Returned to the valley with the hope of making it to the once largest known Western Hemlock, 2 miles past the chalet. The road and trailhead were clear of snow. Standing snow during the first 2 miles to Pony Bridge was well travelled on. The large tree debris 4 miles in before Fire Creek campground now has a way through at the bottom. Broke trail through 1-2ft of snow the rest of the way to the valley. Most of the creeks without bridges were all snow-covered including sections that previously had a foot of standing water. The bridge before entering the valley had some standing snow that required careful balancing using the sturdy railing.
The valley was unlike anything previously experienced there. Almost all the waterfalls disappeared and were replaced with avalanches thundering down every few minutes. The Quinault river was flowing one over from the regular river bed which was easier to traverse on rather than the snow-covered trail. The river bed was lined with white quartz crystals with some boulder sized. Went back on the snowy trail after the chalet towards the once largest known Western Hemlock. The sound of the avalanches grew louder going further into the narrower valley. Was postholing in 3ft of snow when following the trail so tried to keep close to the river. Captured an enormous avalanche, and heard an even larger one coming down shortly after which formed massive snow clouds around it. It was beyond humbling seeing and hearing them coming down every few minutes. Though it was only another half mile to the tree, the valley had taught enough lessons to respect the trail by turning around instead of taking more risks. Couldn’t help but have the head lowered on the way out while stealing occasional glances at the avalanches. Sat on a fallen tree on the dried-up river bed to take in the valley one more time, and finally found peace. Total trip, 30 miles over 13 hours of hiking and running.
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