Last year, while backpacking solo across the Olympic National Park a nice man picked me up hitchhiking.
During the 4 hour car ride back to Port Angeles. We exchanged hiking stories and email addresses.
Through the year we exchanged several messages and started planning for a late summer adventure into the Bailey Range.
He expressed that a trip with his wife through Montana and variable weather would leave the dates flexible.
The last email exchanged a few days before, we hit the trailhead expressed that I had just returned from this area on a solo trip.
He was ready to go since the weather window looked really promising.
I of course was all ready to go back. This time on a mission to find autumn color and shoot some video. Not walking such long days would also allow me time to enjoy some beauty in the heart of the Olympics.
So off we set with a few days worth of food on our backs. He being a traditional backpacker with a big load and heavy boots. Me with a recently field stripped pack which put me at an 8 lbs base weight and minimal sandals. My VFF's were also worn for the sections of rock scrambling.
Together, with one goal: to arrive into the Bailey Range, explore Ferry Basin and go look for Olympic Elk in Cream Basin.
Editor's Note: Article part of a multi-week backpacking trip in the Olympic National Park.
My only complaint was the lingering haze from all of the wildfires in eastern Washington. Other than that, everything went super smooth. No rain, no bugs, no stress and epic sunsets. I foresee future trips with Steve again.
The next part of this adventure, I sleep with Olympic Elk.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake
During the 4 hour car ride back to Port Angeles. We exchanged hiking stories and email addresses.
Through the year we exchanged several messages and started planning for a late summer adventure into the Bailey Range.
He expressed that a trip with his wife through Montana and variable weather would leave the dates flexible.
The last email exchanged a few days before, we hit the trailhead expressed that I had just returned from this area on a solo trip.
He was ready to go since the weather window looked really promising.
I of course was all ready to go back. This time on a mission to find autumn color and shoot some video. Not walking such long days would also allow me time to enjoy some beauty in the heart of the Olympics.
So off we set with a few days worth of food on our backs. He being a traditional backpacker with a big load and heavy boots. Me with a recently field stripped pack which put me at an 8 lbs base weight and minimal sandals. My VFF's were also worn for the sections of rock scrambling.
Together, with one goal: to arrive into the Bailey Range, explore Ferry Basin and go look for Olympic Elk in Cream Basin.
Editor's Note: Article part of a multi-week backpacking trip in the Olympic National Park.
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| Last Sunset for the summer of 2012. The next morning an Autumn frost fell like clockwork. Views of Stephen Peak, Ruth Peak, Mt. Carrie and the Northern Bailey Range |
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| Out and Back to Ferry Basin - day hike around the basin and swim at Cream Lake - 5 days |
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| Autumn colors with view of Mt. Carrie |
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| Calm reflections |
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| As the sun sets - views of Stephen Peak |
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| Old boot-path through Autumn color |
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| heading out to Mt. Ferry - views of Lone Tree Pass (left) |
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| Higher on Mt. Ferry - views of Mt. Pulitzer and Lone Tree Pass |
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| Starting to get steep heading up Mt. Ferry |
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| Time to scramble up this loose rock on Mt. Ferry |
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| Taking a break - views of Mt. Pulitzer |
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| Walking - views of Mt. Pulitzer |
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| Heading around Lake Pulitzer |
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| Melting Lake Pulizer |
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| Looking back at Mt. Pulitzer |
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| Walking toward the sun |
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| Looking down at Upper Ferry Basin |
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| View from camp |
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| Sundown at camp - views of Mt. Olympus |
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| Cream Lake |
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| Found Herb Crisler's cache tree |
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| Above camp, out of the sun. Trail food snacking - sailor cracker, Almond Butter, Honey and Reese's Pieces. |
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| Hiking sandals on the Bailey Range |
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| Climbing Mt. Ferry's backside - walking on razor sharp rocks in Sandals |
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| Photoshoot on Mt. Ferry |
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| One last look back - views of Mt. Pulitzer and the Southern Bailey Range |
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| Checking out the Dodger Point Lookout |
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| Victory adult beverage and burger from a local establishment. |
My only complaint was the lingering haze from all of the wildfires in eastern Washington. Other than that, everything went super smooth. No rain, no bugs, no stress and epic sunsets. I foresee future trips with Steve again.
Video from this Adventure:
The next part of this adventure, I sleep with Olympic Elk.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake