[Grumpy Bear]

Hi all, I’m planning/hoping to take a few night in Olympic National Park next weekend. I’m expecting there still to be a fair amount of snow at higher elevations but hoping someone here will have recent experience. The route I am looking at has the highest point at 4000’ (Sky line junction - Three lakes to Elip Creek). I am pretty new to packing in anything that is not mid summer or low elevation. With that, does anyone here know what the trail looks like right now? Or more, should I bring micro spikes? I am a giant wimp when it comes to weight and I don’t want to carry anything I don’t need and am already planning to carry a bear canister. Which is new for me, though I have never gone into Olympic National Park before either (I’m renting one till can figure out what works for me). Any insight is appreciated, GB

[meck]

Sorry no snow info just yet (haven't been down that way this year), though a lot of the trail is south facing after you break out of the tree near Three Lakes camp so it should melt out sooner (though there is a fair bit of tree cover on much of that loop...). Make sure to bring sufficient mosquito/bug protection. The two times I've been through there (the Three Lakes area, Elip Creek, Three Prune area) the bugs were quite bad when I stopped. A headnet might be well appreciated if you plan to camp there and explore (maybe take a peak over the ridge into a drainage for another creek).

[philfort]

The open areas look like they still have snow as of yesterday: https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/sentinel-playground/?source=S2L2A&lat=47.6079569527293&lng=-123.7216329574585&zoom=14&preset=1_TRUE_COLOR&layers=B01,B02,B03&maxcc=20&gain=1.0&gamma=1.0&time=2022-11-01%7C2023-05-25&atmFilter=&showDates=false

[hbb]

The Buckinghorse SNOTEL site is nearby, and is currently showing snow depth of 43 inches: https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=1107

[Grumpy Bear]

Lots to think about. I am tired of waiting for the snow to retreat so I think I am going to give it a go. I think I will bring micro spikes and wear my boots. And be flexible as to my itinerary. Ranger station should open this weekend so should be able to get better info when I get up there. It is about a four hour drive for me. And it looks like I will be solo, so if things look dodgy I will just retreat. I would like something in the +10mi range per day, though the snow is in the way for a lot of that. Thanks for the tip on the bugs. I’ll make sure to bring my headnet and gloves . They come most of the time (sort of like my rain gear generally comes along). I might think about swapping to DEET. I’ve been using some different stuff recently. I also have a thermacell which does help which I might bring (another 6oz…). But I hammock and if the bugs are bad, having that thing running under the tarp makes things OK when not in said hammock. I am not a ‘purest’ by any stretch with weight. I usually carry a chair. Though I think it will stay home given the other adds.

[RAW-dad]

I do not have any direct info on snow conditions for this year. That said, I expect there to be a lot above 3500 ft based on previous years. This might pose problems on the section from Three Lakes to the Reflection Lake area, as you are traversing on a pretty steep hill side in places. The other thing to think about is stream crossings... I'd be especially worried about the Big Creek crossing!

[gb]

[kiliki]

[Grumpy Bear]

I know I am pushing it. Seems like the season goes so fast. Snow. Then bugs. Then fires. I'm trying to get an earlier start. I have done a few trips in smaller, coastal areas but wanting more distance without driving a day+. I am concerned about the river crossing and have changed plans. Not super comfortable with that given I will be alone. I am going with Enchanted Valley. I have never done it. I generally try to avoid the more popular routes as the number of people can take some of the fun out of it. And ONP does not allow more dispersed camping (unless I misunderstood something). Hoping that getting up there before school is out will help with crowds.