Marmot Pass via Upper Dungeness River Trail — Monday, May. 28, 2001

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

We had a great gentle hike up to Camp Handy, the sun was shining even though the weather report had been of some concern! There was a chill in the air and we were delighted that three nice young men left us a toasty fire in the pit next to the new shelter. (plenty of wood and kindling left by the crew that put the new shelter together). No sooner had we gotten ourselves organized for the night it started snowing, big fluffy flakes, oh joy! After breaking up the ice on the tents the next morning we headed up to Boulder Shelter. We were so suprised to see the devastation of the last avalanche and equally suprised to see that the incredible beauty of the surrounding peaks and meadows survived. We only encountered a bit of snow before the shelter and the entire trail is clear and delicately lined with friendly nodding heads of calypso orchids. The hike to Camp Handy is a great day hike for kids and many campsites are hidden among the trees.