A gloomy Thursday morning meant a solo hiking adventure out to the dam overlook and back.
I really enjoy the approach to the bypass trail (the riverside trail, not the main bypass) as it opens up to the Elwha valley in such a nice way. The river is currently low, though that will probably change when the snowmelt starts to make its way down. You can see lots of recent downed trees and other detritus in the riverbeds, damage from last season's storms.
There is something so unique, nostalgic, and also spooky about the abandoned ranger station and other Park buildings. A moment stuck in time.
I opted to take Whiskey Bend road up to the overlook. This route gets the thigh burning hill done first, though the road takes you through pretty dense forest coverage, preventing any views. The overlook itself is quite dramatic, especially today, with dark clouds over mountains whose peaks were freshly dusted in bright white snow. The winds were whipping as winter's last grasp was still trying to hold on. I love this weather.
Hiked back down and over the bridge to Altair campsite for lunch. This is a great location, it's a shame that it's closed. Hustled back to the Madison Falls parking lot to beat the forecasted snowstorm that...never materialized. Alas!
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