We drove to the Tunnel Creek Trailhead along the Big Quilcene Road in the NE Olympics to hike up to Valhalla Peak. This was about 9.5 miles round trip with 3,000ft of overall elevation gain. We were the only ones on the trail, so it was very peaceful. We saw some late wildflowers, lots of fungi and a variety of berries. It was nice to be in the shade on a hot day, enjoying the cooler weather and getting away from the haze to the east. View from Valhalla Peak towards Hood Canal.
The first three miles of the trail through the forest is very pleasant with a gradual elevation gain.
We found ripe huckleberries in many areas of the hike.
This was an unusual fungus.
Lots of shelf fungi, among others
View of the South Fork of Tunnel Creek from the bridge crossing:
After crossing the creek, the trail gets very steep. I liked these large moss covered tree roots.
A pond along the trail
Valhalla Peak reflecting in Harrison Lake
Shortly before reaching Pass 5050, there is a view of Valhalla Peak and
Mt Constance.
Short steep boot track up Valhalla Peak from 5050 Pass
On top of Valhalla Peak
Mt Constance to the NW
The Brothers and other Olympic Peaks to the SW
View towards Hood Canal to the east
Harrison Lake below Valhalla Peak
So happy to be hiking in the shady forest today!
some of the wildflowers, fungi and berries seen along the trail today:
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