Elk Mountain to Maiden Peak — Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2017

Hiked: 07/12/17 Weather: Mid 50's - Low 60's - mild wind gusts, mostly sunny. Total Travel Time: 6.5 hours Trailhead Parking Note: + Limited space -- decent amount of space but a late start on a weekend could lead to a packed in parking lot. Trailhead Road note: + The Obstruction Point road is a pretty well hard-packed dirt road. However, it is rather narrow in some places, with large, far reaching drop offs beneath. Take lots of time and caution when driving down this road, and yield to other vehicles safely. Hike Notes: + A very beautiful hike that does get close to some steep edges. There was some lingering snow patches along the trail, but nothing too serious. + As the trail climbs to the tallest point, before descending down slightly towards Maiden Peak, the trail comes pretty close to some sharp gradients -- steep slopes. Granted, you would have to really work to toss yourself over them, but these are areas that require some major caution and mindfulness with each step. With children, etc, caution should be advised. That being said, it is a very solid trail and if you take your time you should feel just fine. Definitely recommend trekking poles for added stability along these particular stretches. + As the trail declines the steep gradients mellow out a bit and you're on your way to Maiden Peak. There is a little side trail, upon arriving at the peak, that goes up to the ridge to see over the side into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. + Throughout the trail, lots of lupine, paintbrush and all sorts of wildflower displays. + Saw two peregrine falcons surveying in the skies above on the trail home, near the parking lot. + Overall, this hike was a major deposit to the spirit from Mother Nature -- beautiful views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca, The Olympic Range, large glacier valleys, wildflowers. Throughike: + You can hike all the way through to Deer Park, if you have two cars in your party.