Wanted to squeeze in a quick overnight trip up the Elwha with a friend. The forecast called for sunny and brisk weather for the next few days. We were excited to get out in the Olympics.
Because the Whiskey Bend Road was closed at the time, we would bike the 9 mile road up to the official trailhead to access the Elwha Trial.
The bike ride up was very enjoyable. Casual conversation, fall colors and sounds of heavy dam removal equipment; echo up the valley. Ran across a few other hikers, on the journey up the road, stopping several times to enjoyed quick conversation.
The hiking section through the Elwha Trail was also equally enjoyable. This was actually the best I've ever seen this part of the trial. It was my first time going on a hike in the Elwha during the autumn months.
We arrived at camp and shortly after, the sun began to drop below the ride tops. Shortly after, the temperatures at our campsite started to plug. I quickly started a campfire to help with the chill that evening.
The rest of the evening was spent around the campfire. Conditions that night were below freezing, so it was quite a treat to have the warmth. Its not that often Im in an area that campfires are allowed in the Park.
The next morning we awoke before sunrise, to get back to town. My partner had to work in Port Angeles that afternoon. So this was a short adventure up the Elwha. The first 30 minutes of trail was hiked with the aid of a headlamp.
We arrive back to our bikes, to make a quick but chilly ride back to the car. It was another fun adventure into the Park!
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake
Because the Whiskey Bend Road was closed at the time, we would bike the 9 mile road up to the official trailhead to access the Elwha Trial.
The bike ride up was very enjoyable. Casual conversation, fall colors and sounds of heavy dam removal equipment; echo up the valley. Ran across a few other hikers, on the journey up the road, stopping several times to enjoyed quick conversation.
The hiking section through the Elwha Trail was also equally enjoyable. This was actually the best I've ever seen this part of the trial. It was my first time going on a hike in the Elwha during the autumn months.
We arrived at camp and shortly after, the sun began to drop below the ride tops. Shortly after, the temperatures at our campsite started to plug. I quickly started a campfire to help with the chill that evening.
The rest of the evening was spent around the campfire. Conditions that night were below freezing, so it was quite a treat to have the warmth. Its not that often Im in an area that campfires are allowed in the Park.
The next morning we awoke before sunrise, to get back to town. My partner had to work in Port Angeles that afternoon. So this was a short adventure up the Elwha. The first 30 minutes of trail was hiked with the aid of a headlamp.
We arrive back to our bikes, to make a quick but chilly ride back to the car. It was another fun adventure into the Park!
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake