Backpack - Deer Ridge, Three Forks, Gray Wolf Loop

Note that the pace may be 1.0 on the steep uphill, but otherwise will average close to 2.0.

We'll do a clockwise loop, starting and ending at the Slab Camp Trailhead.  First we'll take a trail down to the Graywolf River.   Then we'll follow the river trail upstream to Graywolf Camp, where we'll stay the first night.  We'll do an optional hike further up Graywolf River and back after getting to camp.

DAY 1 Summary:     1000 ft loss, 500 ft gain, 8.2 mi.  Optional hike 500 ft gain and loss, 4 mi RT

The second day we'll break camp and continue upstream to Three Forks, where Cameron Creek and Grand Creek join the Graywolf River.  We'll drop packs and explore 1-2 miles up Cameron Creek and back.   Then we'll backpack up to Deer Park, gaining about 3400 ft in 5 miles.  We'll set up camp in the Deer Park Campground, which isn't yet open to cars for the season.  If we have clear weather, we will have magnificent mountain views !   We'll do some exploration from camp with light packs for more views.  There will likely be lingering snow in the area.  Blue Mtn, and a great viewpoint looking north, are possible destinations.   

DAY 2 Summary:     300 ft gain and loss, 2 mi RT along Cameron Ck.  3400 ft gain, 5  mi to Deer Park camp.  200 ft gain, 2 mi RT hiking from camp.

The third day we'll take in some more views, then pack up and hike out the Deer Ridge Trail back to the cars.  

DAY 3 Summary:    100 ft gain and loss, 1 mi optional hiking from camp.   2600 ft loss from camp to cars, 5 mi.

In case we don't have clear weather, it will still be worth the trip, with the early season flowers, other interesting flora, terrain and near views, forest sounds and smells.  The area is on the dry side of the Olympics, but in case the weather forecast is extremely bad, the trip will be changed or rescheduled.

The trip requires a wilderness camping permit of $8 for each participant, plus the shared reservation fee of $6.    Amount due to the leader from each participant is $9 cash.   If you have a 2025 ONP Wilderness Pass, the amount is $1 and I will need your pass #.

Leader's permission is required to sign up.  You may request permission anytime, but signup opens on Monday, May 5, at 8 p.m. for those who have permission to sign up.   When requesting permission, please describe a backpacking trip or trips you have done where you ascended 3000 ft or more of elevation gain in a day with a full pack.  In addition, describe your experience hiking or backpacking off trail, including snow.

Feel free to contact Shirley by email (shirlrog55@gmail.com) if you have questions.   

TBD - Participants should refer to Pre-trip email for details, but it will likely be around 9 a.m. at Slab Camp Trailhead.