Duckabush River — Friday, Jun. 14, 2002

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Duckabush River Trail to Tenmile Camp Tired of hiking snow in June, I opted for a River Valley romp. Olympic was reporting a 3800' snow-line, so I headed for Duckabush. The trail was in excellent condition for 4 miles to Big Hump. After big hump the trail was in good condition to the National Park boundary, with 4 small trees over the trail and a few easily crossed creeks. From the park boundary to Tenmile camp the trail was in mostly fair condition, with numerous blowdowns over trail, two deep mudholes to detour around, several jump-or-splash creek crossings, and a huge tangle of trees and rock to get over just before Tenmile Camp. No show stoppers, but don't bring the kids. Tenmile Camp was in good shape. The bear wire and composting toilet were functioning. I encountered only eight others on the trail all day and had Tenmile camp to myself. No bears. I heard deer at the creek just beyond camp, and saw numerous field mice, one of which audaciously seranaded me with squeaks at 2:30am. He seemed to be begging for food. The river was running very fast, and I decided to turn back the next morning rather than attempt to ford to Duckabush Camp. When I got back on the road I passed a search and rescue party looking for a lost rafter on the river. Seems lots of folks don't realize how late the thaw is this year. (Directions: From Hoodsport 22mi. N on 101 to Duckabush Road, signed for the Duckabush Rec. Area., six miles - half paved half excellent gravel to the signed trail head. The trailhead toilet has been destroyed by vandals. Olympic NP wilderness permit box at trailhead. NW Forrest Pass required. You can get a bear canister at the Hoodsport RS for a $3 donation.)