Hiking Olympic National Park by Erik Molvar & Globe Pequot Press

Author:Erik Molvar & Globe Pequot Press
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FalconGuides, day hikes, hiking, hikes, hiking trails, day hikes, wilderness, national forest, national parks, wildlife, nature
Publisher: Falcon Guides
Published: 2013-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

Beyond this spot the valley begins to take on a moister aspect, with ferns and devil’s club choking the seeps that interrupt the forest. Enormous Douglas firs grow in extensive stands on the better-drained soils. Most of these clean-limbed giants are in the 250- to 300-year class, while some are even older. Silver firs begin to appear along the trail as it approaches Diamond Meadows. Here a campsite occupies a grassy glade surrounded by tall Douglas firs that block out views of the surrounding mountains. Across the river, Elk Lick Creek joins the West Fork of the Dosewallips. This stream is named for a warm springs that has been appropriated by local wildlife as a mineral lick.

Beyond Diamond Meadows the path passes through a flooded woodland before crossing the West Fork with the aid of a footlog. Pause midway in the crossing for an early view of Mount Anderson’s East Peak. Openings in the forest are frequent as the trail hugs the south bank of the stream, allowing additional views of East Peak. The summit of Diamond Mountain remains hidden above its bulky lower pediment of rock. The trail ultimately leaves the streamside and climbs vigorously, topping out on a heavily timbered terrace. It weaves among the miniature hillocks of this mature forest for a time, then returns to the stream. The West Fork now tumbles down a steep course strewn with boulders; look for water ouzels that flit among the rocks and dive into the torrent in pursuit of aquatic insects.

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