OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: This weekend I backpacked the Hoh River Trail with Jacob, Jayson and Pat, three great friends for over 20 years now. We camped two nights at a small, riverside meadow near Olympus Guard Station and hiked for three days, covering 30 miles to Elk Lake and back.
We got a very early start Saturday morning, departing Seattle at 5:00 AM and hitting the trailhead at 10:00 AM. The weather was sunny and the 10 miles to our campsite were fairly flat and easy, with a few wide creeks we carefully crossed via giant fallen tree trunks. The leaves were changing colors and the air was crisp. It was a long and beautiful walk, interrupted many times by our cameras shooting yet another scene.
Throughout the day we heard the haunting bugle of bull elk in rut. Near a creek crossing, we were frightened by several "threat rumbles" from an unseen bull, clearly telling us to stay away. There were signs posted at the trailhead warning of elk attacking hikers, so we quickly moved along. We felt these rumbles more than we heard them. The bull was literally shaking the ground with just his throat.
At camp we built a fire and enjoyed our usual debates across a variety of topics, free from the rolling eyes and yawns of our significant others.
The next day, we had originally planned to hike 15 miles to Glacier Meadows, but we got a late start and clouds had rolled in to obscure any views we might have enjoyed. Instead, we chose to go to Elk Lake, only 11 miles there and back and half the elevation gain (2000'). Along the way, we crossed an impressive bridge over Martin Creek, saw the smashed remnants of the Elk Lake "Emergency" Shelter, and pestered Pat about his GPS, which was providing wildly inconsistent readings throughout our trip.
That night we were fortunate to have another dry evening around the campfire, but on our last day, the "rain" part of the Hoh Rain Forest was emphasized. It poured non-stop all night and all day as we packed up camp and hiked 10 miles back. Had it been that way from the start, I might have been upset, but chances are pretty good that you'll get wet at some point on this hike. The last day was the perfect time for us to get our due. We were able to dry off at the Visitor Center and enjoy dinner in Hoquiam before returning home from another great trip.
More photos at
Jayson's gallery and
Jacob's blog.
This entry has been viewed times.
