Duckabush River
Jul 29, 2009
by
Moby
—
last modified
Aug 20, 2009 07:11 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Duckabush River
- Region: Olympics -- East
- Agency: Olympic Nation Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, 360-765-2200
- Trails: Duckabush River (#803)
- Avg Rating: 3.31
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
The Boy and I picked a sunny Wednesday to hike the Hood Canal-Olympics. The original plan was that a buddy of his would join us, so I was aiming for Lower Lena Lake (didn't know if his buddy liked hiking). Wires got crossed with the buddy plan, so at the last minute, it was just he and I. On the way, I asked him about a river hike instead of a lake hike (he's been up to Lena twice). He said sure, so with a late start we arrived at the Duckabush trailhead and headed out about 11:30 AM. Our goal was to cross Little Hump, get down to the river and "see how we feel". The trail over Little Hump was in fine condition, and the lunch spot at the river was beautiful. He was game for more trail, so after a break, we headed up over Big Hump and made it to 5-Mile camp. The switchbacks are in great shape; the only question I had was "are we over the Hump yet?"; for "timing" purposes, of course. When will I learn that "promised return times" are more like "guidelines"? 5-Mile camp was very pretty, and a fine place to eat more and fish for trout (note I did not say "catch"). We met three backpackers lunching there who were headed for 10-Mile camp, with a plan to cross over First Divide and in 3-4 days come out at Staircase. I shared the information I saw at the trailhead about hikers allowed to pass but not linger near the forest fire area just inside the Park. They hadn't read the bulletin board. Hope they made their plan OK.
This was a good up-and-down workout for the 12-year-old's legs; about 1700 feet gained on the way in, about 850 gained on the way back. There are two openings on the east side of Big Hump with beautiful looks out across the Duckabush Valley. We actually got cell signal there, so on the way back we were able to call and let Mom know that our 4 PM arrival time was bound to be more like 7 PM (counting the obligatory Hoodsport ice cream stop).
At 5-Mile Camp, The Boy asked if this could be our first overnight backpack someday. By the time we returned to the car, he was thinking maybe something a little shorter with less climbing might be better? Ah, boys!
This was a good up-and-down workout for the 12-year-old's legs; about 1700 feet gained on the way in, about 850 gained on the way back. There are two openings on the east side of Big Hump with beautiful looks out across the Duckabush Valley. We actually got cell signal there, so on the way back we were able to call and let Mom know that our 4 PM arrival time was bound to be more like 7 PM (counting the obligatory Hoodsport ice cream stop).
At 5-Mile Camp, The Boy asked if this could be our first overnight backpack someday. By the time we returned to the car, he was thinking maybe something a little shorter with less climbing might be better? Ah, boys!
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