the lake and swimming out to a large log that jutted out into the lake. There was a brush disposal crew working along the road. One of the workers was parked in a pick-up truck next to the lake. When we got out he said that he had seen cyclists stop at the lake all day but we were the first ones to actually go swimming. I couldn't imagine not taking advantage of the opportunity for a cool dunk in a lake on a hot day.

We arrived late in Forks due to a few diversions. This was a great camp spot. We were at the city park in Forks. It had a covered eating area with picnic tables and a large field to set up our mobile camp. Because it was a city park they had an open bar with beer and wine. It was party time for quite a few of the riders. That evening the National Park ranger came and gave a talk on the Olympic National Park. Also the Hoh indian nation came and talked about their tribe and treated us to traditional native dances. Forks welcomed the RAW riders enthusiastically. We even got coupons for discounted expresso which we took advantage of the next morning.

Next: RAW Day 5