Last weekend we set off on our first real camping trip since we moved to Seattle. We had big plans to drive a very remote campground in Olympic National Park---17 miles up a harrowing, narrow dirt road with steep drop-offs and no guard rail. This would put us at around 5400 ft. elevation and squarely in the backcountry without the hassle of having to backpack with the kids. We made it all the way to the beginning of the road to Deer Park, where there was a sign warning us that the campground was full. We didn't quite believe it and pondered forging ahead, but good sense prevailed and we decided it was far too risky to make the drive only to have to turn around. Everything on the OP is full this time of year and none of the campgrounds take reservations, so we were feeling pretty disappointed---but, on the advice of a ranger, we tried another campground and immediately found a nice spot. What a fortuitous set of circumstances, because we ended up spending all of our time at Hurricane Ridge. For many, it is the gateway to the Olympics--very accessible (you can drive to the top) with paved paths and rugged hiking trails that offer views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north and the full Olympic range to the south. We could even see the heavy fog rolling in from the Pacific.
The Cascades are a glorious mountain range, but the Olympics are intoxicating. They are pristine and wild--and for good reason. It isn't easy getting there and the terrain is daunting. Coastal tribes populated the perimeter around the mountains and early settlers didn't venture far to find land for their homesteads. The area was designated a National Forest in 1897, so it has been protected for nearly 115 years.
We decided to wander about a little and then head for the trailhead to Klahhane Ridge.
This trail didn't fool around with a mild uphill at the start---it was full gluteal goodness the entire way to the top. We gave the boys a fair warning, tossed them some inspirational jellybeans, and headed up.
See what I mean? At least we had beautiful meadows (and views) to take our minds off the glute grind.
Dudes on a rock. We made it--and it was so very worth it. Nutella sandwiches all around. We even had a very friendly chipmunk begging for crusts (we did NOT oblige).
Payoff!
We looked everywhere for mountain goats, but the rangers had just run them off from the ridge. There was an incident last summer, in which a man was gored by a male goat and they are working hard at training the goats to stay away from people. It is too bad--for years, people have gone to Hurricane Ridge to see mountain goats.
FG was on his usual hunt for snow patches......
...while EFG chilled on the ridge and JG posed for his "Outside Magazine" cover shoot.
We pressed on a bit farther.
And found an impressive patch of snow. This was a perfect place to watch the low marine clouds dissipate--eventually we could see the Straight of Juan de Fuca, Mt. Baker, and Vancouver Island.
Boys practiced glissading.
JG continued practicing for his cover shoot.
Eventually we had to head down. We met up with an alarmingly friendly young buck on the trail....and I don't mean Elijah.
This could be a scene from "The Sound of Music"!
FG grew tired of the knee-breaking walk down, so he plopped down for a rest.
Did I mention that we camped? Stay tuned for the next post, titled "25 reasons we should buy a EUROVAN."
Stats:
Distance: 5-6 miles. extra points for extreme incline.
Elevation at top: 6046 ft
Elevation gain: 1700 ft. (700 in 1/2 mile)
Jellybeans: countless
EF rating: such awesomeness has never been seen before
JJ rating: speechless
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/klahhane-ridge
Notes by Finian: always bring a backpack with stuff you think you will need. if you have a backpack with a clip you can attach a trekking pole and pull your little boy on the hard uphill parts. always bring snacks.
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