Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier — Saturday, Jun. 6, 2015

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast

My good buddy Ben and I headed out to the Glacier on a two night backpacking trip. We caught the 5:30 am ferry in Edmonds and were at the the trailhead by 10:30. We did stop for coffee and donuts in Port Angeles at Starbucks and Cock-A-Doodle Donuts. Yummy. The visitor center at the Hoh Rainforest Trailhead is under construction and there is a very small version set up in a portable building. Day One: We hiked 15 miles to Elk Lake and camped. The trail up to here is in good shape. There are some stream crossings where you will need to have good waterproof boots/shoes or just good balance. Day Two: We day hiked up to the Glacier and were treated with old and new bear scat on the trail just past Glacier Meadows. The trail to Glacier Meadows does have a few sections where the trail narrows and a fall could result in bad things happening to you. Just take your time and you will be fine. After those sections is a large avalanche shoot that has a long ladder made of cable with wood steps. There is a rope to assist you as well. Make you way down this and the obstacles are done. We enjoyed the Glacier very much and it was well worth the trip. Also, along this section of the trail we must have seen 200 frogs!! Those little jumpers loved the trail and would hop right out of your ways as you walked on through! Fun stuff! Day Three: We woke early and hit the trail back to the car. We saw Elk in the River cooling themselves from the heat of the day. Overall it was a real fun trip. Things to be aware of if you decide to do this: -It's a long walk in the rainforest to Elk Lake and the rainforest is super cool, but very much the same. If you want to see the rainforest no need to walk this far. However, the glacier and Mount Olympus is worth it! -Bring bug repellent!!! There are small bugs, medium bugs and big bugs! Mosquitoes, flies, ants, flying ants, dragonflies, moths, butterflies, bees of different varieties, centipedes and much more! -Bring fast drying clothes. If it rains you will be glad. If it doesn't rain the humidity will get you and you will be glad. If you backpack or hike regularly you should already have a love for fast drying clothes. -Bring a friend who you enjoy talking to, cause it's a long walk! -Ken