I had originally planned to go higher into the snowline, but the little voice spoke inside my head. So I would go for a
spring walk in the Elwha valley and do some meditation with the river. Sure glad I went with plan b, it was amazing seeing so many critters; as I walked softly through the forest. Let alone observe an Olympic Black Bear sleeping and then awaking in front of my eyes; acting just like a big dog. Scratching for fleas and rubbing his back on the tree, by which he just woke up from his nap.
Then I was blessed to see a second Black Bear graze in an open meadow with a small herd of Olympic Elk. All while walking through a forest full of wildflowers of every variety and listening to the river.
 |
| Sleeping Black Bear. |
 |
| Wakey, Wakey. |
 |
| Biting for fleas. |
 |
| Scratching on the tree. |
 |
| Hornless Buck. |
 |
| Black Bear #2 across the Elwha River. |
 |
| First Lupin I've seen in the ONP this year. |
 |
| Small herd of Olympic Elk graze in same meadow as Black Bear #2. |
This was a fun last minute day adventure! I literally grabbed my
day hiking gear and head out the door. Never be afraid to live spontaneous!
Updated in 2025 by
Barefoot Jake