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Informationen zum Autor A recipient of the National Outdoor Book Award, Doug Lorain was described by The Seattle Times as the "next great Northwest trail guide author." He lives in Montana. Klappentext This guide describes Olympic National Park's classic destinations and lesser-known jewels in 39 must-do hikes. Leseprobe HIKE #29 DEER RIDGE TRAIL Trail Use: Day hiking Length: 10.2 miles, 5 hours Cumulative Elevation: 2,840' Difficulty: Level 4 Trail Type: Out-and-back Surface Type: Dirt Contour Map: Custom Correct Gray Wolf-Dosewallips Start & End: N47° 57.897' W123° 11.593' Facilities: None Features: Mountain scenery Rhododendrons Alpine wildflowers Abundant wildlife Deer Park is a busy, high-elevation destination in the northeast corner of Olympic National Park. July–October the park can be reached by a steep and winding gravel road. Locals know, however, that you can also reach this mountain paradise before the road opens via a quiet trail that climbs to the area from US Forest Service land to the east. In fact, on a sunny day in late June, it is hard to imagine a more scenic hiking destination on the entire peninsula. The trip involves a stiff climb, so it’s not for every- one, but for wildflowers, wildlife, and outstanding mountain views, it’s hard to beat. Best Time The trail is usually hikable June–October. Mid- to late June is ideal for blooming rhododendrons at lower elevations and rock-garden wildflowers up high. The road to Deer Park usually opens in early July, so mid- to late June will also ensure having the high country to yourself. Photo and wildlife-viewing opportunities are better in the morning. Finding the Trail Drive US 101 to a junction near milepost 262, about 1 mile west of Sequim. Turn south on Taylor Cutoff Road, go 5.4 miles on this paved road, and then turn left onto gravel Slab Camp Road. After 0.9 mile, you fork right onto Forest Road 2875 and proceed 3.7 miles to a large gravel pullout and trailhead on the right. Trail Description The trail initially goes south from the parking lot [1] on an old gravel road that is now closed to vehicles. After only 15 yards, the trail splits. Go straight on Deer Ridge Trail and very gradually ascend a forested hillside above the old road. There are frequent nice views to the south of snowy Tyler Peak and Baldy. In the latter half of June, blooming rhododendrons put on a terrific display of color along this section of the trail. At about 0.8 mile, the pace of your ascent goes from gentle to moderately steep; at 1.2 miles, you round a prominent ridge and come to a nice open viewpoint. [2] The broad summit of Baldy (Trail 30) fills the sky to the south and towers above the green depths of the Gray Wolf River Canyon. About 40 yards after this point, you go straight where an unsigned and now abandoned trail goes left and downhill. The main trail continues climbing, generally remaining in the welcome shade of dense forest. At about 1.7 miles is another rocky outcrop on your left with nice views, though this time the scenery is partially blocked by trees. The trail then goes up a much steeper section before reaching a third viewpoint on another spur ridge. [3] To the south–southwest rise the rugged high peaks of the Gray Wolf Divide, while to the west and west–southwest are an arc of snowy summits around Cameron Pass and the headwaters of the Gray Wolf River. It’s a marvelous scene, and for a comfortable way to take it all in, walk about 50 yards up the trail to a couple of benches, where you can sit and admire the view. These benches were installed by a local hiking club in memory of former club members who helped to maintain this wonderful trail. The trail turns right at the viewpoint, steeply climbing the spine of the spur ridge, where short trees, twisted ...
