Duckabush River — Saturday, Mar. 15, 2003

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

We spent a pleasant day hiking to Big Hump. It didn't rain much, but the creeks were high and filled with water from the previous day's very heavy rains. A lot of normally rather insignificant creeks and creeklets were gushing forth and the river was magnificent. Even portions of the usually good trail were under water as waterbars and culverts were being overwhelmed by the runoff. Spring is breaking in the woods. We spotted some red flowered currant and manzanita coming into bloom. Coltsfoot and shunk cabbage was to be seen on the drive along Hwy 101. The Duckabush forest is very green, with a lacey undercover of moss and ferns puncutated by Oregon grape, red huckleberry and salal. The big leaf maples and alders are covered with a green fur of moss, glowing in the gentle light. There are some nice sized old growth trees along the trail especially as the trail starts climbing up the Big Hump on numerous tight switchbacks. There was a little sunshine when we reached the Big Hump for lunch and views down the river. On return, some of the larger streams had even more volume in them. In one, I floundered up to my knees for a step or two. A little excitement for a lovely hike. There is one area about 3.5 miles in where a root ball has torn out the trail. No stock can pass, but okay with caution for hikers. Great hike! Enjoy!