Grand Ridge

A spectacular ridge hike for a spectacular day.

As per earlier reports, the road to Deer Park TH is open. The last 8 miles of Deer Park Road to the trailhead is a dirt road, in very good shape. The road is, however, very narrow and curvy, with an unforgiving drop on one side - so slow going.

The trail is also in great shape. Whatever you do though, don't turn around at the 3 mile point on the shoulder of Maiden Peak, as the 100 Classic Hikes book 'permits' dayhikers to do. Yes, you get to soak in wonderful views of the Straight and Sound, and Vancouver Island and the San Juans, and Mt Baker and Glacier Peak. But if you go just another half to full mile further on, behind Maiden Peak, you encounter views of Grand Valley and the peaks of the Olympics. Breath-taking. Another mile further on, and Mt. Olympus comes into view. I went out past Elk Mountain, about half a mile short of the Obstruction Point TH. In the last quarter mile of the trail before Obstruction Point, there is a stretch of snow across a very steep section. The Park Service warns not to proceed if you don't have an ice ax and self-arrest skills.