On Saturday, I did a 28-mile out-and-back “trail run” from Deer Park to Grand Pass via Obstruction Point. It was a beautiful day, and everyone else seemed just as happy to be outside. It was a nine-hour effort in total with about 7,000 feet of gain and loss.
I opted for this route because a) I’d done this as one half of a backpacking loop and b) another WTA report from a trail runner commented that they wished they’d gone out and back rather than completing it as a loop. Their rationale was that the ridge-running between Deer Park and Obstruction Point would’ve been more enjoyable to repeat, rather than dipping into a forested drainage. That logic made sense to me, and I also liked the idea of having better sight lines while running alone, versus potentially startling people/animals along the densely wooded Cameron Creek section.
I arrived at Deer Park a bit before 8am and nabbed a walk-in campsite. After setting up my tent, I started my big day.
Apart from food and other essentials, I opted to bring/wear all my hydration throughout the day. I had three liters of water in a Camelbak and two 12-oz electrolyte bottles on my running vest. I also carried some water treatment tablets with me, though they had a four-hour treatment time. So, they were a serviceable backup option, but not a perfect solution. In hindsight, I would’ve rather packed less water and brought a quicker treatment option for once I reached the lakes. Oh well!
The ridge running from Deer Park to Obstruction Point was beautiful. The marine layer extended over the Strait, but I had amazing views ahead of me, especially toward Grand Pass and Mt Olympus. It was fun running downhill to the lakes, even if I started dreading the return climb later on. Ultimately, I reached Grand Pass after four hours (snow-free), then took a lunch break and headed back.
Hiking the switchbacks up to Obstruction Point was the toughest part of my day. The sun was out and I was feeling wiped. But after reaching Obstruction Point, the elevation profile smoothed out and clouds blew in to provide some sun relief.
All in all, it was a pretty perfect day with essentially no hiccups. I’m especially glad I camped at Deer Park, because trying to drive home would’ve been a nonstarter!
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