Total distance: Approximately 16 miles
Elevation Gain: 3000 feet
Time: 6:45 am - 2:15 pm
Weather: Overcast, cloudy, and cool. A few glimpses of shadows and sunlight.
Back in Washington and dealing with a difficult work week had me looking to really pound some mileage on the trail. I had a crazy idea, partly inspired by last week's early hike, to get to the trailhead at 6 in the morning and walking 20 plus miles. My good friend, Gil, was also interested in a long hike. We found a great out and back in the northeast corner of the Olympics. Not counting the 8th grade beach hike, it has been almost 30 weeks since I had hiked in the Olympic forest. I was excited for a new hike in a park I love so much.
The plan to meet early was modified slightly, by me, and I am glad I did. A late evening Saturday had me in bed after midnight, and Gil and I met at 4:30 am. We were on the road quickly and at the trailhead soon enough. We geared up and began walking at 6:45 am.
The trail starts at about 2200 feet and continues along Slab Camp Creek. The trail is relatively level for about a mile, then drops about 1000 feet over the next 1.8 miles where Slab Camp Creek meets the Gray Wolf river. We made it down to the river in about an hour, continued over the bridge, and then climbed up onto the ridge south of the Gray Wolf. The trail, after climbing about 1000 feet, contours the ridge south of the Gray Wolf. The river was moving fast and was definitely a gray color. I assume this last winter has this river above normal depths.
By 11 am, we had made it to the Gray Wolf camp, where Cameron Creek and the Gray Wolf meet. We took a nice, long lunch break for about an hour. The sun came out a little, but it was still chilly. Gil went off exploring, after I had, and a couple hikers came from the other side of the camp. I asked them where they had come from, and apparently there was a loop option from the trailhead we started at. They went walking on the way we had come in. When Gil returned, we discussed doing the loop, but we agreed since it wasn't our original plan, and no one would know where to find us if we got in trouble, it would be better to save the loop for another day.
I was pumped that I was able to walk three straight hours with a significant elevation change. I have spent the month of May dieting and working out or exercising 4 to 6 days a week (including a weekend hike). As a result, I feel great. Hiking feels easier, due to stronger muscles and loss of weight. We left the Gray Wolf camp at 11:05 am and cruised back to Slab Camp Creek. It took about 2 hours, then we began the climb back to the car. It was a great way to finish a big day. We kept a steady pace up the hill, and we were at the car in about an hour and 10 minutes.
Oh, and I got a new phone that has the same app I used to use to track my location. It still eats massive amount of battery life and is not the most accurate assessment of mileage. I had to shut down the phone before the last climb up. Here is the GPS track in a Google Map.
Oh, and I got a new phone that has the same app I used to use to track my location. It still eats massive amount of battery life and is not the most accurate assessment of mileage. I had to shut down the phone before the last climb up. Here is the GPS track in a Google Map.
Orchid: Great day and distance with a great friend.
Onion: Not bringing a warm hat, or warm enough clothes for the break.
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