Lillian Ridge

For our second hike today, we drove out to the end of the Obstruction Point Road to hike Lillian Ridge and a very short ways along the ridge towards Moose Peak. This was about 4.5 miles round trip with 400 ft of gain. View from the parking area.

There were several large snow patches to cross. The snow was soft enough that we did not need to use traction.

tarn below, Olympic peaks in the distance

The wildflowers were blooming above 6,000 ft.

Most of the clouds were either above on top of the peaks are far down in the valleys, giving us great views.

I'm amazed at how wildflowers bloom in these harsh environments.

surrounded by beauty

short ridges create gorgeous natural rock gardens

I enjoy hiking slowly, savoring the beauty around us.

The Lillian Ridge trail meanders along, creating changing views.

From here, the main trail drops down to the left descending to Grand Valley. We choose to stay up on the ridge and head to the first tallish peak ahead, before returning to the car.

Looking down to a tarn below.

Looking back along this last bit of trail, it was a bit of a scramble to reach this point.

Down below, we watched a deer head up the trail towards us.

She stepped off into the trees and let us quietly pass by.

View heading back along Lillian Ridge towards Obstruction Point Road, pretty little tarns in the snow below.

What a fabulous cloudy day in the northern Olympic Mountains.

Back at the parking area, we watched a young buck walk by.

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today:

 

  

Hurricane Hill

We drove up to Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park to do two short hikes today. First, we hiked up to Hurricane Hill (3.2 mile round trip hike with 650 ft of gain), we would also hike the trail to the viewpoint on the east end and a short way down the trail to the Elwha for a 4 mile round trip hike. The main trail up to Hurricane Hill is being improved to make it ADA accessible. It was very easy to social distance here.

The wildflowers were in bloom along the hillsides, so beautiful!

We walked slowly, enjoying the colors along the way.

Hurricane Hill beyond this short ridge line.

Mount Angeles to the east

There were many avalanche lilies in bloom

Lots of phlox

There were thousands of prairie smoke in bloom on the slopes of Hurricane Hill

silky phacelia among the prairie smoke

After reaching the summit of Hurricane Hill, we followed the trail to a viewpoint to the east, there are several boot tracks. I think we meandered most of them. A small tarn in the melting snow on the north side of Hurricane Hill. Vancouver Island across the Salish Sea to the north.

Even on this cloudy day, we enjoyed the local views in front of us as we meandered along the trails.

Doe in the meadow, and Olympic peaks peeking through the clouds.

Not far down the trail that eventually goes to  the Elwha, we saw a couple of bucks in a meadow.

The skies were a little clearer as we returned down the trail.

Lots of onion in bloom

I have been up to Hurricane Hill several times in the winter and spring on snowshoes. What a transformation, from snow covered to these vibrant colors!!!

Lots of natural rock gardens along the way!

We also saw several marmots, most were too fast for me to catch a photo.

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today: