Mount Storm King and Marymere Falls Hike

 We headed out to the Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park to do some hikes today. We started at the Storm King Ranger Station on the south shore to Combine the hike up Mount Storm King with the hike to Marymere Falls in the morning. (4.8 miles rt with 2,200 ft of elevation gain).

 The trail goes through a tunnel under Hwy 101.

 After 1/2 mile, the trail splits, Mount Storm King to the left, Marymere Falls to the right.
We chose to head up Mount Storm King first, we could gain 2,000 ft in elevation in less than 1.5 miles.

After gaining about 1,350 ft in less than a mile, reach the first viewpoint overlooking Lake Cresent. Beyond the peaks to the north, lays the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island in Canada.

Another 400 ft of elevation gain over 1/2 mile leads to the second viewpoint.

The trail here is narrow and has exposure, so be careful where you step. This is where the maintained trail on Mount Storm King ends.

 Many hikers continue up the 250-300 ft scramble up to a rocky ledge for great views.

Sometimes hikers leave ropes over the steep loose scree sections of the scramble. (These are not placed or maintained by the park)

There are no ropes along the final rocky ledge.

 The ledge is narrow, uneven and has over 1,000 ft drop offs on both side.

But the panoramic view of Lake Crescent is fabulous! Pyramid Mountain is across the lake. On a clear day, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Islands and the North Cascade mountains can be seen in the distance.

 After enjoying the view, we returned back down the trail to the junction and hiked 1/2 mile through the forest to Marymere Falls. A bridge crosses Barnes Creek.

 There is a loop trail going up 200 ft on the way to view the falls.

 Marymere Falls (90 ft) from the lower viewpoint.

 Marymere Falls from the upper viewpoint

On the walk back to the trailhead, we spotted this large boulder that looked like a moss covered skull.