Four-day (but really two half days and two full days), three-night backpack loop in the Olympics the weekend after Labor Day was glorious!
On Friday afternoon, we climbed the ridge 4.5 miles from Deer Park to the primitive Roaring Winds campground at 6,000 feet. The downside to the site is no water, but the surrounding scenery is awesome and we enjoyed a cold dinner while taking in a classic Olympics inversion with Mount Angeles sitting above a thick layer of clouds.
On Saturday, we had a leisurly 7 miles down and then up to Moose Lake, so we took our time - especially with the ridge enjoying spectacular bluebird weather. We met a ranger on the way down Badger Valley, who checked our permits and informed us that he'd heard rain was coming at 5pm. We also met two friendly marmots just off the trail, who were quite photogenic :). Thankfully, we were able to set up camp at Moose Lake -- near its impeccable new privy with a foot pedal and all! -- before the rain arrived and didn't leave until the morning. NOTE: Do no leave anything outside your tent at Moose Lake; there are some very aggressive deer who will do things like lick and/or try to chew your trekking poles. I learned from experience!
On Sunday once the rain subsided, we packed up our wet gear and climbed up chilly Grand Pass, taking in spectacular views of color-speckled hillsides. A quick ascent of the peak provided awe-inspiring 360-degree views, including of Mount Olympus. The way down toward Cameron Creek was even more gorgeous, just so radiant. We also met at least four more marmots! The Cameron Creek Trail to Three Forks is a long 7 miles that's no joke; it seemed to go on forever. But it's also in great shape (big thanks to all the obvious trail work that's been done!) and had several beautiful sections alongside the creek and among the tall trees (particularly on the south side).
We shared Three Forks with two other parties and had a tranquil night with the soundtrack of the creek camp-side. The only downside: I was silly enough to leave a wet pair of socks on a stump inside the old shelter and awoke to find one missing; pretty sure a rat took what they needed for warmth! Oh, well.
Monday's 3,200-foot climb to complete the journey was not as daunting as it seemed - with the ascent gradual almost the entire way. We naturally ended our journey in a cloud with the temperature 43. Chilly!
Overall, this was a fantastic loop - maybe 27ish miles in total? - that included a bit of everything and very few people, at least this time of year. Big thanks to everyone who maintains these trails, in particular the least traversed ones, making such experiences possible!
Oh, and the road up to Deer Park, while windy, was in great condition!
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