[NWtrax]

The Elwha River, slowly returning to its wild nature, is a good model of the benefits of working together. The Lake Mills area is clearly marked closed during construction and cars are encouraged at many viewing areas not to stop. A peak-a-boo view now again shows that it is slowing draining down with many logs lining the rim, looking more like an ocean beach shore. It was a little chilly, but otherwise quite nice as I made my way out to Elkhorn. I ran into the lone group of day hikers out in front that morning within a couple miles of the TH. Four gents in their golden years seemed just as pleased as I to be returning to points up the Elwha.

Lillian River

The trail was in great shape with just a few minor blowdowns. The sun had fallen below the ridge in the early afternoon when I arrived at Elkhorn. I took time to sip a coldie and wander around upriver and back towards the Ranger area. Dry firewood was sparse, even in the big piles of washouts. It took me some extra tp, my camping permit, and a little hand sanitizer before it really took. I was into the sack early before long reading a book.

Stony Point Camp

Elwha River

Pitter patter on the roof top during the night and it was too crisp to be rain drops. My summer sleeping bag and synmat left me tossing and turning a bit to stay warm. I got up and took a few pictures, then retreated back to the tent for a real sound hour of additional sleep. Crawling out again I fired up the tea kettle and started getting things put away. It snowed pretty consistently during my hike out. I ran into one other fellow on my way out, who was making good time as I passed him near Mary Falls. The snow accumulation had filled in his tracks within the next mile. The camera was put away the last ten miles or so with snow 2-5" on the trail. Fortunately a guy rolled through the parking lot in his truck just as I was packing up the car. His turning up the snow along Whiskey Bend Rd. allowed me to make it out safely with front wheel drive.

in living color

Elkhorn

Reading Material: The American Transcendentalists ~ Their Prose and Poetry One's outlook is a part of his virtue. Does it matter nothing to him what objects accost him whenever he glances from his windows, or steps out-of-doors? He who is so far weaned from the landscape, or indifferent to it, as not to derive a sweet and robost habit of character therefrom, seems out of keeping with nature and himself.... Wood and water god both, man loves to traverse the forests, wade the streams, and confess his kindred alliance with primevial things. ABA - 1872 Bonus picture TR from the W Elwha Trail last month

Hughes Creek

Elwha River

around Altaire

Hughes Creek

[half fast]

Really nice photos... I really like Elkhorn and I think it would be a great winter bp trek !! How much snow was actually on Whiskey Bend rd ?? Thanks for sharing...

[Ski]

very nice. love the tree feet in the twelfth image.

[Ancient Ambler]

Sounds like a great trip. Your photos really capture the feel of the Elwha in winter, though I suspect there's a lot more snow along the way now than there was when you were there. Nice shot looking up Fairchild Creek at Ruth Peak, too.

[IanB]

Agreed, really beautiful photos. Nice compositions and all share a very rich color palette. The river looks so peaceful and inviting. Thank you!

[bobbi]

someday i'll venture into an overnighter winter/snow backpacking! hubby used to go to Elkhorn during the Thanksgiving holiday. the omg had a fun time there. your photos look so green...and then, boom! white! here's a TR of when our nwlurkers and i hiked the west elwha trail. from your photos the trail looks dry. that trail can be downright muddy!

[RichP]

I love and miss the green forests. Thanks for the nice photos. I had the pleasure of spending a winter in an off the grid cabin on the lower part of the Elwha and enjoyed every minute of it.

[NWtrax]

thanks for all the nice comments. .5fast, there was around six inches at the TH and I imagine it probably got another foot the way it was snowing. bobbi, the pics of ice teeth of the elwha are still some of my favorites