Grand Ridge, Three Forks & Upper Gray Wolf River to Gray Wolf Pass — Saturday, Jul. 2, 2022

Started off from Deer Park on July 2 with the intention to head to Grand Valley, go over Grand Pass, and loop back to Deer Park via Cameron Creek and Three Forks. However, we knew we might need a backup plan depending on snow levels and were prepared to turn around if needed.

Beautiful views from Grand Ridge and plenty of day hikers. There was intermittent snow to cross in the first few miles of Grand Ridge, but decided to turn back at the four mile mark (just past Roaring Winds) because of a steep snowfield and significant exposure (and we could see there was plenty of snow at Grand Pass so our loop plan would probably be a no go). We saw several trail runners cross this snowfield, but we didn't feel up for it with full packs and knowing we'd likely have to cross it again the next day in the rain. 

Headed back to Deer Park and down to Three Forks for the night. Three Forks was a nice site with a little more open space than the riverside camps usually have. The next day, we set off on a day hike up the Graywolf river. The trail is in great shape thanks to the trail crews!! Did not have to step over a single blowdown all the way up to Falls Camp. It was sunny for about 5 minutes and then the rain began.

Hit patches of snow at 5100 feet and snow began in earnest at 5200 feet. We adventured up a little further using microspikes to 5400. Still wintery beyond this point (at least for north facing slopes!). We hiked back to Three Forks, our day hike clocking in at 17 miles. It was raining so we made dinner in the Three Forks shelter. The next morning, we got up at 5am and started hiking back up to Deer Park. The morning light and clouds were beautiful! Made it back to Seattle by 12:30pm.

Great trip, especially for being a backup plan!