Looked for a two day, high elevation loop in the Olympics, and developed this challenging but rewarding hike. Clockwise; 8 pleasant miles along the Grand Ridge Trail from Obstruction Point to Deer Park followed by a continuous 3200' descent in 4.3 miles to the no-quota Three Forks Camp. Day 2 was completely different, with a grueling 15 mile/6900' elevation gain back to the trailhead via Cameron Creek Trail, then up, up, UP! over Grand Pass and the gorgeous lakes in Grand Valley where swimming in Moose Lake was popular. The Grand Pass Trail finally climbs up Lillian Ridge and finishes at Obstruction Point.
Going clockwise made more sense than CCW as there's no water between Ob. Pt. and Three Forks and carrying a full day's worth up 4500'+ over 12 miles is crazy. The gentle 3200' descent from Deer Park was much easier on the knees than would be that 2300' crazy steep Grand Pass to Cameron Creek drop. Of course that became a climb that seems to never end. Just be sure to water up from the stream you cross before leaving the trees as you're totally exposed from that point upwards until finally reaching the lakes an hour or two later.
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