This trail is in the North Olympic Mountains, starting at the Heart O the Hills Trail head. There are many different descriptions of this hike. About 4.2 miles and 3200 ft climb takes you to Heather Park. To reach First Top at Heather Park is 5 miles (from the trailhead) and 3800 ft climb. Or continue the trail all the way to Klahhane Ridge view Victor Pass for 6.5 miles (from the trailhead) and 4700 ft climb. Today we hiked until I reached the end of my comfort zone in the steep snowy slopes, probably somewhere off trail. We think we hiked almost 8 miles round trip with about 3000 ft elevation gain.
The first part of the trail is in the woods, with a steady elevation gain. We saw calypso orchids, wood violets, and trillium along the way.
At 2.2 miles there is Half-Way Rock, which no longer has a view, as the trees have grown.
About another mile up the trail is another rocky overlook, here you can see Port Angels and the Strait of Juan de Fuca down below through the trees.
Further along the trail, the views begin. Here we see the east end of Klahhane Ridge.
Between the first and second series of switchbacks, we encountered patches of snow over the trail. The snow was soft and there were boot marks to step in.
We found a nice open spot to enjoy our lunch, looking out over the Straight of Juan de Fuca and seeing Mt Baker and Glacier Peak to the north east.
The snow became consistent over the trail as we climbed the second series of switchbacks, we lost the trail here.
The boot tracks we were following disappeared up into this steep rock section. Erin scramble up a ways, but this section was too steep for me.
While Erin was scrambling up the rocks, I sat and enjoyed this view, while finishing my lunch.
I want to return this summer when the snow has melted and hike all the way up to Klahhane Ridge.
Even though we didn't reach Heather Park today, we had a great conditioning hike with fabulous views!
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