Departed early Monday morning for a 4 day/3 night pack to the Blue Glacier.
- Bugs: a few mosquitoes/biting flies at Olympus Guard station camp, black flies(nuisance) and mosquitoes at Elk Lake, vicious mosquitoes at lateral moraine! I elected to not use bug spray since I hat the sticky/stinky for multiple days. Overall, the bugs were minor nuisance
- Tread: the trail was in great shape, easy to follow, no blow-downs or other obstructions. Did encounter work crews at the Olympus guard station and High Hoh Bridge (minor delay here) but they had gone home by the time I hiked out Thursday
- Water: There are numerous springs, creeks, rivers, etc. to forage water all the way up to the lateral moraine. Everyone I talked to was carrying about 1 liter, no need to carry that extra weight!
- Campsites: Camped at Olympus Guard station - brand new privy's smelled like cedar! ....and Elk Lake. Had ample sites to choose, there were several campers at each sight but didn't get closed out. Be aware, there are good river sights at the Guard station, the sites at Elk Lake could be wet/holding water during wet weather, Glacier meadows is just flat spot in trees, I thought it might be more in a meadow or bowl.
- Day Hike: I learned this the heard way - HIGHLY SUGGEST camping at either Martins Creek or Elk Lake, dropping your gear and doing a day hike to the glacier with a lighter pack. I've done altitude many times before but something about the vertical gain here that is just exhausting!
- Rope Ladder/Washout: when you 1st approach, it is a little intimidating as you can't see it until you are there and staring into the abyss. I think it could be challenging with a huge pack, but its doable and not an "expert level" type of challenge. NOTE: I spoke to 2 rangers about the rope ladder, they made it confusing. Take the rope ladder to near bottom of wash - exit to right w/purple rope-then you are headed uphill/scramble up the wash to rejoin the trail. The scramble is more difficult up/down than the ladder - the ladder is fun! :)
- Weather: very fortunate! Rained all night Sunday night but cleared out Monday and had perfect weather the remainder of the week. Being from eastern Washington, I kinda forgot about "humidity!" That was a huge challenge for me!
- Editorial: I encountered at least 5 groups of families: mom/dad & daughters, mom & daughter, father&son - these folks filled my heart! Parenting done right! Making memories, building confidence in their kids, bonding, creating memories! Well done parents!!!
- Parking Trailhead/Visitor Center: I arrived late Sunday/left very early Monday so didn't see the crazy clouds this sight attracts!!! Parking was an issue if you arrived during normal business hours. Plan to arrive very early, very late to get a spot in the hiker parking area since you will be leaving your vehicle for a few days.
Truly an incredible hike. You will get to earn the views you get but the views are just AMAZING!! Pack light, pace yourself and enjoy an incredible ecosystem in an enchanting place! #gooutside #havefun !!!!!
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