We were on our way to Obstruction Point for a trip to Grand Valley when we got the alert that the area was closed due to a frightening attack on a child by a cougar near Hurricane Ridge. Our only option to salvage our trip was to hike nearly eight miles from Deer Park to Obstruction Point, and then walk about four miles down to the valley lakes.
But what a fortunate detour. The Deer Park trail is spectularly scenic, offering panoramic views of the Olympic peaks and deep forested valleys. The hillsides were often carpeted with wildflowers of all varieties. We came across a mother bear and cub and a buck placidly munching on the ridge crest.
We considered camping at Roaring Winds campsite on the ridge but it had no water or snow to melt. In fact there is no water anywhere on the ridge, except for some snow patches far down the slopes. We pressed on to Obstruction Point, arriving too late to hike down to Grand Lake. As we set up camp, we met an extraordinarily generous couple who agreed to drive one of our party back to the Deer Park trailhead, who then drove his car all the way to Obstruction Point, arriving about midnight. The road had been reopened earlier by park authorities after the cougar was tracked down and shot. Fortunately the child was treated and released the next day.
We enjoyed perfect weather for the steep but scenic hike down the valley, losing a total of 1,500 feet, passing through forest and bursts of wildflowers. The trail itself is dusty but in very good condition, free of blowdowns, and crossed by streams. We set up camp at Moose Lake early enough to try fishing -- only tiny fish were biting -- and to visit Grand Lake. The clear cold lakes are ringed by thick forests and peaks where snow still lingers. Reservations are required for camping, and all sites were occupied. There is a bear wire for hanging food, but we were the only campers to use it.
Next day we retraced our route up Grand Valley trail, coming across many day-hikers as we approached Obstruction Point. A recent trip report noted a snowfield at the top of the Badger Creek trail (an alternative route to the Grand Valley lakes) but it's all gone now.
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