Hiking around Sol Duc

Up early today after our less than stellar camping location last night. Drove up towards the Sol Duc area of the Olympic Park. Recommended to see the the falls nearby. We hadn’t hiked since last week, so decided on a lengthy one today. First idea on a loop hike wasn’t going to work due to the distance and snow cover on the trail. Second option was a bit shorter and reports showed minimal snow cover.

Couple fawns crossing the road this morning

Started at the Sol Duc trailhead after passing thru the park gate. Most of the rangers have been impressed with our travelling cat. Today’s ranger even came out of the booth to pet Jalapeno, but she wasn’t having any of that. Using up the last month on the annual park pass we have. Really saved us some cash, cause these national parks are around $20 per vehicle. The pass is a great deal if you are planning to see more than a few parks in a year, being only $80 for most folks and seniors get a lifetime pass for only $10, which includes half off camping. AARP lobbying at it’s finest…

Headed off on the trail around 10am, packed up with snacks, lunch and fishing gear. Some rocky terrain for most of the hike, including about 2000 feet of elevation gain. Ran into some remnants of snow.