Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier — Saturday, May. 27, 2017

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast

We headed out for a 2 night trip over Memorial Day weekend. Trip had been planned for a while and based off of the winter/weather we have had the snow level was going to be low. Plus all ranger feedback was that snow was low. So we knew getting to the blue glacier lookout probably wouldn't happen. Elk lake was booked so we spent both Fri and Sat night at Lewis meadows, but it was nice because you could have fires there. On the trail there were a few fun tree bridge crossings along the way with a number of blowdowns but nothing unmanageable. We day hiked from Lewis Meadows as far as we could go on Saturday. Got further that anticipated, making our way over some snowy stretches after Elk Lake and a few avalanche shoots as well. We stopped at a rather sketchy patch of snow on the trail that was on a cliff where one slip would equal disaster possibly death falling down a rocky cliff onto a waterfall. Plus there was a snow bridge that was collapsing before our eyes. It was hard to watch but we saw a few small groups pass without hesitation over the sloped snowed patches. Based off of previous experiences we erred on the side of caution and stopped there. It was hard to stop a little over a mile from lookout but I didn't think it was worth the risk. Based off what kids coming back said, we stopped just before the rope ladder, which is up and Glacier meadows was a wet snow field. Considering we weren't even sure we would get past Elk lake because of snow the amazing views our last mile or so we're totally worth it. I'll just have to do it again later in the summer. With a 13 mile day sat, it was about a 35 mile hike total. With all the sun we have had, I bet that by next weekend you'll be able to get to glacier meadows no problem.