Deer Ridge Park

For our second hike in the Olympic National Park, we have decided to go to Slab Camp Creek camp ground and hike the Gray Wolf River trail. It sounds good that the trail begins downhill for 2.8 miles and about one thousand feet, then uphill on the way back for a round trip of 5.6 miles. The day begins bright and sunny. We drive to Sequim, then a quick stop at Safeway to pick up sandwiches and salads, to supplement snacks we have brought, and we are ready to stretch out our legs.

First we have to leave the town road and get on a pot-holed forest road to reach the camp parking. We are rather surprised that there are quite a few cars there already, but apparently some of them belong to work crew working on trails.

 

The sun may be shining bright, but the air is still cold. We put on appropriate layers of warm clothes, head covers, with Rexplorer making sure everything gets packed, Alice tying up shoes, and John loading up his backpack. This trail head actually splits off to two hiking trails: Gray Wolf River trail, and Deer Ridge Park trail. For a sunny Sunday, we understand the trail may be crowded.

 

With a true sense of adventure, we think, "why not take a look at the Deer Ridge trail first. Sure we will not go as far as the Deer Park, 5.2 miles away, we will go to the first good view point and turn around, then we can continue on down to Gray Wolf trail." Hmmm... Here Rexplorer points out the Deer Ridge Trail No. 646 sign.

 

First sign of possible snow up ahead. Here are ice crystals forming by water seeping from the ground.

 

With the sun shining brightly, these three have no concerns for snow or ice. The trail is narrow but well groomed, although some spots are a little muddy. We make good progress toward the view point.

 

We stop occasionally to admire the view. Rhody trees are not blooming as yet, and few flowers are visible. Spring has not quite arrived in the mountains.

 

CC and Alice are happy so far. Although so far it has been uphill, the gradation has not been too steep, and the mountain scenery is majestic.

 

Uh, oh, snow ahead. Everyone stops to take a good look at it. We are only about one mile up, although the altitude is just under 3000 ft. Judging from the the amount of snow on the ground here, we should have no problem continuing on.

 

With the help of our hiking poles, the light snow on the ground is not an issue. The rocks and slopes on the side are covered with beautiful spongy moss. We are somewhat disappointed that there are no mushrooms, probably because it may still be too cold.

 

After climbing some more steep trail, we finally come out on this sunny rocky ledge, perfect for a lunch stop and to take in the view. With our picnic tablecloth spread out, we enjoy our lunch. This is also a great spot to meet other hikers, to compare notes and to find out what is ahead. Alice is stretching her legs...

 

After lunch we continue on the trail. Now we are stepping on crunchy icy trail. But it is still manageable and interesting.

 

Nearly all the other hikers bring their dog(s). This hiker is going up with his dogs Ruby (red and white hair) and Bella (black and white). Most hikers are also regular hikers in these mountain trails, so they are quite familiar with the distance, terrain, and other details. By now, the snow on the ground is thicker, but still manageable.

 

Further on, the trail  is more icy. Here is a stretch of relatively level trail, but through the trees, one can see the trail turns sharply uphill. We meet another man with his dog turning back because he doesn't have "spikes" for his shoes and he feels that it will be too slippery coming back downhill if he goes up too much higher. 

 

The trail does take on a rapidly steeper incline, and the trail becomes more slippery. Occasionally we also have to shake off fallen snow on our head, as clumps of snow drop from the tree branches. The "bench", a memorial for a volunteer from Sequim is placed at the 2.75 mile mark. That is our original destination. But the trail is getting too steep, and we understand the need for shoe "spikes' or chain, especially for coming downhill. We decide to turn around at about the 2.5 mile point, when the slope becomes even steeper. 

 

Rexplorer and CC take a breather on the way down.

 

John takes a breather too.

 

Inching my way down the slippery slope, not intending to have any slip and slide performance.

 

Alice is also happy that we have all made a wise decision not to go any higher. We agree that this hike is best done in the warmer season without the snow and ice.

 

Baldy and Gray Wolf mountains are among this snow capped mountain range. We are back in the sun and warmer temperature. After we make good time and reach the base of the trail, we decide to check out the Gray Wolf River trail, our original planned hike. We like what we see on this trail, and decide that it is also a good hike for the future.

 

John breaks out his salami treat, as a reward for a hike well-done!

The roughly five mile hike takes us four hours to complete. It is a beautiful trail and the scenery is fantastic. It is definitely a must-revisit hike.