Posted by Luke Tingley on January 26, 2012 at 12:01 AM
I'll be heading to Shi Shi the first part of May. I've never been to that area before, and it's time to finally check it off my list. I'll have approximately 8 days worth of time to spend backpacking in the PNW.
I figure 8 days is too long to spend at just Shi Shi, and I love the mountains. So considering Olympic National Park. Or maybe the other beaches in the area, Ruby, 2nd, Rialto, etc. Or may consider driving down to the Gorge for a few days.
Any good hikes in the Olympics when I'm in the area if I want to get some elevation?
Thanks!
Posted by Dennis Plank on January 26, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Hi Luke: I haven't tried for elevation early May in the Olympics, though I think any decent elevation is going to still be pretty snowed in. The Washington Trails Association has a great website with current conditions posted by hikers.
Posted by Luke Tingley on January 26, 2012 at 8:54 PM
Thanks, I'll check that out.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on January 27, 2012 at 11:51 AM
As Dennis pointed out, mountain areas of the Olympics are likely to still have lots of snow in early May. Same with the Cascades throughout Washington and Oregon.
The other beach areas on the Olympic Peninsula you mention are all great for photography. You could add the Ozette Triangle for a dayhike or overnight. Not the dramatic scenery of the other places, but an interesting walk. I've seen several write-ups about backpacking the coast from Hoh River to Third Beach that make it sound both challenging and very rewarding.
You could also go inland and stay at low elevation hiking the Hoh River Trail or the Enchanted Valley Trail along the Quinault River. Both are in temperate rainforest, so potentially lots of wet, but beautiful country.
Posted by Luke Tingley on January 27, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Discussion
4 repliesI figure 8 days is too long to spend at just Shi Shi, and I love the mountains. So considering Olympic National Park. Or maybe the other beaches in the area, Ruby, 2nd, Rialto, etc. Or may consider driving down to the Gorge for a few days.
Any good hikes in the Olympics when I'm in the area if I want to get some elevation?
Thanks!
The other beach areas on the Olympic Peninsula you mention are all great for photography. You could add the Ozette Triangle for a dayhike or overnight. Not the dramatic scenery of the other places, but an interesting walk. I've seen several write-ups about backpacking the coast from Hoh River to Third Beach that make it sound both challenging and very rewarding.
You could also go inland and stay at low elevation hiking the Hoh River Trail or the Enchanted Valley Trail along the Quinault River. Both are in temperate rainforest, so potentially lots of wet, but beautiful country.