Staircase Rapids — Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

I tried this hike a couple weeks ago but the road was closed to Staircase due to SNOW!! We made it this time, and there was no snow, and it was actually quite warm. There were a few patches of snow, maybe a half dozen with one or 2 patches on the trail. I took two women that I work with, who don't hike, and they were amazed at the beauty of the Olympics (and were sore the next day!). It's so nice to share that place with other people! It might be an easy hike, but it's one of the most beautiful places I know of. No bugs, and no rain! This is the perfect season to hike in - non-hikers think the weather is too crappy, and I certainly am not going to tell them otherwise... I find it incredibly peaceful!